Disabled horse riders and carriage drivers from West & Central Scotland Region on winning form – RDA National Championships 13-15 July, Hartpury College, Gloucestershire
The dust is settling, and the excitement is quelling after another fabulous trip to the Nationals for some West & Central participants.
Our Arts & Crafts were well represented with six pieces of work travelling down to the Nationals. Overall turn out this year was greater than ever, therefore the challenge of returning with a rosette all the more difficult. However, Marissa Johnston’s painting with an RDA theme, came back with a 6th place rosette. Many congratulations Marissa and her Glasgow Group. We were delighted with the high standard of all the works and look forward to seeing what we receive in the Regional Arts & Crafts Qualifiers for 2019.
First competitions on Friday saw Carriage Driving in the main arena. Dressage and cones in the morning, followed by Obstacles in the afternoon. Two competitors, Lynda Farquhar and Emma Hunter, both driving Ozzy, entered from Forth Driving. It was a thrilling competition all round with barely a ball knocked from cone, but more challenging obstacle rounds. Lynda and Emma focussed and succeeded. Lynda brilliantly retaining her first place and trophy from last year, with Emma coming a terrific 3rd in her first National Championship.
Saturday saw Leanne Peters from Gareloch riding Harley. Though Leanne has been to the Championships before this was the first event on this scale for Harley. Leanne and Harley have built up a wonderful relationship and Leanne guided Harley calmly through their test, again in one of the main outdoor arenas. The scores for the class were incredibly close. Leanne and Harley can rightly be very proud of their performances. Just a few tweaks and the pair will soar.
Sunday was Gareloch’s Carys Marie Williams turn. This was the first time in such an environment for both Carys Marie and Bella. They took it in their stride, going out with confidence and massive smiles. The scoring was once again extremely close with Carys just being pipped at the places.
Travelling to the National Championships from Scotland is no mean feat for the competitors, the ponies or the supporting teams but the challenge of adventure, the thrill of competition and the companionship of everyone involved makes taking part the best thing that we have done for our sport and our Region. We are very proud!
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