Dumfriesshire's Chariots of Fire equestrian centre hosts first competition for nearly two years

It was all smiles at Dumfriesshire’s Chariots of Fire equestrian centre at the weekend as the first competition for nearly two years was held.

The centre, at Boreland near Lockerbie, had to suspend activities during the pandemic and closed to the public.

It has meant that the centre and Sports Driving Unlimited were unable to provide their usual activities for youngsters and disabled people but the recent easing of restrictions means Chariots of Fire has also been able to resume riding lessons for children and young people and the SDU’s carriage driving activities could restart.

So the weekend’s arena challenges were hailed as much a celebration as a competition for everyone who took part.

(Alan Clapperton and Liza Pern)

The event followed the strict Covid guidelines issued by horsescotland but that didn’t affect the enjoyment of competitors and their families with 25 young riders participating in an arena challenge on the Saturday – the largest turnout so far for the centre – and it attracted 17 carriage drivers on Sunday.

Chariots of Fire spokeswoman, Liza Pern said: “It was lovely to see so many people here and, although they might have been a bit rusty after so little practice, it didn’t affect the standard or the enjoyment”.

Speaking about the pandemic’s effect on the centre and users, she said: “We had to stop all contact with our riders and carriage drivers because of the virus which meant that, although we still had to look after the ponies, we had no way of generating any income.

“Like everyone else, we have found it’s been tough.

“We couldn’t have got through without the support of the community and the help of volunteers. That’s why this weekend’s competition is so significant. It means we’re back in full swing again. And it’s feels great.”