last updated on December 24, 2009 10:49

On Sunday 6th December 2009 BD Northern Region held their first ever Christmas event at The Ramada Jarvis, Wetherby. The day was a festive mix of dressage talks and seminars, socilalising and shopping and was opened by Emmerdale actor Billy Hartman, who plays Terry Woods in the popular ITV soap. Billy was accompanied by his wife as they both are keen riders.

The event hosted the launch of the Northern Region’s senior training programme for 2010. This includes a variety of test riding days throughout the region, training camps and the Northern Forum ‐ open to BD members and non members. Jo Graham has been appointed Team Trainer for both the Senior Inter Regional competition in May and the Home International competition in October and the Northern Region is absolutely delighted that Jo has offer her expertise and support. Role on 2010!

Everyone who attended had the opportunity to listen to three very interesting talks, the first by David Collins who has been helping to coach the Senior Teams at the Home International competition 2009. Many riders had their confidence lifted by David and found his work very valuable finding it easy to relate to his advice; 2010 should see a very positive Northern Team!

Julian Rishworth from Minster Vets then gave an in depth talk on Equine First Aid with some very interesting pictures though they did make some feel a little squeamish! After Julian, Louise Broom made everyone in the room sit up as she presented her talk on the way in which the rider’s posture influences the horse way of going. Charlotte Blaken from Spillers gave out some very useful information on feeding.

The day, open to BD members and non members also had a variety of exhibitors and with so much to chose from, many went away with battered credit cards. IV Riders from Oxford brought with them the most exquisite range of chocolates while local artist Ruth Buchanan’s paintings, prints and cards caught the eye of all those who came including Mr Hartman.

Javan Liam photography also came to the event and not only did him and his assistant Howard take some great shots of the event but exhibited his beautiful equine portraits. These are photos taken in the most amazing light, which are then put on to canvas and can either be framed or unframed and make wonderful gifts which will last a lifetime.

Kathryn Wheelock from Keighley was the lucky winner of 3 months supply of horse feed while many enjoyed raffle prizes kindly donated by The Country Store, Collingham. Profits raised went to the charity ‘the Friends of Alfie Martin’ a causes which helps to provide much needed equipment for neo natal care at the local Leeds General Infirmary.

The event showcased the Senior Training sponsors for 2010, Freedom Dressage. The owners of Freedom Dressage, Bernice and Kevin, have had a keen interest in the sport for a numbers of years and were delighted to offer the sponsorship for the senior teams. The sponsorship will support the Northern region by enabling us to have a team trainer throughout the year. Freedom Dressage is a local company and their new boutique will be opening in the grounds of Newby Hall near Ripon in January 2010. Riders will be able to book an appointment at the boutique so that all their equipment will be personally chosen to suit their needs.

The event was organised by Sarah Huntridge along with the help of very supportive RDO, Chrissie Havis, along with the other members of the Northern committee. Many thanks to all who attended the event especially Mr Hartman.