| NEWSLETTER
Hi everyone,
At last, some spring like weather! Well done to those of you who
came to the first show and braved the mud. Big thanks go to Pete Gorse, our tireless
tractor driver who helped you all on and off the field. The field is actually looking
really good and has recovered well, thanks to the efforts of Ian and Andrea at Cheshire
Riding Stables and their hard work managing the ground.
So May should be another great show, with the added bonus of being
dry (maybe I shouldn’t tempt fate…). It is another trophy show, and also
Anniversary pin badges to all class winners. The qualifier this month is for the Festival
of Champions, so there is lots to aim for. Don’t forget setting up is from 6pm the
Friday before the show, and you will get a free entry.
We had to cancel the dressage and hunter trails this month. I
think we maybe clashed with a few other events of interest that weekend, and entries were
fairly low. We hope to put a replacement on toward the end of the season, and thanks to
those of you who did enter. For those that didn’t, why not? It can be good to try
something you perhaps haven’t done before, and with the dressage starting with a walk
and trot test, there is something for everyone. No excuse!
You will see a couple of new things this newsletter. Our junior
committee members have been busy interviewing people involved with the club. This month it
is committee member Lynn Salmon and club member Jenny Tuckwell who builds our Handy Pony
courses. Also are 5 tips for budding showjumpers. If you perhaps have an article or any
ideas for the newsletter, or perhaps questions for a particular interviewee, please let me
know. I will get our young Woodward and Bernstein on the case (Joshua and Matthew
Gerrard). Maybe there is a question you always wanted the answer to or a particular area
you need help in that we can make a feature of each month. Email me with any suggestions.
See you at the Showground!
Ruth
07979031619 ruthclifton@msn.com
Interview with Lynn Salmon
By Matthew Gerrard
MG: Do you ride?
LS: I’m occasionally a happy hacker!
MG: How long have you been on committee?
LS: 3 years.
MG: Why do you always steward in the Showing ring?
LS: I enjoy the showing classes and feel I can learn a lot
from it. I breed sport horses and love seeing the youngsters and how breeding can produce
different types of animal for each discipline.
MG: What is your scariest moment in the ring?
LS: When a young boy’s pony took off with him and did
not stop until after 6 laps of the ring. When it actually stopped, the boy piped up
"PHEW!" which I enjoyed as he was safe, but when it was happening, all the
parents, judges and stewards were in shock so it really was scary.
MG: Any tips for people going into the ring?
LS: Prepare well and practice at home. Listen to the judge
and steward and do as requested by them. Always be respectful. Judges are usually willing
to help and give guidance.
MG: Do you help at or go to any other shows?
LS: We do Cheshire County and SHB(GB) Competition Horse
shows. Our team have done well getting wins and places with my yongsters.
MG: Who is your favourite horsy person?
LS: Sam Barr of the Welton stud. He was eventing well into
his late fifties and now concentrates on breeding the best event horses in the world
including his stallion Welton Crackerjack. He is the only horse to have sired winners of
all three 4* events- Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky.
Top tips for Showjumpers
- Always wait for the bell before you start your round or you will be
eliminated.
- 2 refusals will result in elimination, not 3 as it used to be.
- A refusal is given 4 faults, not 3 as before.
- If you fall, you will be eliminated and must leave the ring
unmounted.
- Please be respectful to the judge at all times, it’s a hard
job!
Interview with Jenny Tuckwell
By Joshua Gerrard
JG: How long have you been riding?
JT: 58 years, but some of that time work interfered with my
riding time.
JG: Who was your first pony?
JT: My first pony was called Topper. He was grey with a
long mane and tail.
JG: How many ponies have you owned, and which was your
favourite?
JT: 5 ponies. My favourite was Colonel, who loved jumping
and fun rides. He was quite a character!
JG: What is your most memorable moment?
JT: When I was dumped in a ditch full of water by my pony
Nobby while out hunting as a young teenager. Nobby jumped everything, so I was not
expecting him to stop dead! I sailed over his head and landed with a huge splash. The
water was up to my chest, my boots were full of water and it was a long wet walk home!
JG: Have you ever had a bad fall?
JT: No. I’ve been really lucky.
JG: How long have you been a BRC member, and has the club
changed over the years?
JT: I joined in 1994, so fourteen years. BRC has changed
venues several times, and has added different classes and events. What has stayed the same
is the lovely friendly atmosphere.
JG: What advice do you have for junior members?
JT: Always try your best, turn yourself and your pony out
well and enjoy it. A happy rider and a happy pony is a joy to see!
Experienced wall and floor tiler
available. No job too small.
Graham: 01606 74966 or 07902290509
NEWSLETTER APRIL 2008
Hi all,
April already….. Sadly we couldn’t run the Easter show,
as unfortunately the parking field was too wet and we didn’t want to run the risk of
having to tow you all off and ruin the ground! However, all pre entries will carry forward
to this show, as will the qualifiers, so this month you are competing to qualify for the
UK Showing finals and also the Festival of Champions.
Those of you who have joined will find your membership booklets
enclosed. Do make sure you have a look at the rules, particularly if you are competing in
beginner or novice classes. Again, if you are showjumping and competing in the Main ring,
you cannot compete in Ring 1, and vice versa. Those of you who won Novice classes last
season may not now compete in that class. There are always one or two who don’t seem
to grasp this concept, so a little clarification makes it fair for everyone.
The Friday before the show will be setting up from 6pm. Anyone
attending and helping will be given a free entry voucher (and will be much appreciated!).
Our next Jumping for the Jittery clinic will be held on 15th
April again at Forest Gate, by kind permission of Jane and Richard Carruthers. You will
find an entry form enclosed. These clinics have been great fun, and I hope those of you
who have attended have found them informative and helpful. I know I have!
Don’t forget our Dressage and Hunter Trial weekend on 17th
and 18th May. Details of classes are on the website. There are truly classes
for everyone, and I sincerely hope you will enter and have a go, maybe as something
different to the norm. We disappointingly had to cancel last year due to lack of entries,
and I really hope I can count on you this year to support your club!
Our younger members will find another puzzle to complete. Those of
you who sent in before the last show will have your entries carried forward to this draw,
but don’t let that put you off doing this one too! Get your puzzles to us by sending
them in with your pre entries, save yourself a stamp! We will draw from all correct
entries on show day and there will be a prize for the winner.
So I will see you all on the 27th!
Ruth
07979031619
Bridgewater Riding Club Competition
By Sarah Reeves
- How many inches are there in a hand?
- In show jumping, how many faults are given for a fence knocked down
- How many teeth does an adult mare normally have in each jaw
- How many mouthpieces does a double bridle have
- How many times did Arkle win the Gold Cup
- On Average how many bones does a horses skeleton have – 125,
165 or 210
- How many fences do the horses have to jump in the Grand National?
- How many times did Mark Todd win Badminton Horse Trials
- For about how many hours a day does a horse sleep
At how many miles an hour does the average horse walk
FOR SALE – SUPER BAY MARE - Koh i Noor Midget Gem
Gem is a 6 yo bay mare, reg Welsh Sec. D.
Backed and ridden, showing some gorgeous work on the flat with elasticity and real
expression in her paces. She picks things up really quickly and mum can keep her exercised
too as she lunges well! She has started some polework, and is careful. She is 100% to do,
farrier, clip, load and in and out of the stable. She has a lovely temperament, and tries
hard to please. She hacks out well alone or in company. Looking for a home with a jockey
who is ambitious and wants to go further. £2500. 07979 031619
Tip of the month: Always make sure any wormer syringes and
sachets are disposed of properly after use. If other pets (dogs especially) get hold of
them, the results are serious and very often fatal. Wrap securely and place in a lidded
bin.
Newsletter
March 2008
Hi everyone,
Well, here we are coming up to the first show of the
season. Please find enclosed your pre entry forms to fill in and send to Carol. Not only
do you save money, it makes life so much easier on show mornings, as you don’t have
to queue to make your entries! This show is an open trophy show, with qualifiers for UK
Premier Showing, the North Wales showjumping finals and our own North West Showjumping
Finals.
Welcome to all of you who have joined already this season,
and a special welcome if you are joining us for the first time. We are looking forward to
a packed season of events, especially as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary
year. Your Membership show booklets can be picked up from the caravan on show day, and our
special pin badges and car stickers will also be available then. We have special rosettes
for our first place winners this year, in keeping with the silver theme! They really do
look great. If you are one of last year’s members and haven’t yet filled out
your membership form, don’t delay! Those points start accruing from the start and
competition gets fierce…..
Our junior committee have been hard at work with some
activities for our younger members aged 16 and below - see the puzzle at the bottom of the
page. Completed puzzles can be sent back to Carol’s address or brought to the
caravan, and we will have a draw of all the correct ones on show day with a little prize
for the winner. Don’t forget to put your name and a contact number on the back!
Not a lot to add, so see you on the day and the best of
luck for 2008!
Ruth
07979031619
V C S R M C S L S A E M T J G
R V A E E F W U Z L I U I N C
V Z D T Q Q O W F U Q U I X O
T R D N Y Z U F P G V P U K M
B V L U Y N A I Z T M W J O P
H M E H B N O S T U B U S R E
D E Q G S R H P J A D G D Y T
N E Q N G F I W Y G T S C Q I
I Q P I H W O D E D T I I I T
E W Q K F H I F L T N T O J O
R D Z R S G O Y U E L A J N R
D N U O R G W O H S R G H F Z
A M K W B R I D G E W A T E R
E R O S E T T E J R V A U W K
L K Q S Z N Z T Q L T F G Y P |
BRIDGEWATER BRIDLE
COMPETITOR
EQUITATION
HANDY PONY
JUDGE
LEAD REIN |
ROSETTE SADDLE
SHOW GROUND
SHOW JUMPING
SNAFFLE
WHIP
WORKING HUNTER |
Dear All,
Welcome to the 2008 season, in this our 25th
Anniversary Year! We have an action packed season of events for you. First, to business!
Please find enclosed a membership form for this year. You will notice our membership and
class entry prices have remained the same, which really represents excellent value for
money. It saves so much time for yourselves and us on first show morning if you are
already a member, so do please take advantage and get those forms back to Carol as soon as
possible!
We are starting the season with an early show, on March 23rd,
Easter Sunday. Weather permitting of course… The shows then run as follows: April 27th,
May 25th, June 22nd, July 27th and September 28th.
There will be various qualifiers throughout the season and a Perpetual Championship Show.
In addition, we are holding a Dressage competition on May 17th and a Hunter
Trial on May 18th. Details to follow soon!
We will be sending teams to showing and show jumping
championships this year, to be on the teams you must be members. Please let us know if
you’re interested.
Bridgewater is proud to host the finals of the North West
Show Jumping Finals on August 23rd and 24th, all our show jumping
classes will be qualifiers.
There have been a few alterations to the schedule so make
sure you have a look to see if your classes have changed or been moved. It is mainly
timings, so most classes have been kept to cater for allsorts of needs! There will be
special Silver Anniversary themed first place rosettes this year, and we have had pin
badges made, free to all members, or if you want to buy any extra they will be £2 each.
We also have car stickers at £1 each. Please state on your membership forms how many are
required. In addition to this, we are planning BRC 25th Anniversary shirts and
jackets to help celebrate our successful club.
This is now my second year in the chair, and I would like
to thank the committee for the work they have already put in. I welcome Helen Platt as
Vice Chair as well as Treasurer, Carol Brougham as Membership Secretary and Rowena Sheldon
as General Secretary. Our new additions to committee are Jane Reeves, and her daughters
Helen, Sophie and Sarah, who along with Joshua Gerrard are building our junior committee,
with some games and competitions planned for younger members. I am sure you will give all
our committee members your support and thanks for the work they do!
So, get those forms filled in, pray the weather holds and
let’s have a fantastic Anniversary season with success for each and every one of you.
Good luck!
Ruth
07979031619
Hello folks,
The end of another season! All a little older (except me,
I’m still 28…), some a little wiser, and hopefully all having learned something.
You will find enclosed your list of trophy winners for this season, so well done to all of
you! We do not reveal the ring and overall winners until the big night, so you will just
have to wait…. Do please make sure you return any perpetual trophies from last year
to Carol as soon as possible! You will also find enclosed an order form for sashes and
rosettes. ALL class champions will receive a rosette, but you may have the tails printed
with yours or your horses name for £5. Sashes can be ordered for £10, this includes
lettering, so do get your orders in. If you did not win a class, but fancy a rosette or
sash for yourself anyway, you can order one and will be presented with it on the night.
They will however, be a different colour to the champions. Both rosettes and sashes are
stunning, it is well worth it! Due to the postal strike, Rowena will take email and phone
orders for these, as we have to order by around October 18th. Then put your
forms and cheques in the post to her!
Presentation Night is on 24th November at
Winnington Hall. 7.30pm for an 8pm presentation. Best party frocks please! And you will
get to see us all without horses and actually dressed like humans for once!
Don’t forget our first training evening at Forestgate!
Carol has enclosed a form for you to fill in if you would like to attend. Jane Carruthers
is an extremely well respected trainer and I am sure everyone will benefit greatly from
her experience. And, with enough interest, we aim to expand to flatwork, working hunter,
and showing ringcraft. So let’s make this a success!
Many thanks to those of you who have sent kind emails
telling me how much you have enjoyed the season, especially you newbies. It’s lovely
to be appreciated, and I do read them out at our committee meetings. Bit of an ego stroke
there, but hey, we all need one of those every so often!
Massive congratulations must go to one of our committee,
Gina Morton. Her daughter Leah and her pony Silent Wispa were placed fourth in the Search
for a Star class at the Horse of the Year Show! You see, you start with riding club, and
you never know where you will end up! This is a fantastic achievement, and Gina would like
to thank Carol Brougham for the loan of her car and trailer, without which I think Leah
and Wispa would still be hacking to Birmingham!
So there we go, well done to all of you, and make sure you
give your horses and ponies an extra carrot as thanks for giving you a good season, and
for giving us the opportunity to watch you all grow and develop as riders! Now if that
doesn’t get me a few free drinks at Pres. Night, I don’t know what will - ha ha
ha.
See you all there!
Ruth
Rider1@bridgewaterridingclub.com
07979031619
FOR SALE:
Sec C and Sec D mares, 4 and 5 yrs old. 13.2 hh. Both
riding away well, showing lovely outline and good potential on the flat. Begun polework.
Both girls have lovely temperaments, are fully passported and 100% to load, catch and with
the farrier. £2000 each. Tel 01606 889233 or 07979031619
JULY 2007
Hi everyone,
I’m sure you will not be at all surprised to hear that the show on Sunday
22nd July is cancelled. The weather has been so awful that the ground is just
like a sponge, and attempting to run a show on it will just ruin it for future events.
Added to that, it’s just not safe trying to run on ground so wet. If you made entries
(or even if yours were forwarded from the last show), they will of course be carried
forward to the show in September. Shows all over the country are being cancelled due to
the fact that the rain just won’t stop!
So, due to the cancelled shows, I can tell you that members qualification for
points has now altered. A combination of horse/pony and rider need now only have done the
same class a minimum of twice instead of the usual three.
Another result of the weather is that we now have lots of qualifying cards for
various finals. The Shires Inter Club Challenge, at Endon Riding School (15th
Sept), Midland ARC Championships, at Olney Grounds, Rugby (1/2nd Sept) and our
own NW Showjumping Finals on 25/26th August. If any members would like to have
the qualifier cards and go and represent the club, they will be issued on a first come
first served basis. Please contact Rowena on rowenasheldon@btinternet.com or
07759079729 and let her know which classes you would like to compete in.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help over the SJ weekend on August Bank Holiday
can contact me on the number below. I can always use ring stewards! You will be most
appreciated.
Don’t forget the mini Hunter trial that we are holding on September 8th.
Please find an entry form enclosed. We hope you will have a go, and perhaps try something
new! Again, we can always use help if you are not competing.
So I’m sorry it’s a short newsletter, and for the atrocious weather. I
think it’s all the fault of that awful ‘Umbrella’ record being number 1 as
it’s not stopped raining since! So please all go out and buy some decent music, as I
don’t have a direct line to the Almighty (I know, you’d think I would,
wouldn’t you?!) to ask him to turn the shower off!
See you all soon,
Ruth
Rider1@bridgewaterridingclub.com
07979031619
JANUARY 2007
Hey folks,
Greetings to you all for the new year! I trust you all had
a merry Christmas, and we would all like to wish you a peaceful and prosperous 2007.
First on the agenda, find enclosed an AGM notice and
nomination form for committee. OK, I appreciate the majority of you don’t actually
care who runs the club as long as someone does, but (and this is a big but), this
club takes time and effort and above all, people, to run it. Now, we did schedule and
heavily publicise a public open meeting, the week after Presentation Night. In fact,
people did come to me and other members of committee that night and say they would like to
help and would be attending the meeting! Personally, I was excited….. People wanting
to get involved! However, after all the publicity and telling you all how any help is
appreciated and all the rest, guess how many (apart from committee) turned up?! ONE! Yes,
one solitary person. Who we applaud and appreciate. BUT…. I’ll be honest here. No
help, no club! We would love to run dressage on show day, to perhaps go towards an
overall dressage champion at the end of the year. Yes, to include beginners, of any age,
as I personally wrote a walk and trot test for them. We would love to run One Day Events,
but again, lack of manpower curtails us rather. I will say to you all….. Do NOT have
things to say about the way the shows are run halfway through the season, when you had the
opportunity to come to the AGM and do something about it! It will be on Friday 26th
January at the Cock O Budworth, 7.30 pm. Do not waste this opportunity to have your say.
More than a few riding clubs have folded in the last few years, don’t let Bridgewater
be one of them.
Qualifiers: Those of you who enjoy coming to
the shows and qualifying for some high class competitions, well, we need someone to co
ordinate these qualifiers! Please contact us if you can help and wish to go further than
the end of your livery yard this season.
Dressage: We know you are fans of dressage
and want the chance to compete, at whatever level! If anyone wants to help organise this,
then please contact Helen Platt on 07887867759.
We are a riding club that encourages all levels of rider,
in particular the beginner rider of any age, so with that in mind, I would like you to all
remember that we were in that situation once, and to aim to encourage all riders, and to
be proud to represent a club that goes that extra mile.
For those of you who were at Presentation Night, please
note that Gallop Magazine are carrying pictures from the night. They kindly cover our
events and you will find good coverage in the magazine.
You will all have appreciated our lovely new showground at
CRS, and we want the location to continue with goodwill between the club and the riding
school. There will be special offers for BRC members at the venue throughout the year, so
keep an eye out!
We start the new season with a show on Easter Sunday 8th
April, and we look forward to welcoming you all!
Do remember we have a few BRC 2007 calendars remaining,
with all show dates included. These are to benefit the club, so do please buy one! I can
be contacted on 07979031619.
OK, I expect you at the AGM. No help, no club! Seriously.
Make a difference.
Ruth
Rider1@bridgewaterridingclub.com
07979031619 |
