19/05/2024 by Amanda Namey
Well, what a day! Three of our four riders were looking forward to their first experiences in dressage and Countryside Challenge Competitive classes at Sandyflats, riding Laddie and Angel. However at the last minute, Laddie let us know that he had injured himself in the field and was requiring rest and TLC and was not going to manage a competitive outing. Thankfully Glasgow RDA were able to lend us a pony for competitive dressage rider Liam, and he rode a wonderful dressage test and Countryside Challenge class on borrowed pony Oli. This took a lot of bravery, and Liam came a very creditable 3rd place in his class.
Meanwhile, Dana stood in for Laddie’s other riders, proving that although she is no gymkhana pony, she was willing to give it a go. Luckily rider Abbie saw the funny side when Dana marched straight through the road maze without turning any corners, and L rode very effectively when Dana indicated that she thought gates were for showjumping, not for opening and walking through! However the stars of the show were Angel with new rider Lizzie, who rode a beautiful countryside challenge test, winning a very competitive junior class and taking home the trophy for the best countryside challenge score of the day! County Chair Gillie was thrilled to receive a delighted hug in exchange for the trophy.