The weather may have taken a turn for the worse with snow, rain and freezing temperatures but the first of the Royal Highland Show qualifiers brought competitors out in force in the hope of qualifying for the finals in June.
Just when Scottish show jumping started to become really exciting – with qualifiers, riders returning from abroad and class numbers going up – the threat of the Covid-19 put the whole country into lockdown.
Storms and extreme weather may have hit Scotland and a lucky few have headed off to warmer weather and better prize money, but the competition at home has been just as fierce.
Two popular wins at London’s Olympia Horse Show were the best way to celebrate leaving one decade for another.
Quite a few riders have been lucky enough to head to warmer climes making for the sunshine in Vilamoura this month.
Scottish juniors have been busy for the last few weeks following the Home Pony shows around the country – having started at Cavan, Ireland they then headed to the Scottish National Equestrian Centre, at Oatridge College, outside Broxburn.
Heading north for 10 days of show jumping and a fun, friendly atmosphere, riders flocked to one of the most popular fixture in the show jumping calendar, The Cabin EC’s ‘Sunshine Tour’.
A Mexican wave swept around the edges of the Royal Highland Show’s vast main arena for the first time ever, whipping the thousands gathered to watch into a frenzy of excitement and anticipation of what was to be a superb jump off in the Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Grand Prix carrying a £22,500 prize fund.
Muirmill EC ran a four-day spectacular offering some fabulous classes including two carrying places for HOYS. Despite the inclement weather this show was well received, their extended outdoor arena rode really well even after some downpours and all the riders appreciated the chance to jump some bigger tracks.
