Local eventer Emma Coghill achieved the most British Eventing (BE) points on the Scottish circuit with her horse Rainbows Little Rock during the 2021 season.

Emma (26), of East Clyth, picked up the Stirlingshire Saddle Fitters Scottish points championship trophy at the BE Ball held at Airth Castle Hotel, Stirlingshire.

The talented rider won the award with her own nine-year-old Irish-bred gelding, known by his stable name of Sol, whom she has brought on herself since buying him as a youngster.

The combination achieved 23 points at Scottish events this year, bringing their total to 53. They have also been competing regularly south of the border, starting the season off successfully in Cumbria before eventing opened up in Scotland.

Emma is helped in her campaign by mum Maureen Coghill, who drives her to all her competitions and acts as chief groom once they arrive at each destination.

"I am absolutely delighted with our results this season, especially with moving up a level to intermediate," Emma said. "We did lots of travelling to England to compete again this year. However, it was our success at the Scottish events that clinched this award for us.

"It’s fantastic to win an award that has previously been won by many successful equestrian athletes – hopefully we can follow in their footsteps. Also I'm very grateful to my mum, driving us across the country and grooming for me at every event – she is just as much a part of our team as myself and Sol. I hope next year is just as successful and we can continue to move up the levels."

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While trying to keep on top of Sol's fitness and training, Emma is also studying for a PhD with the University of the Highlands and Islands, based in the department of diabetes and cardiovascular science at Raigmore.

This partnership started their 2021 Scottish campaign by moving up to the intermediate section at Hopetoun in June where they came seventh, picking up two points, and the following weekend at the first Burgie of the year they won the open novice, securing six points.

In July the combination collected five points at Forgandenny after coming second in the open novice. The next month they took part in the open intermediate at Hopetoun (2), taking 10th place and adding two points to their tally, along with an additional two points after completing the demanding two-star track at Blair Castle International.

They ended the season in September with another win in the open novice at Wee Burgie, which Emma considers to be her local event, picking up six points.

Sol only moved up to novice events in 2019 after securing 36 foundation points competing in BE90 and 100 the previous year.

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