Local Dumfries and Gallowaycarriage drivers were in action at the weekend when they took part in the Indoor Driving National Championships at Keysoe, Bedfordshire. The Scottish Team was comprised of four drivers from the Chariots of Fire yard in Boreland – Amanda Nisbet, Louise Kaiholm, Alicia Fraser and John Nisbet – with Iain McKendrick from Newton Stewart completing the line-up. All 5 had qualified a regional south Scotland events held over the winter.
Amanda Nisbet competed in two classes finishing as Reserve Champion in both the pony pairs and open pony classes. She was also Reserve Supreme Champion – a real achievement in a competitive field of over 200 carriage drivers from around the UK. Iain McKendrick drove three of his Shetland ponies in a unicorn formation and finished as Reserve Champion of the small pony team class. John Nisbet, who won the intermediate category last year, stepped up to the open horse class for the first time, finishing in sixth place. Louise Kaiholm was fourth in the tandem class and Alicia Fraser, having her best championship to date, was fourth in the senior young driver class.
A team of five disabled drivers, supported by the local charity Sports Driving Unlimited, also qualified and competed at the Indoor Championships. Although they didn’t win any prizes, they received a enthusiastic welcome from the knowledgeable and experienced crowd, including at one point being given a standing ovation.
Charlotte Thomson from Eastriggs and Graham Smith from Annan took part in a huge novice pony class, finishing in 17th and 18th places respectively. Lewis Shaw from Annan was placed seventh in the senior young driver class. Lewis also achieved the distinction of being the first and only blind driver to take part in the national championships. Samuel Parker from Boreland took part in the young driver class, and 10 year old Matthew Powell from Dalbeattie gave a good showing in extra young driver class. All the drivers said they enjoyed the experience and were thrilled to be able to demonstrate their skills to a wider audience.
Chariots of Fire Driving Centre, Boreland near Lockerbie, teaches all ages and abilities the skills of riding and carriage driving – www.chariots.org.uk
Sports Driving Unlimited is a local charity that provides opportunities for disabled people to experience the thrills and excitement of carriage driving – www.sportsdrivingunlimtied.org.uk
