Every year, two scholarships are awarded to young drivers aged 10 to 18.

The scholarships comprise a day of free tuition with an instructor of their choice, driving,  learning about different vehicles and stable management. No previous driving experience is needed, just a keen interest. The two winners have their awards presented at the BDS Scottish Show.

We welcomed 5 Young Drivers to the Anthea Greenlees Junior Training and Scholarship Day at Flowden’s, Eaglesfield.

Their previous driving experience varied from absolutely none to BDS Level 1, and their combined enthusiasm and keenness was never in doubt. They kept the adults on their toes with all their searching questions and provoked some very interesting discussions.

Each junior had the opportunity to drive 2 of the 3 turnouts available, as well as a harness competition, rein-handling and a quiz, which provoked a lot of debate!

It was extremely difficult to choose two drivers to be awarded the scholarships as all 5 would have been worthy winners. In the end it was decided that Murray Graham from Dumfries was the best candidate on the day and would receive a day of training and that Andrew Moodycliffe, also from Dumfries would benefit most from the second scholarship of a day of training. They will be receiving their awards at the BDS Scottish Show at Thirlestane in August, where a special day is planned for them and their families by the Show committee.

We would like to thank Rosemary Hiddleston, Rachael Armstrong and Katy Nelson for also taking part and hope that we will see them all back next year for another chance to win the chance to train with an LHHI of their choice.

Thank you to Andrew Moodycliffe for providing Monty, his Shetland, Murray Graham for Velvet and Barbara Patterson for Toyboy.

Thanks also to Barbara Patterson, Jacky Brittain and Catriona Murray who accompanied the ponies while they were being driven and assessed the driving skills. A special huge thanks to Barbara and Bob Patterson for hosting the day and providing lunch for the helpers.

Eileen Cornish and Jacky Brittain.

ANTHEA GREENLEES JUNIOR TRAINING DAY – TO WIN A SCHOLARSHIP

A training day for young drivers interested in applying for the scholarships was held on Saturday 24th April 2004 at Hillhead Farm, Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Fife.

After starting out with nine Juniors, sadly this year our numbers had dropped to four. Our participants were Mandy Elder from Fife, Alix Scott and Claire Stewart from Perthshire and Amy Sutherland from Brechin. The picture shows the four girls with Joyce Simpson (left) and Alex Lanni (right).

After coffee and pancakes it was up to the shed to get started. Joyce Simpson explained the harness and the differences between webbing, plastic, working and show harness. A great discussion took place about how to clean and store the different types of harness. The Juniors also had access to various bits, whips and carriage lamps.

Everyone had a chance to practice harnessing and unharnessing and Chester and Murdoch were very patient.

Alex Lanni went on to explain the differences between two and four wheeled carriages and our participants were able to see different styles of two wheelers and four wheelers which were on display.

After a picnic lunch it was time to drive. Chester was put to a two wheeled vehicle and the balance was discussed; and Murdoch put to a 4 wheeled vehicle (using Tilbury Tugs) - seen in the picture driven by Mandy Elder, with Joyce Simpson instructing.

The girls had great fun driving around the paddock and trying their hand at a small cones course. They each had a chance to drive turnouts and the pros and cons of both were explained.

After a very difficult assessment, it was decided that the Junior who would benefit most from a day's instruction from an LHHI would be Alix Scott. The runner up was Mandy Elder.

Each Junior was awarded a prize of a pair of gloves and an hour's driving tuition with an LHHI.

If there are any Juniors out there (aged 10-18) that would like to try carriage driving please do not hesitate to contact us.

Joyce Simpson 01577 862044