PICTURES: Riders enjoy glorious day at Caithness RDA summer show
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Caithness Riding for the Disabled Association's summer show was blessed with the best weather in the history of the annual event, with glorious conditions at the indoor facility and grounds in Halkirk.
Members were honoured to welcome Geoffrey Minter, formerly of Sandside, the Rosie family from Wick and Mel Thomson, along with the association's honorary president Morag Miller.
Riders did a short warm-up indoors before proceeding out to Maggie’s Way where they all tackled five obstacles to show parents, carers, friends and teaching staff the skills they had learned during the last term. Food was provided by The Home Bakery, Wick.
Coach for ride one was Steph Cowe. The trophies were presented by Geoffrey Minter and rosettes by Mel Thomson.
Reid Trophy (Shield) for best rider: Melissa Lee, riding Mary.
Christmas Show Riding Award for most enthusiastic rider: Emily Gunn, riding Geordie.
Dr Pam McMorran Memorial Shield (Summer Show) for achievement: Ivan Scollay, riding Max.
Evelyn Oakton Memorial Shield for most improved rider: Ben Douglas, riding Jojo.
Individual Shield for happiest rider: Aden Herrick, riding Whisky.
Individual Shield for pony care: Laurie McPhee (pony care with Byron).
Laurie also received grades one and two for Horse and Pony Care.
Rosettes were also given to the Wick High School pupils – Melissa Lee, Emily Gunn, Aden Herrick, Ben Douglas and Laurie McPhee – who took part in the art competition at the area competition at Cranloch, Elgin, with their entry, Horseshoes, which was placed first in the group category.
Ride two coach was Mary Elder. Trophies were again presented by Mr Minter, while rosettes were presented by Heather Rosie from the Dale Rosie Memorial Fund.
Halkirk Young Farmers Christmas Trophy for best rider: Caleb Dyer, riding Geordie.
John Gunn and Sons Perpetual Trophy for most enthusiastic rider: Joseph White, riding George.
Wick High School Charities Day Cup 2013 for most improved rider: Kian Davidson, riding Mary.
Simpson Cup for progress: Jimmy Gunn, riding Whisky.
Cup in Loving Memory of Callum Robert Miller for best position: Adam Munro, riding Max.
Ride three coach was Mary Elder. Geoffrey Minter presented the trophies and Mel Thomson handed over the rosettes.
Karen Rollinson Memorial Trophy for best rider: Tamsin Fraser, riding Max.
Riding Award for most improved rider: Robbie Fulton, riding Geordie
Amanda MacDonald Memorial Shield for achievement: Alex-Lee Miller, riding Whisky.
A long-service medal for seven years' service to Caithness RDA was presented to Cammie, along with her owner Mel Thomson.
Ponies used were Mary, loaned by Kelsey Johnson; Jojo, loaned by Carol Forrest and Jaicee Johnson; Max and Geordie, from Marion Bain at Achalone Activities; Whisky and Byron, loaned by Steph and Gina Cowe; and George, loaned from Marie Brinded but cared for and brought along each week by Sophie Bell.
Secretary/group coach Liz Hewitson said: "Thanks to all our volunteers who come along each week, allowing the Riding for the Disabled Association to happen, and to those who bring delicious baking."
