Heatwave! The first time we have had to move lessons due to the heat, but very pleased that we were able to keep all of the horses cool and healthy. The welfare of our horses and riders is always our top priority.

British Dressage Show - sadly the July show had to be cancelled due to so few entries because of the weather forecast and indeed the heat on the day. Looking forward to our August Bank Holiday show on Monday 29th August and hoping for plenty of entries for that

Staff - We welcomed a new apprentice, Olivia, who joined us in July. We wish her the best of luck as she starts her training towards her level two apprenticeship and BHS exams.

Horses - two new ponies have come to us on loan - Perry and Star. They are both children’s ponies that have been outgrown. They are currently being assessed by our staff and will now be added to our riding school license as they have passed their vet check. So, something to look forward to riding for our younger riders.

FEI Junior European Championships - Huge congratulations to India and Eddie (Escade) - Junior Team Bronze medalists! The championships were held at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire - what a wonderful experience. There was a team stable yard with Union Jacks and flags and a rider camp with all the horse boxes linked up with bunting and tented areas with tables and chairs. An amazing atmosphere with a fantastic team spirit and great support from the British Dressage team. Serina Gonchakov and Verity Saul also stayed with India to help.

To have come away with a medal was superb. This is India’s final year in Juniors (Advanced Medium) and the pair will now be moving on to PSG (Prix St Georges). They have finished as 20th in the world on the FEI world ranking statistics.

We are thrilled to have a horse that has been produced here at Witham Villa competing at this level and a rider that has ridden here from a child and continues to train here with Verity alongside outside training with Gareth Hughes now.