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TheCourier.co.uk - Full Article
June 18 2023
by Gayle Ritchie
Iain Paterson and his horse Primo tackled 100 miles of tough, tricky terrain in less than a day. Gayle Ritchie reports.
Darkness was falling as Iain Paterson trotted through the ancient Caledonian pine forest, glow sticks lighting the way.
He and his horse, Primo, were nearing the end of their epic 100-mile endurance ride through the Cairngorms, and, while they were weary, their spirits were high.
They were in the heart of Abernethy forest, having set off from Glen Clova at 4am with the ambition of finishing the Cairngorm 100 race within 24 hours. They nailed it, completing in 21 hours – winning the 2017 event to boot.
However, it wasn’t just speed that clinched the pair the top title. The sport takes horse welfare very seriously – the overall winner needs to have passed vet checks before, during and after the ride that deem the horse to be in good health.
Relief and elation
“There’s something so magical about riding along in the half-light through this beautiful old Scottish woodland,” reflects Iain.
“You pop out at the top of Nethy Bridge and think, ‘good God, I’ve really done this’...
Read more here:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/outdoors/4484317/100-miles-through-cairngorms-horseback-21-hours/
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