OUR SCOTTISH WEEKEND

An incredibly eventful weekend - from the dreaded Cosmopolitan cocktails, missing cats, new combinations in the ring, Championships and a run in with the police >>>>>>>>>

A huge Thanks to Jane and Huw for once again letting us stable the night before the Scottish Championship Show at Strathallen, as ever the hospitality was amazing. The kids all rode in the afternoon and went for a gallop round the fields, which they loved, even if some of the adults were a little apprehensive!!

Catching up with everyone in the evening for dinner outside under Janes AMAZING new umbrella- it was great to see Kris and Jill and a surprise visitation from the Aherns! A very good night was had by all.

Off as usual at the crack of dawn to the showground,the day started of well, when Caitlin riding Strinesdale Distinction for Mandy Haddon in the ring, was 3rd in the HOYS 148cms Show Pony. Alyshia, who now owns Sparky, had her debut outing on him in the Part Bred Arab class - which she won and went onto take the Championship. Well Done Alyshia and Sparky.

Caitlin also had her debut outing on The Perfect Gent (Big Pete), she had only ridden him for the first time the day before and so no placing was not disappointing. Definately a pair to watch in the future!

Emma Jackson riding our own Thimbley Final Edition won her 143cms Show Hunter Pony class, securing her ticket for HOYS this year. She then pulled it out of the bag in the Championship with a great gallop - Champion again!!! Well Done Emma and Henry a much deserved result for this consistent pair.

The day was baking hot and as we all wandered back to the horsebox hungry and thirsty there was a full buffet spread courtesey of Mum, Dad, Aunt Nette and Uncle Rod, waiting for us.  Not something we are normally accustomed to at shows but very much appreciated by all. Think the kids had several several servings of Eton Mess!

With another HOYS ticket & two Championships under our belt we loaded up and set off. Whilst we didnt have the missing cat on board(See Edward Young!), our journey was not to go smoothly either. Half way down the M74, what sounded like an explosion but was actually a blow out of the front drivers side tyre, left us stranded for several hours, with only a policeman to entertain us!

While we were parked up on the hard shoulder we made the most of it - cooked our tea and read the Sunday papers. But THANK YOU to everyone who stopped or called to check we were OK - we really appreciated it.

The kids had a fabulous time and the adults did too - The Scottish Weekend has already been pencilled in the diary for next year!!