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Eriskays
Tandem Team Take Windsor Driving Trials Title |
A team of Scottish bred Eriskay ponies has taken the Tandem title
at this year's Windsor Driving Trials.
Linton
Ben Oss and Linton Luath, bred by Anne Bell in East Lothian, took
victory with their owner Lesley Cox whose successes with the team
include the 2001/2 Srongid P Indoor Tandem Driving Championships
and the 2002 Castle Kennedy Title.
Lesley
and partner Andrew Gooden, who acts as groom, have worked very hard
for success, both holding down full time jobs while campaigning
the pair around the country from their base in Sandbach, Cheshire.
They are very dedicated to the breed, having visited the islands
where the breed originated to learn more of their history.
Lesley
said:
"
I am delighted that Lu and Ossie have achieved so much, they are
living proof that while Eriskays are the remnant of an ancient breed,
they're very much 21st century ponies, able to take on the best
of modern ponies and win. They're a very versatile pair and even
competed under saddle in the Eriskay Ridden class at the Royal Highland
Show last year.
"Ben
Oss is very much an ambassador for the breed, when he's not out
there competing he's very happy talking to the crowds at the British
Equine Event every November, when he lives on site as an exhibit!"
The
Eriskay breed is still classed as category 1 "critical"
by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, although interest is growing
and numbers are increasing steadily. Following a visit by Society
Inspectors to Coll recently, two more young stallions owned by Sheila
MacKinnon, have been added to the register, bringing the number
of stallions to 14.
For
anyone wishing to see Eriskays in action, the Society will be holding
its annual breed show at the NPS Scotland Summer Show on 14th June
at Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder, with classes for everything
from young handlers, to family handy pony to dressage and working
hunter, the emphasis is very much on performance and fun.
In
the South, Eriskays will feature as part of a major equine event,
the "Festival of the Horse" at Newmarket from 8th to 10th
July.
The
Society also runs a sales list, available by calling 01560 485970
or email info@eriskaypony.com and more information about the Society
and the breed are on the website www.eriskaypony.com
.
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