Caithness Pony Club members have great success at festival competition

Three riders from Caithness Pony Club travelled to a major event near Kilmarnock and placed well in several events including a team competition win.

They competed at the Morris Equestrian Centre where they took part in the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Caithness club secretary Liz Hewitson said: "Dressage, arena eventing and showjumping were held over the three days of competitions which were filmed by Horse and Country TV.

"Liam Mackenzie, riding Wee Vintage Abbie, competed in the grassroots dressage championship, gaining second place in his arena with a score of 72.5 per cent. This put him through to the ride off where he scored 65.63 per cent and he was placed fifth."

Erin Hewitson, riding Whaupshill Touche, competed in the novice dressage championship, winning her arena with 68.13 per cent and then being placed fifth in the ride-off, gaining 66.04 per cent.

Liz added: "The following day was the arena eventing competition where the Caithness riders were on fire, and the team of Liam Mackenzie on Wee Vintage Abbie, Erin Hewitson on Whaupshill Touche and Danielle Sinclair riding Shelby GT won the team competition – finishing on two penalties out of over 30 teams. Liam was clear with just 1.2 time penalties in the PC80 and gained 10th place in a very large class.

"Danielle was clear in the PC90 with only 0.8 of a time penalty with third in the PC90 and Erin Hewitson was clear with no time penalties, gaining second place."

Erin competed in the PC100 but was unplaced. On the final day, which was showjumping, Liam had a super clear round gaining him sixth place in a large foundation class, and also in the debut but he was unplaced.

Danielle and Erin competed in the challenge but were unplaced. Erin competed in the grand prix but was unplaced.

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