South Wiltshire Riding Club
Affiliated to the British Horse Society
www.southwiltsridingclub.org.uk
November 2014
Chairman’s Report
It’s hard to believe that it’s November and that summer is over.
The Club has had another very good year, with membership
increasing and lessons well attended. Our Dressage and
Combined Training competitions generated many favourable
comments – I think we have found our niche in providing small,
friendly competitions with no pressure, ideal for novice horses
and riders and for bringing on our juniors. They also had
another perfect opportunity to experience competition in a low
pressure environment at our Junior Show. For this I must say a
huge thank you to Sarah Mitchell-Sheppard and Laura Roberts,
without whose organisation the Junior Show would not have
happened. The hours they put in is worthy of a medal!
May 2014
As usual, the Club has entered teams in most Area Qualifiers
and again we have come away with a wide array of rosettes and
qualified for the Championships in several disciplines. Well done
to Alice Stone, Debbie Tibble, Donna Boyd and Sarah MitchellSheppard for reaching the national Championships. For a small
Club, we certainly punch above our weight!
Sarah is Team Manager and she would love to hear from
anyone interested in being in a team. We also plan to run a
number of club competitions through the winter, so keep an eye
on the website.
Finally, a plug for our Committee members who have all been
very busy this year helping to organise and deliver the activities
we hope you all enjoy. The roles undertaken by the Committee
are many and various and this is a plea to anyone interested in
joining the Committee at the next AGM. Put your name forward
and we’ll be happy to include you in the team with a role that’s
absolutely made for you!
So, I hope to see you all at the AGM and look forward to your
continued support in the future.
Mads
Horse Trials course walking at Larkhill
First Team Experiences
Dates for your Diary
Thurs 10
Thurs 20th
Sun 23rd
Tues 25th
Sun 30th
November
DB at Manor Farm 6.30pm
DB at Manor Farm 6.30pm
First Aid Course, Wilton 9am
Gridwork with Sarah M-S Ansty 6.30pm
Clear Round SJ Downlands 10am
Mon 1st
Sat 6th
Tues 9th
Wed 10th
Thurs 18th
December
DB at Manor Farm 6.30pm
Christmas Show Manor Farm
Gridwork with Sarah M-S Ansty 6.30pm
AGM Penruddocke Arms, Dinton 7pm
DB at Manor Farm 6.30pm
th
Full details of all the above can be found on the
website http://www.southwiltsridingclub.org.uk
Changes to Membership
For many years we have run a membership
subscription system whereby anyone joining in the last
3 months of the SWRC year paid only the BRC
affiliation fee element (£11), and then renewed with full
12 month membership in January (£25). After some
debate, we have decided to adopt a different system
whereby membership will last for 12 months from
whatever date a person joins.
Members will receive a reminder one month before
their renewal is due, and a further reminder when it is
due. If no renewal has been received 4 weeks after
that date, a member’s name will be removed from the
database. Members wishing to be in teams must make
sure their membership is current.
Well, as a relative newbie, terrified was how I
felt before my first lesson! But I didn’t need to
worry as the lessons are fantastic. The groups are
small with a mixed age range which is great
because I was convinced I was going to be the
oldest by far – but no.
I chose to join South Wilts Riding Club over a
year ago on a bit of a whim without knowing
anything about it, other than they did lessons in
indoor schools which were relatively close to me!
Straight away I felt part of the club as everyone
was so friendly and welcoming and I know that
sounds cliché but it’s true.
Everybody is very supportive of each other in
the lesson and I have never known an hour to go
by so quickly. My riding has come on in leaps and
bounds – literally! I am always amazed how Di and
Sarah quickly assess each horse and rider and
manage to bring out the best of them in such a
small amount of time.
It may be a group lesson but each rider is
treated as an individual and everyone comes out of
the school a better rider than when they went in
and with a big smile on their face. The lessons are
fun but serious at the same time and there is
always the opportunity to take ‘time out’ and
perhaps gather your nerves if you need to!
It is because of the lessons that I had the
confidence and encouragement to attend
competitions and try for the teams which gives me
an aim. I now just need help memorising a
dressage test or a jumping course, not sure if that
is age or nerves!
Sheri Start
The new system will come into force on 1st January
2015 and will apply to all renewals and new members.
It should prove better value for money for our members
and will certainly keep the membership secretary on
her toes!
When I did my first show for South Wilts Riding Club it
was at Crofton Manor and I was riding Murphy. I felt a
little scared before I got on but I knew I would be safe.
This show made me feel that shows are not scary but
they make you feel happy once you finish. I’m glad
I’m in this club because it helps my riding skills and I
have an amazing riding teacher to help me. I’m glad I
have Sarah and Murphy and the team to help me.
Welcome to New Members
A warm welcome to new members who have joined us
in the last few months
Charlie Large from Tisbury
Emma Smith from Berwick St James
Karen Shearing from Coombe Bissett
Liz Kemp from Norton Bavant
Alyson Perry from Stoke Trister
Chloe Haskell
Junior Member
Junior member
2
Chloe Haskell
Left: Donna and Fred in Action
any of the jumps en route as he was far too busy
gawping at everything else. Somehow we managed to
go clear and inside the time. Finally X-country. The
course was causing plenty of problems and catching
people out, so I set off for the start box feeling a bit
nervous (which isn't normal for me)! As soon as we
started the butterflies vanished. Fred was a little sticky
but after the first few fences he settled down and
began to relax. By the end I think he was really
enjoying it. Because the course had been catching
plenty of people out I decided to go for the clear and
not the time. Needless to say we finished with a few
time faults but we did get the clear round.
I could not have been happier with Fred. What a
star! We finished 5th in our arena so we even had a
lovely rosette to come home with.
Donna and Fred at the
2014 BRC Horse Trials Championship
This year my lovely horse (Fred) and I qualified for
the BRC Horse Trials championships at Swalcliffe
near Banbury. I was very surprised to qualify as the
area competition was Fred's first one-day event, so I
was really pleased when we won the novice section.
However I can't say the thought of going to a
championship for his second one-day event was
something I was looking forward to! Because the
novice section is a single day event and because of
Fred's lack of competition experience, I decided to
do the trip up and back in one day. Fred can get a
little stressed in new surroundings and I wanted to
make sure that he had a good night's sleep before
the big day.
Next morning we loaded Fred and all his gear
(enough to stock a large tack shop) into the lorry and
set off bright and early. At the venue we drove into
the lorry park through large flags welcoming us to
BRC Horse Trials championships. Suddenly I got a
bit nervous. In front of us was a huge number of
horse boxes and beyond were the stables and
passport checks. To our left were the dressage
arenas and warm up, beyond was the showjumping
(surrounded by trade stands, sponsors tents,
cameras and video cameras) and beyond that was
the x-country course. The number of competitors
seemed vast.
It only took a few minutes to do the passport and
vaccination check but it gave Fred the opportunity to
see his surroundings. He did look a little shell
shocked and over excited by the time we got back to
the lorry! Next job was to walk the course. It was a
nice course. Up to height and quite technical for that
level. Plenty to keep us on our toes and lots of
combinations. Time to crack on!!!
Fred was a little overawed throughout the day so
we didn't manage our best effort in the dressage, but
still managed a respectable 29%. Showjumping
next. He trotted into the arena with his eyes on
stalks and I'm not sure whether he really looked at
Donna Boyd
Help Needed!
Phew! Another busy year! But it’s not quite over yet!
To date we have sent junior and senior teams to
almost every area qualifier, plus provided the requisite
number of helpers on the ground at qualifiers and
championships. We have also held a very successful
Junior Show and run our own open dressage and
combined training competitions at Warminster - all this
in addition to providing regular instruction at Teffont
and Little Wishford. But none of this has happened
without the huge efforts of a very small number of
dedicated people.
If we want to continue to offer the above and aspire to
a wider variety of training and activities, we don’t just
need riders (very important!) –we also need helpers
on the ground. Please, please make it a New Year
Resolution to volunteer to help at at least one event in
the coming year. It would make such a difference. In
the meantime, read Ruth Dresman’s article “People on
Horses” , about the enjoyment of being a dressage
judge’s writer. Helping can be fun and a great way to
get to know more people.
We would also welcome a few more committee
members to share some of the necessary jobs. What
skills do you need to be on the committee? NONE –
apart from enthusiasm and a willingness to be an
active contributor. You wouldn’t be left to flounder in
any new responsibility – support will be given until you
feel confident. Do let Mads or any other committee
member know if you are interested.
3
Little Fred’s Big Day
My first ever team competition for the riding club was the combined training at Crofton
Manor in April. I was very excited as I had never been in a team competition before and
was very proud of Little Fred as he was the smallest in the team by miles!
It was quite a long journey and I was so nervous that things wouldn't go well and I
would let the team down. Because there was a junior team as well there was quite a
gang of us from South Wilts RC which was lovely as everyone was so encouraging and
supportive of each other it helped to settle my nerves and boost everyone's confidence!
My dressage test went really well, I think having Sarah calling it for me was quite
reassuring! Everyone in our team was really pleased that Fred's test went well and we
all made an effort to watch each other which really made me feel part of a team of
people that cared about each other. However I was right to be nervous about letting the
team down as Little Fred decided that the show jumping was too much effort and we
were eliminated for 3 refusals! Oh the embarrassment!! Fortunately everyone had
something kind and positive to say. No one threw us out of the team in a fit of rage as I
had feared so it ended up being a really fun day where I made some good friends and
learned a lot. it definitely helped improve my riding as I haven't been eliminated since.
Also the junior team came 2nd and qualified for the champs which was fab! Thankfully
I'm still on the team and ready for the next competition!
Above: Jo and Little
Fred in training
Jo Glanville
People on Horses
‘People on horses look better than they are. People in
cars look worse than they are ‘
This quote by Marya Mannes took me back to the Summer
when I volunteered to dressage write for a couple of Club
competitions.
So is Marya right?
Sitting in the judge’s car at ‘C’ is, I agree, less glamorous
Ruth and Ellie
than riding a horse, but the feeling of taking part is still there.
Add to that the opportunity to look at dressage from the judge’s point of view and to literally look through their
eyes, is an experience that I will bear in mind every time I compete .
It was helpful to experience how hard the judges tried to see the good in even the most sticky of performances
and to share their delight in rewarding the riders’ efforts when all went well. The nuts and bolts of dressage
writing are easy enough for anyone who has ever ridden a test. I enjoyed making up an imaginative shorthand
with the creative use of symbols. When I am a really famous artist you will wish you had kept those score
sheets!
While I certainly looked less good in a car than I do sitting proudly on the beautiful Ellie, I wish to argue that the
view from ‘C’ has many rewards. I recommend it to all club members.
Ruth Dresman
Dressage and Dressage to Music Championships
with Sarah and Bailey
Competing at a Riding Club championship is such an honour and gives you a real sense of achievement;
it gives you an opportunity to meet like minded individuals from all across the country as well as a great
excuse to stay away with your horse and compete at new venues that you wouldn’t otherwise venture to.
I was very fortunate this year to qualify not just in the dressage but also the dressage to music
championships.
First up was Lincoln; a lovely venue where the dressage is held alongside the SJ giving you a chance to
see a bit of everything. Due to Bailey’s temperament we decided to travel up the morning before to give
me time to ride him in the light the day before. Unfortunately he was quite unsettled riding in a large
open field so we went to bed feeling a little unsure about the following day. The morning of the
championships was a cold and foggy start but what a great atmosphere around the stables, everyone
plaiting their horses in their pyjamas and onesies, music on and laughter from all the stables – a great
way to relax before competing. Bailey did two beautiful tests but unfortunately despite his over 75%
qualifying score it wasn’t to be his day at the championships but that’s the joy of competing and we were
just delighted to have qualified and be part of something so special with such beautiful horses and
talented riders.
Next up for us were the dressage to music championships where we were so fortunate to be able to
compete at a beautiful venue; Bury Farm. The indoor arena was so beautiful and BRC put on a fantastic
weekend; we once again travelled up the night before and after a relaxing schooling session we settled
Bailey in for the night then enjoyed an evening of Quadrille qualifiers – what a fantastic show! We started
the next day with an arena walk, this was so beneficial for many riders and also gave the horses a
chance to hear the music as well. Before entering the championship class Bailey and I did our warm up
class outside which I am delighted to say he won but on entering the indoor for our music I think the
nerves got the better of both of us a little; this was the grandest arena we had ever been in and only the
second time we’d performed our music (the first being at the qualifier). He did a nice test but was a little
tense throughout but I was thrilled that the music fitted perfectly to the point where we saluted on the final
beat.
Having the opportunity to ride at these events has just been unexplainable; being able to represent a club
gives you such sense of pride and the support and encouragement from the members of South Wilts
Riding Club is endless no matter your result.
Sarah Mitchell-Sheppard
To see how all our teams fared this year see the Competitions Page
(Quals/Champs) on the SWRC website
5
News from BRC Area 17
Ride Together
Train Together
Compete Together
Area 17 Qualifiers 2015 season
Have Fun Together
BRC National Championships 2015
Novice Indoor Show Jumping
Crofton Manor Sunday 22nd February 2015
Novice Show Jumping and Dressage Winter
Championships
Hartpury Saturday/Sunday 4th-5th April 2015
Intermediate Winter Dressage
Woodington Saturday/ Sunday 28th-29th March
2015
Intermediate Dressage and Show Jumping
Winter Championships
Bury Farm Saturday/Sunday 2nd-3rd May 2015
Festival of the Horse Challenge
Tenantry Farm, Rockbourne Monday April 6th 2015
Combined Training
Crofton Manor Sunday 19th April 2015
Festival of the Horse Championships
venue to be confirmed
Saturday/Sunday 30th-31st May 2015
Horse Trials
Bovington Sunday 7th June 2015
Dressage and Riding Test
Pinkmead Saturday 11th July 2015
There are still dates and venues to be decided. Keep an eye on the website for
any additions or changes
New Club Clothing – the First Order Arrives
SWRC Committee 2014
We have recently taken
delivery of the first order of
club clothing, all purchased by
committee members – so do
get in touch with one of us if
you’d like to see the clothing.
It’s very smart!
Jo shows off the new
SWRC soft shell jacket
Chairman :
Mads Southey
01980 621068
[email protected]
Membership Secretary/Treasurer:
Judy Nathan
01963 31742
[email protected]
At the moment it includes
rugby and polo shirts in navy
with a red and gold logo, and
an insulated waterproof jacket
and a soft shell jacket, both
red with navy and gold logo,
Many
other
items
are
available (see mini brochure
and price list on the website)
and we need a minimum of 12
items to make up the next
order.
Minutes Secretary/Team Entries:
Jan Mitchell
01722 714342
Could be something for your
Christmas list?
Donna Boyd:
6
[email protected]
Training/ Team Manager:
Sarah Mitchell Sheppard
01722 714342
[email protected]
Publicity:
Laura Roberts
01747 871367
[email protected]
01308 487892
[email protected]