Dear Member,

It is now early April and winter has been really kind to us this year – I think I have only had one morning when the water in the stable was frozen. Whatever we get now it the way of adverse weather surely cannot last long.

We finally held our AGM in February and although not many people attended, it was an enjoyable evening, with a lovely supper provided by Margaret. We chose not to engage a speaker as we felt that people would really just want to chat and catch up with friends that they hadn’t been able to see for a while.

The Novice Winter dressage qualifier that was postponed from November due to a storm – finally took place at KSEC on February 27^th. Mid Somerset did well and looked very smart with their new saddle cloths. Jaki Dyer and Ava Luna qualified for the Championships at Arena UK in March. Supported by Carol and Emma they made the long journey to Grantham, Jaki did really well and it was a pity that there was an equal 9^th which meant that she just finished outside the ribbons, It was a really good effort.

The Intermediate dressage qualifier also has taken place and after the scoring gremlins were sorted out – our teams finished a really creditable 2^nd and 3^rd. Our thanks to Carol for wading through the minefield of entry protocols which seem to get ever more challenging.

The next dressage qualifier will be the Dressage to Music at KSEC on May 21st. Please get in touch with Carol if you want to enter for this.

Alys Matravers is looking after any qualifiers which involve leaving the ground – so please get in touch with Alys if you are thinking in that direction.

On the training front we have a new series of Sue Petty clinics booked – these are so good for ALL abilities. The ever popular Gill Longhurst ones continue on the third Wednesday evening of the month at WHW and Jaki Dyer is responsible for these.

The Amanda Edmonds clinics are on temporary hold while Amanda recovers from a shoulder repair – but contact Sara Bartlett for the latest news on these.

Another Test Riding day with Frances Turner is scheduled for May 26^th at Half Moon and there is an excellent opportunity to show off your test riding skills and get help to make them even better!!

A new addition to the training diary are pole work clinics with Margaret Millward at WHW in May – thanks to Helen for organising these. Do come and join in – these clinics will be beneficial at any level.

Our dressage competition takes place on April 24^th at Half Moon and if you haven’t entered already – please do so now as we are in need if entries for this day.

The popular South Wales and West Championships will tale place again at Hartpury in August and that is such a good day that we really hope we can qualify some teams again for that. This year the Riding Test qualifier will be on July 3^rd at KSEC and the  dressage on July 9^th at Chard.

We are in need of finding new members so please talk to people in your yard and see if you can encourage them to join us. Margaret and Marian attended the Area meeting in March and it would appear that we are not alone in experiencing reduced membership. In fact the meeting was only attended by 10 clubs out of the 19 in Area 12. The Area 12 website should be functioning properly now and will have all schedules for qualifiers accessible.

Hope to see you out and about as we move into Summer

Until then – keep safe and enjoy your riding!

Your Committee