Although a short month, plenty happened in February! Unfortunately we had to contend with some severe weather which resulted in us having to cancel some lessons and actually close completely for one day. These decisions are not taken lightly but the health and safety of our clients and horses is paramount.
During the half term holiday we ran Pony Club E, D and D+ Tests and we are delighted to report a 100% pass rate for the 17 children that took these tests. Congratulations everyone.
We also ran a Regional Qualifier for the British Horse Society Riding Schools Competition and it was lovely to see so many children, teens and adults taking part in the dressage, show jumping and stable management quiz. Congratulations to all who took part and in particular those riders that qualified for the National Final. This will be taking place at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre on April 13th.
A Ride Safe training and test session was held with a 100% pass rate, well done everyone. This is needed for anyone taking their BHS Stage 1 and 2 exams.
We continue to run a British Dressage show once a month and also an Unaffiliated Dressage Show. Then a bi-monthly pole clinic.
This month saw the removal of the muck heap over 2 Saturdays, it’s amazing how much muck our horses generate! If ever anyone wants some for their garden, please do ask.
The cafe refurbishment started and we are aiming to reopen in March. We will be interviewing for cafe staff so please do get in touch if you are interested in working in the cafe. Applications to withamvillarc@yahoo.co.uk.
Verity and Izzy competed in the British Dressage Regionals at Vale View finishing in 2nd place in the Elementary Freestyle Gold section and in 3rd place in the Medium Silver section. Hoping for wild cards to the Championships.
India and Eddie attended the Sport England funded National Academy camp and benefitted from ridden training sessions with Spencer Wilton, test riding, talks on nutrition, professional development, rider physio, equine dentistry, social media and PR, athlete lifestyle and coaching observation. A fantastic few days, thank you to British Dressage for organising these wonderful opportunities. #learnwithBDYouth
Verity will be running a dressage day camp on Monday 28th March. To book on, entries are via ECpro. For anyone not already on the ECpro system, you just need to go onto the Witham Villa website, scroll down and follow the link. Please note there is a discount code for riders on their own horse.