Dear Member,

                        As I write this, the rain that we were desperate for a few weeks ago, has arrived and now doesn’t seem to know when to stop! Dry, cracked fields have turned to squelching mud. However, there was a lot of nice hay made this year which should bode well for the winter.

Mid Somerset has had a good year with some good results in our team activities, of which you will hear more in the Team Manager’s reports at the AGM. Martin Boreham has made it to not one but two National Championships, which keeps MSRC on the map.

We did not run an Annual Show this year but ran a Combined Training event which sadly was not well supported. Dressage continues to attract competitors and we did not run any summer show jumping this year. Training continues to be popular and well supported. This winter we will have training with Gill Longhurst, Ed Hobbs, Amanda Edmonds, Sue Petty and Jane Holderness- Roddam.

We recently ran the Area 12 Novice Winter Dressage Qualifier at KSEC. This is a huge undertaking and a big ‘thank you’ to all of you who wrote or stewarded, scored, collected sheets or braved the chaos of the office. We couldn’t have done it without you. 

This year, our long term treasurer, Julia is going to hang up her calculator. She has performed this role for more years than we can believe and will be very much missed. At the time of going to press her successor is not yet in place. Membership in its entirety will now be done by Carolyn Edwards. Because BRC have now increased the affiliation fees – we are having to increase our membership costs. There has been no increase for many years so we hope that you will understand this.

Also BRC are insisting that all clubs start their year on January 1^st. As you know we have traditionally had November 1^st as the start of our year – but we now have to comply – so in fact you will be getting two months membership FREE!!!!  It does mean that all standing order mandates will have to be changed for the new date – so please ensure that you do this.

We hope that there is something for everyone in the Winter Programme – if not – it is up to you to tell us what you do want!  We are still DESPERATE for helpers at events – so please come forward and volunteer your services.

Many of you will know that Jenny Frampton had a horrible accident in her school at home and is now in the Spinal Injuries Unit at Odstock – we wish her well. It does bring it very close to home to hear of such incidents. At the AGM, Fiona Britten will demonstrate a new app called What 3 Words – which can pinpoint your whereabouts to a 3-meter square and could be lifesaving in many applications other than riding.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM on November 25^th at Long Sutton Village Hall – don’t forget that there is a free supper. The Annual trophies will be presented and our guest speaker will be Anna Risius who is a top class human and equine physiotherapist who works with top class riders at the big national and international events and was a member of the physio team at the 2012 London Olympics.

Finally, do remember to check flu vaccination status of each venue that you attend and always have your passport ready for inspection.

Meanwhile – Safe Riding!

Your Committee

Main Club Contacts:

• Chairman: Ed Hobbs – 07968 628 169
• Margaret Peverley – 01935 473 188
• Marian Draper – 01458 241 506 / 07885 301 898
• Treasurer: Julia Down – 01373 461 807 / 07720 626762
• Membership: Carolyn Edwards – 07786 553 765
• e-mail programmes: Alex Green – 01460 281 032 / 07766 885 965
• Dressage Competitions: Jane Surmon – 07771 548317
• Facebook: Martin Boreham – 07813 132 949
• Website: Jade Forbes – msridingclub@gmail.com

Our Team Managers are:

• Dressage: Carol Plested – 07973 360 968
• Horse Trials / Show Jumping / Combined Training: Martin Boreham – 07813 132 949