Thurso Olympic torch runner is guest at RDA summer show
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A YOUNG Thurso sporting enthusiast picked to carry the Olympic torch in Inverness last month made a special appearance at the Caithness Riding for the Disabled Association’s summer show.
Jamie Henderson, who plays squash, delighted those gathered by mounting a podium and signalling the start of the event at the indoor riding school in Halkirk.
Without knowing Jamie was to be a surprise guest, group instructors Alex Henderson and Liz Hewitson planned the show with the Queen’s diamond jubilee and the London Olympics very much in mind.
With the encouragement of their leaders and side walkers, the three groups of riders displayed their skills while taking part in an Olympic torch relay; exercises depicting various Olympic sports; an Olympic-themed formation; and a Union Jack flag race where the flag was passed between the riders and side walkers.
Fittingly, Jamie presented a summer Olympic show 2012 rosette to each of the riders.
The individual shields and summer show trophies were presented to the first riders by Billy Manson who, personally and in his role on Halkirk Village Council and Halkirk District Benefit Fund, has been very supportive of the RDA.
The second group of riders received their individual shields and summer show trophies from John Sinclair.
Sinclair Windows Ltd, Wick, has sponsored RDA activities for several years but it was the first time John watched the group in action.
Shelley Minter, who has been an RDA helper for many years, presented the awards to the third group of riders.
Not only has Shelley allowed the group on several occasions to visit Sandside where members have enjoyed hacking along the quiet roads and paths of the estate but she has also hosted numerous RDA fundraising events at her home.
Awards – First ride – Dr Pam McMorran memorial shield for endeavour: Maxine Campbell.
Miss Joan Treglowan memorial shield for effort: Samantha Barry.
Summer show riding award for most improved: Jamie Lockhart.
The Curlew Shield commemorating the Queen’s diamond jubilee for excellence: Fraser Martin.
Shield presented by Liz Hewitson for confidence: Rowan MacGregor.
Special shields were presented to Lewis Deering, Myles Eatough and Emma Muir.
Second ride – Dr Pam McMorran memorial shield for riding off the lead rein: Melanie McPhee.
Dr Pam McMorran memorial shield for improvement: Courtney Bain.
Miss Joan Treglowan memorial shield for effort: Nikita Band.
The Jingle Shield commemorating the Queen’s diamond jubilee for endeavour: Kelsie O’Brien. Shield presented by Liz Hewitson for achievement: Paul Henderson.
Special shields were presented to Marcus Gray, Stacy McIntosh, Zarrius Ramazankhani, Kieran Sutherland and Frances Watt.
Third ride – Dr Pam McMorran memorial shield for effort: Natasha Gunn.
Miss Joan Treglowan memorial shield for progress: Ben Sutherland.
Simpson Cup for endeavour: Amy Baxter.
The Melody Shield commemorating the Queen’s diamond jubilee for achievement: Aden Herrick.
Shield presented by Liz Hewitson for most improved: Keri McGill.
Special shields were presented to Bronwyn Edwards, Cody Fraser, Laurie McPhee and Tracey MacKenzie.
