Caithness twins going for gold with YELA riding certificates
Caithness twins Abbie and Sophie Bell achieved their Young Equestrian Leader Awards (YELA) gold certificates thanks to a Lyth-based stable.
Natalie Oag, owner of the Horsin’ Around stable, was delighted to share the news and described the twins as hardworking.
“With the twins, two words spring to mind ‘golden girls’,” said Natalie.
“They are so keen to please and have such big hearts. It was an inspirational journey seeing them grow over six happy years and mature into lovely young ladies. They are hard workers, always taking pride in their work and eager to please. I wish the girls the best of luck and success.”
The twins spent many years attending Horsin’ Around while taking part in the YELA awards. Abbie says she enjoyed the journey from Bronze to Gold and learnt so much from the experience which “helped prepare her for the adult world”.
“I grew very fond of Mr Squire, a bay New Forest, at the stables who was a very cheeky chap and always doing something naughty,” said Abbie. “He excelled at dressage and we both enjoyed many adventures together. He will always have a special place in my heart.”
Natalie said that Sophie loved the experience so much that it made her decide she would like to work with horses as a career.

“The journey helped me so much with my confidence and people skills,” said Sophie.
“I fell in love with a rescue pony called Scarlet O’Hara who had been abandoned and saved from the slaughterhouse by Natalie. Scarlet taught me so much and I owe a lot to this amazing mare. We would both like to thank Natalie for helping us be the woman we are today.”
The girls were delighted to be invited to the Windsor show to celebrate the gold awards.