The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Turnout high standards praised by judge at show
Skye Agricultural Association’s horse show was held under the cover of the indoor school at Portree Stables because of heavy showers.
A considerable number of young riders took part.
Judge Sue Emery, of Inverness, was particularly impressed with some of the high standards in turnout.
Sisters Fiona, 14, and Sarah Gillies, 12; Kayla, 13, and Leah MacLeod, 8, and siblings Fay MacRae and William Gordon all had a very successful day.
It was Leah’s first show. She was the youngest com- Members of Findon and Ladleys riding clubs have qualified for next month’s British Riding Club national championship.
They will be heading to the contest at Lincoln on September 7 and 8.
Findon’s junior members have qualified after winning the style jumping, novice show jumping, intermediate s how jumping, dressage and riding test. Senior Findon member Helen Pendlowski is through to t he showjumping finals.
The qualifiers involved t he clubs competing against other teams from Perth to Shetland. The qualifying events were held at OldmeldrumandFraserburgh.
A F indon c lub spokeswoman said: “We are going to not only rep- resent our club but the north-east of Scotland.
“It’s a 10-hour journey with a three-day stay on site. We are doing as much fundraising as possible, including holding a raffle, which many local businesses have contributed to, and selling Spree Books, to help cover the cost of ensuring our horses’ welfare during this long journey and to help towards the fuel costs.
“We have also received generous funding from some local businesses, including Powerjacks, Brander Drilling , Parx, Portlethen Community Council, The Stagedoor Restaurant, Tillyoch Equestrian Centre a n d ma n y others.
“It is a very exciting time for this young team, who are all putting in a lot of hard work prior to the championships i n an effort to put the north of Scotland on the equestrian map.”
Findon’s junior team members are Charley Hamilton, 10; Laila Bedawi, 13; Abigail MarnochMilne, 14; Kerry- Anne Alexander, 15; Sophie Bultitude, 17, and Rebekka Ashton, 18.