ONE of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club’s favourite events of the year took place last weekend in the hills around Broughton.

Almost 150 competitors were received from all over Scotland, and some from south of the border, descended on the Peeblesshire village for this three-day challenge for horse and rider.

While distances ran to a maximum of 80 kilometres over Saturday and Sunday, most riders chose the shorter 30 kilometre as well as the pleasure options – attracted by a different and very scenic route each day.

From the traditional base at Corstane Farm, where competitors were welcomed by farmer Mary Dunlop and son Andrew, the routes ran south west down to Mitchelhill and north-east into the beautiful Stobo estate.

Both of the hilly routes tested the fitness of horse and rider.

Having worked up an appetite in the hills, riders (and landowners) appreciated the Saturday night supper, catered by the Crown Hotel in Biggar, and enjoyed the relaxation offered by a fundraising quiz and raffle, the culmination of a charity drive that had been running for months.

The aim of the charity fundraising is to put something back into the local community that has put up with the infestation of horses for many years.

This year the chosen charities are the Local Hospital Drivers Scheme, Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue, and the local Community First Responders – each of whom will receive around £1200.