We had two horses qualified for the British Dressage Prestige Winter Regionals and are delighted that India and Izzy (Issey Magic) finished in 1st place in the Elementary Silver class, qualifying for the NAF Winter Championships. Ann and Eddie (Escade) finished in 7th place in the Advanced Medium Gold.
Charli - it was with great sadness and regret that we had to announce that Charli, one of our apprentices passed away on Saturday 7th March. She will remain forever in our hearts
Dressage Camp - Verity was back teaching again and we had a fab two days with like-minded people and their horses all working to improve their horse’s way of going and understanding of dressage. Flat work and then a pole work session with Ali to finish off. Delighted to say that one of the riders then went on to win her Novice class at her next dressage competition - well done Alison.
We held our monthly British Dressage competitions on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th March and were very pleased there were no storms this time! Lovely to see all the beautiful horses competing.
Witham Villa issued the following Coronovirus Statement
In light of such rapid developments recently with Coronovirus (Covid-19), we would like to communicate our status as a business and active member of the equestrian community, as well as the measures we have put in place to ensure we are doing everything possible to help keep our team, and all of our clients safe.
Currently our service to clients is very much business as usual, with our lessons and shows continuing as scheduled. All of our members of staff will be observing increased hygiene procedures, especially with regard to hand washing. WASH HANDS REGULARLY and for 20 SECONDS. They will also be following government advice regarding self- isolation if appropriate.
Lesson Bookings information – on the day of your lesson, if you or someone in your immediate household feels ill, exhibits flu like symptoms or a persistent cough or high temperature then PLEASE do not turn
up to ride. We will cancel your lesson at no charge and you can simply rebook when you are once more in good health.
We are meticulously following any updates in guidelines from our governing bodies such as the FEI,
BEF and of course the UK Government, with any further changes to our policy being communicated immediately.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Please can we ask you to wash your hands on arrival and departure from the yard. Whilst here please maintain social distancing and try not get closer than 2 metres to another person. Please keep safe distances whilst waiting in reception. Please keep safe distances when using the café and viewing gallery.
We are very grateful for your cooperation and hope that by taking all advised precautions that we will be able to continue providing lessons as we all try to stay safe.
Thank you from the Witham Villa team, and please stay safe and vigilant.
UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS
Following advice given in the Prime Minister’s statement on Monday 23rd and subsequent communication from the British Horse Society we are now very sadly temporarily closed for business from Tuesday 24th March. The riding school horses have been turned out in small herds in the fields and are getting hay each day and receiving farrier or veterinary treatment if needed. The majority of our staff have been furloughed as we currently have no income. We are running on a skeleton staff and onsite family volunteers to keep us all safe and still make sure all of the horses are well looked after.
We are posting daily updates with pictures of the horses and quizzes, keep fit ideas etc so do “like” the Witham Villa Equestrian Centre page and you can also request to join the Witham Vila Eq Centre public group where you can post your own photos etc.
JustGiving
We have set up a page for anybody wishing to make a donation towards the upkeep of the Witham Villa horses and ponies whilst we are unable to offer lessons. If you would like to donate then please go to:-
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/withamvilla
Thank you.