Strathaven showjumper to represent Scotland

Jul 10 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

A STRATHAVEN girl is jumping for joy after being given the chance to represent Scotland at the four nations Home Pony Show Jumping International in Ireland on Saturday.

Rebecca Henderson (12), will take part in the event for the second successive year, having also competed in Wales.

And she hopes a successful event can provide a boost ahead of the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham in October.

The Strathaven Academy pupil, who is about to enter second year, left for County Cavan yesterday and will be part of a Scottish team of four riders who will compete against England, Ireland and Wales.

Rebecca will ride the Irish-bred grey mare, Shine on Sherbet, which has had an excellent season with several good placings that have impressed show judges.

It’s no surprise that Rebecca has become involved in equestrian sports, as her dad Andrew helps run the family-owned training and livery yard at South Muirhead Farm near Strathaven.

A number of outstanding horses have been bred and started their careers at South Muirhead, including international event horse, Corbally Oak, and show jumper Calvaro’s Ace.

Andrew, who is also Rebecca’s coach, said: “Rebecca started riding when she was four, and has been doing it competitively since she was seven.

“Over in Ireland the show will be under affiliated showjumping rules and Rebecca hopes to do well.

“It’s a natural progression really, that Rebecca is into showjumping, because we’ve got the training centre here so horses and ponies have always been a big part of her life.”

Talented Rebecca has already gained a qualifying ticket with Bryaneth Samson for the Horse of the Year Show, which will be held at the Birmingham NEC, October 8-12.

She will ride Sam, a seven-year-old bay gelding, on behalf of his owner, Jim McNee, from East Kilbride.

Sam has been trained from a four-year-old by Jim’s wife Andrea, and daughter, Claire.

Mr Henderson added: “I am exceptionally proud of Rebecca and what she has achieved.”