A DOZEN members of Oxenholme Pony Club competed at the Pendle and Forest and Craven Hunt Pony Club’s New Year Open Triathlon at the weekend.

The event took place at West Craven swimming pool and Pot Haw Farm near Coniston Cold, North Yorkshire.

The Pony Club Triathlon differs slightly from the usual as the three disciplines include shooting airpistols as well as swimming and running," said trainer Vanessa Kelsall .

"Most people think that the pony club just run events that involve horses but in the winter months the members keep fit by training for the triathlons.

The competition proved to be a great team building event and everyone showed a fantastic amount of enthusiasm and support towards fellow team members."

Alicia Newing, 11, came third in the Minimus girls section and 12-year-old Jack Rose came fourth in the Junior boys. Both qualified for the National Pony Club Triathlon Finals in Milton Keynes on March 14.

"When the fourth element of riding cross country is included the competition becomes a Tetrathlon," added Vanessa. "More of these events happen in the spring when the ground is better for the horses."