Let’s Get Sharp - Mobile Sharpening Service came to Witham Villa on two occasions in May. They provide a sharpening service while you wait for Garden tools, kitchen tools, clipper blades and much more! It was great to use some of our tools after they had been sharpened - they worked like new! We look forward to seeing them here again.

Half Term Events - we ran a pole clinic on Bank Holiday Monday, Witham Villa Competition Series show on the Tuesday where it was great to see everyone developing their skills in both the dressage and showjumping phases. On Wednesday it was clear round jumping, Thursday was Games Day and Friday was Junior Experience Sessions day. We love seeing the children enjoying themselves at these events with the horses and ponies and making new friends. Our Summer holiday program is being planned now and will be advertised shortly.

Horses - many of you will remember the wonderful horses Ceasar and Ben who were here for many years in the school before going to my friend Debbie’s yard to enjoy a fabulous retirement together. Sadly they both became ill in May and the decision was made for them both to be put to sleep. They remained happy until the end, the very best of friends. Thank you Debbie for ensuring they always had the very best care and surroundings.

International Dressage. We are delighted that India and Eddie (Escade) are now on the short list for this year’s Great Britain European Young Rider Team. In May they competed at Hickstead CDI coming second in the Team Test with 68% and winning the Individual Test on 70.5%. They also competed at Somerford Premier League, winning the Team test with 73.63%.

British Dressage Verity and Gaya made the step up to Advanced Medium and have completed qualification for the Area Festivals at this level and also for the Freestyle AM and the Veteran Rider Championships. India and Nalla (Vanilla) did their first affiliated competitions and achieved plus 70% scores in each and are now qualified for the Prelim Gold Regionals