NEWSLETTER JUNE
President Dorothy Billings
FROM THE CHAIR
Hi Everyone,
I hope you are all keeping well, exercising you horses and ponies like mad, and just waiting for all
the forthcoming events.
The Wyre Forest drive was once again a huge success and although it was cold it stayed dry until
almost the end.
Thank you to David for organising the Wichenford Drive, I was disappointed because I had to
work and could not go.
Once again our day at Mount Pleasant Farm was excellent, although the weather was not very
kind. A big thank you to Geoff and Ivan who assisted the girls with the obstacles, to Carol for the
cones course. Vicki for towing the white trailer to Ivan’s, Julie and Hannah for designing the
obstacles, Sandy and I just did what we were told and Linda as usual all the technical parts. Carol
for supplying the tea and coffee on Saturday and Sunday and all the mouth-watering cakes on
Sunday. Gill and Tony Bache for their expert advice to our members on Sunday morning and to
everyone who helped on Sunday.
Unfortunately the event to be held at Shakenhurst had to be cancelled due to lack of entries.
The next event is the joint Wolverley and West Midland Driving Club at Solihull, it should be a
really good day, I hope to see you all their, either driving or helping.
Please note the change of date for Enville; it is now August and not July.
We would like to wish Dawns Mum a speedy recovery, also Kelly who had been unwell and hope
to see her driving again soon.
Good Luck to you all
Sue
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Barry Capstick Demonstration, Unicorn Trust.
Barry Capstick of International Driving fame hosted a talk and demonstration at the Unicorn Trust Equestrian
Centre, Stow on the Wold. A group of 66 people had a guided tour of the carriage collection which included a
beautifully balanced Spider Gig, an original Benninngton, a Doctors cart, and my favourite a ¾ size Coach one of
only 2 left in the world, fully equipped with picnic trays, containing Royal Doulton ‘coaching’ tea set; silver cutlery and
a drinks cabinet.
We moved on to the seating area by the arenas where a team of 4 horses harnessed and ready to go with 2 grooms.
Barry gave an easy to understand talk on the vehicle, harness and horses.
He was using a Polish 4 wheel vehicle with adaptations including cutting away tread on the back wheels to improve
lateral grip when turning fast.
The harness was Tedman, with leather bridles and each horse had its own designed bit according to its mouth, which
Barry designed and often made himself. Throughout the demonstration alterations where made to the curb chains
according to how the horse worked and responded to handling.
The novice team comprised of 2 greys and 2 bays all of Dutch origin from the same “Grandfather” he described
them as sharp forward going horses.
The team practiced the obstacle of light weight barrels and cones. Barry gave us a running commentary referring to
action, handling, and response of individual horses as they worked.
Tickets had been given out to win a ride on the backstep during training. Stephen randomly took tickets from the box
club members Geoff Leeming, Ivan Meredith, Kelly Hill and myself where lucky and got to ride shot gun in twos’ on
the back of the vehicle.
“I stood white knuckled holding on behind Barry” What a wonderful opportunity we hurtled around the arena in and
out of the obstacle, the experience of being so close to the team as Barry talked through the action was amazing. The
team where keen and readily tried all he asked of them.
Our thanks to Barry for a fascinating evening and to Stephen for organising the event.
Sandra Phillips.
Are you adequately covered?
It was reported In Horse and Hound on 20th December that “A taxi driver left with severe head
injuries when his car struck a runaway horse that was on the road had won a £1.25 million payout
in London’s High Court.”
The judge is reported as commenting “that the pay-out was entirely appropriate.”
Would your Public Liability Insurance have covered this?
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Associate Membership of the BHDTA costs only £54.00 and gives £30 million Public Liability
cover for you or anyone handling your horse or pony on your behalf. This must be fantastic value
for peace of mind.
Tony Bache
Congratulations to the proud Grandparents Sue and Geoff Woods on
the new arrivals of Chloe and Harry.
Our best wishes go to Rebecca Poole and Greame on their recent
Wedding in Australia.
Also Vicki and Simon Poole celebrating their 40th Wedding
Anniversary in August.
Please Note New dates for:Joint Mini Event at Solihull Riding Club Sunday 29th June, If anybody can
help with stewarding on this day please contact Sue Woods on 07813821451
Enville Open Outdoor /Indoor Driving Trials Sunday 10TH August
Schedule will still be same but Closing date will now be Thursday 31st July.
WYRE FOREST DRIVE
I am not very knowledgeable with regards to the Wyre Forest. The three times I have driven
around the forest I got lost each time, so this year when Gill and Tony Bache offered to walk with
me so that I could check the route, I was very grateful and after a hot chocolate at the Visitors
Centre everything was brilliant. (How could I have got lost on so many previous occasions).
Two days later after every bone in my body ached, I was not so sure if it had been a good idea,
now I know how Benson feels!
We had a choice of three routes, once around for small and unfit ponies or horses, twice around if
they were fitter and the long route for the big boys.
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It was good to see Julie and Dave out and about and I hope our new members enjoyed the off road
driving around the Forest. I know I always have a good time.
I would like to say a big thank you to Linda for once again supporting the Club by organising the
parking and collecting the Permits, also Phil the Forest Ranger for all his help.
I am not sure what all the other visitors to the Forest thought when they saw three little ponies
pulling a carriage – I must say Benson looked twice, we certainly have variety in our Club.
Thank you for locking the gate Julie.
It just remains for me to thank everyone who supported the event, I hope you all enjoyed it.
Sue
As you all know the Wyre Forest Drive is run in aid of the Air Ambulance and I would like to
say a big thank you to those members who could not make the Drive but sent donations. Now
Vicki is back from Australia, we will be sending a cheque off and will let you know the amount.
Linda.
BRITISH
CARRIAGE DOG
SOCIETY
EARLY NOTICE –
MORE TO FOLLOW –
DATE FOR 2008 DIARY
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Weekend July 4th- 6th National Trials
In Wolverley Country!
Lincomb Farm
Stourport-on-Severn.
Carriage Judge will be Richard James
CONTACT Jane (Friend) 01568 708074
KYRE VALLEY RAILWAY
Open Days for 2008
July 12th, August 9th September 13th, October 11th
(We suggest you telephone in advance to check if a date has had to be changed)
The Annual friends and Family Railway Picnic Day will be on June 14th (please RSVP by June
1st)
Tony & Paddy Marris The Hyde Stoke Bliss, Worcestershire WR15 8RS
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01885 410324
Your Local Stockiest
For
Zilco & Tedex Harness
Also Second hand
Ideal Harness to order
Driving Accessories
New & Exercise Vehicles
Second hand Vehicles
Bioflow Health products for animals and people
Trailer extensions to carry horse drawn vehicles
Contact Stephen Pond
On 011452 849016 or
E mail Stephen Pond at [email protected] or
www.take-the-reins.co.uk
Wanted Bennington Buccaneer
We are looking to purchase a Bennington Buccaneer it needs to suit a large
Cob. Any Condition.
Can Collect
Contact Sandra Phillips on 01299 250508
For
Sale
Exercise Cart to fit 13hh to 14.2hh on car tyres with elliptic springs,
windable seat, footrest, in good working order. Price Negotiable.
Contact Dorothy on 01746 761021
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Wichenford Drive Sunday 4th May
Despite a grey cloudy day and rain always being an option, 4 turnouts met at Sabrina De Lisle’s
yard at Ockeridge for a pleasant and highly interesting drive.
David Smith and Sabrina had negotiated with the Bulmer’s Cider Farms, to provide access to their
orchard tracks, which came after a drive encompassing Cockshoot Farm tracks, Hockhams Farm
with its amazing barn complex and Little Whitley.
On returning to the venue, with a number of car borne club members arriving for the picnic, a late
lunch followed, + all the latest gossip. To keep your reputation and standing intact, you should
have been there!
Thoresby Horse Driving Nottingham Trials 19th / 20th April
Several WDDC members attended the Midland Driving Trials Group event at Thoresby, both
with their horses and as helpers. Dawn Tebbit and Robin Harcourt-Smith, Lorraine Davies and
Paul Baker, Carol and David Pawson, with their number 3 son Robert grooming for David Smith,
all competed. Carol and Tony Gregory, Kate and Jo Adams and Geoff Kay officiated, with Geoff
taking some great action photos to immortalise the weekend.
It was finger snapping cold on day 1 and wet and cold on day 2 – so much use was made of
cramming as many people into one caravan, for the warmth factor, and communal consumption of
food and alcohol.
Despite the arctic weather and the deafening noise of waterproof/padded trousers knee areas
rubbing together– clothing must if frost bite was to be held at bay – the WDDC members
acquitted themselves well throughout the competition, and much enjoyment was had. There was
much speculation amongst the male species of the retinue about leather chaps worn by younger
female competitors --- but then that’s another story!
Mostyn Driving Trials
Flint 17th / 18th May
The Chester Driving Trials group put on a great weekend of driving trials in North Wales at the
Mostyn Estate – over looking the River Dee estuary. WDDC members David and Carol Pawson
and their horse Mea and Paul Baker and Lorraine Davies and their ex trotter /pacer Lakeside at his
first event, all attended, as did Geoff Kay as a helper. The stunning venue and the friendliness of
the other competitors and helpers made for a very excellent weekend. Section A of the trials took
us past the estate’s beautiful house presided over by 2 cannons on the lawn. Apparently the last
incumbent of the estate, when called to meet his maker – left instructions to have his ashes shot
from the cannon over the Dee Estuary --- what a way to go!
Carol Pawson
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A WET AND WINDY DAY
Sunday, 25th May, Mount Pleasant Farm - an annual event, traditionally
looked forward to by many members. Only this year, for some unknown reason only five regular
members had entered, BUT four new members came along, making it feasible to run the day.
Ivan had mowed the whole field, as good as a World Cup soccer pitch; Julie Wedgbury, helped by
Hannah Walker, had designed and built five obstacles and we had an interesting cone course by
Carol Pawson. Tony Bache gave guidance to an enthusiastic crowd round the obstacles and cones
and then it was time for everyone to take their poor horses out of trailers or lorries to start driving.
And the rain came heavier and the wind blew harder!!
It had been decided, in view of the weather, to abandon the idea of a lunch break, so every spare
body was co-opted to steward and by about 2.30pm all the horses were ‘banged up’ again and we
adjourned to the house with our sandwiches for a very welcome cup of tea and cake in front of an
enormous fire up the inglenook chimney.
Many, many thanks to Ivan and Carolyn for their hospitality and to everyone who turned out on
such an awful day to help and steward. I hope that Linda has now got her voice back. For those
driving obstacles for the first time, please don’t be put off by the weather, but next time just in
case, pretend you’re going sailing and take a complete set of spare clothes!!
Carol Gregory
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WHAT’S ON UPDATE
Sunday 29th June
Mini Driving Trials at Solihull
Schedule & Dressage enclosed
Sunday 10th August
Open Outdoor/Indoor Horse Driving Trials
Saturday 30th &
Sunday 31st August
Open Fun Weekend to Include Showing
Classes BBQ and Funday at Rushock
Schedule enclosed
Sunday 21st September
Clipper Rally at Mount Pleasant Farm
Elmley Lovett.
Sunday 5th October
Faintree Drive, Bridgnorth
Schedule to follow
Friday 14th November
Dinner at Granary
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