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Photos from the  Leicestershire & Rutland Schools Competition October 2009
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LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND SCHOOLS EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION
Schools throughout Leicestershire and Rutland were invited to bring teams to the first BHS Leicestershire and Rutland Schools Equestrian Competition at Vale View Equestrian Centre on 25 October.  Set up to help promote horse riding as a recognised sport in schools, we hope that through this we will start to raise the profile of equestrian sport in schools and bring equestrianism to a more prominent position in the list of 'National Sports’. The LEA County Sports Development managers sent details to all the schools in the two counties, and information was also available on the www.lrsec.co.uk website.
The organisers were delighted with the response, and a total of eighteen schools were represented.  This was a two phase team show jumping competition with classes for 16 and under and 18 and under age groups, with a large number of the very capable younger age group also entering Class 2.   Class 1 for sixteen and under, was an exciting and closely fought competition over a lovely but challenging course build by Caroline Moore FBHS. The winning team came from Loughborough High School and the individual winner, who was also a member of the winning team, was 11 year old Alice Murfitt riding The Pieman.  This pair is a new combination, but they have already been placed in eventer and hunter trials before adding this to their list of successes. After watching Alice and pony negotiate the speed section, this could be a pair to watch!
The Class 2, 18 and under winners were a team from Oakham School – the ‘Oakham Hounds’ who had never taken part in a competition of this level before. Their Team manager Justine Smiley-Jones said ‘A big thank you from the Oakham Foxes and Hounds for organising such an exciting competition……  We had a really great time and gained useful experience of competing at this level.’  The under 18 individual winner was Jess Walker from Belvoir High School riding ‘Flower’.  The full list of results is on the competition’s website: www.lrsec.co.uk  Photographs available from Paul Sands - www.photokinesis.co.uk

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Northamptonshire’s Annual Meeting at Moulton College was followed by an excellent presentation and demonstration by the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, demonstrating horse and large animal rescue techniques.  The crew along with others from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire have undertaken specific training from our Regional Welfare Officer, Ruth Court, aimed specifically toward animal behaviour and handling techniques for horses and farm animals for the Fire and Rescue Service.  The presentation was very thought provoking, and vividly illustrated the dangers which are very often overlooked at such stressful times and the vital importance of following correct procedures to ensure the safety of bystanders and the rescue team alike and the welfare of the horse in these anxious situations.   The rescue techniques demonstration by the crew using their model horse showed the professional way in which they carry out these rescues.
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BHS INSTRUCTORS CHALLENGE 2010
The 2010 ‘Martin Collins BHS Instructor’s Challenge’ East Midlands qualifier will be held at Vale View Equestrian, Old Dalby, Nr Melton Mowbray on Saturday 13 March.  The competition will once again be a Combined Training competition, with the winners going forward to compete at The Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.  Following the success and popularity of last year’s competition, we are confident that this year will have even more entries.  For more details contact Sally Andrews

For more information please contact Sally Andrews – Email: s.andrews@bhs.org.uk Tel: 01780 764187 Mob: 07881 956459

Horse experts bid to buck recession

Equestrian businesses in the Welland area to receive free training from top experts plucked from the horse industry.

In a bid to help fight the economic downturn, Ride Welland, and rural economy experts the CLA are offering equestrian businesses the chance to learn trade tips from equine specialists, including international event rider Caroline Moore.
The evening sessions will run at the Olde Barn Hotel near Grantham and the Benefield Wheatsheaf near Oundle throughout February and March.  Training will include advice on marketing, finance and customer service and all sessions are followed by a free buffet.

Ride Welland manager Sylvia Hull said: "We want to give the best chance we can to equine centered businesses in this economic climate.

"Ride Welland also aims to provide safe off-road riding networks which will allow riders and horses to enjoy the fantastic countryside of the region, without having to negotiate increasingly busy roads. 

"These rides will also incorporate horse-friendly pubs and accommodation so you can take your horse on holiday with you!"

Minutes Secretary needed!
The South Lincolnshire County Committee are in need of a Minutes Secretary. Helen Bowler has had to stand down after many years’ sterling service and we wish her well in the future.
If you have a couple of hours to spare and would like to help us out, please contact Paula Leverton on 01775 640533 or email her at: paula@fourwindsequestrian.co.uk.
We meet once every two months and the Minutes Secretary will be required to send out an Agenda, remind the committee of the next meeting, take down the Minutes (no, you don’t need shorthand, just a legible scribble), type them up and send them out, preferably within a week of the meeting. A computer and email are useful but not mandatory.

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