The horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019, very kindly sponsored by RHASS, took place on Friday 1st March at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.

These prestigious awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, providing an opportunity to both acknowledge and congratulate the success, performance, effort and sheer determination shown by so many throughout the year.

Following a drinks reception, horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull, welcomed over 300 guests. Grant stated “ I am delighted to be involved in such a progressive equestrian community in Scotland and it it is tremendous to see the support of so many of our Member bodies. The quality and number of award nominations received this year has exceeded all expectation”. Special thanks were given to RHASS for their continued sponsorship support.

Highly respected ex National Hunt Jockey, Peter Scudamore MBE, took to the stage after an excellent meal and entertained everyone with an interesting and humorous speech.

Finally, the waiting was over and the winners were announced. Awards were presented by RHASS chairman, Allan J. Murray and Peter Scudamore MBE.

RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher, followed on by thanking horsescotland for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in Scotland before presenting the RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution award to Susie Elliot MBE. Ed expressed his gratitude by saying “Thank you so much to horsescotland for marking our 50th anniversary in this way and allowing us to show off the power and importance of our volunteers”

The full list of winners (Photography – Sinclair Photography):

Equestrian Business of the Year
Lindores Equestrian – Celebrating 30 years in business this year, Lindores Equestrian has supported not only the equestrian community but also Scottish tourism. They have listened to demands and needs and continually develop the business in response. Their focus on customer care is exemplary.

Employee of the Year
Jamie Turnbull – Jamie has made a significant contribution to Scottish Racing as an assistant trainer. His hard work and dedication helped produce the 2017 Grand National winner and in 2018 he worked with the team to produce a total of fifty winners. It is clear that he is an integral and pivotal part of the team at Arlary House Racing.

Youth Coach of the Year
Sean Henderson – Through his coaching, Sean has demonstrated a great ability to inspire confidence and to encourage riders to develop, participate and enjoy their sport.

Young People’s Coach of the Year
Jennifer Burnett – Over the past 10 years, Jennifer has coached over 200 horse and rider combinations. As a result, the Scottish Junior Tetrathlon girls team is consistently in the top four and the boys team have won twice.

Participation Coach of the Year
Martin Arnott – Martin shows a genuine desire to see both the horse and rider develop regardless of their experience or age. By building on traditional coaching approaches and using video review techniques, he helps riders to acquire the knowledge to train their own horses. He has also developed links internationally and delivered the UKCC platform in the United Arab Emirates.

Performance Coach of the Year
Andrew Hamilton – The judging panel were surprised that Andrew had not won this award before. He was one of the first in Scotland to complete the UKCC level 3 coaching certificate. A former British International Showjumper, he has been influential in working with riders at all levels.

Youth Performer of the Year
Nicole Lockhead-Anderson & Shaunie Greig – Joint winners, Nicole and Shaunie’s hard work has certainly paid off over the last year. Amongst several notable individual victories throughout the year, they were part of the gold winning British Pony Team, Team LeMieux, at the Pony European Championships, Bishop Burton in August 2018.
Award collected by Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) and Claire Lockhead-Anderson

Performer of the Year
Graham Babes – A member of the horsescotland elite performance squad, this young man has had many international successes in the last year. Graham was part of the British Young Rider team which took silver at the European showjumping Championships.
Award collected by Sandra Low-Mitchell

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Alexandra MacMillan – Alexandra is a dedicated young lady who has consistently proven herself to be reliable and competent with a true desire to learn. She has covered many miles in her volunteer role and is also an aspiring young judge.

Volunteer of the Year
Fiona Roebuck – Having spent 29 years as a volunteer on the the committee of the National Pony Society Scotland, Fiona is now the current Chair. Over the years she has shown unbounded commitment and continues to push forward the development of the Society. She dedicates her time to supporting the running of the light horse sections at various agricultural shows and following fifteen years of stewarding at the Royal Highland Show was recently elected Regional Director of the Light Horse section.

Club of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – There are many equestrian clubs in Scotland who offer exceptional support and facilities to participants. However, this club really stands out. They are committed to ensuring club members gain more than just equestrian aptitude by giving them life skills for the future.

Team of the Year
South of Scotland Select – Unbeaten in Scottish and British competition this team represented Britain in the 2018 European championships finishing fourth in their category. Highly motivated and very involved in their sport, most of the members are already coaching others towards future success.

Equine Breeder of the Year
Reay Campbell – Highly respected, Reay of Caledonia Dressage Horses has bred exceptional foals through her excellent breeding programme, providing many equestrians, not just in Scotland but further afield, with the opportunity to excel. She is a dedicated individual with many years of experience.

Owner of the Year
Gordon Grainger – Gordon has gone way beyond just providing a horse. By supporting the rider in all aspects of training and competing, his horse has gone on to compete and win. Rider and horse have so far excelled to become British Elementary Gold Freestyle Champions and British Elementary Gold Champions.

Writer of the Year
Emma Cheape – Through their writing to a national audience, an increase in participation has been reported along with increased support for charities. Emma has brought equestrianism to a wider audience through traditional print and online media

Equestrian Photo of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – Equi-Power’s photo submission achieved over 1200 likes on the horsescotland Facebook page. A firm favourite with our public voters.

Lifetime Achievement
David Blair & Tom Best – Previousl school teachers, Tom and David became involved in equine breeding when they formed Waxwing Stud in 1972. Their Welsh Section A and B ponies are renowned for having excellent temperaments and trainability. Many have gone on to become winners, including Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony Champion ‘Waxwing Thumbs Up’. Their continued passion and dedication to the world of breeding, showing and judging coupled with their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise makes them very worthy winners of this award.

Board Special Recognition
Ursula XII – Special recognition goes to an outstanding equine who recently retired from an exceptional career in showjumping. This Scottish sport horse mare was bred in 2001by Mary Turnbull and was originally produced by horsescotland performance programme rider, Mark Turnbull. Her career was furthered under the ownership of Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham. This exceptionally talented mare, along with top Scottish rider Scott Brash, went on to secure many wins at top level showjumping worldwide.
Award collected by Anne Logan and Mark Turnbull

RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution
Susie Elliot MBE – A volunteer for over 50 years, Susie has inspired countless others. Her selfless commitment and dedication has enabled many at both regional and national level to develop and succeed.

PHOTOS (left to right)
Photographer – Sinclair Photography

1. Equestrian Business of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE, Lindores Equestrian, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
2. Employee of the Year: Jamie Turnbull, Peter Scudamore MBE, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
3. Youth Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sean Henderson, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
4. Young People’s Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Jennifer Burnett, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
5. Participation Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Martin Arnott, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
6. Performance Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Andrew Hamilton, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
7. Youth Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) collecting on behalf of
   Shaunie Greig, Claire Lockhead-Anderson collecting on behalf of Nicole Lockhead-Anderson, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
8. Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sandra Low-Mitchell collecting on behalf of Graham Babes, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
9. Youth Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Alexandra MacMillan, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
10. Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Fiona Roebuck, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
11. Club of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
12. Team of the Year: South of Scotland Select, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
13. Equine Breeder of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Reay Campbell, Peter Scudamore MBE
14. Owner of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Gordon Grainger, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
15. Writer of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Emma Cheape, Peter Scudamore MBE
16. Equestrian Photo of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
17. Lifetime Achievement: Peter Scudamore MBE , David Blair, Tom Best, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
18. Board Special Recognition: Peter Scudamore MBE, Anne Logan on behalf of Scott Brash and Owners – Lady Harris and
    Lady Kirkham, Mark Turnbull on behalf of Turnbull familly, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
19. RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution: Ed Bracher (RDA Chief Executive), Susie Elliot MBE

Home Nations Championships 2019
22 – 24 March 2019 
Glasgow Indoor Bowls Club

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is currently the recognised governing body for para lawn bowls in Scotland and is tasked with selecting players that can deliver medals at the highest levels of international competition, including the Home Nations Championships, IBD World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

From the 22 to 24 March 2019 Scotland will host the Home Nations Championships at Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club, in what will be the first of a revised format of the competition series. Going forward there will be two Home Nations competitions per annum, one indoor, and one outdoor; with a focus on the Commonwealth Games disciplines of B2/B3 Mixed Pairs and B6/B7/B8 Open Triples. However, there will be the added singles element as part of the home nations programme.

The talent pool in Scotland has increased considerably over the past 12 months, with several new players obtaining an international classification. Whilst exciting for the sport, it doesn’t make selection decisions any easier. Nevertheless, we are confident of a strong Scottish performance in this home nations competition.

Commenting on the team selection, SDS Performance Manager, Gary Fraser said: “We are looking forward to hosting the home nations championships in what will the first of a revised format and we are delighted to announce a strong field of players. This presents the ideal opportunity for all players to stake their claim to be amongst Scotland’s elite, with less than two years to go until the IBD World Championships.”

Scottish Para Lawn Bowls Squad

Players	Classification	Town	Local Authority	Branch
Mary Stevenson	B2	Barrhead	Renfrewshire
Maria Spencer	B3	Dunfermline	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Robert Barr	B3	Glasgow	Glasgow	Glasgow Disability Sport
Sandy McIntosh	B2	Inverness	Highland	Highland Disability Sport
Billy Allan	B6	Cowdenbeath	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
George Guthrie	B6	Glasgow	Glasgow	Glasgow Disability Sport
John Wardrope	B7	Ayr	South Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability
Garry Brown	B7	Kirkmuirhill	South Lanarkshire	South Lanarkshire Disability Sport
Glen Livingston	B7	Carnock	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Michael Simpson	B7	Auchtermuchty	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Ian Graham (R)	B2	Grangemouth	Falkirk	Forth Valley Disability Sport
Sharon Moncrieff (R)	B3	Cumbernauld	Glasgow	Glasgow Disability Sport
Fraser Mathieson (R)	B6	Stirling	Stirling	Forth Valley Disability Sport
Daniel Porter (R)	B8	Galashiels	Scottish Borders	Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group

(R): non-travelling reserve

Director	Town	Local Authority	Branch
Sarah-Jane Ewing	Dunfermline	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
George Miller	Ardrossan	North Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability
Christine Morrow	Dalmuir	Clydebank	Glasgow Disability Sport
David Thomas	Ardrossan	North Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability

 

Coach	Town	Local Authority	Branch
Bob Dick (Head Coach)	Cupar	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Bob Christie	Brechin	Angus	Angus Disability Sport
Chris McGready	Perth	Perth	Perth & Kinross Disability Sport
Eric McMillan	Cowdenbeath	Fife	Disability Sport Fife

 As the daylight in the evenings extends and March approaches, SDS Regional Managers in Tayside, East of Scotland and West of Scotland are getting ready to welcome participants to the well-established Parasport Festivals in their regions, but for the West of Scotland this will see the flagship event celebrating its 10th anniversary.  

The first Parasport Festival took place in the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow and proved to be so successful that other regions gradually introduced the event which now takes place in five regions across Scotland: Grampian, Central Scotland, East of Scotland, West of Scotland and Tayside. 

The event is designed to encourage pupils with physical, visual and hearing impairments in primary and secondary mainstream education, to experience a range of sports with the aim of being supported to engage in ongoing regular activity/sport. The specific target group for the event is identified in the SDS Equality Action Plan. 

These bespoke events are very much a partnership event where SDS Regional Managers work with Active Schools Co-ordinators and Sports Development Officers from Local Authorities, Trusts, governing bodies of sport and local sports clubs.  

The impact of the hugely successful events is outlined in the Celebrating 10 Years video but some facts and figures at a glance are listed below – and if you want to see more about what the events offer click on the brief promotional video link. 

Scottish Disability Sport CEO, Gavin Macleod, said: “The Parasport Festivals have grown over the last 10 years to become a focus point for introducing young people with physical and sensory impairments to a wide variety of sports and providing opportunities into regular participation. We would like to thank the numerous governing body and Local Authority partners across Scotland who have provided vital support to enable these Festivals to evolve.” 

Facts and figures at a glance: 

• In 2019 SDS is celebrating 10 years of Parasport Festivals
• 1618 pupils have attended para sport festivals in 27 local authorities
• After attending the multi-sport festivals 15% of participants have been supported to engage in weekly sessions or clubs
• The male to female ratio has moved to from 80/20 to 60/40
• In 2018 50% of participants attended the festival for the first time, providing evidence that the festival should be continued to be provided
• 68% of participants have a physical disability, 21% have a visual impairment and 11% have a hearing impairment
• Participants of the festival were invited to feed back on the impact of sport on their lives in a survey. The results demonstrated that: 
• 98% felt better by participating in sport  
• 98% felt more confident in their physical ability  
• 93% got out more and were less socially isolated  
• 95% felt more competent in their physical ability  
• 91% felt more able to cope with life  
• 90% made more friends through sport  

If you or any one you know has a disability and would like to get involved in the Parasport Festivals or any other disability sport programmes,  please telephone 0131 317 1130 or email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com. 

#Getinvolved 

#SDSInclusivesport