British Horse Society Riding Schools Championships - On Wednesday 3rd April we set off just before 7am from Witham Vila with our team of qualified horses and riders for this National Final. The horses we took were Preston, Mac, Orla, Victor and Murphy in two horseboxes. Verity and India each drove a lorry and supported our riders throughout the day. It was wonderful to have parents/ partners and friends there too to give support and thank you for the marvelous picnic they provided,
We had a great team atmosphere and everyone had an enjoyable and productive day.
Congratulations go to everyone who attended these championships - we were very proud of you all and we were delighted to take some trophies home too!
Trophy Winners:-
Rowan on Victor - Winner of the 18 and Over Preliminary Dressage riding Victor. Winning Instructor Louise Mellor
Olivia Howe on Mac - Winner of the 13-17 Complete. Winning Instructor India Durman-Mills
Pony Club Centre - This month was a celebration of 25 years of Pony Club Centre Membership. We continue to run our non-ridden evening on a Monday for Pony Club members to learn more about Horse and Pony care and gain badges and awards and to meet up with other members. Monday night sessions are bookable via ECPro
Horses - we welcomed two new horses to join the Witham Villa team during April. So look out for Darcey - black Irish mare and May, 13.2hh pony who will start to become available for lessons.
Kate Cowell Dressage Clinic - we were delighted to host another clinic with Kate during April. She is an excellent coach inspiring her riders and their horses to develop to the best of their abilities in an encouraging manner. The next date we have for Kate is Monday 24th June - bookable via My Riding Life
Dressage Day Camp and Clinic - Verity held another enjoyable day in April where again it was lovely to see horses and riders developing their training in dressage. Next day is Monday 13th May, bookable via My Riding Life.
British Dressage During April Verity and Gaya completed qualification for the Medium Silver Regional Championships. They then made the step up to Advanced Medium with the aim of qualifying at this level also.
Verity also took Izzy (Issey Magic) out to compete in Medium Freestyle, debuting a new plan and music. They are now qualified for the Area Festival Music Semi-Finals.
The Winter Championships were held in April at Addington Equestrian Centre. India competed Ivan in the Elementary Gold at this his first major competition. Although he finished outside the top ten, he handled the atmosphere of the big Indoor school well and had a really good experience with India which will set him up well for the future.
We were then thrilled when India and Eddie (Esacde) came out as Champions in the Inter 1 Silver. This was a fabulous result, following on from them winning the PSG Championship last year.
India and Izzy also had a wild card for the Medium Gold at the Winter Championships but were unable to go as it was on the same day as the Inter 1.
India and Eddie attended the Premier League at Addington, finishing in 2nd place in the Young Rider Team Test (PSG)