Good news or the bad news first?
Let’s get the bad news out of the way, sadly due to a lack of any entries, the club had to cancel one event scheduled in June, at Rectory Farm ( 2nd June SJ Practice).

Charity Pleasure Ride
But on the flip side, 17th June saw our very popular charity pleasure ride, held on the Charlton Park Estate, we enjoyed larger than usual pre-entries and a super turnout of riders on the day, in total more than 100 took part.
The weather was kind, think a lack of sun kept those pesky horse-flies at bay, and all who rode around the course thoroughly enjoyed themselves, special thanks must go to those who organised the ride, notably Angie, assisted by Ann, Janet & Julie and of course the helpers / stewards around the course, without whom no-one would be able to participate.

Although we still need to settle one bill, we believe the club & riders will have raised the magnificent sum of £1500 for charity, which will be donated as soon as possible, to;
– Watershed RDA group £500
– Wilts Air Ambulance £700
– Charlton PCC £300

We look forward to seeing you all again in 2019.

Dressage Competition
This was followed by our dressage competition, held at Rookery Farm, Hankerton ( 24th June , long arena dressage, incl FSM ). Despite initially very low entries, (we considered cancelling it !) we decided to press ahead, due to the generosity of Mark Greenhill, who was extremely accommodating regarding the venue hire fee.

With a flurry of entries, it became our best supported dressage competition this season !  so many thanks to all those who took part, including some travelling from Chepstow & Frome.
We were able to host riders, who enjoyed the opportunity to practice 60m tests, including four who opted to ride prelim, novice or elementary freestyle to music. For one rider, Dawn, this was a momentous and emotional occasion, riding her very first dressage competition, despite having ridden for more than 40 years!
Thanks go to our judge, Niki Compton and helpers, Kathryn Tudor, Kim Lewis, Clive & Hannah West & Margaret Howell.

The club is trying to be a little more adventurous in what we offer to riders, ie. events and location, but whether we continue to do so is wholly dependent on support from you, so your feedback is most welcome.

Dates for your diary
All events are open to non-members, unless otherwise specified. You can see that even though our club, run by volunteers, has limited resources (human and financial) we still try to offer as many fun activities for riders to enjoy.

All event details, can be viewed on our website / FB page.

6th July – Pud & Quiz night, at Oaklea Stables, off Queen St, nr Minety, for members and guest only. £5 per head. Closing date 29th June.
20th July – Evening Dressage  Judge Jo Lees. Ravensbrook Farm
22nd July – Dressage Clinic at Little Park ( Wootton Bassett ) with Katerina Cox.
28th July – Arena Trec workshop.  Ravensbrook, with Mark & Nicky Lambourne.
10th Aug –  Evening Dressage, Ravensbrook, judge Alyce King, details to follow shortly.
1st Sept – One Day Event / Combined Training at Ravensbrook ( Pick & Mix Classes)
16th Sept – Hunter Trial, Ravensbrook
30th Sept – Pleasure Ride at Bibury. members and guest only, details to follow shortly.
7th Oct – Hunter Trial, Ravensbrook
13th Oct – our first ever Riding Dressage Test clinic, Ravensbrook, with Jo Lees, if successful, shall run some more with other judges & trainers.

So come and join us and have some fun with your horse 😊

and finally…….

Q: What’s a horse’s favourite TV show ?
A: Neighbours !