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As the Cairnhouse Riding Centre prepares for another season of winter points, owner Dawn Murchie explains why she is looking forward to their best competition yet.
She said: ‘Back in June of this year the arena was extended and resurfaced using wood grain. The horses love it because it is really springy and much softer for them.
‘It’s also much bigger which makes it a lot easier for us to set up courses. It will be great for this year’s winter points.’
Dawn’s family have been involved in the Cairnhouse Riding Centre for nearly 60 years.
She explained: ‘My grandmother, Helen McAllister built stables at Cairnhouse Farm and ran that business for about 34 years. In 1979 I took over the stables and then eventually relocated the riding centre across the road to where it is now.’
The winter points began 15 years ago when Dawn decided that the island needed a competition during the winter. ‘Once a month, during the six months of the winter, the riders take part in the competition and accumulate their points. There are five or six different classes ranging from the wobblies; young kids and the less experienced all the way up to older riders.’
Each rider must complete a course that includes jumps set up in the resurfaced arena.
Dawn added: ‘It’s important to encourage local riders to take part during the winter.’
Between 20 and 30 people from Arran take part either with their own horses or by borrowing one from the school itself.
The first date of this year’s winter points is Sunday, October 28, and the classes will begin at 11.30am.
If you would like to take part please phone Dawn Murchie on 860466.
