News
DRESSAGE
Windsor Park Teams of 3 Dressage – Sunday 6th September 2009
A lovely day as opposed to the rain of last year, we had 3 teams entered this year which is a record in recent times! Each team member had to ride a different test, either Prelim 18, Novice 20 & Novice 37. There was general panic the day before as we realised that both of the Novice tests involved rein back, with a few interesting takes on this move on the day! Thanks to Frankie for stepping in at the last moment. Windsor Forest White Team was second overall, with Windsor Forest Red in 5th.
WINDSOR FOREST WHITE
Sarah Ward on The Stig II - 165 points,
Rob Hulbert on Endless Step - 163 points,
Lucy Hadden-Wight on I Islandic - 179 points
WINDSOR FOREST RED
Frances Ryle on Super Sonic - 172 points,
Anna Waite on Glenborough Lad - 167 points,
Claire Pickles on Bally Rowan - 156 points
WINDSOR FOREST BLACK
Sara Ward on She's Just Cruising - 155 points,
Jessica Bateman on Bloxham Poncho - 164 points,
Lucy Ibbott on Dotty Daydream - 166 points
Dressage to Music – Pyatts Farm High Wycombe – Sunday 5th July
- By Nicki Fear
I arrived at 12:30 expecting to see Anna and Jess ready and waiting to start their warm up but they were no where to be seen. The organisers started to panic as one of the other pairs had pulled out and it looked like we were not going to get much of a competition. A couple of calls later to their mobiles and there was still no sign of the pair.
The competition started and just as the pair before them finished their test there was Jess’s lorry driving into the lorry park. They threw on their tack warmed up for five minutes or so and then they were on. And wow did they show everyone how it should be done!! The music was fantastic and suited both horses so well. Everyone was blown away by the choreography – they moved like a pair of dancers slotting in rhythm to each others paces. There was not a backward flick of the ears or a swish of a tail to disturb the symmetry. The canter circles were perfect and the applause at the end showed that the spectators appreciated the work that went into the display.
We all went back to the lorry with Jess beating herself up for a minor error at the end, but the rest of us just knew that it was the best test of the day. When the boys were put back on the lorry we ventured back over to see the results – and they had won, with a fantastic score of 82.2% nearly 10% more than the second place team.
Although the organisers were a little wary about saying that they had qualified for the championships – they will be going to the SEIB Championships at Addington in October and probably also to the LSE championships in Horsham. Well done Anna and Jess – it was fantastic to watch – probably the best test I have seen in a very llong time.
Anna and Jess then did brilliantly to be placed 9th overall at the SEIB National Dressage to Music Championships in the pair class with a score of 66.5%.
Riding Club dressage at Royal Windsor Horse Show
- By Charlotte Mullins
When Mani and I entered the first round qualifier for the AmTrust Equine Unaffiliated Championships in April, I never thought that six weeks later I would be parking my lorry next to Carl Hester’s at Royal Windsor Horse Show!
Round one took place at Merrist Wood in March where we finished in second place. This qualified us to compete at the regional finals, which were held three weeks later at the Berkshire College of Agriculture. As we arrived at BCA it became obvious that the level of competition was going to be high so I resolved to do what we could and just hope for the best! Despite feeling a little ‘flat’ in the warm up, Mani went beautifully for the test, allowing me to relax and enjoy myself. We were rewarded with an unbelievable score of 82% yet unfortunately, this wasn’t quite good enough and we placed second again. The rules stated that only first place would qualify to ride in the finals at RWHS therefore Mani and I were out – despite this I left feeling elated with our efforts and resolved to try again next year.
Saturday morning, ten days before RWHS, I received a phone call asking me if I would like to compete in the finals. I was being offered the ‘wild card’ and I of course accepted!
Wednesday 13th May – Show Day! The lorry park was packed and I have to admit that for a second I was tempted to just drive on through and return home. I was nervous, but, as I unloaded a very relaxed Mani, I began to relax too. If he could do it then so could I! We warmed up in a busy arena situated near to the bustling fairground and within view of the Grand Prix dressage warm up area. My concentration was a little lacking but luckily everything other than the test vanished from my thoughts the minute we entered the Frogmore Arena.
Mani went nicely (albeit a little tense and forward but who could blame him considering the atmosphere). As we were only second to go in a large class of 30 we had quite a wait for the results. Mani munched happily on his hay net in the lorry and I took a well-earned rest and watched the Grand Prix riders show us how it’s really done!
The final competitor completed their test late in the afternoon. The results were announced over the loud speaker and to my sheer amazement Mani and I had been placed. I had never thought that we would get through round one and now here we were being presented with a RWHS rosette! It was the perfect end to a hugely enjoyable and educational experience. As an amateur, being given the opportunity to compete in such and environment was wonderful – our success was just the icing on the cake!
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Don't forget that we often have to provide a helper at events in order to be able to enter a team. We are now running an incentive where, if you volunteer to be one of our nominated helpers, you earn yourself either a half price clinic or a free show entry! This incentive seems to work well and several members have earned themselves a discount so far this year. Please keep volunteering!