October 2020

We were delighted that India was selected for the British Dressage Foundation camp, held at Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre. She attended the first weekend camp at the beginning of October riding Eddie (Escade). Over the two days there was test riding (FEI Junior Team Test - AM 92), two lessons with Hannah Moody, goal setting and planning with Jill Day, feeding session, rider strength and fitness sessions. The weather was awful over the weekend but a very good and productive time was had, with everything being run according to the Covid restrictions. Next camp is at the beginning of November.

We held a Sunday and Monday British Dressage affiliated competition on 11th and 12th October and again it was lovely to be able to host this competition whilst maintaining social distancing etc. We welcome competitors here and love seeing the horse and rider combinations as they progress up the levels.

Over the October half term we were able to run a limited school holiday programme with Junior days, Holiday dressage league, ‘Own’ a pony days, and a fun day. A great time was had by all.

The final weekend of October saw India and Eddie compete in the Under 21 British Dressage Championships held at Vale View. This gave them an excellent opportunity to gain experience competing at a high profile show and we are looking forward to seeing their progression at this level.

Lessons continued to expand throughout October whilst maintaining strict Covid measures.

September 2020

During September we were pleased to re-start our Thursday morning Unaffiliated Dressage competitions and it was lovely to welcome back both competitors on their own horses and some of our clients competing on the school horses.

We also re-started our monthly pole clinics with Ali, which she kicked off with another great pattern of poles to challenge horses and riders and improve athleticism. whilst having fun

September saw us say a sad goodbye to Kate Jones who had been a member of our team for several years. She will be missed by both the staff and clients alike and we wish her well in her new ventures .and thank her for all her hard work in her time here at Witham Villa

We have welcomed a new apprentice, Sarah-Jane to join the team and study for her exams here .

We are very pleased to be able to let you know that Nicky had a successful hip replacement operation and is already back teaching - with renewed vigour!

We have also welcomed a new Freelance Instructor who will be teaching on Sundays - Alina Atkinson

We have a new horse here - Peg, who has come on loan to us. She is a lovely forward going quality piebald cob

As we have now been able to increase the number of children in the beginner half hour class lessons, we are pleased to inform you that the price of these is now £18 per child, plus £1.50 for hat and boot hire.

August 2020

During August we were able to increase our capacity for small group lessons at the weekend and also to open out into the evening lessons. We now offer 3/4 hour small group lessons for £25 per person. All lessons are grouped according to age and ability.

We were also able to re-open our cafe. All of our facilities are subject to current social distancing rules and there is a requirement to wear a mask when inside whilst using the viewing gallery etc.

One of the horses - Corjero -who was on loan to Witham Villa was sold and has moved on to a lovely new home to enjoy a quieter life. We loved having her here and wish her well.

Congratulations go to one of our apprentices, Megan Wevill who passed her Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in August.

Congratulations to another of our apprentices, Harriet Davidson who passed her BHS Stage 1 Care and Riding.

We look forward to continuing to increase our services as we come in to September and are very grateful for all of our clients’ assistance in enabling us to remain compliant to regulations.

July 2020

As restrictions eased we have been delighted to be able to re-start beginner lessons, running with small groups of 3 to be able to remain compliant with the current Government guidelines.

It was very good to welcome back members of staff who had been furloughed. As ever, we remain very grateful to our dedicated staff - Team Witham Villa.

We ran our first British Dressage competitions since lockdown in March and it was a pleasure to be able to welcome competitors and their horses back.. Our own horses have done well with Izzy (Issey Magic) competing for the first time at Medium level and scoring plus 70% and qualifying for the silver Regionals at her first attempt. Eddie (Escade) has qualified for the Advanced Medium Regionals and has now stated to compete at Advanced level, achieving plus 70% in his first attempt at Prix St Georges.

Dexter (Crossdrum Dexter) is now a working livery having been sold during lockdown and his new owner has made a good start competing him at affiliated Prelim level.

Basil, Holly B and Cinders have all enjoyed being back out competing in dressage too.

June 2020

June has seen us slowly expand on the lessons that we are able to teach and it has been lovely to welcome some more of our riders back. We are following Government guidance closely and ensuring suitable precautions are in place for everyone’s safety.

We are operating a new system at the front entrance with an in gate and out gate. Hand sanitiser stations are there and around the yard. For lessons please only come onto the yard 5 minutes before the lesson is due to start and stay in the holding area between the indoor and outdoor schools. Horses will be brought into the school for you. Tack Cleaning takes place between lessons to ensure everyone’s safety. Please keep a distance of 2 metres from other people. No spectators are allowed except in the case of children when one adult is allowed for each child.

Sadly we have been unable to re-start beginner and very novice riders back yet but are hoping to be able to do so once social distancing goes to 1 metre.

The yard is looking very smart after its facelift over lockdown and the stables all stayed nice and dry in the wet weather having been re-roofed.

From 4th July indoor schools are able to be fully used again so we are pleased to be able to resume our dressage competitions. We are running on Sunday 5th July Prelim and Novice and Monday 20th July Prelim to Advanced Medium. These competitions will be run under British Dressage Covid Guidance so please ensure that you are compliant.

April and May 2020

UPDATE - 28th May, we are now starting to teach private lessons using the riding school horses as well as for clients on their own horses. These will initially be for our intermediate and advanced riders only and will take place on weekdays.

Lockdown continued into April….and May…..

We have used lockdown to enable us to do all the Spring Cleaning jobs that are always so difficult to find the time to do normally…

So, we have…..

• Power washed and disinfected every stable (43)

• Painted every stable - they are now a very smart black and silver

• Power washed the outdoor school boards and white rails

• Power washed the indoor school

• Power washed the barn

• Washed and sorted all of the rugs from the winter and had repairs done as necessary.

• Sorted and catalogued all of our tack

• Painted the washing machine area, tack rooms, reception, gallery and toilets

• Harrowed, rolled, re-seeded and topped the fields

• Provided daily care for all of the horses and ponies to ensure they are all well

• To top it all off we have had the extremely old leaky stable roofs replaced and that work has just been finished. The yard is really looking smart now.

Our little on-site team has worked very hard but we have had fun working together (socially distanced) and are very grateful for the voluntary work that our families have done. We are also grateful to the remainder of our staff currently still on furlough and are so looking forward to the time that we are back up and running and are able to welcome them back.

We have started to teach clients here on their own horses and are shortly going to be able to start to teach our experienced clients on the school horses on a one-to-one private lesson basis and will then expand from there according to Government guidance.

We have set up hand sanitiser stations around the yard - both gates of the indoor and outdoor schools and outside reception.

As lessons re-start we are taking payment ahead of the lesson via BACS. All current social distancing measures are in force, so sadly no spectators for any adult lessons and only one parent per child. We appreciate everyone’s co-operation in keeping us all safe.

March 2020

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.

Facebook

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.

February 2020

February was a stormy month! Sadly we had to close for the day on Sunday 9th Feb due to Storm Ciara. This was very unusual for us as we have our lovely indoor school but conditions were just too fierce that day.

We kicked off our 2020 dressage competitions on 16th/17th February. Storm Dennis resulted in low entries for the Sunday but we were lucky to have a lovely day on the Monday so it was great to see our competitors and their horses back competing again.

Lots of fun was had by riders coming and taking part in our half term holiday special activities. The Witham Villa Holiday Dressage League is now very popular and special congratulations to all the competitors that day who braved the rain with smiley faces.

The BHS Riding Schools Competition Regional Final was held here on the Friday of half term resulting in qualification for a number of our riders for the National Final due to be held in the Easter holidays.

Congratulations to:-

12 & Under - Bella

13-17 - Connie, Maddie and Zara, Hannah

18+ - Kay, Ellie and Hannah

We hosted a BHS Safeguarding Course here ensuring all our staff are compliant with regulations.

Witham Villa Pony Club sent a team to the Pony Club Area 7 National Quiz Qualifier at Cannock and they finished in 3rd place. Congratulations to Ava, Bella, Molly and Leila and a huge thank you to Amelia Morris-Payne for training them.

January 2020

Happy New Year/New Decade!

We had an enjoyable time here at Witham Villa with a variety of events held over the holiday period.

2020 Diary Date Cards

This year we have produced a postcard for all of our special activities and also one dedicated purely to our dressage events - don’t forget to pick one up from reception so you can update your diaries and plan ahead.

Witham Villa Junior Trainee Scheme -

The Witham Villa Junior Trainees enjoyed a party day here on 2nd January. All of the trainees work towards their Pony Club badges, the Witham Villa Stable Management awards and the ABRS Teacher’s Helper Certificates. Minimum age is 11. To apply to join you need to be a member of the Witham Villa Pony Club Centre and be approved by the Pony Club Co-ordinator. You need to be a regular rider with us. Application forms are held in reception for anyone wishing to become a Junior Trainee

Thursday Morning Pole Clinic

Once a month Alison West runs a pole clinic here at Witham Villa. This is aimed for people on their own horses but would also be available for clients riding one of the Witham Villa horses. The clinics are enjoyed by all that take part - a good fun way of introducing gymnastic training for horse and rider. To book go to the Equo Events website.

Thursday Morning Dressage

This re-starts on Thursday 13th February Int. A, P7, N24 - entries via Equo Events

BHS Stage 2 Training Course for Stable Management Practical and Theory (not riding)

This course, run by Louise Mellor starts on 3rd February 6-8pm. Bookings via Equo Events

Adult Stable Management Course

A new course run by Nicola Monks started on 16th January from 6-8pm for riders wishing to learn more about looking after horses.

Dressage

We are looking forward to the start of our 2020 season of competitions held here at Witham Villa. Entries for our Sunday and Monday BD and unaffiliated competitions are via Horse Monkey from this year whilst all other Witham Villa special events continue to be through Equo Events. Our first British Dressage competitions run on Sunday February 16th - P13 and P14 and Monday 17th February P15, P17a, N23, N37a, E43, E59, M61, M75, AM85, AM98. Don’t forget to get your entries in!

News about Verity

Verity had a hip replacement operation on 11th January and is making a good recovery. However, due to this she has not been available for any lessons, but is hoping to re-start soon.

December 2019

Kimberley House Riding for the Disabled Group meet here at Witham Villa and it is great that the Rotary Club of Leicester have chosen them as one of their charities to support this year:-

Rotary Club of Leicester presents £2,000 of items to Kimberley House Riding for the Disabled Group to mark Association’s 50th birthday 

The Rotary Club of Leicester has presented Leicester-based Kimberley House Riding for the Disabled Association Group with £2,000 of equestrian items after fundraising to mark The Riding for the Disabled Association’s 50th anniversary year.

On Thursday 28th November Chris Saul, current President of The Rotary Club of Leicester, presented the items, including jodhpurs, riding boots, specialist reins and safety equipment to members of the Kimberley House RDA Group,  a founding RDA group which is based at Witham Villa Equestrian Centre in Broughton Astley.

£1,000 was raised via a summer funday at Witham Villa in June organised by Kimberley House and Rotary Club members.  The event included a demonstration by Kimberley House riders and children from the Pony Club based at Witham Villa, along with other equestrian demonstrations, stalls, a barbeque and raffle. The funds raised by the Rotary Club of Leicester via the funday were then matched by a grant from the Rotary Foundation. 

All members of the Kimberley House Group are aged between 8 and 14 years and attend Ash Field Academy in Leicester, a day and weekly boarding school for around 160 pupils who have a range of disabilities which can be combined with one or more needs of a sensory, communication, learning, medical or behavioural nature. Ash Field Academy’s Principle, Jenny Bone also attended the presentation, along with parents, carers and governors.  

Kimberley House RDA Group is run entirely by volunteers who prepare the horses for riding, the arena and assist with leading and side-walking riders who are less confident.  Volunteers also help with fundraising as the group receives no outside funding. 

Sarah Smith from Kimberley House RDA says: “We are so grateful to members of the Rotary Club of Leicester and everyone who supported the funday for providing these fantastic items.  Children have been riding in ordinary clothing which is not always suitable.  The new riding clothing will make their experience even more comfortable and enjoyable, with new polo and sweatshirts adding to the children’s feeling of being part of this special group.  The specialist safety equipment will also help the children to develop their riding whilst also making sessions easier for volunteers.”

We welcomed a new pony to join the Witham Villa team, his name is Bumble and he is already becoming a firm favourite with the children - check out the pictures on our Facebook Page

De Montfort University Equestrian Team train here at Witham Villa and have posted some excellent results in their BUCS team competitions so far this year:- A Team, second; B Team 1st with individual 2st 2nd and 3rd places; C Team 2nd; D Team 2nd. We wish them well in their future competitions in 2020

BHS Exams - We completed our Stage 1 training course and then went on to host two Stage 1 exams and a Stage 2 Teach exam here in December. Stage 2 Care training course starts here in the New Year - full details are on the Equoevents website.

Christmas - we had our staff Christmas lunch here at Witham Villa on 18th December and are now looking forward to all the Christmas activities to be held here over the holidays, if you haven’t booked yet all the activities are listed on Equoevents, the site that we use for bookings. We will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and on New Year’s Day. We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and Happy and Peaceful New Year.

November 2019

We held our final dressage shows of the year in November, culminating with our own Championship Show. It was lovely to see the delight on the everyone’s faces, especially the children with their sashes and prizes.

We have had a successful season with the Witham Villa dressage horses. Eddie (Escade) is qualified for the British Dressage Advanced Medium Winter Regionals, Victor (V) for the Elementary regionals, Izzy (Issey Magic) for the Novice and Elementary Regionals.

It has been lovely to see Harrison (Harry) out competing in the affiliated classes at Prelim level and see the progress from the start of the year to achieving scores of up to 65%.

Also just starting out is Jeanie (Lady Jean) so watch this space!

This year has also seen the Witham Villa Dressage League shows and the Thursday morning shows going from strength to strength. An ideal platform for anyone who wants to get started and progress in dressage with lots of help and advise available. We’ve had tiny tots through to over 70’s taking part and having a great time.

November also saw another successful 2 day dressage camp. It has been great to see the progress of the horses and riders that have come and enjoyed these fun educational days.

We are delighted to announce that Serina Gonchakov passed her BHS Stage 3 Teach meaning she is now a fully qualified BHS CCH (coach in complete horsemanship)

We continually work to upgrade Witham Villa and are pleased that work on the inside of the Indoor School is now complete - it has been cleaned, repainted and the surface has been upgraded.