June 2008
Dear Members
I hope you are all having a successful time and have enjoyed some of the events we have put on. Attached is a report from various members who want you to read about their experiences and hopefully inspire you to join in.
An important message came up at the last Liaison meeting that members should add ICE (in case of emergency) into their mobile phones, an asterisk * at the front makes it the first registered number in a phone memory. Dialling 112 will always get you connected to the emergency services regardless of network failure.
We were sorry to cancel the last Dressage Competition but on the closure date there were very few entries, and it would not have been viable to run it. As the organiser was going on holiday she was not around to accept late entries. Please make sure you enter by the closing date. Another date will be set to re-run the Dressage Competition and this will be sent out via email to you all, or maybe we will have an up and running new website.
Another problem – is there anybody out there who knows about websites and would be prepared to update the new one? Deborah Dobson has run the website for a long time but as she is very busy we feel we must release her – we are very grateful for all she has done. This person does not have to be on the committee, only prepared to up date! Please phone me on 01844 212913.
The Milton Keynes Camp from 12/14 September is just about full but we could do with a couple more. We have people of all abilities going and there will be a meeting at the end of August with the instructors to discuss what you would like to do. If you are interested please phone me on 01844 212913.
Congratulations to all those people who have represented the Club at the Horse Trials and the Dressage and especially to the London and South East Riders Test competitors who won and will be off to the Championship - fantastic news. full results here
Jane Vaughan, Chairman
Past Events Reports
Tina Sederholm Clinic 29th March 2008 held at Wheatley Farm Shop, Wheatley
Tina gave 4 ¼ hours of teaching and we praise her to keeping to time! Members thoroughly enjoyed her teaching and are looking forward to her next Clinic. The Clinic filled very quickly soon after it was advertised.
There were 5 members on the Waiting List. Two members managed to get places at last minute. Carol Parker kindly gave up her place as Sam Wallis could not attend any future Clinic dates. The night before Zena Lanczak kindly took up Angie Cowdery's place when unfortunately Angie's horse became lame. So it's always worth waiting . . .
We were fortunate and missed most of the heavy rain. Val Janes had a lucky escape; a passer-by noticed that one of her lorry's back tyres was flat! Val was able to have it replaced while having her lesson! So no time was lost!
I would like to thank Carol Parker (new member) for providing Naphill RC with excellent venue and running the Clinic with Lyn Shew on my behalf as I was unfortunately working. Refreshments were appreciated as it was wet and windy especially towards the end of the day.
Tina Sederholm has been training horses and riders from novice to Olympic standard for the last 15 years. Daughter of the famous trainer Lars Sederholm. She has competed in horse trails to an international level. She is author of Words of a Horseman and a regular contributor of Your Horse magazine. Tina lives in Oxfordshire.
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Dressage Team Members
Well done to you all! You did it again, you have made the Championships!
I would like to thank all riders who took part, as this was a very hot day and not the most organised event by the host club to say the least, hence why it has taken so long to get all the scores back to you all! But with a bit of sweet-talking to the Team manager of the host club, please find the results below:
I think you will all agree that Kim did a great job as usual on the day, calling tests and making sure all riders were in the right place at the right time.
I would also like to thank all helpers who came along to support our riders and cheer Naphill along on the day.
We will be going to championships again this year as Naphill came 1st out of all area 6 clubs in the London and South East riders test.
We will contact all riders nearer the time with details of the venue and date of the championship.
Martin Liggins
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Trail Ride from Darkwood Farm 27th April 2008 by kind permission of Mr Ian Victor Smith
The forecast of heavy rain missed Park Corner! We had a few claps of thunder, a flash of lightning and then the sun shone! 26 riders took part, 14 Naphill RC members and 12 from other Riding Clubs. Two trails were offered; most riders opted for the 10 mile route. The bluebells was in full bloom!! Everyone enjoyed their ride and 11 riders were awarded bronze rosettes. The chocolate, ginger, coconut & apple cakes were soon devoured, sadly no leftovers to take home!
Martin politely thanked Mrs Smith for the use of her field. He had some difficulty leaving the farm as a goose had good hold of his trouser leg!!
I would like to thank Alan Bayley for walking and assisting me with writing the trails, South Oxfordshire Bridleway Officer for moving a fallen tree at short notice, Jenny Bowie for her delicious cakes AND most importantly my helpers:
Tiddy Yates – Time keeper
Martin Liggins – Marshall
Diana Younger – Marshal
Michele Binks' Mum – Marshall
Tim Edwards – Marshall
Janet Bayley, Organiser
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Cart Ride to the Rainbow Inn, Middle Assendon for Sunday lunch on Sunday 4th May
The forecast of heavy rain turned into sunshine. 30 friends and family enjoyed their cart ride through the Warburg Nature Reserve and we were fortunate to see the bluebells in full bloom. While the horses had a rest and munched on their hay we had a delicious roast lunch and some indulged in dessert as well.
After lunch, we climbed aboard for our journey home. The horses were moving well until we turned uphill towards Nettlebed. Boxer and George went on strike and refused to move. Our extra weight after lunch proved too much for them, so we all got off the carts and walked up the hill. When the ground levelled off we climbed back aboard and returned to Darkwood Farm.
Janet Bayley
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One Day Event Qualifier at Tweseldown on 11th May
Last year, Ben and I took part in the one day event at Tweseldown which was absolutely fantastic. We went in not knowing what to expect and not really in the same league as some of the riders in the other riding clubs and, I have to be honest, ours also, but we gave it a go, thoroughly enjoyed it and came out grinning from ear to ear, (yes, both of us).
When the e-mail arrived from Kim for this year's one day event, I put our names down straight away, we got in, (hurray) and boy was I pleased we had made good use of all the lessons that had been arranged by NRC this year.
We had the date, I pestered Kim with all sorts of questions, (she's a saint). I had a copy of the test which I had to practice in my lounge, (sadly without Ben), due to the fact we only have his field to practice in and this was very, very soggy. When out hacking, I would put into practice what we had learnt in the flat lessons, which I have to say are definitely working. Ben is much less spooky and working much better.
The day before the event I walked the XC course with my husband for support and then Val Janes, another team member, which was a great boost as we shared tactics as we walked the course.
The big day, I was up at 4.00 and plaiting Ben when I noticed he had a swollen knee from a kick received the previous day. I called Kim; as usual she was so supportive even though I had woken her up really early, and we decided as he wasn't lame, to give it a go.
We arrived and I found other members of the team, Kim and Katie. We did our dressage tests, which I have to say Ben worked really well at despite his usual spook at the white borders, but, most importantly, he was sound, so Kim's advice was spot on. Time to get our horses ready for the show jumping, which went well, just one stop for us and a pole down for Katie, then quick change for the cross country.
Katie and I made our way to the warm up area, Katie went first then it was Ben and I; it was absolutely fantastic to be able to let him go at speed despite a stop at the first and a ditch, the water complex was brilliant, cantering through the water was fantastic, (another box ticked), we flew through the finish on a complete high, Ben was ready to go again.
Katie and I got back to the trailers where Kim and Martin were on hand as always to help us wash down our horses. Val arrived and Kim started plaiting Josh for her. Helen had also arrived and was getting ready. Martin came round with tea, squash and a fantastic chocolate cake he cooked the day before. While eating chocolate cake we were able to watch Val doing her dressage test. Unfortunately that's all I was able to watch as I had a plane to catch that evening.
It was a fantastic day, very well run, everyone was so supportive and friendly. Kim and Martin always go to the team events and without their help I would find it really hard as I usually travel alone. Martin always has his defender full of treats to keep us all going. I would urge everyone to give the team events a go, it doesn't matter what level you are at, if Ben and I can do it then anyone can. Kim always says it's about enjoying yourself, she is right and we do.
A big, big thank you to Kim and Martin for all your help.
Karen
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Dressage Competition No 1 – 18th May
Jo Crabbe was our judge for the day and all members appreciated her helpful, constructive comments. There were very good scores and everyone was in the rosettes.
Jackie Edwards
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Area Dressage Qualifiers at Englefield Park, Theale, Reading – 10 June 2008
Once again the day was hot and very busy – we had five teams entered in various sections. This meant a total of ten riders each riding two or possibly three tests. With such a busy schedule there were times when several tests were taking place at the same time, so Naphill spectators who had come to support were roped in (mostly willingly!) to commanding tests at short notice.
The results of the hard work that went on for most of the day were very satisfying and I think everyone was pleased with their horses, some of who were new and/or young. The overall standard of the teams competing was impressive, so scores were all important and a difference of only one or two percent affected the placings quite significantly. Two of our teams did exceptionally well, with the Area Open Riders Test team finishing 5th and the L&SE Riders Test team winning. This team now goes forward for the Championship which takes place on Sunday 5 October.
Thank you to all riders and supporters who endured the very hot weather and, at the event, the long grass to make this competition enjoyable to be a part of. Extra thanks must go to Martin who supplied endless quantities of cold drinks and a new found talent for baking chocolate cake!
Kim Kennedy
Team Organiser
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To: Naphill Team Organisers
Thank you so much for inviting me to “come forward” and ride for the teams area dressage qualifiers at Englefield Estate. I was a bit cautious due to having a new horse in the last two months, and having not been able to ride him much due to an injury to my foot and being out of action for 6 weeks, only being back in the saddle for the last 3 weeks.
It was a lovely day, and the directions and signs being put out nearer to the field were very clear and easy to follow and the venue was easily found. On arrival we found Kim very quickly as she was waiting very close to where we had to get our numbers and hand in our passports. A quick chat put my nerves at ease a little.
I rode in two tests during the day, and the team managers and helpers were a godsend in finding out which arena I was supposed to be riding in, as it was quite daunting with all the arenas laid out in a long line side by side. Also I was lucky as there were lots of helpers, including Kim, to help with reading tests out, which I found helped me a lot. Due to the ease and team support, it made me feel confident and therefore I was able to just concentrate and settle the horse, and ended up doing two very rewarding and satisfying tests.
Overall the day was really enjoyable, the rest of the team members were so helpful and friendly, and I would recommend anyone “thinking” about entering or “coming forward” for any team event to JUST DO IT. There is no pressure whatsoever and nobody is judgemental, its all about having fun.
I'm looking forward to doing lots more now! So hoping to seeing and meeting lots more members too.
Kind regards,
Angie Pidsley
