PURBECK AND DISTRICT RIDING CLUB

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2008

Dear Member

Following a successful and enjoyable A.G.M. the committee were able to pick up on your wishes for training opportunities and events – please see below. Please support the training that has been arranged for you as we would like to offer more if the demand is there, but if the training places are not taken up then they will not happen.

The teams are open to any one willing and keen to compete, and up to the necessary standard. Last year we entered 2 Hunter Trial teams and 2 individuals, and the same number for the Horse Trials. The senior Open Hunter Trial team qualified for the nationals at Aston-le-wells where Sarah Harrington was placed individual 5^th. The junior Horse Trials team qualified at Larkhill to compete at Offchurch Bury where Kizzie Russell was individual 7^th. It is a great experience for riders and thanks to Ben Lyles for again taking time off to walk the X country course and work the juniors in before the Dressage phase. Joanna Murphy was entered by her family in the Open Horse Trials at Offchurch where she was one of only 27 (out of 75) to complete the Endurance phase in the foulest of wet weather.

Our teams will miss Sarah Harrington this year as she has now ridden F.E.I. and is ineligible for Riding Clubs. She has always been a loyal supporter and good team member – quite often coming in at short notice to substitute a drop out.

Starting on January 1^st 2009 the junior age has been raised from 16 to 18 which means that one or two of the junior team members can remain in the juniors.

It is a sad goodbye to Emma Dorey who is stepping down from the committee. Our grateful thanks to Emma for running such a successful O.D.E. and Hunter Trial.

We welcome onto the committee Kath Lawrence and Nikki Axon for 2009.

Please join in the club events whenever you can, and Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Averil Dalby (Chairman)

TRAINING

The club has arranged the following four opportunities for training in the new year:

Kingston Maurward from 7-8 pm

8^th January with Richard Dixon

12^th February with Richard Dixon

12^th March with Ben Lyles

Each session will be for 6 people. The cost will be £12 per session and must be paid for in advance. Refunds will only be made if your place can be filled. Please fill out the booking slips enclosed and send to Sally Miles, Kings Corner, West Morden, Wareham, BH20 7EA together with your cheque. Sally tel 01929 459494.

Clinics with Markus Bauer at Moreton

Markus is a very well respected trainer who is now coming to Dorset regularly, teaching at Moreton. On April 16th, 17th and 18th he will be at Moreton and the club have secured four sessions over the three days available to club members at a subsidised rate of £40 for one hour. This is a great opportunity to have tuition with a top trainer, so we need definite bookings by the end of January. Refunds will only be made if places can be filled. Please fill out the booking slips enclosed and send to Sally Miles, Kings Corner, West Morden, Wareham, BH20 7EA together with your cheque. Sally tel 01929 459494.

Training sessions with Deidre Cox for beginners/novice/young horses will cover flatwork and/or jumping, and will be tailored to suit participants. The sessions will be from 6-7pm at Kingston Maurward in two groups depending on numbers (approx 5 in each group). Numbers will be limited. Pre-paid members will secure a place. £10.00 per session. Once a month on Thursdays, 8 January, 12 February, 12 March. Contact Deidre 01305 848241.

Cross Country Training – 22^nd March – Rockbourne

We have two sessions of 90 minutes each from 10am – 1pm for up to 6 horses. Paul Adams will be the trainer and the cost will be £30 per horse. Please fill out the booking slips enclosed and send to Ann Colquhoun, Heatherdown House, Brock Hill, Wareham, BH20 7NH together with your cheque. Anne tel 01929 459314.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Mock Hunt - 28^th February – Knitson Farm

Cap £5, hunting dress to be worn. Members and guests welcome. Ring Sally 01929 459494 if you are coming so that we have some idea of numbers. By kind permission of the Helfers.

Dressage – 26^th April – venue to be confirmed

Details to follow

Pleasure Ride – 17^th May – Ride around Old Harry

Details to follow

MEMBERSHIP

For those members who have renewed for 2009, the BHS is experiencing some delays in getting the membership cards printed but we will forward them to you as soon as possible.

For those who have not yet renewed please use the orange form sent with the previous mailing to ensure your continued membership and the benefits this brings.

ADVERTS

General purpose saddle. Ideal International Event 17” medium width black £425ono contact Diana 07940 821351.

Isabell Werth Wintec dressage saddle, black, 17inch fitted with med/wide gullet (med gullet included). Hardly used cost £560. £375 ONO. Tel 01929 459494.

Large selection of turnout/stable rugs, all 6'3. Also selection of quality numnahs & boots all in excellent condition, some never used. Tel 01929 459055.