Dear Member,
As if the mud and the floods were not enough , we are now still in the grip of Arctic conditions and as yet there seems no end to this wretched winter. We have lost so many events and those we did manage to run have been so poorly supported as no one had been able to work their horses properly unless fortunate enough to have an indoor facility – but at least some of the training has been well patronised. We have run series clinics with Nikki Stephens, Gaye Farquharson, Liz Down and Amanda Edmonds. Thanks are due to the clinic organisers – Denise Kersley, Anna Harris and Jo Pitman respectively. The Amanda Edmonds sessions have been very well attended and please if you are thinking of doing the summer series – get your name down early!!! We have also run day clinics with Steve Hague, Jane Holderness-Roddam and Sue Petty.
Our Novice Indoor SJ team missed qualification for the national final at Hartpury but thanks are due to Jo Francis for managing these teams. Jo is now looking for team members for the summer competitions – so pick up the phone and call her.(07967 598 358) Sarah Whittingotn has offered to run a team candidate jumping training at South Barrow – ring Jo to discuss. Our dressage teams did well and one managed to qualify for Hartpury at the Pontispool qualifier and the team of Mandie Bown, Kathy Emery, Nikki Forbes and Alys Matravers have just come 2nd at the Nationals – a wonderful effort. Alys Matravers will now be looking for team members for the summer qualifier ( 07512 239 303) the qualifier is on Aug 10th at Nutwell Court. Mandie Bown is on the lookout for Horse Trials talent with a qualifier on 30th June – Mandie would love to hear from you on (07968 146 209)
The Dressage to Music is at Kingston Maurward on May 27th. Mid Somerset are running this music qualifier again and Marian will be delighted to hear from you if you could help on this day, please. Some people have already volunteered but we do need more to lighten the load please – it is a very long day! There are open non music classes too so perhaps some of you will come and swell the numbers. If you want to have a go at the music – please contact Alys as soon as possible.
We are running summer series training with Amanda Edmonds, Gaye Farquharson and Gill Longhurst. We also have a training opportunity with Steve Hague at King’s Sedgemoor when the jumping clinic will include conventional show jumps and portable cross country fences in the arena – this should be very popular so book early! We are planning to run another judge training evening with Alicia Anderson and this will take place in late September so do watch the website for details.
Don’t forget the terrier racing on July 25th – please save all those unwanted presents for the tombola stall. We are still desperate for help at events – if you can spare just a couple of hours we would be most grateful. If every member helped just once or twice a year this would be brilliant and would reduce the ever increasing load on the stalwarts.
If you fancy taking your horse on holiday to ride in a new area – member Jo Neville – Rolfe is highly recommending a b & b for you and your horse/dogs at Verwood – wonderful riding, lovely accommodation. http://www.whiteowlsbbfordogsandhorses.co.uk or tell 01202 821 772. Stables and grazing / direct access from property onto bridleways.
Or maybe closer to home you would like a hack through the woods at Penselwood – if so – Nikki Forbes is the person you need to talk to – Nikki is happy to escort small groups for a ride. For details – contact Nikki on 07890 047 706.
We hope you find something to interest you in the Summer Programme ~ we look forward to seeing you out and about soon. Safe Riding!
Main Club contacts: Chairman: Margaret Peverley (01935 840 735)
Secretary: Marian Draper (01458 241 506)
Treasurer & Membership: Julia Down (01373 461 807)
Teams: SJ – Jo Francis 07967 598 358 – HT ~ Mandie Bown 07968 146 209, Dressage & RT ~ Alys Matravers 07512 239 303.
Footnote: Marian would like to thank everyone who sent messages to her after the sad & sudden loss of Harry – they have been a great comfort to her.
