LOCAL riding enthusiast Wendy Barnard has been awarded a fistful of rosettes and trophies for her successes over the 2015/2016 season.

Wendy from the village of Beulah, was awarded her prizes at the annual dinner of the Ridden Arab Group Wales (RAGW) over the weekend held near Llandovery.

Wendy, a familiar face on the equestrian circuit for many years, was awarded the highest placed points in the Crabbet related Arab, the Part Bred Arab section, the Trec class and the Dressage Part Bred – all on her ten year old mare, Nuris Melody. The pair then went on to win the overall dressage championship followed by the overall points championship.

"I’m amazed and I wasn’t expecting any of it. I’m a bit stunned really," commented a delighted Wendy, who is also a member of the Landsker Riding and Trec Club where she has been twice Level 1 Champion.

Her mare, Nuris Melody, a 14.1h.h palomino three quarter Arab mare bred in Carmarthenshire, was purchased from local breeder Des Morris. Backed and going, Wendy brought the mare on quietly and slowly.

"I’m thrilled. I’ve done all the work on her myself and that was my aim. She was backed by Des as a two year old and then turned away until I purchased her. It goes to show that Arabs can turn their hoof at anything and can do everything another equine can. I’m just going to carry on and try and improve ourselves and maybe get a little bit further up the ladder," concluded Wendy.

RAGW was established just over 10 years ago by a group of riders who decided that the future of the ridden Arab horse was on the decline in many events in Wales. The Group was therefore established to encourage Arab riders to compete in as wide a range of competitions as possible to bring it back to public admiration.

The Ridden Arab Group Wales will host its next show – the Spring Show of dressage and showing classes, in hand and under saddle, on May 15 at Pibrlwyd College in Carmarthen.