PICTURES: Lots of festive fun at Caithness RDA Christmas Show

Young riders from the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) were happy to show off their skills at this year's Annual Christmas Show.

Cold weather on the day failed to spoil the enjoyment for all the invited guests, including family, friends, headteachers and helpers. RDA trustee Jimmy Johnston welcomed everyone who came along, not forgetting the children who had been working very hard since October with their coaches, Leeann Hope (Ride 1), Steph Cowe (Ride 2) and Mary Elder (Ride 3).

Thanks were made to those loaning horses – Leeann Hope, Neave, Steph Cowe, Byron and Whisky, and Marion Bain, Max and Geordie. Two hampers donated by Janette Thomson for the raffle proved very popular. Fiona Anderson of The Home Bakery, Wick, and Isobel Cameron, Halkirk, were in the kitchen providing welcoming hot soup, sausage rolls and cakes to everyone.

John and Heather Rosie, along with daughter Claire Fraser, handed over a cheque for £6000 from the Dale Rosie Memorial Fund. Caithness RDA are greatly indebted to the Rosie family for this tremendous amount of money raised throughout the year. The cheque was accepted by Judith Miller, chairperson and Liz Hewitson, secretary. Photographer on the day was Neil Buchan from Castletown.

Riders showed their families and teachers skills learnt during the last session, including starting, steering and stopping, plus a few Christmas themed games and also a trot.

Afterwards a presentation of trophies and rosettes took place for each ride. Finally all the children received a present from Santa, who had watched them all perform.

The presentation of trophies and rosettes for Ride 1 was made by Brian Davidson from Thurso’s 999 Services Charity Committee who kindly donated £700 to the group earlier in the year from a charity football match.

Ride 2 received awards from Heather Rosie and Claire Fraser, with Jak Murray from Caithness District Young Farmers making the presentation for Ride 3. The local Young Farmers handed over £1050 from their fundraising at the County Show.

Trophy winners

Ride 1: Individual shields – Best rider: Damien McCready. Effort: Zac Bain. Achievement: Liam Brown. Progress: Callan Mackay. Enthusiasm: Harry Galloway.

Ride 2: Individual shields –Best rider: Charlie Cooke. Achievement: Finn Mackenzie. Most improved: Ronnie Dickson. Effort: Dylan Forbes.

Bravest: James Campbell.

Ride 3: Wick High School YPI 2013 Shield for achievement: Arty Kane. Miss Joan Treglowan Memorial Shield – Christmas Show for effort: Ivan Scollay. The Jingle Shield commemorating the Queens Diamond Jubilee for most progress: Charley MacGregor. Miss Joan Treglowan Memorial Shield – RDA Summer Show for happiest: Watson Smith. Joan Treglowan Memorial Shield for best rider: John Dorren.

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