International side-saddle win for Caroline
TALENTED side-saddle rider Caroline Wilkins of Walberton recently returned from France after winning an International Concours d'Elegance in the ancient city of Carcassone.
Caroline (23) was the only British rider competing amongst a total of Swiss, French and Spanish dressage riders at the Hippodrome de la Fageolle at Carcassone.
She flew out there, taking her side-saddle and costume, to ride a 16hh bay French horse named Hetchechenne. In the event, her costume was taken from a picture by Thomas Gooch of Marcia Pitt riding in Stratfield House Park with her brother in 1782, wearing an elegant butterscotch outfit.
For full feature see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette April 28