The sport of dressage is perhaps one better associated with the most accomplished riders, but the Lewis riding centre, Lochside Arena,is now part of British Dressage’s newest sensation “Team Quest” in a bid to allow rider of all abilities and ages to give the sport a go.
Some 45 riders have signed up for the initiative where riders at different levels take part in what is a relaxed dressage competition.
Teams of three or four ride as individuals across the three test levels and the best three scores count towards an overall team total, highest percentage wins the event.
Diane Morrison, one of Lochside’s directors, who has been organising the said: “This is a most exciting development and whilst some riders will have taken part in dressage competitions before, this really opens the sport up and allows those who have an interest to try it out.
“The interest has been phenomenal and we are delighted to be working with British Dressage to utilise Lochside Arena for a Team Quest competition.”
Lochside’s first event took place on Thursday when competitors were put through their paces by British Dressage judge Stephen Cruickshank.
Abbie Joe Morrison with her pony Fronrath Rio wining two out of three of the affiliated classes. Winners of the open section of the Team Quest competition were ‘The Coves and the Blone.’ First place in the BYRDS section went to ‘Stornoway Legends.’
The next Team Quest event is scheduled for May.
Riding centre holds dressage event
17 March 2015
Winners of the first Team Quest event