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

Dear Member,

Dare we hope that these strange times are getting a shade nearer to normality?

Your Riding Club has seen quite  a few changes in the last months as we cautiously try and get going again. We have lost some committee members  for various reasons and Andrea Jones has kindly stepped into the role of Chair. Which with her knowledge of BRC and the Area 12 committee, this can do us nothing but good.

Sadly we have also lost our Membership Secretary – Carolyn Edwards and we thank her for all she has done and also applaud Judith for holding the fort on Membership at present.

This is a good point to remind you that Memberships are due on January 1^st, since BRC changed the rules to make all clubs function Jan to Jan. Please check that your standing orders are correct. We realise that there are some members who do not compete but for historic reasons like to stay in touch with the club and we are offering a reduced rate for these people – as we realise that some mandates have not been changed. For such people their details will not be sent to HQ and therefore will not have the benefit of the insurance. For further clarification  please indicate this on your membership form ( attached) and discuss with Judith.  We don’t want to lose touch with  you!!

We have run two successful dressage competitions at Half Moon Stud and a third was sadly cancelled due to lack of entries – but entries are low everywhere at present and when we have to hire premises, unfortunately sometimes this becomes unviable.  We have a Championship series planned for the winter  – again at Half Moon – and look forward to seeing you there with excellent prizes on offer to Champion and Reserve in April.

Training has also seen a dip in participants – but both the Amanda Edmonds clinics at Kingfisher and the Gill Longhurst ones at World Horse Welfare will continue through the winter. Sara Bartlett and Jaki Dyer will be pleased to hear from you – the relevant flyers are sent with this mailing.

There are two clinics with Sue Petty booked at World Horse Welfare and we also have a Test Riding Clinic at Half Moon in January with Frances Turner.  This will be an excellent opportunity to ride a test of your choice – have it assessed by a List 1 judge, receive instruction from her and then ride it again trying desperately to remember and put into effect all the things you have just been told!!  Hopefully the marks on the second sheet will be better!! Places for this are limited so do book early.

We had a very successful day at the South West & Wales Regional Championships at Hartpury in August and Carol’s Dressage Diva’s came home with rosettes all round. We have a core group of riders going very well at the moment  and this bodes well for the next qualifier for the Novice Winter Dressage at the end of November. Remember that Carol is always looking for new combinations and you can compete as an individual so that you are not under pressure of being in a team, Come and have a go!

The ever popular charity Quiz Night – postponed from March will run  on Saturday December 11^th at Long Sutton Village Hall. It is always a fun night and if you feel you don’t want to be in a team we are looking for helpers as well. Your ticket includes a supper and your first drink is complimentary too – with one of Margaret’s amazing raffles , what more could you want for a fun evening!

At the time of writing we have no date for the AGM – which will also be at Long Sutton Village Hall – but this will be advised in the New Year Newsletter.

However, don’t wait for the AGM – if there are other things you would like to see your club put on  – please do let us know.

Meanwhile – Safe Riding!

Your Committee