THE morning was fine, the skies clear and the air warm but a howling gale met the riders assembled at Kirkton Manor last weekend.

A total of 33 riders competed in the annual Border Highlands Treasure Hunt.

Pairs, or small groups of riders, would follow a map on which were numbers referring to 20 clues to answer on the 14k route.

Although the route was mostly around the valley, there was a steep hill section taking riders quite high and a number of teams, including all those with young riders, sensibly decided to miss out the hill and stay low for safety.

However, the Highland and RDA pony teams tackled the hill and the fierce wind, getting all the clues and views.

All riders and ponies (plus two intrepid walkers) had a wonderful day and a lot of fun.

Everyone came home with a rosette.

1st Joanna Thomson and Robyn Blake from Mailingsland with the fantastic score of 205 points!

2nd Lynda Mays & Adi Kay from Melrose 170 points.

3rd Jane Holmes & Mags Mills from Peebles 165 points.

Jane and Mags also won best RDA team and a special veteran award as the ages of the riders and ponies added up to 205 years.

Best Junior riders were Holly Dickson and Katey Jardine from Peebles with 155 points.

The event was held to raise money for the local Tweeddale Riding for the Disabled group and RDA volunteers ran a café in the village hall which was very popular. The whole day raised well over £600 for this good cause.

Many thanks to sponsors – Harbro Country Stores for prizes, Two River Vets for Rosettes and Dengie Feeds for gifts to all riders.

Once again, Graham and Sheila Irvine welcomed everyone to Kirkton Farm for the day and it was especially good to see the young Kirkton riders out in force and having such fun.

Thanks to the Manor landowners who allowed the riders to use their land, to volunteers manning key points on the course and to Claire Garnett, of Manor, for organising the event.