Eastern region
Katharine Perry - Regional Development Officer
Herons Farm
Herons Lane
Fyfield
Essex
CM5 0RQ
Email: katharineperry@britishdressage.co.uk
Herons Farm
Herons Lane
Fyfield
Essex
CM5 0RQ
Email: katharineperry@britishdressage.co.uk
Tel: 01277 899589 Mobile: 07872 603871
LAST UPDATED: 1 September - 23.00
** STOP PRESS - READ ALL ABOUT OUR SUCCESS AT THE INTER REGIONALS UNDER SENIOR TRAINING!!! **
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Please click on the links below to jump to the section you require:COME AND SEE WHAT BRITISH DRESSAGE
HAS TO OFFER IN THE EAST!
We held a very successful demo on Monday 12th April at Towerlands, showcasing what our region does. Over 250 people enjoyed an evening of dressage, with all our different areas performing. The evening started with an introduction from Eleanor Collins, who then went into the BYRDS section. She started with three our our youngest riders - India, Claire and Christie showing what kinds of exercises they do with their ponies (they are 8 and 9 years old). Then came Lauren and also George Twyman - flying the flag for the several boys that we had at camp - and if you look at the top of the sport, which is dominated by male trainers. riders and judges, you will see how important it is to start young! 15 year old Jade followed this, and finally it was the turn of our older riders (18 - 24 year olds). Our fantastic BYRDS quadrille was next - riding to "Tonight is going to be a good night" (very appropriate!) Aimee Witkin, Bethany Rose Horobin, Beth Thurnbull and Imogen Ablett rode brilliantly, doing some very intricate moves, crossing in and out of each other - and making it all look very easy! This was followed by the Judges spot - where Sue Darken, Hayley Liddiard and Pam Bushall talked about two tests. The first was Ruth Hole and her Mum Rachel showing how it should NOT be done!! Very entertaining, and Rachel, I do think your talents are wasted - you should be on the stage!!! Then came Claire Gallimore, one of our star BYRDS riders who has rise up through to ranks to be a British Team Pony Rider. Claire and Gigolo rode a beautiful test showing how it should be done, and even got a couple of "9, perhaps even 10" from the judges!
After a short interval where people asked questions and picked up information, we resumed with Michel Assouline and Jo Pitts. Michel explained how the Para system works, and Jo very candidly chatted about her disability and answered questions about riding with one side that does not work! Amazingly, seeing her ride, you would not even think she was disabled, so to hear that her right side is almost completely paralysed was really impressive.
The Senior Riders followed, with a short talk from Paul Hayler about what we get up to in the region, and a lesson for Claire Lambert on her young horse (all good practise for the Premier League next week, as Paul kept the audience clapping for a long time afterwards until she calmed down - the horse that is, not Claire!) Louise Clark then rode her Freestyle test which was lovely to watch and reminded us why Louise is always such a great team member!
After the prize draw for all those who had filled in the questionnaires (thank you!) the Trainers came in and rode a lovely musical ride to end the evening. All on their advanced horses - the ride was made up of Paul Hayler, Julie Hugo, Eleanor Collins, Dan Sherriff, Ruth Hurst and stand in trainer for the evening - Bobby Hayler. Quite a few people left saying how much they had enjoyed it, and several people not yet members said they might well now join - so thank you to you all - and hope to see you at one of our events in the future!
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HELLO FROM THE EASTERN REGION!
2009 was a great year in the East! Both our Senior and BYRDS teams were champions at their respective Inter Reginal Competitions, we had great results in both Home Internationals, lots of riders through to regional finals and Area Festivals, and quite a few at both the Winter and National Championships. On the training front, things have gone from strength to strength. We have held clinics, test riding sessions, viewing days and general training. Both BYRDS and Senior camps continue to be very popular, and seniors have been so successful that we have arranged a second camp for 2010.
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The new faces on our committee for 2010 are Pamella Bushell and Eleanor Collins. Filling the role of Judge Delegate is Pam, a List 3 judge from Bedfordshire. Pam comes with many years of experience as a Riding Club Chairman and Judge. She is also involved in dressage through her daughter Natalie who is on the BEF Foundation squad as well as a finalist in this year's Young Professionals Award. Eleanor is taking over the role of BYRDS Delegate, and is no stranger to the role, having worked alongside Lorrie for the past 8 years, building up this area to the size and success it is today. Eleanor is also a trainer. Completing our new trio is Barbara Angel, changing roles to become Para Delegate. Barbara is looking forward to working with the para riders in the region, and expanding the training opportunities for both Judges and Trainers who work with these riders.
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April 2010. We have a new Coaching Rep! I am delighted to announce that Dan Sherriff has agreed to join the committee as Coaching Rep. Dan brings a wealth of experience to the job as well as lots of great ideas - so we are all really looking forward to working with him, and getting some things going for the Trainers very soon!
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The rest of the team are:
Sue Darken - Chairman - suedarken@yahoo.co.uk
Barbara Angel - Para Delegate barbmart.angel@virgin.net
WELL DONE!!!
This lecture demo will use riders working at Prelim through to Elementary level, focusing on encouraging riders currently competing at RC and unaffiliated competitions on having a go at affiliated. The afternoon will also help those already competing on how to pick up marks and improve their training.
PARA ACTIVITIES
Dan Sherriff - Coaching Rep dansherriff@hotmail.com
ARCHIVES
Click on the following to see reports from events gone past
BYRDS Inter Regional Report 2009
Senior Inter Regional Report 2009
Senior Home International 2009
To all our Eastern Riders who competed at the Senior Inter Regional Competition this weekend - they are: Sue Maddocks, Catherine King, Carolyn Davies, Louise Clark, Laura Mansfield, Charlotte Holes, Elenor Dimant, Sian Sheridan, Samantha Kent, Louise Towers, Jackie Gower, Michelle Loy, Becky Hutchinson, Lin Williams, Clare Day, Ella Gay, Christine Collett, Jacqui Mutch, Alyson Parker, Rachel Stott, Sarah Wright, Sharon Keable, Amanda Edwards, Victoria Boultwood, Emma Wakefield, Tammy Ruffles ... read all about it in Senior Training!!
Here is a complete list of all that is going on in the region - the section of the page to look for further details on is in the 'who' column.
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Date
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Event
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Who
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| 1 Sept | Peter Storr - Elite Squad Training, Herts | BYRDS/Trainers |
| 3 Sept | Paralympic Team Display, Easton College | Info for all |
| 5 Sept | Home International Viewing Day - Brook Farm | Seniors |
| 5 Sept | Ride your Test with Clive Milkins | Para |
| 6 Sept | Anna Ross Davies Clinic - Norton Heath | Info for all |
| 8 Sept | Mark Ruddock Clinic, Herts | Info for all |
| 10 Sept | Julian Marczak Clinic, Essex | Info for all |
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9-12 Sept
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The National Champs, Stoneleigh
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| 16 Sept | Mark Ruddock Clinic, Beds | Info for all |
| 18 Sept | Dan Greenwood Clinic, Beds | Info for all |
| 18 Sept | Dan Greenwood discussion afternoon | Judges/All |
| 18 Sept | Mark Ruddock Clinic, Herts | Info for all |
| 26 Sept | Natalie Banks clinic, Beds | BYRDS/Snrs |
| 25 Sep | BYRDS Talent Spotting Day - Writtle | BYRDS |
| 26 Sept | Final Team Training Day - Home International | Seniors |
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9-10 Oct
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Senior Home Int – The College EC
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Seniors
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| 11 Oct | Judge Training, Patchetts | Judges |
| 17 Oct | Moving to Affiliated with Jill Day - Demo | Info for all |
| 20 Oct | DVD Evening and Supper , Beds | Judges |
| 23-24 Oct | 4, 3 and 3A Judges Seminar, Hartpury | Judges |
| 24 Oct | Natalie Banks clinic, Beds | BYRDS/Info |
| 28 Oct | Preparing for Talent Spotting, South Bucks | Para |
| 28-29 Oct | BYRDS Autumn Camp, Keysoe | BYRDS |
| 30 Oct | Michel Assouline Clinic | Para |
| 30-31 Oct | Senior Autumn Camp, Keysoe | Seniors |
| 7 Nov | Dan Sherriff Clinic, Ipswich, Suffolk | BYRDS/Snrs |
| 14 Nov | Natalie Banks Clinic, Beds | BYRDS/Snrs |
| 20 Nov | Riding in different ways with Deborah Hall | Para |
| 27-28 Nov | The National Convention, Hartpury | |
| 5 Dec | Natalie Banks Clinic, Beds | BYRDS/Snrs |
| 7 Dec | Judges Aachen 2010 DVD Evening & Supper | Judges |
INFORMATION FOR ALL
Listed below are several events run by other people, but all related to dressage as well as news from the region, so please read on and see if anything takes your fancy!
Check out Grubby Rugs - the Horse Rug Wash and Repair Company
at : www.grubbyrugs.co.uk
If you saw Phillippa Coles in action at camp you will know how
interesting her work is - check out her website at:
DRESSAGE GARDEN PARTY
SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST
Jubilee Farm, Writtle, Essex
A great afternoon of watching dressage, supping champagne and eating delicious food was had by all who came along to the garden party last Saturday. Besides that there was dancing, wine, a tombola and an auction. With prizes such as a VIP box at the O2, polo lesson, hot air ballon rides, use of a car, massage, a day shooting, Beagler hat and many more, we managed to raise almost £5000 for the Breast Scanner Appeal at Colchester Hospital which was brilliant! May thanks to all those who donated prizes, came along and supported - and bid in the auction. And thanks again to the Haylers for making us so welcome, and for working so hard beforehand to ensure it all ran smoothly and everything looked immaculate on the day!
MARK RUDDOCK CLINICS
Great Gransden, Beds
16 Sept
Sandon, Herts
8 Sept
Cost £45 for 45 minutes.
Cheques payable to "Mark Ruddock" in advance to
Clare Day at 43,Mill Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, Beds SG19 3AG.
(Tel: 01767 677142)
CLINICS AT NORTON HEATH
Blackmore, Essex
Two top trainers now come regularly to Norton Heath for training clinics. If you would like to book a place on any of the following, please contact Tonie Finch on 01277 824860
ANNA ROSS-DAVIES
6 Sept
ROLAND TONG
28 Aug
MARK RUDDOCK CLINIC
LINCES FARM LIVERY, WELWYN, HERTS
18th September
The fabulous Mark Ruddock is back in the East to take a clinic at Linces Farm, Herts. Mark will be teaching from 11am and lessons are £55 or £50 (depending on numbers) for a private lesson of 3/4 hour, or £32.50 for a shared 1 hour lesson.
Please contact Karen Newman on 07811 118173 to book your place.
DAN GREENWOOD CLINICS
Abbey Farm, Turvey, Beds
18th September
07876 036699 to book a place
WATCH THE BRITISH PARALYMPIC DRESSAGE TEAM
Friday 3 September - 7pm
Easton College, Norwich, Norfolk
Our Para Equestrian Dressage riders who have been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games 2010 will perform their dressage to music test in the fabulous indoor school at Easton College under competition conditions. To create a busy 'competition environment' the BEF in partnership with the college are offering 300 FREE seats to watch this unique event.
To claim your free seats - simply e-mail: hfrancois@easton.ac.uk.
Refreshments and licenced bar
Jill Day Lecture/Demo
Moving to Affiliated Dressage
17th October 2010 - 2pm
Woodlands Stables, Chingford E4 7RE
Jill is an International Grand Prix rider and trainer who has represented Great Britain nine times. She retired from competing in 2002 after 30 continuous years and now concentrates solely on coaching other riders, she has pupils at unaffiliated prelim and has trained right up to International Grand Prix. She teaches all ages and levels and all types of horses
This lecture demo will use riders working at Prelim through to Elementary level, focusing on encouraging riders currently competing at RC and unaffiliated competitions on having a go at affiliated. The afternoon will also help those already competing on how to pick up marks and improve their training.
Tickets – Members £10 Non Members £15
On the door - £2 extra if any remaining
Apply with Cheque made out to EEFDG to Rachel Kellett, 15 Bower Vale, Epping CM16 7AS
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION!!
The University of West Anglia have opened a new equine therapy centre at their Milton Campus, Cambs. They have a tread mill which also allows water into it, so that the horse is walking in water, solarium, magnetic rugs, weighing areas for horses and various other things. They also have a mechanical horse complete with sensor pads, which show where a rider is using too much/too little pressure - with a horse that responds to that!! We are aiming to set up some sessions with this later in the year.
Easton College, Norwich have been granted affiliation. This means that they will be running British Dressage shows from 2011.
Julian Marczak
Flat Work Clinic
At Lindsey Street Farm, Epping
Friday 10th September 2010
Julian Marzcak is Chairman of the ABRS and currently runs his own training yard is Sussex. He has trained pupils from beginners to Advanced Dressage and has a wonderful calm and positive manner that encourages riders of all levels.
An adherent of classical riding principles, he has trained with Charles Harris, Daniel Pevsner, Nuno Oliveria and Phillipe Davenport.
He has done a series of successful clinics with us, and we are lucky to have another 1 day session.
Julian is very good with children but we do suggestion a minimum age of 9/10 for these lessons.
The total cost per rider will be £35 per 1 hour session (£30 for EHNPC, Foresters RC and Essendon and Epping Forest DG) for group lessons and £50 for a 45 minute private session. Places must be booked in advance.
Please send your form and cheque by the 3rd September. Directions and times will be emailed out to you, but if you don’t have email, please ring me for your riding times on 07890 919558 or 01992 578019 on the Wednesday (8th) before the clinic, between 7pm and 8pm.
If you have general enquiries about the clinic and Julian, please contact Rachel on 07773 787484 or Rachel@bowervale.wanadoo.co.uk
THE LONDON TEAM
Trevor Downham Laura Mansfield Rachel Stott Amanda Edwards
Just to prove it's not all about dressage - your Rider Rep and RDO out for a spot of Autumn Hunting!!
WINTER BALL
A great night was had by all those who attended the winter ball last weekend! Party goers were greeted with a champagne cocktail, and soon the whole place was filled with people chatting and laughing and admiring each other out of jods and looking extremely glam!! After a three course meal, and plenty of wine, Paul gave a speech saying how well the region had done this year, and what a great crowd of people we have involved. Then the certificates were given out for all those riders who had represented the region at either the Inter Regional or Home International Competitions. A special award went to Bailey Maddocks - team mascot in Scotland!!
Then it was on with the raffle - top prize being a lesson on Matinee, Paul's Grand Prix horse. And so onto the dancing - where the floor filled pretty quickly, and remained full of revellers until carriages at 1am.
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SENIOR CAMP - OCTOBER 2009In Octrober 2009 we had another fantastic two days at Keysoe! Highlights included a brilliant talk from David Wooley, Sports Psychologist on the Friday night - with follow up on the Saturday.
Eastern Riders on the ball!
Workshops included working on the ball for core muscle strength for the rider, and Philippa Coles demonstrating the different muscles in chalk on the horse.
The Painted Horse!
Sunday afternoon finished with our mini awards ceremony! The winning stable team was the Serpentine Team. A great weekend, lots of happy riders and tired horses - and tired organisers too!! Massive thanks as ever to Paul Cornish our stable manager who is a complete star and makes everyone's lives so much easier! Also to Paul Hayler - the brains behind the operation and the most enthusiastic rider rep ever!
SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONAL
Congratulations to all of our teams who have just returned from Scotland!! We had a fantastic weekend in Rowallan, did not disgrace ourselves in the Karaoke, had the best decorated stables and the best turned out team! The weekend started with the trot up on Friday and the East all looked fab - perfectly turned out horses and smart efficient riders. Several comments were made over the weekend on the high level of turnout and the professionalism of our teams (as well as how friendly they all all!) so your riders did you proud! Massive congratulations to: Kerry Allen, Diane Coxon, Tammy Ruffles, Sian Sheridan, Laura Mansfield, Trevor Downham, Addie Garrett, Louise Clarke, Sharon Keable, Slyvia Josling, Michele Wyatt, Rachel Stott, Emma Wakefield, Vicki Scott and Amanda Edwards and commiserations to Charlotte Charnick, whose horse went lame two days before the competition! We had two teams in the top 12, and several individual placings. We also had an individual champ! So well done especially to Sian Sheridan - Novice Champion! As ever, big BIG thanks to our wonderful Rider Rep and Team Trainer Paul Hayler! As usual, Paul did not make it an easy weekend for himself, having driven to France Wednesday, driven horses to Biarritz that day, done the trot up and warmed Bobby up competing there Friday morning, then flown back to the UK and on to Scotland on Friday night in order to warm all our riders up! A long and very tiring weekend, but great fun - and well done to the Scots who were the Champions - thanks for a great time and see you down here next year!
WE WON (AGAIN)!!!!
It is with great delight that I can report we have retained our title in style!! The 2010 Senior Inter Regional Team Competition took place this weekend at Keysoe, under cloudless blue skies and temperatures in the 80’s. All eight regions were represented, and it was great to welcome a team from Scotland for the first time. Drama started before we even got there, a frantic call from Samantha Kent, stranded on the M1, to me, driving on the M11, resulted in me managing to contact Sian Sheridan who, as luck would have it, was just a few miles from J13 on the M1 with a space on her lorry!! All would have been well if Sam’s horse had not taken this moment to decide that perhaps he didn’t want to go in someone else’s lorry!! The police arrived, the motorway was closed, queues lengthened, Sian’s horse had to come off, and finally everyone was back on board and Keysoe bound!! Now that is what I call a team player – thanks Sian – you are a star!!!
By 7.45am on Saturday, the first horse was trotting down the centre line, and tests from Preliminary to Prix St Georges level followed in all three arena’s non-stop until 8pm in the evening. The Inter Regionals are the highlight of the competitive year for many of those competing. Team selection took place over the months before in the cold early days of Spring here in the East – resulting in our top 26 riders helping to make up the over 200 combinations, and 40 teams for the weekend.
The unique atmosphere of the event is one of the key factors. Everyone is there for a good time, to ride their best and compete for their region. Rivalry is strong – starting with the ‘camps’ set up in the box park – and this was ours on Saturday night!!
As our fab Rider Rep Paul Hayler could not be with us (otherwise engaged in Belgium!) Mark Ruddock stepped very ably into the breach. From 7.30am until our last rider, he was in the warm-up area helping, advising, calming nerves and even catching the odd loose horse and reuniting it with its rider (hope you are ok Clare!) So many riders commented on how privileged they felt to be part of it all, to feel like a ‘professional’ rider, with a back-up team on hand, a trainer dedicated to helping them achieve their best, and supporters cheering them on. And it worked!! As Mark said to everyone in the evening “I am so proud of you all – you rode your little socks off!” It seems the judges thought the same, as comments coming back from them after the classes included what a pleasure it had been to judge such good classes, amazing horses, some beautifully presented tests and lots of really impressive riding. More excitement was caused by the arrival of the overnight scores, showing Eastern teams to be in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 8th positions – after that the party really rocked!! Mark and I thought it was a great idea at 2am Sunday morning to still be celebrating our success…. At 7am on Sunday when back on duty – it did not seem quite such a good one – although Vicky, who had been with us, looked surprisingly good riding her test at 8am!!
By Sunday afternoon, the ice cream machine was in over-drive, and Michele Wyatt and her piece of paper with team scores on were being stalked! After our photo call in the box park...
All the teams gathered in the arena for the prize giving. Kim Moloney gave a rousing speech, reminding riders of how only 5 years ago this competition, the brainwave of Patsy and Simon Bates at The College, attracted only 12 riders. This year there were probably 1200 vying for a place on a team!! Then it was down to the all important results! First up were the individual results –in the Preliminary championship we had Michelle Loy in a brilliant 7th place. Michelle came to the first viewing day at Writtle way back in February asking if she might be good enough to just have a lesson – every time she has been since, she has got better and better – and her test for over 68% on the Sunday was just fab – Michelle you are a star! In the Novice we had a fab 2nd place with Catherine King who rode two lovely tests on Saturday and Sunday. In the Elementary it was a clean sweep for the host region – with the East taking first, second and third in the most hotly contested class of the weekend! Champion was Jacqui Mutch, who as well as riding two terrific tests, also laughed non stop all weekend, and kept everyone else laughing too!! Second went to Elenor Dimant – a member of the winning team last year and third Sian Sheridan – our Novice champ from the Home International. And completing our top 10 placings was Lin Williams in 8th. The Medium took a similar line – with Eastern Rider Charlotte Holes in pole position, followed by Ella Gay in 2nd, Louise Clark in 8th and Amanda Edwards in 9th. In the individual Advanced Medium/PSG class, Louise Clark again really pulled it out of the bag, to come a very close 2nd. Louise had come for the teams, but when Trevor’s horse went lame, she took his spot in the Advanced individual class – and showed them how it should be done!!
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for, time to find out who would be crowned team champions for 2010. In reverse order, teams came and collected their rosettes and prizes – we had three teams in the top 10 - our Barcelona team made up of
Louise Clark, Sue Maddocks, Catherine King and Carolyn Davies were 8th.
Then in 4th came our Beijing Team of Lin Williams, Clare Day, Becky Hutchinson (+ one, or two??!) and Ella Gay.
Finally we got to the climax – and the 2010 winners were announced – the Eastern London Team!!! To great applause and cheering, Sian Sheridan, Charlotte Holes, Elenor Dimant and Laura Mansfield came forward to claim their prizes, trophies and rosettes. The obligatory bottle of bubbly was duly sprayed over them and the end of another great weekend grew to a close.
I would just like to say a personal thanks to each and every one of our riders, helpers, Mums, Dads, friends, other halves, dogs and children who made this such a FABULOUS weekend!! The atmosphere was brilliant right from the start, the sun shone, every single rider raised their game and rode brilliantly, new friends were made, grass was singed by BBQ’s (Simon B pointed that out to me!!) wine was drunk and horses got used to sleeping with all their pals in the temporary stables. Especially special thanks to the wonderful Mark Ruddock who squeezed just a little bit extra out of those winning Eastern riders and roll on the Home International – let’s go for the double! (Oh and Charlotte and Elenor – if you don’t make it to the Nationals – we may just be able to find you a space in October!!!)
SPRING CAMP 2010
Due to popular demand (and some sort of madness!) Paul and I decided to run a Spring camp as well this year for the first time. Last weekend saw the event go off fantastically! 34 riders descended on Norton Heath on Friday, and were soon busy bedding down horses, sorting out who was parked where and who was with who. Then it was down to the important business of food and drink! Throughout the weekend, Tonie Finch and her team at Norton Heath did a fantastic job. The food was great, everyone was happy and helpful and it all made the weekend fun and relaxing for the riders. The sun shone and we all sat outside for a Pimms and BBQ, then riders got into their teams to play some games, which resulted in much hilarity and the discovery of a very fine cocktail mixer (those Manhatten's were MOST tasty!) All those taking part also wrote on post-it notes, their aims for the weekend - and we had them stuck in the bar, starting on the 'to do' side, and aiming to have them on the 'done' side by Sunday afternoon. I am pleased to report that the three post-its saying "don't fall off" all made it across to the other side, as did some rather more ambitious ones such as "get more than 65%", "Ride in my first medium" and "party like we did at the Inter Regionals!!"
Saturday morning saw everyone up bright and early for lessons with the three trainers - Paul Hayler, Mark Ruddock and Julie Hugo - and workshops on nutrition and veterinary. The nutrition workshop covered food labelling, myths about sports drinks, how much carbohdrate and protein you should eat in a day, and how much you should drink when exercising (water that is!) People were shocked to find how much salt was in some products that they thought were really healthy, and likewise where sugar is added to certain things to compensate for other stuff taken out! It was interesting to see how many riders were drinking water and eating bananas and fruit in the afternoon - all keen and sportsmanlike - sadly by about 9pm that evening, it all went rather downhill!!
Ralph did another great talk about all things horse related, and riders came away from his workshop with more knowledge and having had various questions answered too. Lessons over and it was onto the test riding - with all levels from Prelim to Inter I being ridden. After evening stables and another delicious meal, Mark and Paul did a demo to music. The sun shone again as we all gathered outside to watch Paul on three different horses at different levels. Mark explained how to put a floor pattern together, and find music to suit a particular horse, then Paul rode through the tests. Louise Clark and Pino also put on a great performance, riding their Advanced Medium Freestyle test. Then it was back to the bar for a great evening of chat and laughter.
Sunday saw campers looking a little more weary, but Chris Cowan and his exercise balls soon had them awake! There was only one faller on Sunday - Rachel rolling off her ball, and ending up across the floor with the ball on top of her - but she didn't try and repeat it on Speedy, so all was well!
The afternoon was a competition, and all riders looked very smart with full show gear and plaited horses - and it was great to see the improvement over the weekend. Nearly all got better marks today and rode a more accurate test. Riders also took the opportunity to sit in with the judges, write for them, and discuss marks and movements.
The weekend finished with prizes in the bar to class winners - Penny Judd, Louise Gladding, Jessica Williams, Judi Davies and Mary Ellen Jackson. A couple of special mentions for the weekend: Well done to Helen Murphy who rode all weekend and joined in enthusiastically, despite being pregant with twins! (Julie said it was the first time she had ever taught three people on a horse at once!) Well done also to Louise G, who after her lesson and test riding on Sunday, niped up the road to Berwick Farm, and won a ODE there too!
Thanks again, to everyone who came along and made camp such a success - to Norton Heath for making us so welcome, to Mark and Julie for being such enthusiastic trainers, to everyone who said afterwards what a great time they had had and sent their thanks - and of course, to Paul, who keeps getting these 'great ideas' - having me set them all up, then coming along and ensuring that they are as fantastic as his vision!
Louise and Pino
Prize winners at the Music Festival
June 2009
Trevor Downham Rachel Roberts Claire Kinsley Claire Ackerman Carolyn Davies Karen Paffey
EVENTS COMING UP FOR SENIORS
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Date
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Event
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27 Feb
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Senior Inter Regl Viewing Day – Writtle
Thank you to all those who came along for a very successful first viewing day. There were some great new combinations out and about, as well as some faces from last year. Once we have held the final viewing day on the 28 March, we will be notifying all the riders that we would like to invite to the long list day on the 18th April.
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7 March
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Senior Inter Regional Viewing Day – Writtle
Another great Viewing Day with lots more great combinations - we are really lucky with all these people to choose our teams from - the difficult bit will be narrowing the list down!
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20 March
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Test Riding Day with PAUL HAYLER – Norton Heath
Despite the rain, we had a really successful day at Norton Heath. Both Paul and Mark Ruddock judged and taught non stop from 9-5 and everyone who came really enjoyed it. Riders warmed up and rode their test, then had 20 mins working with the trainer on specific points from the test before riding it again. I am pleased to say that I think everyone ended up with better marks on their second tests! More days like this are being planned for the summer - so watch this space!
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28 March
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Senior Inter Regional Viewing Day – Waresley Park
Well done to everyone who came along to Aresley Park, and survived the gallops, the cross country jumps and the plastic cows to get to their arena!! The sun shone and it was a very pleasant afternoon with some great riding - roll on the test riding day!
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| 12 April | Read all about this event above! |
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18 April
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Long List Test Riding Day – Seniors – Writtle
Thanks to everyone who came along yesterday - and wasn't it wonderful to be in sunshine! We have now got our teams picked, a hard job from so many good combinations, but well done to all those who are on teams, and well done too to those that have not made it this year. E-mail about to go out to those who were successful!
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8 May
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Final Team Training Day – Norton Heath
A great final run through in the freezing cold!! Everyone looked on great form and we saw some lovely tests - keep up the good work until the Inter Regionals!!
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22-23 May
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Senior Inter Regionals – Keysoe
WE CAME, WE SAW, WE PARTIED, WE WON!
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12-13 June
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Spring Camp – Seniors – Norton Heath
See report above
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| 4 Aug | Dan Sherriff Clinic, Earlsway, Suffolk. Dan held a very successful clinic in Suffolk, with great feedback! If you want to se him again, or missed out this time - don't forget he is up in Suffolk again in November - see below for details. |
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29 Aug
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Eastern Region Summer Garden Party – Jubilee Farm - See all details above - cost: £25
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5 Sept
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Home International Viewing Day – Brook Farm
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| 18 Sept | Dan Greenwood discussion afternoon. Details of this event in the Judges section - but all welcome! |
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26 Sept
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Home International Final Training Day - Writtle
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9-10 Oct
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Senior Home International, The College EC, Keysoe, Beds Click here to download schedule
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30-31 Oct
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Senior Autumn Camp – Keysoe
PLEASE NOTE, THIS CAMP IS NOW FULL BUT I AM RUNNING A WAITING LIST SO LET ME KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO ON IT.
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| 7 Nov | Dan Sherriff Clinic - Otley College, Suffolk - all levels welcome. £38 |
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TBC Dec/Nov
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Winter Ball
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JUDGE TRAINING.
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Date
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Event
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Cost
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| 18 Sept | Dan Greenwood discussion afternoon, Turvey, Beds. An interactive afternoon where Dan will be riding a couple of horses and also working with guinea pigs, giving you the chance to discuss each horse. | £14 |
| 11 Oct | Judge Training at Patchetts, Herts | £12 |
| 20 Oct | DVD and Supper evening, Beds | £12 |
| 7 Dec | Judges Aachen DVD Evening & Supper, Keysoe, Beds | £14 |
All the above (except National Convention), payment to Katharine Perry (cheques payable to British Dressage please)
Check out:
www.judgesnotebook.co.uk a forum where you can have your say, as well as seeing what your fellow Judges think about different topics.
Also, don't forget to look on the newly revamped EDLG website for their upcoming events at:
Plus of course, the forums on the British Dressage Website for Judges!
1 Sept
Training Day with Peter Storr
Open to all Trainers and invited riders.
Bayford Hall, Bayford, Herts.
Please let Katharine know if you are interested in attending and all details will be e-mailed to you nearer the time.
18 Sept
Dan Greenwood interactive afternoon
Open to Trainers and Judges.
Abbey Farm, Turvey, Beds
Dan will be riding a couple of horses and also working with guinea pigs, giving you the chance
to discuss each horse.
CONGRATULATIONS to our teams who have just returned from the 2010 BYRDS Inter Regional Competition. Full report to follow, but just to say you all did a brilliant job - and we were unfortunately just beaten into 2nd place in the teams (aggg!!!)
If you are a rider under 25 years old and interested in dressage, then you are welcome to come along to any of our Regional events. We have a newsletter which goes out three times a year with all the details of what we are doing and news of our riders successes (of which there are many, obviously!!). If you would like to know more, please contact me, Katharine, or Eleanor Collinswho is the Eastern Regional BYRDS Rep and we can tell you more about what we do!
Training starts again in January, and we have lots of great events planned all the way through the year. If you are not already on our database, click below to download the latest newsletter and see what we get up to. If you think BYRDS is for you, then e-mail Katharine and we will add you to our list! You are welcome to all events, and riders from 8-25 of every ability are welcome too so don;t get put off or think you are not good enough - come along and get some great training and see how much fun we have!
WE ARE THE 2009 CHAMPIONS!!!
PRADA TEAM
Sam Hawkins Michelle Watson Georgina Weedon Bethany Rose Horobin
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THE BURBERRY TEAM
Gabby Lucas Michelle Wakefield Imogen Ablett Rosie Daniell
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For all information on up-coming events, results and write up and application forms .....
TALENT SEEKING
5 August 2009
Brook Farm, Essex
We held a very successful Talent Spotting Da y at Brook Farm. With 28 entries overall, it was a busy day for the two assessors - James Burtwell and Mark Ruddock - both of whom are Trainers and Judges. The format of the day was that riders in the same age categories were grouped together. First they rode the Talent Spotting Test, and then they came back into the arena for training on their own horses in a group. After this, the assessors swopped the riders around onto different horses. "Try to imagine that a friend from another part of the country has called you to ask if you can go and try a horse they have seen advertised near you and let them know what you think" was the brief. The sheets that all the riders get at the end of the day look for things such as 'Feel and elasticity of the seat', 'Anticipation of movements', 'poise and security', 'effectiveness of the aids'. The second half which concentrates on the training and swopping includes the riders influence on the second horse, their talent and empathy and knowledge of training systems. The first section was the Fledglings - and this was won by Imogen Abblett who rode a nice test and spoke well. In the young juniors section (age 12-14) Beth Turnbull and Take the Biscuit were successful. The hotly contested Middle Juniors (age 15-18) was won by Sarah Thomas, and in the Young Riders, Katie Hamilton came out on top. Well done to everyone who took part, all went home with rosettes, certificates, feedback forms and prizes.
EVENTS IN THE EAST SPRING 2010
(Application forms and details for all the below in the Autumn newsletter - click further up the page to download this)
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31 Jan
TRAINING DAY AND TEAM VIEWING
Brook Farm, Essex
A fab (and very busy) day was held at Brook Farm. It was great to have so many new faces, and welcome to all those coming for the first time - hope you enjoyed your first BYRDS experience, and that we will see lots more of you!
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15 Feb
TRAINING DAY AND TEAM VIEWING
The College EC, Beds
Another busy and successful day (albeit freezing cold and with snow falling for some parts of it!) Everyone who came had lessons with either Eleanor Collins or Ruth Hurst, and then rode their tests in front of List 3 Judges Sue Darken. Lots of new faces again which is great, and welcome to BYRDS!
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.27 March
TRAINING DAY AND TEAM VIEWING
Wix EC, Essex
The third and final viewing day took place at Wix last Saturday. Again a full house and lots of keen riders and horses. Eleanor Collins and Dan Sherriff were the trainers and Eleanor even managed to fit in a quadrille practise for the 12th April - so hope you will be there to cheer on our BYRDS riders!
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8 April
TEST RIDING ANALYSIS
18 riders came and benefitted from riding their test, and then watching it back on video and discussing it with List 1 judge Kim Ratcliffe. Analysing actual test movements is a really useful exercise for those going out competing - giving you an insight into where marks are won and lost. Everyone enjoyed the day and went home with food for thought!
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12/13 April
TWO DAY CAMP
40 riders came and enjoyed two days of lessons, stable management and test riding. Several ponies were seen to be having a nap in their stables after all the activity - as were several of the riders! It was a fun packed two days, with the demo eveing in the middle in which several of the camp participants rode beautifully to showcase how talented our BYRDS riders are in the East! Well done to Eleanor for another very successful camp!
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26 April
BYRDS QUADRILLE AT WRITTLE
Our BYRDS Quadrille of Imogen Ablett, Beth Turnbull, Beth Horobin and Aimee Witkin performed brilliantly at the Grand Opening of the new equine facilities at Writtle College, Essex. Riding to the Black Eyed Peas, they performed an immaculate display to impress the audience - well done girls!
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3 May
OPEN COMPETITION
Towerlands EC, Essex
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3 July
TEAM TRAINING AND ELITE SQUAD TEST ANALYSIS
Brook Farm , Essex
With Mark Ruddock, Trainer and List 2 Judge
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10-11 July
BYRDS INTER REGIONAL COMPETITION
The College EC, Beds
Report and pictures to follow soon.
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1 Sept
ELITE TRAINING DAY WITH PETER STORR
We are delighted to announce that we have top trainer Peter Storr coming to the region in September to teach some of our riders. This day will be held at Dan Sherriffs yard, Bayford Hall, Herts. Riders will be invited to attend along with their trainers, and if you would like a place on this day, please contact Katharine Perry. The cost of a shared lesson is £45.
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25 Sept
TALENT SEEKING DAY
Writtle College, Essex
This day is open to all, and training burseries will be awarded to the winning riders.
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26 Sept
CLINIC WITH NATALIE BANKS
Abbey Farm, Turvey, Beds
Natalie is on the BEF Foundation Squad and was a runner up at the recent Young Professional Award. Sessions £35 for half an hour - all levels welcome
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24 Oct
CLINIC WITH NATALIE BANKS
Abbey Farm, Turvey, Beds
Natalie is happy to work on either pure dressage or help you put together a floor pattern and music for freestyle tests. Sessions £35 for half an hour - all levels welcome
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28-29 Oct
BYRDS TWO DAY AUTUMN CAMP
The College EC, Beds
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7 Nov
DAN SHERRIFF CLINIC
Otley College, Ipswich, Suffolk
£45 for a 45 minute session
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14 Nov
CLINIC WITH NATALIE BANKS
Abbey Farm, Turvey, Beds
Pure dressage or freestyle, working on floor pattern and music. Sessions £35 for half an hour - all levels welcome
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5 December
CLINIC WITH NATALIE BANKS
Abbey Farm, Turvey, Beds
Natalie is on the BEF Foundation Squad and was a runner up at the recent Young Professional Award. Sessions £35 for half an hour - all levels welcome
Under the control of our new Para Rep - Barbara Angel, I am delighted to say that we are already planning various activities for Para riders in the region. If you would like to find out more about how you can become involved, please contact Barbara (details at the beginning of this page) or Katharine. Also, if you would like to go onto our e-mailing list for para information, please let us know.
Events coming up for Para Riders
Autumn Programme – Para Training Eastern Region
5th September – Test Riding with Clive Milkins
Clive is the highest qualified male RDA instructor and examiner for teaching qualifications. He was short listed for the Queen’s award for Equestrianism and the BEF Grooms award, and in 2008 he was the Buckinghamshire Coach of the Year. Clive has been involved with Para Dressage since l989 and has travelled all over the world teaching and training riders and instructors. He has trained riders from Brazil, Israel and South Africa. The Brazillian team that took part in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens was trained by Clive. He has trained 15 riders from grass roots to compete at International level, from one star junior competitions to European, World and Paralympic gold Medal success. His main love is developing and helping children into sport riding from the therapeutic side of the RDA. This event is open to all, especially riders and trainers. Cost £5 11am – 1pm at Fulmer Equestrian Centre Bucks. Please apply to Katharine 01277 899589 for further details.
30th October Training Clinic with Michel Assouline, Colne Engaine, Essex
Another chance to have a one-to-one training session with Para Squad Coach Michel Assouline at his yard in Essex. 45 minutes for £30. Spectators are welcome and tea, coffee and cake will be served. Please apply to Katharine. Michel is a graduate of the French National Equestrian School, home of the Cadre Noir in Saumur and gained a vast international experience in the USA, France and Germany as an international rider and trainer. In 1988 Michel was long-listed to represent France at the Seoul Olympic. Fluent in French, German and English, Michel has become a highly respected trainer, teaching numerous riders of all levels across Europe up to Grand Prix at CDI International level. Michel was voted ' 1995 UK Dressage Trainer of the Year, and is a member of the International Dressage Trainers Club.
20th November Training at Chigwell Riding Trust, Essex with Deborah Hall MBE BHSII, RDASI
You have the choice of a lesson on one of Deborah’s horses, £25 your own horse £20 or on the mechanical horse £10. Deborah was a student at Radnage House Riding School and trained with Pat Smallwood FBHS, it was there that she took her Stage IV and was first introduced to RDA. She then came to Chigwell where she was head girl for three years, took her RDASI and in l985 became manager. She trained Liz Stone who in 1994 became World Champion at Hartpury as a Grade 11 rider and Liz went on in l996 to Atlanta to gain an individual silver and team gold medal. Her head girl is Jamie Burnham who follows in Deborahs footsteps showing great experience and expertise. Please apply to Katharine giving details of what you would like to do, 01277 899589.
For all the above events, please send cheques (payable to British Dressage) and details of your classification, to:
Katharine Perry, Herons Farm, Herons Lane, Fyfield, Essex, CM5 0RQ.
Also, events being organised by the Central Region which you are also welcome to attend as follows:
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15 Oct - Preparing for Talent Spotting Day and Test Riding with Waveney Luke and Andrea Hessay- Lowlands Farm, Shrewley, Nr Warwick. £15 per half hour session or £20 for 45 mins shared
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28 Oct - Preparing for Talent Spotting Day and Test Riding with Waveney Luke and Clive Milkins - South Bucks RDA. £15 per half hour session or £20 for 45 mins shared
For either of the above events, please apply to Waveney Luke (details on Central Regional website)
