Young Caithness riders have success at equestrian competition
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Young horse riders from the county enjoyed a successful day at an area competition held in Cranloch Riding School.
Two riders from Caithness Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) travelled with their parents, accompanied by Judith Miller and secretary/group coach Liz Hewitson, to Elgin to take part in the Grampian and Highland area competition of the Countryside Challenge.
Caithness RDA volunteer David Munro also made a surprise visit to Cranloch to support the riders.
"What a memorable day for Caithness RDA," Liz said.
"Caleb Dyer and Tamsin Fraser from Thurso High School competed in the Countryside Challenge using ponies from the Cranloch Riding School. Caleb rode Corrie, and Tamsin rode Trojan where they tackled 12 obstacles including: bending, rainbows and clouds, apple tree, road junction, bridle path, three loop serpentine, riding a circle, going through a gate, picking up a letter and then posting it."
Each element of the course was given a mark, and enabled the riders to show the skills learnt at RDA, firstly by coach Leeann Hope before she moved away and latterly by Mary Elder. They were required to show steering, starting, stopping, trotting and riding accurately.
"Tamsin gained second place with 87 and Caleb won with 92 points – fantastic achievements for both children at a new venue and riding ponies they just had half-an-hour to get used to. This is the first time in many years that Caithness RDA has been represented at such an event," Liz added.
Indoors there was an arts and crafts competition. Wick High School pupils Ben Douglas, Aden Herrick, Laurie McPhee, Emily Gunn and Melissa Lee submitted an entry in the group competition with Horseshoes and won. Caleb was also successful with his photograph of his three miniature Shetlands, entitled The Three Musketeers, which gained first prize.
Alex-Lee Miller and Robbie Fulton also entered the competition but were both unplaced in a very big class. Alex-Lee’s entry was entitled Horse with Sunshine and Rainbows, while Robbie’s was Hobbie the Horse which showed a mix of Robbie and a horse.
