Club News...................
Vectis RC Horse of the Year 2010
This year's competition is really hotting up as the season draws to an end. Click here to see the latest points table. Who's going to win?
Competitive ride - 22 August at Park Down Barns
10 August 2010 - Unaffiliated Dressage at Froghill
25 July 2010 - Showing show at Godshill
Despite an unpromising start to the day, the weather turned out to be ideal for the showing show held at Godshill for the first time. Pony classes were very well filled, with the 14.2 & under Riding Pony Class having to be split. Sammi Henton’s Kallistar shone, winning both the Coloured Class & the 14.2h.h. & under Riding Pony and also gaining places in the Jumping.
Another winner and racing up the HOY points board is The Stig who, with owner Hilary Box, won both the Show Hunter and the Riding Club Horse Classes. Mainland showing judge, Sue Courtney, made new member Blue Bailey-Hunt another dual winner, awarding her the 13.2 Show Hunter Pony and the Riding Pony with Daukester Hector, whilst Dynamite Daisy showed her versatility by winning the Riding Horse Class and being 3rd in the Handy Hunter. This latter class was won by the evergreen Axel who took charge over the jump, much to the surprise and slight horror of his rider Carole Taylor.
The youngest rider, Jimmy Saunders and Leo, one of the oldest ponies, won the best veteran, plus the special for the best over 20 year old. The junior riders made up for a lack of numbers by the volume of noise generated by them and their supporters when contesting the gynkhana games, ably run by Trudi Gatterell and her team. Helen Wood was our course builder, as usual, for the jumping classes ranging from 18” – 2’9” which saw a very good proportion of clear rounds.
Our junior riding test team ran a very successful raffle with a huge array of prizes, bringing their travelling fund for the Championships up to £600. Well done to them for showing such enthusiasm and determination to compete in the finals.
A huge thank you to our many helpers; to local judges Anna Reed and Heather Hicks; to commentator Andy Hicks and to Bill Davison for setting up the P.A. system. Also, thanks to Mandy Steen for the loan of her jumps, yet again
18 July 2010 - Area Dressage Qualifier at Broadlands Farm Estate
We had an early start on Sunday morning and with Deb Harris on standby (lorry rescue!!) we managed to all arrive at Broadlands without incident.
As usual it was the Juniors that achieved the best results at the BRC Area 17 Summer Dressage Qualifier at Broadlands Estate, Romsey last sunday.
Junior members, Natasha Coventry riding Chamlord Chardonnay, Abigail Denham riding Forest Gump, Courtney Sandison riding Lowri and Sammi Henton riding Kallistar won the Riding Test Team competition, qualifying for the British Riding Clubs National Championships held at Lincoln in September. The same team were also second in the junior team dressage competition missing first place by just one point.
Sammi Henton also rode an almost perfect prelim test 12 to win with a very high score of 75% and will also qualify for the National Championships in this class. The girls' are now hard at work arranging fund raising events and looking for sponsors to help with expenses to compete at the Championships.
Picture left to right: Courtney Sandison, Sammi Henton, Abigail Denham, Natasha Coventry.Senior members' Kelly Blow riding Mirabella, Imogen Moss riding Een Twee lucky, Trudi Gattrell riding Decadence and Sally McIntosh riding Southborne Sibena came 6th in the Dressage Team competition. Kelly was placed 3rd in Novice 24 and Trudi was placed 6th in test 28. Kelly and Sally were 5th in the pairs. Wendy Warren was 8th in the riding test and competed as an individual.
More pictures to follow.
Vectis Horse of the Year - Points table
Click here for current points table
BD Affiliated Dressage at Lake Farm - Sunday 11 July
Supper Ride at Godshill - 23 June
12 riders enjoyed a ride across Stenbury Downs in beautiful weather on Wednesday 23rd. June. Everyone managed not to get lost and returned to enjoy a barbecue supper at Di’s house along with other members who came just for the food!
Evening Dressage 30th June
The Club was lucky enough to enjoy the third event in a row with perfect weather when 30 tests were ridden
at the evening dressage. We had 2 arenas so that it could be finished within 2 hours, well before dark, allowing those who had hacked to get home comfortably in the light.Judges Sue Thwaites(Test 7) and Jackie Woodford (Test 12) were unanimous in their choice of preliminary winners, both marking Sammi Henton on Kallistar and Dawn Norris with Ricardo’s Lucky Boy into 1st & 2nd respectively. Heather Nelson and Captain Jack won Intro A and Lizzie Ward and Masquerade were first in Novice 24 by a narrow margin over a second placed Beate Parsons on Paginini.
Thanks to our judges and to everyone who helped make the evening run so smoothly.
Competitive Ride & LDR - Sunday 27 June at Little Kennerly Farm, Godshill
by kind permission of Dawn Webster
At the time of this event it was the hottest day of the year! This definitely put some people off! Those who did compete enjoyed the ride despite the heat. For the first time at an Island ride we crewed the horses before they started offering water and a good cooling slosh. The ground was baked hard so riders took this into account when deciding where to push on and where to slow down. The route took in Chillerton Downs from where the views were spectacular. Fortunately there were plenty of water troughs along the way and the competitors arrived back with all the horses looking good. A lot of water was thrown over the horses (and Fliss!) to get those vital heart rates down.
The final results were really close and a credit to the riders and the fitness of their horses. First was Carla Maskell on Be Fine. Second was Mandy on Dynamite Daisy. Third was Caroline Cooper on Peronne Pazazz and fourth was Sue Hudson on Dublin Bay. Successful completions were achieved by Carol Whittington on Axel, Hilary Box on The Stig, Fliss Crouch on Tarran, Kelly Blow on Mirabella and Julie Wannop-Corney on Mosshill Miley. Points were also awarded towards HOYS and the Competitive Ride Trophy.
Summer Festival at Godshill - Sunday 20 June
Entries were up on the last few years for the Club’s Annual Dressage Festival held on 20 June at Godshill. The weather was perfect, fine and sunny but with a strong breeze in the competition area just right for riding. |
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Endurance Team WIN for Vectis!
We had a super time at Berks Downs! The route was over rolling countryside with no gates which was a relief to us gate plagued Islanders. The course was well marked by red spray painted arrows so nobody got lost! Although it was a pity not more teams were entered we were very pleased to win! Each of the Vectis squad riders did splendidly including Fliss Crouch on her game 23 yr old. Sadly they parted company not far from the end so walked to the finish where Fliss was checked over and her horse was expertly attended by a vet. That left her daughter Trudi Gatrell to finish alone on the dressage diva Decadence who was markedly better behaved at the end compared to the beginning! The other dressage specialist Carla Maskell's Be Fine appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the whole experience and had his usual calming influence on Mandy Steen's talented but sometimes fizzy Dynamite Daisy. Emma Broadhurst coped expertly with 20 yr old Lilly who really didn't see any point in timings and strongly felt she ought to be on the race ride ! Emma and Lilly were teamed with Caroline Cooper on her good pony Peronne Pazazz the smallest in stature in our squad but with a great big heart . The end result was that the five finishers all attained Grade Ones and we are confident that Fliss's Tarran would have done the same as they consistently have low heart rates at Island events. The French Formula was then used to determine the final placings. Vectis squad gained first place! The riders were crewed at the specified crew points and at the finish by Tina Murrant, Pauline Wade, David and Jessica Gatrell, Dave Dana and Anna Lek who kindly also made the journey over that extremely expensive stretch of water to give their invaluable help. We all finished up on the same ferry home still feeling hot and a tad tired but triumphant! Team Vectis is now qualified for the National Finals in September. MORE PICTURES IN THE GALLERY |
Fliss & Trudi |
Area Dressage to Music
The Area 17 Dressage to Music qualfier was held at Sparsholt on Bank Holiday Monday 31 May. Four horses and riders travelled to the event, Marty Davison riding Geart, Sally McIntosh riding Sibena, Wendy Warren riding and Kelly Blow riding Mirabella.
Kelly and Sally (Pic right) managed to come equal first in the Pairs class which seemed very unlikey after their first practise. Wendy Warren came second in her section totally surprising herself and Peter and she will qualify for the finals at Aintree in September. Marty came fourth in her section.
Other results were Sally riding Sibena came second in prelim 18, and Marty riding Geart came second in prelim 12.
More Pictures from the day in the Gallery
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Kelly Blow rode Sammi Henton's pony Kallistar at the BRC Riding Test round three qualifier at the Royal Windsor Horse Show finishing in 11th place. Placings were very close and Kelly rode a lovelly test.
Kelly qualified in round one back in January at Lake Farm. Round two was held at the winter area dressage qualifier at Newbury with round three at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
There will be a round one Riding Test qualifier for the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2011 at the Summer Festival on June 20 at Godshill. For more info click here
Vectis Quiz
Vectis held its Annual Quiz at Brickfields in April, when 13 teams from Clubs and groups took part, including past winners: Mountain & Moorland, West Wight Riding Club and last year’s winners, The I.W. Riding Club. Questions were set by V.E.C Chairman, Di Andrews and included rounds on: Animal World, Food & Drink, Current News and Spelling. Bev Snudden provided 2 photo rounds which showed common objects from the garden & house, taken from unusual angles.
The 3 Clubs above soon went into battle, and eventually, the Isle of Wight Riding Club regained the trophy and took the 1st prize of £50. Their team consisted of Mon Yates; Fi Vanassche, Janet Morter & Heidi Carden. 2nd place went to the Mountain & Moorland, 3rd to West Wight & 4th to Froghill.
Many thanks to everyone who entered into the fun spirit of the quiz, especially Vicky Lacey , Martin & team who maintained their unbeaten record of winning the booby prize.
Vectis RC Horse of the Year
For the second year we will be running our RC Horse of the Year competition which we are very pleased to annouce that once again Froghill Tack will be the sponsors.
As last year, points will be gained by the horse at shows throughout May to October in show jumping, dressage, showing and LDR and the winning horse will be annouced by Di under great suspense at the AGM in November. The horse may be ridden by different riders as it the horse that is judged. Riders will need to register their interest on entry forms.
Many thanks to Mandy at Froghill Tack for her continued support.
Atherfield Farm Competitive Ride 2010
On 4th April we held a Long Distance Ride from Atherfield Farm by kind permission of Ann Henton. After having to cancel rides from last year onwards due to the horrendous weather conditions it was a great relief that the weather was so lovely. The route was just over 15 miles long and took in some considerable climbs, lots of gates and some good fast stretches. There were spectacular views in all directions! Seven combinations contested the competitive ride and the final results were extremely close. Tied first were Mandy Steen on the improving Daisy and Fliss Crouch on the evergreen Tarran. Second was Caroline Cooper on Peronne Pazazz who had his best performance so far. Third was Emma Broadhurst on Lily competing for the first time. Fourth was Mylie ridden by Sammi Henton our only junior entry. Fifth was Kelly Blow’s Mirabella closely followed by Carla Maskell’s Be Fine in sixth place.
It was interesting to see dressage specialists doing so well and thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was also apparent that competitors were really improving on their judgement of pace and also aftercare to bring down that crucial heart rate.
The next Island based ride (with points going towards HOYS as well as the LDR series) will be on 27th June from Little Kennerley Farm, Godshill by kind permission of Dawn Webster. Come along and have a go!
RC Endurance Team Event
For the first time we’re sending an Endurance Team to the mainland to compete at The Berkshire Downs Qualifier on 5th June. Hopefully we’ll go to others and we need more competitors so do put yourself forward!
To find out where these events are and when have a look at www.rcteamevent.endurancegb.co.uk This is a really helpful website which gives loads of information including the ‘French Formula’ which is being used to judge placings. We’ll be using this system at future rides on the Island. If you have any other queries, concerns or would like advice please don’t hesitate to ring Anna (before 9pm) 854166 or email annalek@btinternet.comThe Riding Club Team Endurance Event is open to teams from all affiliated Riding Clubs. Teams are invited to enter an Endurance Qualifier at an Endurance GB Ride in their local area. The team will be asked to complete a course of between 30 and 35km (approximately 20 miles) at a speed between 8kph (approximately 5mph) and 15kph (approximately 9.5mph).
The top two or three teams in each Qualifier will go forward to the Team Endurance Final at the Robin Hood Challenge Ride at Southwell Racecourse on Sunday 5 September. You don’t need any special equipment, particular breed or type of horse to get started, just you, your horse and your normal riding tack. If you are interested in this event please contact Anna Lek 854166.Website for more info www.rcteamevent.endurancegb.co.uk
Yellow Fun Day at Froghill - Sun 11 April
Well what a lovely surprise no rain !! a very long day but very enjoyable for those who took part and all who helped . I would first like to thank mandy steen at froghill for the use of the school and the farm for this event and some raffle prizes she donated , i know she was pleased for this event to take place as all proceeds go to the earl mountbatten hospice a charity which is close to mandys heart so thankyou , also thanks to the catering crew mandy allen , heidi, and carole for your lovely cakes and sandwiches , and jodie james for the choc brownies ! thanks to trudi , steve and helen our fussy!! but brilliant course builder and all at froghill who helped . We raised £350 after expences for the hospice .
We started the day with 25 spider riders and some coming from as far as brading, and loads of clear round jumping taking us into the afternoon, all seemed to enjoy the food and atmosphere apart from one horse who decided Di `s house seemed much more appealing and left froghill without her jockey !! making trudi , myself and another rider run very fast ! thankfully everyone and the horse involved are all ok with no injuries .
Then we had barrell racing which the kids ,grown ups and spectators really enjoyed especially fliss who paid twice to have another go ! we also done this as a pairs relay which was great fun except for myself who was running with jessica gattrell who started the day saying no cantering but during barrel racing telling me to run faster !!
then we had games , bending race , flag race , egg and spoon , walk trot canter walk , chase me charlie which the winner jodie bircham jumped about 4ft and marni stubbs very close behind in 2nd jumping 22 years young drummer over 3ft 9 !!Well done to all riders who took part and i think it just proves that games is great way of giving children the confidence and fun to have a go at something they probably wouldnt normally do.
Carla Maskell
RWHS Qualifier
Congratulations to Kelly Blow, she has just found out that her second place in the round 2 dressage qualifier was enough to qualify for the championships at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.
RC Area 17 Winter Qualifier at Hampstead Marshall - 31 January 2010
One senior team and one junior team braved the cold weather conditions to represent Vectis at the Area 17 winter dressage qualifier. Our Junior team of Natasha Coventry, Abbey Denham, Courtney Sandison and Sammi Henton all rode very well with Natasha and Abbey winning their arenas and Courtney having to ride Mirabella at the last minute as her pony's flu vac was rejected by the event organiser.
Our senior team of Kelly Blow riding Mirabella, Sally McIntosh riding Kallistar, Imogen Moss riding Een Twee Lucky and Hilary Box riding The Stig all rode good tests with Imogen being placed third in her arena.
Kelly Blow also rode Kallistar in the RWHS round 2 qualifier finishing in second place very annoyingly by only 1/2 % so Kelly is hoping for a wild card qualifying place so she can compete at the Royal Windsor Horse Show - Fingers crossed.
Below is an account of the day by our Junior team
The 31st January 2010 started early for the junior Vectis team. Despite the cold weather the team still made it onto the 7.30 ferry (only just!), even if half of them were in their pyjamas!
After a laugh in the lorry it was finally time to get down to some serious stuff with Sammi heading into the ring 1st (after only 5minutes of warming up!) and doing a great job coming home with individual 4th. Second into the ring, was Courtney who also came home with individual 4th. Third to ride for team Vectis was Natasha, who came back to the IOW with individual 1st. Last but not least to ride was Abbie, who also done a fab job to also bring home individual 1st!
Then it was time to sit down on the lorry ramp, have a laugh and eat weenies (the team’s word for sausages). After that we walked over to the score board which was looking good!
Soon it was time for the team to return back home at around 3.30. However we had to leave Sammi there to collect the rosettes who returned with 8! The team came back with 3rd and everyone had a great day and we can’t wait for the next one!
Best wishes,
Abbie, Sammi, Courtney and Natasha
Thank you to the following people:
Sally, Jane, Helen, Amanda, Kelly, Louise, Anna, Sharon, Karen and the team mascot (Harriet Maud Weenie!)
RWHS Round 1 Qualifier - Saturday 23 January at Lake Farm
Re-scheduled Windsor Horse Show Qualifier , Round One. Will be held at Lake Farm on Saturday January 23rd starting approx 1pm . Test to be ridden is B.D.Prelim 13, horses not to have won more than 60 B.D. points
Any member, that would like to compete and has not already entered please e-mail Jane with your entry.
Entry fees can be paid on the day.Any queries tel Jane 741235
Annual Dinner at the Holmwood Hotel
Once again we had a really good night for our annual dinner at the New Holmwood Hotel. The night was very well supported and thoroughly enjoyed by members and their guests.
The raffle which was for raising funds for team events raised £180 and we thank Anna Morris for orgainising the excellent prizes and for Martine who offered a dressage lesson. The evening was finished off with Di's usual entertaining games which allowed us all to show off our competitive sides.
AGM & Presentation of awards
The AGM is a chance to thank those who have supported the club, reflect on a very busy year and recognise the hard work members have put in throughout the past season with the presentation of the annual awards. Click here for AGM minutes.
Winner of the unaffiliated prelim points trophy – Marty Davidson
Unaffiliated Novice points winner – Sue Morris Unaffiliated Junior points winner– Natasha Coventry BD affiliated Prelim/Novice points winner – Peter Warren
BD affiliated Elem/ Med points winner – Carla Maskell Man That Does Trophy was presented to Mandy Steen in recognition of her continued support to the club.
Presentation of Horse of the Year award - Sponsored by Froghill Tack
The results of the Horse of the Year Competition were announced at the A.G.M. Out of a possible maximum 96 points, Shamlord Sunrise scored an impressive 76 with junior member Natasha Coventry. Natasha was presented with her enviable prize of a dressage bridle by Mandy Steen of Froghill who, generously, gave prizes down to 10th place. Natasha, also, received a silver trophy, given by Linda Allen in memory of her horse ‘Willie Gairn’ who represented the Club in all the disciplines on many occasions. Only 4 points behind came The Stig ridden by owner Hilary Box, and jumped by Paul Dormer. Her prize was a leather head collar and the Derby Day trophy given by Helen Newnham in memory of her horse, who was a prolific winner in the past. 3rd place and a wool saddle pad went to Natasha’s cousin Abbey Denham with Forest Gump, and, to complete the family triumph, Abbey and her mum Karen came 4th with Stream. Many thanks to Mandy for adding such a lot of interest to this competition by providing such great prizes.
Top ten Horses/Ponies
1st Shamlord Sunrise Natasha Coventry Dressage Bridle 76
2nd The Stig Hilary Box/Paul Dormer Leather Head-collar 72
3rd Forest Gump Abbey Denham Wool Saddle-pad 69
4th Stream Abbey/Karen Denham Ariat Gloves 68
5th Khandidee-Dee Melissa Pinfield-Wells Head-collar 62
6th Mosshill Mylo Julie Wannop-Corney Bling Browband 53
7th Kalistar Sammy Henton Haynet 42
8th Dynamite Daisy Mandy Steen Shampoo 38
9th Corinth Jodie Janes Socks 36
10th Christie’s Leading Lady Sue Morris/ Stacey Rayner Hoof Oil 31
Natasha receiving first prize
from Mandy at Froghill Tack
Vectis Christmas Dinner Party
Back by popular demand!! - The Annual dinner date has been set for Friday 4 December at the New Holmewood Hotel, Cowes.
It was a great night last year with excellent food and service and finished off with Di's inventive party games!! So don't miss out tickets are £22.50 per person and will be available to buy at the AGM (Weds 18 Nov at the Eight Bells) or from any committee member.
To view the menu click here. For further info tel Di 840248.
New Competitive Ride Winter Points Series
We have a new winter competition aimed at our members who enjoy distance riding. Thanks to Anna Lek, who will be organising our new Winter Series of Competitive Rides.
Points will be awarded throughout the series and a winner will be announced at the end.
Our first event will be on 29 November from the Old Smithy car park at Godshill see Events Diary. For more info contact Anna tel 854166
Area 17 Riding Clubs Competitions
Area 17 Novice Team Dressage competition will be held on Sunday 31 January at Hamstead Marshall, there is a Senior and Junior section.
The tests are B.D. Novice 25 and Riding Clubs H12 (2006).Prelim, Team of four , two ride test 25 two ride H12.
Novice Indoor Show jumping, Saturday 6 February 2010 at CroftonManor.
Again there is a junior and Senior Team, this is for Horse’s / ponies with no B.S.J.A. points. All horse’s/ponies must have a valid flu vac and passport. The club will pay for all entries, but not travelling costs. Any one who would like to take part, and represent your club please let me know as soon as possible, it can be great fun taking part in a team event., if you have any questions , or would like to have more details, contact Jane Frost, Tel 741235 or E-Mail je.frost@btinternet.com
Vectis Horse of the year sponsored by Froghill Tack
We have held the last of the competitions counting towards the points championships. Members were able to win points during 4 Dressage days and 4 Show Jumping days, 2 Long Distance Rides and 1 Showing Show with several classes per height. By the end, there was some keen competition between the top few riders and it was hard to guess who was going to come out as the eventual winner. But in true X factor style, I’m not telling you now, and you’ll have to come to Boot Camp (the A.G.M.) where all will be revealed.
So, in no particular order , the top ten who will be receiving rosettes and the Froghill Tack prizes are:
Corinth- Jodie James; Kali Star- Sammy Henton; Stream- Abi & Karen Denham; The Stig- Hilary Box; Shamlord Sunrise- Natasha Coventry; Dynamite Daisy- Mandy Steen; Forest Gump-Abi Denham; Khandi Dee- Melissa Penfield-Wells; Mosshill Myle- Julie Wannop-Corney & Christie’s Leading Lady- Sue Morris.
Well done to everyone and thanks for making it such a good competition.
See you all at the A.G.M.
Competitive Distance Ride
We held our second competitive Long Distance Ride on October 11th. Starting from Jenny & Mike Morris’s barns at Apse Down, the ride went up over the downs at the back and into Brighstone Forest, completing a circular ride taking in Westover & Shalcombe.
Organised, once more, by our long distance expert, Anna Lek, this ride attracted 9 enthusiastic competitors (an eighty percent increase on last time!). Luckily, the weather improved on earlier in the week and everyone completed the ride in time with only a few losing their way. Anna’s partner, Dave was given the job of taking the horses’ heart rates (as he is the only one with his own stethoscope!) and this was taken before the start and compared with the rate at the end of the ride after a short rest. Anna checked horses for soundness and for hydration by pinching the skin on the neck and seeing how long it took to revert to normal.
Points were awarded for all these factors and, for the second time, Fliss Crouch was awarded first place with Tarran, a great achievement in fitness as he is 22 years old. In second place was stable mate Dynamite Daisy with owner Mandy Steen showing an unexpected talent for long distance riding. In 3rd was Karen Denham and her pony, Stream while 4th went to Mandy’s ride companion, Carla Maskell and Be Fine, having a change from their usual activity of affiliated dressage. Many thanks to Mike & Jenny for providing the venue and the refreshments for the spider riders, as well as the long distance riders. Also, thank you to Anna for introducing this discipline into our Club calendar, to Dave for wielding his stethoscope so professionally and to Andy Hicks for once again proving invaluable as timekeeper.
We are planning to have a succession of L.D.R.s with a points trophy awarded at next year’s A.G.M. so we hope a few more members will be encouraged to have a go. The first of these will be on 29th November starting from the Old Smithy Car Park.
Showing & Jumping show 4th October
Although, entries were low for some of the horse classes, the enjoyment for those taking part was high. The pony classes were hotly contested with Natasha Coventry and Shamlord Sunrise taking both the small Show Hunter Pony and the Riding Pony classes, while her Aunt, Karen Denham, won the large Show Hunter and the small Condition & Turnout with Stream. Heidi Carden and Raffles, also, had a successful day, winning the large Show Hunter and the over 15h.h. Condition & Turnout. It was good to see some of our members children taking part in the fun classes; for some it was their first show and we hope they enjoyed it enough to do it again. We are grateful to our local judges: Miss Penny Barnes and Mr. Simon Reed and to mainland judge, Mrs. June Witham. All three proved very patient, kind and helpful and we thank them for giving up their time. Thank you to our Committee who were all involved in one way or another and in particular to Helen Wood who is determined to see our members doing more jumping.
British Dressage Riding Clubs Offer
Riding Club’s British Dressage Membership allows you to compete from 1 October – 31 March. Membership is £30 and Horse registration is £30. Current Riding Club Music Members can upgrade by paying the difference in fees. For the six active months of membership from October – March members are entitled to full BD membership benefits. They are eligible to enter competitions, gain points, qualify for regionals and championships and receive the BD magazine.
For the six months members will also be able to access the BD website members areas (including free competition result searches), receive the BD email newsletter and enter the Combined Training Championships which take place at the BD Winter Championships in mid April without upgrading to full BD membership.
Click here for more info and membership form.
Riding Club’s British Dressage Membership allows you to compete from 1 October – 31 March. Membership is £30 and Horse registration is £30. Current Riding Club Music Members can upgrade by paying the difference in fees. For the six active months of membership from October – March members are entitled to full BD membership benefits. They are eligible to enter competitions, gain points, qualify for regionals and championships and receive the BD magazine.
For the six months members will also be able to access the BD website members areas (including free competition result searches), receive the BD email newsletter and enter the Combined Training Championships which take place at the BD Winter Championships in mid April without upgrading to full BD membership.
Click here for more info and membership form.
Code of Conduct for Vectis events
All Vectis events will be held according to the BHS Code of Conduct for the welfare of horses. A copy of which can be viewed or printed from this website - Code of Conduct
RC Area Dressage at Moreton EC
Our Junior Team
L to R Shelly Moss, Imogen Moss, Abbey Denham & Natasha Coventry
With many lame horses and riders we were unfortunately unable to send a Senior dressage team this year so thank goodness we have our Juniors to save the day and represent Vectis at this area competition accompanied by Kelly Blow riding as our only senior competing individually.
It was definitely a day of fours! Our Junior team consisting of Imogen Moss - Een Twee Luckee, Shelley Moss - Cadlam Valley Lucky Charm, Natasha Coventry - Shamlord Sunrise and Abbey Denham - Forest Gump came a credible 4th as a team and were also placed 4th in the riding test team competition.
Kelly Blow riding Mirabella as a senior individual was 4th in Novice 30, 4th in Elementry 48 and continuing the trend of the day was 4th in Medium 64.
Other individual results were Imogen 4th (the last one!!) and Shelley 6th in the riding test. Natasha was 5th in Prelim 13.
Well done to all our riders and helpers it was successful and enjoyable day.
Results Dressage to Music At Sparsholt College 25 May.
Junior Section
1st Polly Kitcher riding Oliver, 4th Abbey Denham riding Forest Gump, 6th Natsha Coventry riding Shamlord Chardonnay
Senior Section. Pairs Kelly Blow riding Mirabella & Sally McIntosh riding Sibena placed 4th in the pairs classMarty Davison Equal 6th in her section riding Geart ,and Vicky Lacey riding Splash of Colour was 6th in her class.
Polly did exceptionally well and has Qualified for National Championships at Addington in October.
WELL DONE TO ALL OUR RIDERS
HOY Evening Dressage
The third of our events in which members can earn points towards our Horse of the Year Competition for which Froghill Tack is providing the prizes was our evening dressage at Hyl Villa, Godshill on 3rd July.
Our Judges: Sue Thwaites and Jackie Woodford were kept busy for 2 hours with nearly 30 entries.
Again, we were very lucky to have a fine evening with a breeze which made it ideal for the competitors.
The Denham/ Coventry brigade had a clean sweep, with their ponies winning every class. Thanks to everyone who helped to make everything run smoothly.
HOY Competitive Ride
The Club’s first endurance ride competition at the end of June saw just 5 stalwart riders entering and completing the 10 mile ride. The ride had to be completed at a speed of 6- 7.5 miles an hour and the horses’ heartbeats were taken at the start and finish of the ride. All 5 completed it well within the time and so, the heart rate recovery played a crucial part in deciding the winners. Very well done to Fliss Crouch and Tarran who emerged the final winners, closely followed by Mandy Steen with Dynamite Daisy.
Many thanks to Anna Lek who mapped out the course and ran the event with the help of her partner David. The riders all enjoyed the wonderful views on what turned out to be a beautiful evening. They were then joined by the pleasure riders and friends for a supper at Hyl Villa.
Code of Conduct for Vectis events
All Vectis events will be held according to the BHS Code of Conduct for the welfare of horses. A copy of which can be viewed or printed from this website - Code of Conduct
Controlling Ragwort
There has been a great deal of publicity about ragwort in recent years so all horse owners should already be aware of the danger that this plant poses to their animals. Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These toxic compounds principally cause damage to the liver that often leads to death. Horses are particularly susceptible to the effects of ragwort but other grazing animals are also at risk and humans should take precautions (e.g. gloves) when handling the plant.
There is a commonly held belief that horses will not voluntarily eat ragwort. It is true that most animals will avoid it but it is not enough to rely on this – ragwort should always be cleared from the pasture. Where the sward is sparse and over-grazed, horses may consume ragwort and it has been suggested that some animals may develop an acquired taste for the plant. When cut or wilted (during hay or haylage making) ragwort loses its bitter taste but none of its toxicity. It becomes far more palatable and harder for the horse owner to spot, thus posing more of a danger.
The effects of ragwort poisoning are cumulative, consuming small amounts over a long period of time is just as dangerous as consuming a large amount in a single session. When a horse eats ragwort, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains are absorbed into the body from the intestines. The alkaloids then pass to the liver where they are metabolised to produce toxins that damage liver cells. When these cells die they are replaced by fibrous tissue and a point is eventually reached where there are not enough liver cells left to maintain liver function. By this time liver failure is inevitable.
The clinical signs of ragwort poisoning are not normally apparent until liver failure has occurred, and at this point there is usually little that can be done for the affected animal. The signs themselves are typical of liver failure and manifest themselves suddenly and without warning. A key sign is that the horse will display bizarre or depressed behaviour. This is thought to be because the liver is no longer able to cleanse the blood of chemicals or toxins that may affect the brain. Photosensitisation may also be seen and is the inflammation of unpigmented areas of skin when they are exposed to sunlight. Again this is thought to be due to the liver’s inability to remove toxins. Other signs include jaundice, weight loss and diarrhoea.
Please read the following from the BHS website - Ragwort
Strictly Come Prancing
‘Come Prancing’ lived up to its reputation as an evening of fun and entertainment when the fourth Annual event took place at Brickfields on 16th May.
A huge amount of effort had gone into the costumes and performances of our acts. Our members
pulled out all the stops to amaze and entertain us with their interpretation of different themes.
Olly Staff and Kate Suitor decided to come as individuals, this year; Kate doing a great military display dressed as a very dashing soldier, complete with bearskin, while Olly was a more demure ‘Dorothy’ (complete with sequinned red shoes), riding the tin man from the Wizard of Oz..
In spite of a little technical difficulty, Abi Newnham got everyone moving with Abi’s Gym, while former winners: Sally McIntosh & Kelly Blow with Laura Windle & Anna Morris were giving a great dressage interpretation of Pirates of the Caribbean, until one of the pirate’s horses did its best to make its rider walk the plank!
The winner of the ‘Best Costume Award’ went to Polly Kitcher who wore a beautiful dress & hat of mauve & cream with a mediaeval theme. Polly was accompanied by Sarah James and Katie Stevens, suitably attired, as her heralds, in co-ordinating costumes.
The judges 1st place went to Mary Poppins (Vicky Lacey) with a guest appearance of Martin as the kite-flyer.
The audience choice was a tie between Carla Maskell and Natasha Coventry & Abigail Denham.
Natasha & Abi were dressed as ghostbuster and ghost (riding an incredibly tolerant ghost pony) and their routine went down extremely well with the younger members of the audience. Carla was dressed as Elvis and did a very fast routine while the hound dogs, accompanied by mother Carole and a friend, performed their own display.
A special thanks to our judges- Vicky Clark (Technical); Lorna Neale (Choreography; Caroline Jacobs (Music) and Kate Green ( Entertainment.); and, of course, a huge thanks to our compere,
Ruth Poorsight, aka Linda Jurd, who entered into the spirit of the occasion and kept us amused between acts.
Finally, a huge thank you to Jane Frost, who, as usual, encourages everyone to have a go and does so much behind the scenes.
Well done to everyone who was part of the evening.
!!!"SUCCESS"!!! for Vectis at the RC Dressage to Music Championships
Carla & Be Fine
A huge amount of work has paid off for Carla Maskell as she came second in the Riding Club Elementry Freestyle to Music Championship at Addington riding her handsome bay gelding Be Fine.
Polly Kitcher riding Oliver Twist has also made the club proud by finishing in fifth place in the Junior Novice Freestyle Championship.
Contact the NEWSROOM if you have any news!!
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