Caithness pipped to the post in Pony Club quiz
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Members of the Caithness White team were the runners-up in the Area 1 Pony Club Quiz in a very close competition which saw 23 entries.
The local junior team, comprising of Erica Pottinger, Tessa Simpson, Ava Bain and Gina Cowe, showed they had put their training to good use sitting on level scoring throughout three of the four rounds with the winners, Glenrothes Falabellas.
Both of the top teams scored 40 points in the Pony Club round, 45 in the picture category, 45 in bits and biting, but in the tack identification Glenrothes sneaked ahead by scoring 50, with Caithness one question down on the next highest score of 45. Glenrothes ended on 180 points with Caithness on 175.
The Caithness Blue entry – Ella Budge, Aimee Holmes, Ella Simpson and Rachel MacGregor – also did really well in the online competition scoring 160 points and coming ninth equal.
Helping with the training for the mini event were a couple of the club's senior members, Morven Mackenzie and Alysha Holmes, as well as the district commissioner (DC) Debbie Pottinger. They started studying last December, and continued with regular Monday night sessions.
The club DC said it was an incredible placing for the Caithness White quartet who were up against teams from throughout Scotland during the Zoom competition which was held last Saturday, March 12.
She said the Caithness Blue team also did "exceptionally well" just a few points behind their fellow club members.
"Every year we get a great turnout for the quiz," said Debbie. "It shows how keen our members are to learn about Pony Club and their horses, it’s something as a club we enjoy and really appreciate the effort everyone puts into it."
The online event didn't come without its issues and Debbie said: "The organisers did a fantastic job keeping everyone ‘virtually’ where they should be in their different Zoom rooms."
The seniors on the Sunday had a much more relaxing time without technical difficulties. They were able to have fun playing a few games of virtual treasure hunt.
Moving up a level, the senior quiz was more demanding with a couple of additional rounds – one on general knowledge about Wales and another on the cardiovascular system of the horse.
Caithness Blue, comprising of Gina Cowe, Liam Mackenzie, Elle Martin and Kirsty Lord, came 12th, with the cardiovascular round being their most impressive – the third top score of all the teams.
Caithness White combination, Erin Hewitson, Eimear Henderson, Ellie Bain and Isla Miller, secured14th place. Senior trainer was Steph Cowe.
