AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship update - fantastic support from lady riders all over the UK

As the title race really starts to warm up it is worth mentioning the support that our series is receiving from owners, trainers and particularly the lady riders. This is not confined to just one area, it is nationwide, and everything points to a thrilling climax to the season, with a very competitive final at Cheltenham in May.

The Shoe - Camilla Henderson (white), puts in a mighty leap in the Ladies
Open at The Ross Harriers Hunt meeting at Garnons on Sunday (04/03)

The support has ensured that the Ladies Open races have been hugely competitive affairs and we have at least 20 ladies in with a real shout of winning the title, although with 10 points for a win a couple of wins could easily propel you into the top ten whatever your current position!

Yorkshire girls before the AGA Ladies Open at Charm Park at the
Derwent Hunt meeting on Sunday (04/03)

Winning rider interviewed following every AGA race - post race interviews by John Beasley

Following every AGA race you will see Beazo setting up a tripod by the AGA van, and then brandishing a rather smart looking microphone. You will also see a "girl by the AGA", not the original "Girl by the AGA" - Laura James, but the lady rider who has just won our race and bagged herself 10 points. You will know that they have won 10 points if you witness the post race presentation because you will see the AGA lollipop being brandished - see below.

Frankie Hickman becomes the latest lucky
winner to hold the 10 point lollipop!

Following the presentation the lucky lady is then interviewed by Beazo, and the video is usually edited and online by the time we have made our way home. Beazo is very often the last person to leave the course and you will often see him huddled in a corner with his camera attached to his laptop. You can view John's latest effort here - Frankie Hickman - Tweseldown and this really does prove that John can cope with whatever mother nature decides to throw at him!

Wintry Wykeham provides a warm Yorkshire welcome for AGA - Yorkshire girls shine yet again

Guest blog by Sara Ashby-Arnold of Country Warmth
It was a busy weekend of pointing for AGA and I'm delighted to say that Sara was only too pleased to help us out again with another guest blog from Yorkshire.

The majestic setting of the Dawnay Estate was the venue for the Derwent Hunt Point-to-Point on Sunday 4th March and the old turf looked set to take a beating with horse boxes being towed on to the course from the very start.

Michael gets ready for action

After continuous drizzle which was interrupted only by the occasional snow shower, the going was officially given as soft by the end of the third race. The conditions were such that by the end of the day those hardy individuals left standing were even wearing this seasons must have accessory ... 'mud', and they probably needed towing out, even those that were on foot!

Is there anyone brave enough to venture out for a bet?

Snowy Tweseldown but still a warm welcome for AGA - Frankie Hickman sluices through the mud and snow at Tweseldown

The drive down was "interesting" shall we say and the text message from Tweseldown had promised further heavier rain during the day ... it didn't say anything about snow! The snow caught us by surprise, however, we were still smiling, as were the lovely people at Tweseldown, hardy folk these pointing people! 

Before the snow ... a few brave souls venture out

Mrs AGA Pointing can be spotted sheltering ... and she didn't move
very far throughout the rest of the day

AGA title race steps up a gear at sunny Didmarton - best 5 results count so plenty still to play for

The clouds parted and we were greeted by some beautiful early spring sunshine upon our arrival at Didmarton on Saturday. A stiff breeze ensured the AGA flags were standing to attention, and it also sent me scurrying back to the car for my Barbour.

Jane and a throng of AGA admirers

Believe it or not we are discussing plans for the final!

The first task of the day was to persuade Robert Waley-Cohen to have his photograph taken by the AGA, he readily agreed and suggested that his son Sam join us as well ... however, it's top secret so I can't publish it yet!