A DORSET care home resident returned to the horse trials she launched almost 40 years ago.

Former competitive rider Susie Woodhouse was among the residents of Colten Care's homes treated to a trip to the Portman Horse Trials.

The event, which took place on the Rushmore Estate at Tollard Royal on the Wiltshire-Dorset border, helps

world class riders prepare for international events while giving less experienced challengers a taste of dressage, showjumping and cross country. Among those taking part were Olympians William Fox-Pitt and Mary King.

Mrs Woodhouse, who now lives at Abbey View in Sherborne, launched the trials in 1976 and was instrumental in their development and success. It was the first time she had been able to return in five years.

Colten Care laid on minibus travel, a champagne welcome, picnic lunches, strawberry cream teas and ‘the best seats in the house’ for residents.

The guests moved between two viewing positions, one for cross country and one for show jumping and dressage.

As part of a wider package of support this year, Colten Care was one of the cross-country fence sponsors.

When show announcers mentioned this over the PA, they invited friends of Susie to drop by and say hello.

Susie’s daughter-in-law Tessa Woodhouse said: “It’s absolutely brilliant that Susie was able to come back and enjoy the trials she started all those years ago.

"It was her life for such a long time and her name is synonymous with it. I cannot praise Abbey View enough and my thanks go to Colten Care for supporting this year’s event.”

Recalling her involvement as founder, Susie said: “It was a lot of work and you were always worrying if you had forgotten something but it was great fun.

"If a course is well built and maintained, you will get good riders. The first event attracted great publicity as the Princess Royal, or Princess Anne as she was then, was one of the competitors. Since then the trials have grown enormously from a novice one-day event to include intermediate and advanced classes.”

Also making a visit was Abbey View resident and equestrian Sam Ayres, a former judge at the Horse of the Year Show.

As well as Abbey View, residents travelled from Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford, Brook View in West Moors, Amberwood House in Ferndown, Castle View in Dorchester, Newstone House in Sturminster Newton and Braemar Lodge in Salisbury.

Colten Care Activities Organiser Jo London said: “We’re thrilled to have created a VIP experience, adding value to the event and giving our residents the best seats in the house. Everyone said it was a wonderful experience and we hope to be able to go again next year.”