Russell Skelton scores highest percentage at final dressage league
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Standards were once again high at the final dressage league competition organised by Caithness Riding Club at the indoor school Halkirk.
The top score of the day went to Russell Skelton riding Riley, this combination achieved 73.15 in the Prelim 12 test and have been unbeaten throughout the league. They also won the Prelim 14 test.
Winning both the introductory classes was Lynne Sutherland with her young Connemara pony Dan. In the novice tests Jordan Crawford, who has only recently taken up dressage with his horse William, came out top in the first test which saw some very tight scoring, while Meghan Blackwood and Bob were triumphant in the second class.
The final elementary test was another close run class with Frances Sutherland on Cosmo and Ruth Sutherland riding Mastermind IV coming first equal on 66.2 per cent.
Club chair Jean Gunn said: "It has been great to see so many turning up for the dressage leagues and the improvements made along the way. The turnout of the competitors and their horses has been fantastic.
"None of these events would be possible without the very hard working volunteers and a huge thank you also needs to be given to our judge throughout the league – Kimberley Battleday."
The next event up for the riding club is the Spring Show on April 9-10. Get your entries in now.
Results
Intro A: 1 Lynne Sutherland, Dan, 68.04 per cent. 2 Corinne Macphail, Sioux, 60.65. Intro B: 1 L Sutherland, 69.35; 2 C Macphail, 63.7; Prelim 12 – Seniors: 1 Russell Skelton, Riley, 73.15; 2 Nicola Manson, Biscuit, 66.48; 3 Ruth Alexander, Harry, 63.15; 4 Jacky MacMillan, Harris 62.41. Juniors: 1 Liam Mackenzie, Stroma, 65.74; 2 Morven Mackenzie, Cilla, 62.41. Prelim 14 – Seniors: 1 R Skelton, 71.73; 2 N Manson, 66.15; 3 Jordan Crawford, William, 65.58; 4 J MacMillan, 64.62. Juniors: 1 M Mackenzie, 64.23; 2 L Mackenzie, 63.65.
Novice 28: 1 J Crawford, 67.08; 2 Mary Miller, Poppy, 67.08; 3 Meghan Blackwood, Bob, 66.67; 4 Alison Wild, Cookie, 65.42. Novice 30: 1 M Blackwood, 66.92; 2 Frances Sutherland, Cosmo, 66.92; 3 M Miller, 65.38; 4 A Wild, 63.46. Elementary 44: 1eq F Sutherland and Ruth Sutherland, Mastermind IV, 66.2.
