Local children shine through in British Horse Society Equitation Competition

Children from all across Scotland converged on Gleneagles Equestrian Centre at Auchterader in Perthshire recently for The British Horse Society's Equitation Competition, sponsored by the Elise Pilkington Trust. Successful in the 13 years and under group was Michelle Arnott from Windygates Equestrian Centre in Torrance, Glasgow, with Ellie Wagstaff from Gleneagles coming second, while in the 17 years and under group, Anne Marie Chalmers from Knockandhu Riding Centre in Craigellachie took the
honours from Eve Brown, again from Gleneagles.

The competition comprised a short dressage test, a small but challenging show jumping course and a multiple-choice test paper on horse welfare. Marks were gained for accuracy, balance, suppleness and riding ability. The winners received a £50 training voucher, a cup and a place at the BHS Equitation Competition Final next year. The winning children's riding instructors also won a plaque for best riding instructor.

Michelle Arnott, riding Windygates Boysie, came top in her section that had 24 competitors. Michelle, who has been riding for four years was described by her instructor, Patricia Liddell, as "a highly talented rider with a lovely temperament around people and horses!" Anne Marie Chalmers, best of the 17 years and under, has been riding since she was just two years old. She rode Duchovny and her instructor, Pearl Cranna, said, "Anne Marie is a sensitive, quiet rider who works well with all the horses. She
has a very good understanding of stable management and has taken an interest in equine massage techniques."

The BHS Equitation Competition is set up specifically for children who did not own a horse or pony and who rode regularly at a riding school. The aim is to encourage the youngsters to improve their riding skills and horse knowledge and provide them with an opportunity to compete against their peer group. Qualifiers are held throughout the UK, with one also being held at a BHS Approved riding school in Hong Kong, with a final at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire in April 2004.

Since its inception in 1996 the competition has proved extremely popular and has been generously sponsored by the Elise Pilkington Trust for the last seven years. Clients from any licensed riding school are eligible to enter and qualifiers take place at BHS Approved establishments with the winners and their instructors going forward to the Final.

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