EVENT rider and saddle fitting expert Ruth Clayfield took the honours in the Arena Eventing at Weston Lawns. 

Ruth is a Sue Carson Saddles fitter and distributor and the win was made all the more special as she sponsored the event. 

Said Ruth: “It seemed quite strange to sponsor the Arena Eventing series and win one of the classes but I couldn’t be more delighted.” 

Ruth captured the Sue Carson Saddles Arena Eventing 100 on her own six-year-old J’s Free Spirit. With an impressive dressage score of 30.4 penalties, the pair went clear in the show jumping and cross country sections with only 0.5 time penalties. Finishing on a score of 30.9 penalties they were more than three points ahead of her closest rival. 

Known at home as Libby, J’s Free Spirit has previously competed at Intro level British Eventing and Discovery level at British Show Jumping.    

The aim of Arena Eventing is to keep horses competing over the winter period and to provide some fun during the colder months. 

The competition is a chance for horse and rider to prepare for the start of the Eventing season in the spring.  

Said Ruth: “The sponsorship has worked really well so far and I hope to support Weston Lawns again in the future. 

“It is brilliant to be able to take part in the series, Libby did really well on the day, she has huge scope but can be a little green. The Arena Eventing series has given her experience of eventing activity over the winter.” 

Arena Eventing has attracted riders at all levels, with four classes at Intro, Pre-Novice, Novice and Intermediate. 

Over the series competitors have accumulated points, resulting in the winner of each of the four classes receiving a Sue Carson Saddles’ Comfort Bridle.  

Sue Carson Saddles are well known for producing a collection of distinctive dressage, jumping, general purpose and showing saddles designed to enhance comfort and performance.