Photograph: Front from left: Brooke Walker, Iona Landale, Emma Walker (Team Captain). Middle from left: Kelly Grant, Pollyanna Smith. Back from left Roan Grant, Laura Patterson.
About the British Eventing Scotland u18 Team
A selection of the ‘local’ British Eventing under 18 Scottish Team visited their sponsor Lindores Equestrian just one week ahead of the National U18 Championships at Frickley Park.
What an awesome bunch they are! With the youngest rider in the team at 14 years old. The team at Lindores were blown away by their confidence, positive mind-set and extensive training calendar!
It’s nice to get to know the team that are representing our nation. But alongside our fun Q&A’s video clip above there is of course a more serious side which has involved working and training hard to get the results needed to be selected.
From the horses mouth
Each rider and horse qualified under the British Eventing Youth Programme and we couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication they have shown. said Anna Black, Manager at Lindores Equestrian.
Many of the riders have trained over the cross country fences at Lindores.
“I did cross country on Heaven for the very first time at Lindores. I remember getting so much confidence apart from I couldn’t get him over the classic Lindores jump in the water! Thankfully that didn’t last long!”
said Kelly Grant, who aged 15, is representing Scotland with Heaven for the first time in the 100 team.
Kelly Grant riding Heaven
Roan Grant, groom for Wills Oakden, is also making his debut appearance on the 100 team riding Caballo Rojo (stable name Will) and said:
“I’m really excited about being part of the team and I’m most looking forward to the cross country. It’s been really nice to come and meet other team members tonight.”
While the cross country is the phase that the team seem unanimously most excited about, the team are divided as to whether they are more apprehensive about the dressage phase, or the show jumping phase.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing all of my friends and getting to have another crack at 2* cross country”
“However I am slightly worried for the show jumping as I find Millie [who is 14.2hh] struggles with the horse distances. Being selected for the team means a lot and is made even more special by the fact we are competing for our country.” said Ruth Farnsworth
Local rider Jemima Cross is no stranger to Lindores Equestrian and she is also making her Scottish Team debut, saying
“I am looking forward to representing Scotland at the Championships and being part of a great time. I am most apprehensive about letting Patrick [Village Crescendo] down.”
Jemima Cross riding Patrick. Photo by Action Replay Photography
As young athletes they all have great motivational advice to share. Katie Edgar said:
“The best piece of advice was given to me by Ian Stark when I was 13 and I asked him how I could get on to a British Team. His advice was ‘every time you go out competing do your very best for yourself. My advice for any rider chasing their dreams would be never give up. You only get out what you put in.”
Katie Edgar riding Airborne. Photo by Action Reply Photography
Jodie Craig, who is also making her debut appearance agrees,
“You may think that you are the only one having problems or difficulties but you’re not. The only way to improve and get better is to work through these coming out even stronger each time you ride. As the famous saying goes ‘we learn from our mistakes’. It is also important to sometimes take the time to realise how far you have come as I find this motivates me to work harder.”
When speaking to individuals they are all excited about the opportunity to ride together as a whole team for their country. Let’s get behind them all and show them our support.
Their sponsorship of the British Eventing Scotland U18 team
Winner of Equestrian Business of the Year 2019 at the national horsescotland awards, Lindores Equestrian celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Reputed to be the most popular, friendly and inclusive training and horse holiday venue in Scotland, Lindores Equestrian are proud sponsors of the British Eventing Championship Team.
Lindores Equestrian has been a key training destination for many British Eventing riders and instructors. We are immensely proud to support the qualifying team that have worked so hard and for so many years. The world-class riders and their British Eventing support team will represent our country at the Frickley Park National U18 Championships from 25thJuly – 28thJuly 2019.
What’s the secret?
We will be meeting and interviewing some of the riders before the British Eventing Championships in July to hear directly from them how they qualified. We want to know how they made it and how they are feeling? What tips can they share for the rest of us training to be great?
So follow us on our social media channels @lindoresquestrian and visit www.lindoresxc.co.uk where you can find out team secrets. And a little about the venue where it all started, for some.
#LindoresEquestrian #TeamScotlandu18
Photo Courtesy of Kate Lawson
CONGRATULATIONS – 2019 U18 SCOTLAND TEAM
Novice/2* Team
Emma Webster – The Face of Rome (Team Captain)
Rachel Williamson – McDiamond / Antrim October
Georgia Buchan – Valentino III
Olivia Burns – All Rosie
Freya Hartley – Waterloo Sunset
Pollyanna Smith – Castleroche Star
Ruth Farnsworth – Go H Alainn
Ellie Bryce – Lacoste
E100 BTeam
Grace Botterell – Winston XX (Team Captain)
Roan Grant – Caballo Rojo
Laura Patterson – Edelweis V
Katie Edgar – Ardagh Airborne
Kelly Grant – Heaven Eyes
Brook Walker – Shannondale Flight
Jemima Cross – Village Crescendo
Jodie Caig – Hespo
Sophie Mason – Pebbly Limited Edition
Iona Landale – Sioux Dreamcatcher
There are 3 BE100 team reserves (in alphabetical order):
Gregor Walkingshaw – Craigmancie Symphony
Rebecca Scott – Dinozzo
Sasha Niven – Forrests Foxy Lady
Vicky Edgar – Ardagh Bobby
Equestrian Business of the Year 2019 at national horsescotland awards.
Celebrating our 30th anniversary, Lindores Equestrian is a first class training facility for riders and horses of all levels. Ideal for beginners right through to professional riders we have visiting instructors, kids, adults, holiday makers and camp hosts visiting to ride for pleasure or progression.
Lindores is award winning because it offers so much more than any other venue. We’ve simplified it into three key things which are Stay, Ride, Relax…
Click to visit our luxury accommodation website
STAY
At Lindores you can visit for an hour or your can stay for a week. There is accommodation to suit all budgets. Guests can stay in the luxury lodges which have private hot tubs, stunning views and interiors. The architecturally designed houses and gardens are purpose built so their accessible, dog friendly and kid friendly. If you’re keen for more affordable accommodation guests can stay in a bunkroom, pitch a tent in the campsite or hook-up their horse lorry for a comfortable night stay next to the famous Bothy.
The Bothy
The working farm has converted a cosy Bothy that is the heart of all the equestrian camp and clinic experiences. The Bothy has a kitchen, log burning stove, dining area, lounge seating with accompanying showers and toilets.
The training venue is ideal for kid and adult camps both residential and non-residential. Visiting hosts and instructors from all over the country hire the venue to create their own camp experiences.
There are limited spaces for hosting and riding in 2019 but do get in touch if you want to know more, they team will be happy to help CONTACT US
RIDE
The backbone of the business is the famous Lindores Cross Country course. Spanning 85 acres with over 125 British Eventing standard fences there is a huge range for training.
4** Eventer Louisa Milne Home riding Future Plans at Lindores
Customers can also hire the brand new working hunter fences on grass. They can hire the Olympic show jumping sized outdoor arena all year. There are also grass paddocks for turnout and dressage.
The hacking at Lindores offers varying terrain off road and the views from the stunning farm in Fife are so famous that Red Bull filmed with their sponsored athletes and EQy magazine voted it the ‘No 1 Horse Holiday destination’ nationally.
Olympic Show Jumping sized Arena
Incredible Hacking and Stunning Views
Brand New Working Hunter Fences on Grass
RELAX
The business has always been run by the very friendly Black family. They have created a very relaxed and welcoming environment. The business has grown off the back of listening and asking instructors and customers what they want. If the customers and horses are happy the Blacks are happy. Because of this openness camps and horse holidays at Lindores can include on foot activities such as: paint balling, full body massages, vet talks, pilates, personal training, confidence coaching, racing talks, inspirational speakers and more recently biking experiences.
Have Fun Building Confidence and Trust
Lindores Equestrian is proud to be the best in 2019 which is why it is the perfect fit sponsoring the British Eventing Scotland U18 team at the 2019 Champs.
For the first time ever, award winning hosts Wilder Ways are joining forces with Lindores Equestrian for a totally immersive week of horse riding, adventure, history, countryside, hot tub, cocktails, laughter and luxury accommodation.
This is your chance to try a blend of trail- riding Wilder Ways style with riding the Lindores fabulous and very accessible cross-country course and show-jumping arena. Enjoy treating one of the adorable Wilder Ways horses as your very own all week and bond over a range of activities and natural horsemanship games.
Wilder Ways horses are extremely safe and experienced. Nikki and Cara who run Wilder Ways have a herd who are extremely special and well looked after and have safely served as faithful companions for many guests experiencing their own trail- riding experience. If you want to find out more about the horses in the herd then please visit the Wilder Ways and get in touch with Cara and Nikki your friendly hosts!
Lindores is set in the hills near the beautiful Tay valley and during six days of horse riding we’ll explore along the River and surrounding hills. This is a beautiful open landscape with sweeping views, tracks and open fields. As well as being steeped in all things horse for the week, we’d also like to spoil you in one of Lindores fabulous new Lodges complete with private hot-tub and stunning views. The week includes 7 nights’ accommodation and full board, plus an afternoon visit to Lindores Abbey Distillery where William Wallace rested after battle – the visit including a distillery tour and cocktails.
This horse riding holiday experience is for horse riders of varied abilities who want to immerse themselves in the Wilder Ways way of life for a whole week. Utilising the fantastic equestrian facilities on offer at Lindores, exploring this wonderful landscape and its cultural delights and enjoying the company of a new equine companion, whilst indulging in a little luxury in the evenings with like-minded folk.
For a fusion of fantastic facilities and experienced steeds. Join us! This week is limited to six places so book now to avoid disappointment.
Package: £1,950 pp including 7 nights at Lindores Luxury Lodge, full board, horse hire for the week, the use of all facilities plus a tour of Lindores Abbey Distillery. This adventure is also available for riders wanting to bring their own horse.
The week runs Monday Sept 24th – Monday Oct 1st 2018
Lindores Equestrian Launch Innovative Pace Training Facility.
Lindores are extremely excited to announce our collaboration with Optimum Time to launch Scotland’s first ever pace training facility with stopwatch hire.
The innovative pace training facility called Lindores Optimum Time Trial incorporates optional British Eventing style 80cm and 1m cross country fences located around a safe grass track with 30 second meter markers set for Pony Cub and BE80, BE90 and BE100 speeds.
The Lindores Optimum Time Trial will allow riders to safely practice balanced and controlled pace using a stop watch to familiarise themselves with the correct pace they need to be travelling at in order to remain within the time when competing at cross country events.
The track is also designed to help riders increase their horse’s fitness levels to help prepare them for competitive events. The full track is on good going grass and located within view of the established Lindores Cross Country ground, but it is designed to be far apart to offer space for safe riding and training.
Anna Black, Manager of Lindores Equestrian said, “We’re so excited to be offering something completely new to the equestrian training market. Lindores developments are consistently driven by customer and market demands and thanks to our ability to listen and continually invest Lindores Equestrian continues to cater for riders of all abilities whether their priority is pleasure or progression.
“The project has been underway since 2017 because of the team’s strong desire to collaborate with Optimum Time. Riding with a stopwatch can be a daunting process and safety in the sport is paramount so anything we can do to help riders and instructors practice balanced, controlled pace is a positive move forward. We are delighted that instructors and riders, camp hosts and horse holiday guests can now take full advantage of this new training tool centrally located in Scotland.”
Tim Hawkins Co-owner of Optimum Time, the UK’s leading stopwatch manufacturer for the equestrian industry provides stopwatches for all levels of equestrian Eventers globally.
Tim said, “Lindores Equestrian presented this innovative concept of a pace track to help riders practice the correct pace for their competitive level. Optimum Time supports the provision of safe riding facilities and encourages all riders competing at BE80 level and above to practice balanced and well-paced riding and what better way than at Lindores Equestrian with an Optimum Time watch. Optimum Time watches are easy to use, engineered into bespoke design and iconic within the eventing industry. The collaboration between Lindores Equestrian and Optimum Time is representative of their forward thinking innovative brands.”
Be sure to watch the Lindores Optimum Time Trial demo film on You Tube with rider and instructor James Oakden BHSA I riding SVS Upbeat. His commentary is ideal for riders or instructors wanting to be the first to know how to use the brand new pace track.
How to book The Lindores Optimum Time Trial can be used by any rider, camp attendee or horse holiday guest hiring Lindores Cross Country course.
To book the Optimum Time Trial Click here <www.lindoresxc.co.uk/online-booking> and select ‘Cross Country hire with NEW Optimum Time Trial’ in the facility drop down menu. How to hire a stopwatch
Riders have the option to hire an Optimum Time stopwatch from Lindores Equestrian whilst using the Lindores Cross Country training facility. To do this please add in your booking comments and ask at reception. There is a small security deposit and a £5 hire charge.
Lindores Optimum Time Trial opens March 2018.
Any customers wanting to find out more about Optimum Time watches visit www.optimumtime.co.uk.
Any customers wanting to experience a Lindores horse holiday and stay in the luxury accommodation before trialling the Lindores Optimum Time Trial should view the luxury lodges here: www.lindores.co.uk
Last night we had a Lindores experience which we hadn’t previously encountered and it’s too good not to share!
Just before 11pm we got a phone call from a lovely camper to say that there was an issue with the spare toilet and it was inhabited by a calf who had escaped its pen, gone into the toilet and destroyed the contents in only a way a cow could! Luckily the calf is fine, needless to say the toilet is not and now getting a refurb!! Possibly the most unlikely event we could have predicted and another job for the Lindores team!
We arrived on day two and the campers are already smiling. Day two is usually my favourite day at camp as you see people achieve things they didn’t believe possible! To me it doesn’t matter if this is cantering in an open space for the first time, or jumping 1.15m, it’s all relative but there is nothing like seeing a genuine smile on someone’s face and it always makes me feel so lucky to have such an awesome job!
The morning lessons were grid work. For a couple of our riders this was the first time they had ever done grid work, but they fully embraced it! Grid work is so educational for both horses and riders and something we always do at camp. Alongside the grid work we looked at how to jump on an angle and the striding between fences – which everyone nailed!
Another awesome thing I see at camp is the development of horses and riders and I’m a great believer that horses go away and process things overnight and come back the next day with a completely different understanding.
This was certainly true for a number of the less experienced horses who had cantered down the poles yesterday unsure and struggling to consistently make the distances, where as today they were brimming with confidence, ears pricked, taking their riders through the poles and ready for the next challenge.
All of the horses and riders jumped brilliantly, with many more getting PB’s, everyone improving and growing with confidence. Such an awesome job, well done all!
A quick bite to eat at lunchtime (and no exercise session today the legs are just a touch stiff!) before heading up the hill for the cross country.
I always walk up to the top of the hill (instead of drive). This is for two reasons.. Firstly I can justify eating more of LouBirds amazing tiffin(!) and secondly because as you get to the top and look left the view is breathtaking. I never tire of seeing it and it’s always worth the climb.
Many of our horse and rider partnerships are new to cross country and they all did brilliantly. On the XC there are a huge range of fences from 40cm upwards and after a warm up I always try and send the riders out to string a few fences together. From an instructors point of view it’s a great course as you can link lots of fences together whilst still being able to see the riders!
Many campers jumped the ski jump for the first time as well as the new Danny MacAskill keyhole fence, which has become the ‘must jump’ fence for 2017! There were a couple of ‘digging deep’ moments, but some massive steps made!
A few of the riders were concerned that their horses were feeling tired before they went XC, although they definitely all perked up when they were up there and jumped fabulously. Many of our Wobbleberries are now realising their aim of a BE80 is very achievable and firmly insight.
As a training facility Lindores is great, one horse had an ‘issue’ with ditches and it’s an ideal place to address this. After sessions finished the lovely walk down the hill means that the horses are nicely cooled down by the time they get back to the stables.
As lots of happy faces congregated in the bothy, shared stories, experiences and write their days highlights on the ‘achievement board’ Lou had another amazing meal prepared.
During dinner one of our lovely campers set up a slide show of the achievements she had captured in between her own lessons. I really enjoy the fact that the campers are all so supportive of each other and this really is what makes camp so fab (of course I’m biased!)!
After dinner we welcomed Julia Craig to chat about saddle fitting. As always Julia was enthusiastic and informative and our campers learnt lots about different kids of saddles as well as tack fitting. Big thank you to Julia for giving up her time to chat to us.
Another long but very enjoyable day at Lindores and we are all looking forward to day three!
As lots of happy faces congregated in the bothy, shared stories, experiences and write their days highlights on the ‘achievement board’ Lou had another amazing meal prepared.
