As usual there have been regular training sessions with Fiona Harter at Tidmarsh Stud with increasing numbers of young members from the age of eight. We had one ride-a-test day held in the outdoor arena at Bournefield Farm. Along with Fiona, we had British Dressage listed judges and we are very lucky to have Liz Mackie's support. Liz is a list 3 judge and regularly judges at high level competition. This was very well supported from mini members all the way through to the seniors. There was very positive feedback as it enabled members to run through their test, have a short critique with the judge and then ride through the test again armed with advice and areas for improvement. This resulted in them riding a better test, second time round and having both score sheets to take home. By popular demand we will be repeating it next year.
We sent members to only two out of a possible four of the inter-branch competitions, including the area qualifier. Other competitions had to be cancelled because of the appalling weather conditions over spring and summer, but despite this, we enjoyed some success.Results:Eashing Farm 28th May: In the open class we were represented by Laura Burgess, Lily Parkinson and Victoria Dance, the team was 8th Annaliese Turnbull 3rd, Katrina Harris, Cydney Webb, Biz Dance and Alex Webb competed as individuals at various levels. The Novice team of Holly Carter, Emily Porter, Matt Hick and Rhia Honey had some very respectable scores but were not placed as a team on this occasionBCA was our area qualifier for the Pony Club open and intermediate Championships in Derbyshire and the novice championships in Cheshire. Everyone made a fantastic effort with turnout and looked very smart sporting the new team numnahs.We sent one open team of Victoria Dance 4th, Georgie Frank 8th, Courtenay Argyle 4th and Grace Bovill. The team was 6th out of 17, which was a very respectable result. We also sent two individuals, Laura Burgess and Elizabeth King.Intermediates: The team of Analiese Turnbull 6th, Alice white 6th, Ellie Frank and Katrina Harris were not placed but still had very respectable scores.Our novice team was Rebecca James, Alex Webb, Holly Carter and Cydney Webb. Rebecca came 4th in her first competitive dressage test and managed to qualify for the Novice champs in Cheshire. It was a very hot day and we all picnicked as usual together and the adults managed to revive themselves with a glass of Pimms. Fiona gave up her whole day for us and was on hand to assist with warm ups and pep talks, for this we cannot sing her praises enough.Well done to all who competed at a very high standard Area 13 qualifier.Next year looks promising with so many of you attending Fiona's training , most of the competitions listed below include very simple tests as well so there is no reason why even the Minis cannot compete, It is always great fun to be part of a team so please put your names forward we would love to hear from you.SOME COMPETITION DATES FOR NEXT YEARThe following schedules except for the Area Qualifier and more information can be downloaded from the main pony club website at www.pcuk.org Cowdray Hunt are running winter league Dressage shows,Dates so far are 4th January, 15th February and 15th March 2009Petersfield are running a dressage show to include the Dengie qualifier on 28th February 2009Chiddingfold are also holding a dressage show with a Dengie qualifier on the 22nd March 2009Chiddingfold Farmers will be holding their Annual Dressage show 13th April 2009.The Area 13 Qualifier, hosted by Chiddingfold Farmers will be held at Eashing Farm, Godalming, Surrey on 1st August 2009Pony club Dressage Tests for 2009You can order individual tests from the pony club shop at www.pcuk.org or better still, the dressage rule book 2009 contains all the tests you will need, including all of the eventing tests .www.audiodressage.com now offer downloadable audio files of all pony club tests for ipod etcwww.dressagediagrams.com offer diagrams of the movements to go with all the pony club tests.Thank you to Fiona Harter for her continuous support throughout the year.