Frances and Peter Webster hosted the incredibly popular Lanhydrock Christmas pleasure ride for Endurance GB South West. Following the success of the past two years the National Trust permitted forty horses to ride the 15km route, which consisted of forestry tracks and estate land around the Cross Country Course. The event was blessed with dry conditions which allowed good going and showed off the full historic beauty of the National Trust Estate with its rhododendron gardens.

Mother and daughter combination Ann and Carri Ann Dark from Liskeard did not disappoint this year in the fancy dress stakes. For the past three years they have won hands down in the fancy dress competition for originality when they arrived dressed as a Robin and Snowman in 2003, snowflakes in 2004, but Christmas fairies were the theme for 2005, to complete their ensemble their dog also sported a purple gown and wings. Junior Rider Ben Joppe also came fully dressed as Father Christmas and hostess Frances Webster greeted riders at the secretaries tent in her Santa's helper dress, complete with mock fur trimmings.

The mornings festivities were then rounded off nicely with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to warm the riders and crew.

The event was a huge success and a special thanks must go to the National Trust, Forest Enterprise and Landowner Andrew Williams for making the event possible. For more information about forthcoming events in the South West including the "Preparation for the season day" on 15 January please refer to website address www.endurancegbsouthwest.com

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