LOUISA Lockwood and Ballyfarris Flight head this summer’s Mitsubishi Stately Homes Challenge after they won the Intermediate section at Longleat Horse Trials at the weekend. 

However, the Winterbourne Stoke eventer now needs to secure a ride for the third leg of the competition as Ballyfarris Flight and Louisa’s other Intermediate horse Acheron, have both upgraded to Advanced level. 

Things did not go entirely to plan for Louisa and Ballyfarris Flight at Longleat as the seven-year-old gelding spooked when a bird landed and then took off on the lake close to the dressage arena. 

However, they still managed to post a mark of 34.6 to leave them joint fifth.  

But an excellent clear show-jumping round and one of the quickest cross-country rounds - just 2.4 time faults over the optimum - moved them to the top of the leaderboard. 

Louisa then had a nervous wait as the last couple of horses who could still pip her to top spot completed their schedules. 

However, none managed to dislodge them from the summit and Ballyfarris Flight enjoyed a third successive victory, much to the delight of its new owners. 

Having now visited the estates of Somerley and Longleat, the Stately Homes Challenge now heads to Wilton House (July 31-August 1) before closing at Highclere Castle (August 29-30). 

Louisa said:  "If anyone has an Intermediate horse they would like me to event for them I would be delighted to hear from them." 

To contact Louisa, or for more details visit: www.louisalockwood.com

Photo courtesy of Alasdair Crook www.alcrook.co.uk