North west region

UPDATED 22 JUNE 2009

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TO DOWNLOAD OUR BYRDS EVENTS UPDATE - MAY/JUNE 2009 - CLICK HERE

Elaine Gray - North West Regional DevelopElaine Grayment Officer

12 Bingley Close
Clayton-le-Woods
Chorley
Lancs
PR6 7ST
PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
Email: elainegray@britishdressage.co.uk  
Mobile: 079688 19406

Hello everyone, my name is Elaine Gray and I am your Regional Development Officer for the North West Region. I am employed by British Dressage on a full-time basis and my responsibilities include working with organisers coordinating dates to give you maximum opportunities for competition and to ensure BD competition days are run efficiently, on good surfaces and comply with all heath and safety requirements.  Therefore, should you attend a competition and feel that these priorities are not being met, please let me know. 
I am also responsible for the coordination of training for judges, trainers, riders and young riders under 25 (BYRDS), in accordance with British Dressage policy guidelines. Regional training opportunities will be published on the regional web pages, please contact me should you require further information on any the events detailed.
You also have a North West Regional Committee working with me to provide specialist technical advice and to help me promote and develop opportunities relevant to their area of responsibility. 

:: Quick Links
Your committee members are:
Judith Harris – Regional Chairman
Email: Rainbow43jh@aol.com  / 01885 400320 / 07840 808721
Sue Harcombe - Rider Training Representative
Email: sueharcombe@hotmail.com  / 01568 760649 / 07792 573507
Moira Lafferty - NW BYRDS Representative
Email: moira.lafferty@o2.co.uk  / 07808 924695
Sarah Leitch - Judges Representative
Email: sarahleitch@btinternet.com  / 01432 820510 / 07974191947
Fiona Lace - Coaching Representative
Email: fionalace@btinternet.com  / 01704 822454 / 07751 380585
Pamela Rigby - Para Representative
Email: Pamrigby@tiscali.co.uk  / 01565 889054 / 07710 904428
Helen Bradley - Members Representative
Email: hjbradley@btinternet.com  / 01995 643115 / 07711 193001
Angela Kennedy - Isle of Man Representative
Email: angela@manx.net  / 07624 491911 
May 2009 NW Region Judges Upgraded
Congratulations to the following judges who upgraded to 2A!!
 at the Somerford Park Premier League Competition
Helen Bradley
Tim Downes
Carole Thornton
WELL DONE & CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
 TO ALL OUR NW REGION RIDERS WHO PERFORMED FABULOUSLY AT THE SENIOR INTER REGIONAL COMPETITION 2009
AT THE COLLEGE EC, KEYSOE, BEDS
ON  23rd & 24th MAY 
With 39 teams competing we were delighted that three of our teams finished in the top 6 - 3rd, 4th & 6th and we had many individual placings to celebrate too!!
Medium Championship - Tor Smith 1st / Iain Holt 4th
Elementary Championship - Lisa Sergent 2nd / Ruth Mason 4th
Novice Championship - Lucy Clothier 5th
Prelim Championship - Jo Andrews 3rdSue Harcombe (chef d'equipe) and Kate Attlee (NW Region Team Trainer)
WELL DONE EVERYONE AND HUGE THANKS TO
Judie Adcock, Joanne Andrews, Kathy Brown, Lucy Clothier , Jo Copley Lynne Cornwell, Suzanne Galliers, Iain Holt,  Emma Kennaugh,
Nikki Leybourne, Tracey Lloyd, Ruth Mason, Rebecca McNair, Kathy Miller, Nicola O’Connor, Lindsay Poxon, Carol PoInton, Jane Rowan,
Rebecca Sargent, Lisa Sergent , Tor Smith, Hayley Thornton &
Juliet Tranter
Ad Med Individuals:   Claire Gaskin,  Jenifer Gilbey  & Nicky Saynor

MORE DETAILS IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER
RESULTS CAN BE VIEWED ON THE COLLEGE WEBSITE
*  *  *  *  * 
SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONAL 2009
17TH & 18TH OCTOBER
AT ROWALLAN ACTIVITY CENTRE, SCOTLAND
HI SCHEDULE - CLICK HERE
The NW Region will be sending three teams to this event
together with our NW Team Trainer Kate Attlee
If you are interested in being considered to represent the region at this prestigious event please register your interest by completing and returning to Elaine Gray the register of interest form - CLICK HERE
If you did not represent the NW Region at the 2009 Senior Inter Regional Competition at The College then to be considered for a team place you will be required to attend a minimum of either the 2-day camp at Myerscough College in Aug, two test riding sessions or two lessons with Kate Attlee - please scroll down for a list of all training dates and booking information
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 7TH AUGUST
SELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE W/C 10TH AUGUST
RIDERS WILL BE INVITED W/C 17TH AUGUST
Promote Your Business!
BD NW Region are seeking sponsors to help support and develop our autumn programme of training events which will include workshops and demos.
If you are interested in promoting your business, being involved  and you would like to support dressage in the NW Region,
please contact Elaine to discuss.

The Woodlander Stud Visit
(Goblaen House, Rhosgoch, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3JT )

28th June 2009 1pm—4pm
 
An opportunity to learn about breeding competition horses and the development of young stock

The visit will include talks and demonstrations including:
• Understanding the value of good breeding
• Care of the mare and foal
• Handling the two year olds
• Starting work with the three year olds
• Riding the four year olds

There will also be an opportunity to see the older horses at the stud
Tickets in advance Listed Judges £12, Members £15,
Non Members £20, Tickets on the day £25

For further information contact Elaine Gray on 07968819406 or email elainegray@britishdressage.co.uk
UNDERSTANDING JUDGING
IN LINE WITH THE SCALES OF TRAINING
A DVD Evening (Nov - Med)
With International Rider & List 1 International Judge
Isobel Wessels
Tuesday, 7th July 2009/ 6pm – 8pm
at Broadfield Court
(www.broadfieldcourt.co.uk)
Bowley Lane, Bodenham, Herefordshire HR1 3LG
ALL WELCOME / TICKETS IN ADVANCE:
BD members £10 Non-members £12
ON THE NIGHT: £15
For further information, or to book tickets, contact Judith Harris on 01885 400320 or email Judith at rainbow43jh@aol.com
A cheese ploughmans salad or ham salad with a glass of wine of choice will be served at 8pm.
This must be ordered and paid for in advance - cost: £10

The North West Region are off to the
2009 European Dressage Championships
to be held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle
Monday 24th August - Sunday 30th August 
MORE DETAILS - CLICK HERE
Equine Specific First Aid
One Day Refresher Course in association with Pro Medical
Tuesday 1st September 2009 / 9am – 4.30pm
at Ashbrook Equine Hospital,
Nr Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9JQ
OPEN TO ALL
COST: BD Members £55.00 / Non Members £60.00
Please register your interest with Elaine asap if you would like to attend as a minimum number is required in order for this course to be run.
To confirm your place, please send a cheque, payable to British Dressage to: Elaine Gray, 12 Bingley Close,
Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancs. PR6 7ST
For further information contact Elaine
079688 19406/ elainegray@britishdressage.co.uk

VOLUNTEERS – AN INVITATION TO BE INVOLVED

Due to the growth of dressage and the constantly increasing demand for more training opportunities and competitions in the region our NW Regional vounteer network is invaluable - if you would like to join our team of regional volunteers, please - CLICK HERE –  download the form, complete and email it to Elaine Gray @ elainegray@britishdressage.co.uk

Pilates for Dressage Riders
Pilates will help you to:
Create a Deeper Seat / Develop balance and symmetry
Improve Flexibility / Enhance low back suppleness
Understand your own posture and how to improve it 
 
NEW COURSES STARTING SOON
 COURSE 1: at Myerscough College, Lancs
With Steven Wright - Sports Focused Pilates Instructor
A six week course - £30.00 (class size limited) 
Commencing Thursday 16th July 2009 / 7.30pm to 8.30pm
To reserve a place or for further information,
please contact Helen Bradley (NW Region Members Rep)
on 01995 643115 / 07711 193001 or
COURSE 2:  at Bromyard EC, Herefordshire
With Alexandra Lyons - Body Control Pilates Instructor
A six week course - £48.00 (class size limited) 
Commencing Monday 1st June 2009 / 7pm to 8pm
To reserve a place or for further information,
please contact Sarah Leitch
 (NW Region Judges Rep) on 01432 820510 / 07974 191947 or
 
These are mat based classes using controlled movements to strengthen the deep core abdominal muscles, improving body shape,

North West Region Training Days with Isobel Wessels
 
22nd June, 29th June, 27th July, 11th August, 14th Sept,
5th Oct, 16th November & 7th December
at Bromyard EC, Herefordshire

Private Lessons with Isobel (45 mins)
Members £65.00 / Non-members £67.00
For further information, booking details and times please contact Judith Harris on 01885 400320 or email Judith at rainbow43jh@aol.com 
Trainers, listed Judges & trainee judges are invited to attend as spectators free of charge.
Other spectators will be charged £5.00 for the day

Training Days with Stephen Clarke

9th July @ Myerscougth International Arena, Lancs
12th August @ Aintree EC, Liverpool
3rd September @ Myerscougth International Arena, Lancs
Private Lessons with Stephen (40 mins)
Members £80.00 / Non-members £85.00
For further information, booking details and times
contact Helen Bradley (NW Members Rep) on 01995 643115 / 07711 193001 or email Helen at hjbradley@btinternet.com 

Test Riding Clinics with Helen Bradley (List 2 Judge)
 
26th June, 10th July, 5 August, 2 September,
20 October, 27 October & 17 November
@ Myerscough International Arena, Lancs

An opportunity to ride through a test
(all levels catered for inc BYRDS Squad & Para-equestrian tests) followed by feedback and a training session.
Each session including the test riding will last approximately 40 minutes at a cost of Members £37.00 / Non-members £40.00
For further information/check availability of places, contact Elaine

Test Riding Clinics with Jane Peberdy (List 1 Judge)
 
1st July, 8th Sept,14 Oct & 11 Nov 
@ Field House Equestrian Centre, Nr Uttoxeter, Staffs

An opportunity to ride through a test
(all levels catered for inc BYRDS Squad & Para-equestrian tests) followed by feedback and a training session.
Each session including the test riding will last approximately 30 minutes at a cost of Members £25.00 / Non-members £27.00.
Further information/check availability of places, contact Elaine

Test Riding Clinics with Jane Peberdy (List 1 Judge)
 
29th Sept & 17th Nov
@ Gracelands EC, Crutch Lane, Elmbridge,
Droitwich Spa, Worcs WR9 0BE

An opportunity to ride through a test
(all levels catered for inc BYRDS Squad & Para-equestrian tests) followed by feedback and a training session.
Each session including the test riding will last approximately 30 minutes at a cost of Members £25.00 / Non-members £27.00.
For further information, booking details and times please contact Sue Harcombe on 01568 760649 or email Sue at sueharcombe@hotmail.com

NW Regional Training Days with Kate Attlee
 
 9th July, 20th August, 10th September & 8th October
5th November @ Allens Hill Competition Centre, Pershore, Worceshire WR10 2DU

Private Lessons with Kate (45 mins) Members £35.00 / Non-members £40.00 For further information, booking details and times please contact Sue Harcombe on 01568 760649
or email Sue at sueharcombe@hotmail.co.uk . 

Biomechanics for Dressage Riders with Denise O'Reilly 
25th July and 8th August
at Rodbaston College, Staffs ST19 5PH
£30 for 45 min session
For further information, booking details and times contact
Denise on 07814 286988 or via email deniseoreilly40@yahoo.co.uk  www.thedressagesecret.com 

NW Region Active Rider Dressage Camp
6th - 8th August 2009 @ Myerscough International Arena, Lancashire
FOR PROGRAMME, COSTINGS & BOOKING INFORMATION - CLICK HERE www.activerider.co.uk/camp_details.php?id=120

North West Region Para-equestrian Training
Regional para training opportunities are run throughout the year.
You are eligible to take part if you have a disability, you do not have to be a member of British Dressage.
Details of these training days are detailed below:

Monthly Clinics -  5th July, 2nd Aug, 6th Sept & 4th Oct
@ Croft RC, Warrington with Sandra Edwards
Cost: £15 for 30 mins
For bookings and/or further information/advice on para-equestrian training opportunities both regional and national contact Pam Rigby
(NW Regional Para Representative) on 01565 889054
or via email - Pamrigby@tiscali.co.uk 

NW Region British Young Riders Dressage Scheme (BYRDS)
NW REGION BYRDS INFORMATION PACK - CLICK HERE
NW Region BYRDS Newsletter / May 2009 - CLICK HERE
NW Region BYRDS Events Update -May/June 2009 - CLICK HERE
The NW Regional BYRDS structure continues to develop and last year over 40 NW Region young riders from the age of 9 years upwards competed successfully in Inter Regional and Home International competitions representing either the NW Region or England. Throughout the year we hold several monthly clinics, three 2-day training camps, a regional competition, team training days, a team building day, a 12 session Sports Psychology course and
many other activities.
NW BYRDS welcomes all young riders aged 8 – 25 years. There is no initial joining fee, to become involved simply reserve a place on any of the activities by contacting Elaine.

For further information, contact Elaine Gray (NW RDO)
Email: elainegray@britishdressage.co.uk / Mob: 079688 19406 
or Moira Lafferty (NW Region BYRDS Representative)
Email: moira.lafferty@o2.co.uk  / Mob: 07808 924695

BYRDS REGIONAL CLINICS
 
with PATSY BARTRAM @ Rodbaston College, Staffs
 15 Aug, 5th Sept, 10th Oct & 14th Nov 

with CLIVE HALSALL
at Walton Fold Farm, Longridge, Nr Preston
  25th July, 15th Aug, 10th Oct,
14th  Nov & 29th Dec 

with JANET HORSWILL & FIONA LACE
@ Huntersgate EC, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
 9th August

Private lessons on each of the above clinics cost £30.00
for a 45 min session.
Semi private lessons may be available @ Huntersgate EC.

BYRDS 2009 TRAINING CAMPS
at Somerford Park Farm, Cheshire  3 & 4 October

The camp is open to riders aged 8 – 25 and costs £140.00 which includes 2 nights stabling & 2 bales of shavings, 2 semi private lessons, 1 individual test riding session including dvd analysis and dvd to take home and a team building session. Other sessions/workshops may be included
An application form together with payment must be submitted to secure a place. To download a Camp Application Form – CLICK HERE
For further information or to check availability of places contact 
Elaine - elainegray@britishdressage.co.uk  / 079688 19406

NW REGION BYRDS PROGRESS CHART - CLICK HERE
BYRDS NW REGIONAL COMPETITION - SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 
AT SOMERFORD PARK, CHESHIRE
Congratulations to our Squad Champions
A Squad - Anna Belton
B Squad - Ann Hartley
C Squad - Hannah Markham
Fledgling - Georgie Twaddle

BYRDS FUNDRAISING
Each year we try to raise funds through our catering at the BYRDS camps and the NW Regional Championships. This money is always re-invested to provide continuous training opportunities for our young riders. More help is always appreciated either in the form of donations of food and/or cakes or if you can spare a few hours at any of these events to work in the kitchen that is also very welcome. Please contact Elaine if you can offer support – Many thanks

North West Region Judge Training

The Winter/Spring 2009 judge training programme is now available and includes training sessions at competitions, Regional Seminars, a yard vist to Carl Hester's, a preparation for testing/upgrading day, mock exams and a practice judging & feedback session.
To download a copy - CLICK HERE
FORTHCOMING JUDGE TRAINING EVENTS
8 July - Gareth Hughes Yard Visit
6 Nov - Carl Hester Yard Visit
To check availability and/or for further information
 
North West Region Judges Mentoring Scheme
This scheme is being developed to offer judges and trainees the opportunity to discuss, with a higher listed judge, any concerns or queries they may have relating to any judging issues.
If you would like to take advantage of this scheme, to discuss your mentoring requirements, or if you simply require further information on how the scheme works in the region, please contact Elaine.

You can also find out more about judging and judges by going to www.judgesnotebook.co.uk 

2009 NW Region Judges Upgraded
Hilary Wells upgraded to List 5 on 31st January
Angela Kennedy upgraded to List 5 on 31st January

UKCC Level 3 Dressage - Update
The British Dressage level 3 pilot workshops and assessment have now been completed.
The candidate coaches from this pilot scheme have also been formally assessed and it planned that UKCC Level 3 Dressage will be officially launched in September 2009.
Details will be shown in the British Dressage magazine and on the website. There will be minimum entry requirements which although not finalised will probably state that candidates will need to be training clients to advanced medium at Regional Championship level. In the first instance the UKCC Level 3 Dressage will be administered by the British Dressage office to ensure that there is consistency and that standards are kept high. 

It is strongly suggested that the majority of trainers should begin at levels 1 & 2 which are generic and candidates can follow any of the following routes to gain levels 1 and 2:
BHS: Training Department - tel: 01926 707700
BSJA: Michaela Darby - michaelad@bsja.co.uk
Pony Club: Nicola Fitter – tel: 02476 698301

In the long term BD may look at having a generic level 2 (with a dressage slant)
but at present are concentrating on the development of level 3 Dressage.

Coaching Reps within the regions will be working with the RDO's to organise events which will include elements of the UKCC Level 3 Dressage technical syllabus to help improve technical knowledge. Candidates should keep records of these training days so that they can include them in UKCC portfolios.

BD North West Newsletter Advertising

Would you like to advertise in our bi-monthly newsletter which goes out to over 1200 addresses all of which are high quality prospects for businesses with an equestrian interest. This is a discerning and focussed audience that will appreciate a limited number of relevant high quality products being placed before them. You could advertise your business in the next edition of this newsletter. Adverts for events, competitions, horses, wagons etc are also welcome
Contact Elaine Gray for rate card and further details