Aberdeen Uni equestrian team saddle up after qualifying for British University and Colleges Sports finals

The countdown is on until the British University and Colleges Sports (BUCS) equestrian finals.

And the four-strong riding team for Aberdeen University have their sights set high for the event – after becoming the only Scottish team to qualify.

Kiera Mordue, president of Aberdeen University Equestrian Club, said: “It was totally unexpected, we didn’t even expect to make it to regionals.

“We just said to each other we’re just going to have a good time, but then when we got to the prize giving and they were reading out the names and then Aberdeen was first!”

Riders will compete in dressage and showjumping, but the format of a BUCS competition slightly differs from other equestrian competition, with riders using horses that are provided by event organisers.

They don’t ride their own.

It adds another level of complexity, but the team says one of Aberdeen’s riding schools, Hayfield Riding Centre, has helped them train for every eventuality.

Abi Smith who rides for the team explained: “At Hayfield we ride lots of different horses which we’re grateful for.

“You can get such a big variety of horses provided for events, both big and small so our training here has been invaluable.”

It’s the first time the Aberdeen University team has qualified for ten years, and it’s hoped their recent success will attract more people to the club.

Annabel Buchan added: “It would be great if people see this and want to come and join us, we’re quite a small club at the moment.

“We’re hoping to do Scotland proud, which is a lot of pressure but we’re going to the event to have fun.”

On Thursday, the team from the north east will face some of the UK’s top riders.

It’s one university challenge they’re hoping to win.