SOUTH Coast Equestrian’s yard on Chickerell Road in Weymouth hosted Olympian Lucinda Fredericks, as part of a clinic held for young riders and competitors from around the area.

The international star, who claimed a silver medal representing Australia in the team event at Beijing in 2008, gave lessons and pointers to a captivated audience in what was a successful day for the yard, according to manager Rebecca Drummond.

She told Echosport: “Lucinda came just before Christmas and it was so successful then that, at the time, we decided to book her in again.

“Being able to have an international event rider who has been to the Olympics was something we couldn’t really miss out on.

“She did a combination of private and group lessons for some of our regular kids and teenagers as well as people who are out competing themselves. She did a bit of everything really.

“It was all mainly aimed at jumping although there was one group that did flat work. It was based more on improving con- trol.

“For Steph who owns the yard, Lucinda has always been an idol of hers so it was great for her. It was also her birthday on the same day so it was a nice way to celebrate it.”

Drummond also indicated that with the success of Fredericks’ visit, there is scope to run another clinic over Easter.

“We pretty much sold this one out before we even got the chance to advertise it,” she added. “There has also been interest to see if she can come back at Easter if she can fit it in, peo- ple are putting their names down before we have even confirmed it.

“We are hoping to make it bigger every time we do it.

“Hopefully it can turn into a really big open day.”