The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Foxhounds’ pick-a-fence proves a hit
FORESTERSEAT hosted its second cross country competition in recent weeks when the Fife Foxhounds held their autumn pick-afence.
The annual competition wa s hosted by the Foxhounds at the Cheape family’s Letham Farm, Glenfarg, to raise funds for the hunt ahead of the coming season.
“Whilst early morning competitors suffered from some rainfall, the day cleared nicely and the course was in tremendous order.
“Sue Cheape and her uncle Colin Campbell have built a fantastic course at Foresterseat and it’s great to see new jumps, such as steps and trakhener fences, becoming established really well amongst the lie of the land,” said hunt secretary Liz Bell.
She said the pick-a-fence format is a great introduction for young or inexperienced riders and horses as there is no pressure to jump higher fences than they feel comfortable with.
“You choose which height of jumps to tackle and, as you build in confidence as the course goes on, you can opt for some of the larger obstacles,” said Liz.
The open class, for riders aged 14 to 18, was won by Kinross-based eventer Rosie Keith.
She is about to embark on a working pupil position in England for her gap year and is nervously awaiting the outcome of interviews with top riders including William Fox Pitt.
Following her year out, she will begin a course in zoology at Edinburgh University.
Rosie rode her 11-yearold 14h2 coloured mare Indi, which the family has owned for the last five years, to win the class.
“She’s a fantastic hunting pony so hasn’t been fazed by this year’s mud,” said Rosie. “The courses had a mixture of bold and technical fences which rode very well across all levels,” she added.
“Following the rainfall, the ground was inevitably deep, but everything had been done to keep the day going and it was great to get a run before the end of the season.” Star’s flatwork with a view to competing in British Eventing competitions next year.
The popular adult novice class was topped by freelance riding instructor Jennifer Macaskill, who is based in Stirling.
Jennifer, who is trained to BHS intermediate level and has a degree in equine sports science, previously trained with the Bartles for two years at the Yorkshire Riding Centre.
She won the class with a 14-year-old Lipizzaner cross Appaloosa, San Tiago.
“He is my friend’s horse, and we have only competed in one other cross country competition this year, at Montrave. On that occasion, we were placed fifth.
“Over winter I plan to compete him at showjumping, with the aim of getting out to British Eventing competitions next year.”
The class for riders 14 years and under was won by Jessie Burnette and Musto.