The BHS East Midlands Region

Derbyshire Autumn/Winter 2011 Now online
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Newsletter Spring / Summer 2011 Now Online
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Derbyshire Midsummer Ride Report

On the longest day of the year, which was a glorious summer evening, Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire played host to a Midsummer Evening Ride jointly organised by BHS Derbyshire and the Erewash Riders Association.  This ten mile pleasure ride on grassy tracks around the acres of parkland and woodland on the estate surrounding the castle, also incorporated the option of taking part in a mini trec competition at the end of the ride and attracted 70 riders of all ages from near and far.  Also on offer were numerous fun games which were situated along the route, and the majority of participants entered into the spirit of things and joined in with hooking a fish, throwing bean bags, negotiating bending poles and tossing rings over cones, for which prizes of sweets were awarded.   To finish off the evening, organiser Ann Wood and helpers provided an excellent barbeque for 100 hungry riders, family and friends, and all ride participants went home with a rosette as a memento of the evening.

Winter Dressage League

All through the winter a hardy group of volunteers have been running a Winter Dressage League at Derby College’s Broomfield Hall Equestrian Centre to raise funds for BHS Derbyshire.

In all, 5 shows were held from October until the Championship Show on 27th March. Only one show was lost to the ‘arctic conditions’ in December.

Classes were held to suit the grassroots competitor and many of the horses and riders attending the shows had never competed at dressage before. Most soon found that ‘stressage’ could actually be good fun! The aim of the competition was to help all horses (and ponies!) and their riders to leave the arena with a smile on their face.

Roger Taylor, Treasurer of BHS Derbyshire, soon became a well known face, stewarding the collecting ring, and giving wise words of advice and support to pale faced nervous competitors. Many a rider went into the arena with “Don’t forget to breathe!” or “Give the judge a big smile!” ringing in their ears.

Highlights of the league included Melissa Collins coming down the centre line on a bright pink Mr Todd, having not been able to bath him after a Breast Cancer charity event the day before. Hearts were also melted at the Febraury show by Ewan Jemeriah on April Sunrise. Competing for the first time off the lead rein, Ewan came a very creditable 5th in a large class.

Several of the adults also touched our hearts. For bravery in overcoming nerves, Lucy Stayte on My Carraig who was out competing for the first season after a nasty fall. And for being the proudest rider in the world, Debbie Austin who was in tears as she was awarded a sash for Reserve Champion with her lovely 5 year old, Passion Dancer.

In total, the Broomfield Winter Dressage League has raised £700 for BHS Derbyshire. We could not have done this without the judges who gave their time for free – Val Garton and Michelle Frisby; our writer and scorer Jane Liquorish, and our class sponsors : Georgie Barnes for sponsoring the G.Barnes Pilates for Riders Intro, Emma Jablonski, also one of our judges, for sponsoring the Equine Massage Therapy Prelim; and Tim Stubbs for sponsoring the Tim Stubbs Surveyors Novice.

Thanks are also due to Alan Exton for very kindly taking photos of the presentation.
Roger and I are now off to put our feet up and play with our own horses for the summer, but we hope to be back to run another league when the nights start drawing in.

Rachel Collins

Results

G.Barnes Pilates for Riders Intro
Champion       Melissa Collins – Mr Todd
Reserve           Debbie Austin – Passion Hunter
3rd                           Imogen Radford – Sargeant Troy                                         
4th                           Jackie Baker - Charlie
5th                           Jade Atkinson - Sophie
6th                           Sophie Youens - Band

Equine Massage Therapy Prelim
Champion       Charlotte Fretwell - Havana
Reserve           Harriet Collins - Truly
3rd                          Rosie Acton – Red Diamond Cruise
4th                           Terri Atter – Annie Lane
5th                           Bethany Dreher – Hughes Promise
6th                           Carolyn Stubbs - Mackie

Tim Stubbs Surveyors Novice
Champion       Nicola Gibb – Nordic Lad
Reserve           Sue Exton – Conqueror King
3rd                          Rosie Acton – Red Diamond Cruise
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Derbyshire Halloween Ride

The ever popular annual Halloween Fun ride was held by the Derbyshire Committee at Long Eaton on 30 October.  50 riders in impressive spooky costumes took part on the ride and played the Halloween themed games which had been laid on by the organisers.  Vouchers were kindly given by Sheila Matthews of Risley Saddlery to the winners of the best costumes competition and delicious hot food was laid on by the organisers.  Every participant went home with a ‘Halloween’ rosette and toffee apple!

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Autumn Newsletter now online

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Easter Bunny Ride

Unfortunately bad weather meant the planned Halloween ride had to be cancelled, this was rescheduled for 21st March and became the Easter Bunny ride. Fortunately the weather was sunny as around forty riders and their horses took part in the short ride around the local area before returning back to the Long Eaton Showground and attempting some of the games including hoopla on horseback, egg and spoon and hook a furry animal off the tree, the last two scored points by dropping the egg or animal in a bucket. Fancy dress with an Easter theme was encouraged and an award was given to the rider with the best fancy dress. The winner is pictured below left.

Popular was the small Trec course, where you could attempt the obstacles set to test the rider and horses ability. Many thanks to Risley Saddlery for donating the prizes and judging the fancy dress. Additionally, the many volunteers who helped make this possible especially Ann Lane for organising and providing refreshments.

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Derbyshire Upcoming Event

18 June - “Midsummer Evening Ride AND BBQ” Optional Mini Trec
Interesting ride in beautiful surroundings, friendly atmosphere and good food.
click here for more details

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Fun Rides in Derbyshire

are always immensely popular and the one at Paulter Park at the end of September 2009 was no exception.  Around 70 riders took part in the twelve mile ride, which could be completed more than once if desired, and there was also an optional shorter route available.  The weather was excellent and a large field at the end of the ride gave participants the opportunity for a good gallop if desired.  All this was topped off with the enticing smell of a barbeque welcoming riders on their return, which went down exceedingly well.  Sadly the ‘Halloween Fancy Dress Ride’ at Breaston on 1 November  had to be cancelled at  the last minute due to a heavy downpour, but Ann Lane and her team are never daunted by minor setbacks and plans for an Easter Fun Ride complete with games and challenges en route are already underway!

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Derbyshire Spring 2011 Newsletter
Derbyshire Autumn 2010 Newsletter
Derbyshire Spring 2010 Newsletter

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