The SWDG Arena  Eventing 90 Senior team consisting of Rob Clover on Tinka Too, (standing in for Lucy Greenwood who has hurt her back), Charlotte Walters and Josephine Mitchell, pulled out all the stops and were 6th team. There were only 3 in the team as unfortunately Emily Mitchell’s horse went lame a few days before. This put lots of pressure on the remaining team members as we didn’t have the luxury of a drop score. Everyone jumped clear in the cross country and cleared the joker fence, but Rob had a couple of Show jumps down but judged his speed to perfection, and Charlotte and Josie both jumped clear but had a few time penalties.  The weather was kind to us with no rain but it was pretty wet. A great time was had by all!

With training and competition hopefully restarting on 29 March, BRC have prepared this information to help us all stay safe and continue back to normality. Read more here

Just after lockdown 2 was lifted, on 5th December, Sid & Otter Valley RC hosted the Arena Eventing Qualifiers at Bicton. The weather was a mix of rain and sun and it was very cold! SWDG fielded 4 qualifying teams from 70cm – 100cm and our first rider was in the Arena at 09:05! Katie Hill led the charge, followed by Liz Elliott and Charlotte Walters. An excellent effort from the team gave them overall 2nd place – just missing out on qualifying – and individually placed 8th, 9th and 6th respectively. Next to go were the 80cm team consisting of Jodie Loveday, Hetty Woyka and Caity Smith – all towards the end of a 53 runner Senior class! They were 16th, 7th and 3rd respectively and we didn’t have long to wait to hear the team result – a win! Announced as the 90cm riders were walking the course – no pressure! Third to go Charlotte Walters went first for the 90cm team on her ultra consistent homebred Frodo – setting the standard for the rest of the class. Quickly followed by Lucy Greenwood also riding a homebred, and sisters Emily and Josie Mitchell. Caity Smith was riding The Bus as an individual in this class. A large class meant nearly 2 hours later we got the results – another team win! Charlotte’s round was not beaten and she was announced the winner! Lucy was 6th, Emily 10th and Josie 15th. Caity was 2nd and the highest placed individual just 0.04 seconds behind Charlotte – which should mean she has also qualified! On cloud nine Ellie Robins (assistant team manager) and Carolyn Price (team manager) met the 100cm team as they gathered to walk the course. The team consisted of Simon Derby, and sisters Becky Smith and Laura Wilson. As the sun went down our team took their turns. Unfortunately Simon had a stop, Becky jumped a smooth clear just hitting the joker fence to finish 9th and as the light faded, Laura jumped a good round to finish 8th. Unfortunately with only 2 finishers, the team were eliminated. Overall a brilliant demonstration of horsemanship across all levels. A proud day for SWDG Riding Club!

Picture shows the winning 80cm team.

You’re probably all aware that BRC have told all Riding Clubs that we no longer run competitions or clinics, rides or camps until lockdown rules are lifted. For all the latest details please see the attached document. The link to BRC News can be found here.

A great opportunity for grassroots members/young horses to get together and do a competition – one of you rides a Dressage test – Intro A or Prelim 18, the other one jumps a Show Jumping course. See our Calendar page for more details. Please contact Tracy Scammell for you would like to have a go as an SWDG pair

** UPDATED **

Good News! We can restart clinics – but MUST adhere to Covid-19 precautions – see link for latest from BRC

For latest news on Coronavirus (Covid-19)  from BRC – please see this link http://www.bhs.org.uk/enjoy-riding/british-riding-clubs/news

Please see the latest FAQs from BRC including advice about flu vaccinations (equine)

There is also more information on the British Horse Society website here

The lovely photo is of Charlie Usher and the evergreen Otto at the Winter Show Jumping qualifiers – one of our last Area 12 events

 

 

BRC coronavirus update 16:30 Tuesday 17 March 2020

We are understandably receiving a number of queries about the current situation regarding coronavirus and BRC events and activities. We share your frustrations and concerns and have taken time to listen to government advice, using it to make a decision on the next steps we should take within BRC.

After the government’s update yesterday eventing (Monday 16 March 2020), we are now able to issue the following updates:

1. We strongly recommend that no riding club activities of any nature should take place from midnight tonight, up to and including 30th June 2020. This decision has been taken to support the government’s most recent advice on social distancing, reducing pressures on the NHS and the care of vulnerable individuals. 2. We would encourage committee meetings to take place virtually if possible, to enable planning for future activities once restrictions are lifted. 3. In line with this advice, we regret to announce the cancellation of the following BRC championships: a. SEIB Novice Winter Championships at Arena UK on 28 – 29 March 2020 b. HorseHage and Mollichaff Intermediate Winter Championships at Bury Farm on 24 – 26 April 2020 c. FibreBeet Festival of the Horse Championships at Aston-le-Walls on 30 – 31 May 2020 d. NAF Five Star Horse Trials Championships at Swalcliffe Park Equestrian on 7 – 9 August 2020

With the current 30 June restriction, the first three championships fall under the time frame as detailed above. Whilst the National Horse Trials Championships fall outside of this restriction period, we are mindful that it would leave a very short window in which to hold qualifiers. Various options have been explored with regards to the event format and entry requirements, however, due to the nature of the event, it has not been possible to find a safe and viable way forward.

All championship entries that have been processed for the above cancelled events will be refunded in accordance with our refund policy detailed in Rule G2.3, which is that a 75% refund will be issued. Although our stable bookings are non-refundable, we are aware that this is a very difficult time for our members, and so we have taken the decision to refund all stable bookings in full on this occasion. The team here at HQ will be working to process these as soon as practically possible, however, please do bear with us as this will undoubtedly take some time.

This is a very challenging time for us all and we know that you are understandably worried about the on-going care of your horses. The BHS will be updating their advice and guidance on the common issues we all now face with regards to our equestrian pursuits.

We are aware that the situation is constantly evolving, and we will issue regular communications to keep you informed of any further updates in line with government advice.

The BRC team and committee are extremely disappointed to lose these events as we enjoy running them as much as you all enjoy attending. However, in the current climate it’s important that we all take the responsible approach.

Well done to our SWDG Riding Club Arena Eventing team who came 8th today at The BRC Championships at Aston-le-Walls! The team consisted of Lucy Greenwood riding Tinka Too, Pippa Tucker on Georgia Belle and Charlotte Walters on Jodie Loveday’s Clooneen Sorcha. Its was all a bit touch and go and the team ended up only fielding the 3 riders due to lame horses. Very well done to those taking part! You did us proud!

If any one wants to know more – click through to BE’s website – you could be at Burghley for the Championships!

https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/championships/be80t-championship

We had a fun day in the sun at Pontispool with Be accredited trainer Sarah Thorne. All levels were catered for and I think we all had something to take away from the session! Thinking of trying to do another set of sessions to follow up if anyone is interested but need to check Pontispool/Sarah. Keep an eye on the website calendar and Facebook pages!

Today we held the Junior Qualifiers at Chard Equestrian centre and thankfully the weather was good (well mostly!). I think most people had an enjoyable day. Thanks to all those who were competing today and all the judges and volunteers who helped the day run smoothly. Results below:

Arena 1

Arena 2

Team results were:

Novice Qualifier – 1st Ilfracombe, 2nd ETSW

Novice Area – 1st Sid & Otter Valley RC, 2nd Ilfracombe

Intermediate Qualifier – 1st Ilfracombe Legends Q

Intermediate Area – 1st Ilfracombe Legends A

Photos from the day are here – both Arenas covered all day! Thanks to Rob Bayes Photography

Very well done to everyone who qualified!