Latest news from Galloway Horse Club
Dear Member,
June already! Hard to believe that it’s only a few days until the longest day, but at least we have seen some sunshine. I thought it was time I got in touch to keep you up-to-date with what has been going on that you might have missed and what is still to come that you won’t want to miss!
The committee are all working hard to provide a good mix of activities for members, but as usual, we would be glad to hear your suggestions as to what you would like the GHC to be doing.
Can I apologise if anyone has tried to e-mail me at the Galloway Horse Club addresses as I have been unable to access them since the demise of my old computer. Please use shonamorton@aol.com if you want to e-mail me.
Hope to see you soon,
Shona Morton (Chairman)
(Phone 01387 721147 or phone or text 07801 685584 if you want to get in touch)
Clear Round Showjumping training
Once again, Pippa did the organising, Jane Forbes and Justine Hunter did the training and lots of riders and their horses benefited from these days back in the early spring. Thank you to all who helped in any way.
Spring Dressage Evenings
Is this a GHC record? We managed to hold all three evenings, outdoors, as scheduled, this year. The first two took place in a super silage field where the going was excellent – except for lorries trying to leave which required a little help from Tom and his tractor! For the final competition we were back in the more familiar territory of the Jumping field. As ever, huge thanks are due to Tom and Sarah Clark, our hosts at Valleyfield, to Pippa who did the bulk of the organising, to Kim and Charlotte her assistants and to all who counted scores, stewarded, judged, wrote etc etc., none of whom we could manage without. Joss Midgely won the trophy for the most points accumulated in the Prelim classes.
Evening Ride and Barbecue
About a dozen riders enjoyed a super ride through Ae Forest then joined with a smaller number of non riders to enjoy an excellent barbecue provided by our hosts Colin and Alison MacKenzie to whom many thanks are due for a very pleasant evening.
Training
Our two Dressage workshops – Novice and Elementary with Jane Rutherford and Les Smith, and Prelim with Fiona Busby were fully subscribed and well worthwhile. Show Jumping with Susan Little has also proved beneficial to quite a few who have enjoyed their lessons. Sadly, Cross Country training at Cumwhinton with David Wadge had to be cancelled due to lack of numbers.
If anyone has suggestions for any farther training this season, please mention it to any committee member.
Show Jumping
Our annual show jumping at Valleyfield was unfortunate to clash with Queen of the South’s Cup Final match which may well have been the reason that numbers were down on previous years, especially the juniors. Even so, Susan’s course rode well and competition was fierce. We had a good number of helpers before, during and after – and I must include in my thanks, a special one to our St Andrews First Aiders who fortunately had no customers all day so they helped to load the jumps at the end. Above and beyond the call of duty!
Young Dressage Horse and Event Horse Competition
Unfortunately this competition scheduled for 7th June had to be postponed. We are very keen to hold it later in the season and will let everyone know as soon as we can when a date has been fixed. Please try to come along if you can – and remember the Event horse competition is open to horses of ANY age.
Field Day
At the moment this is booked for Sunday 28th September at Barstobrick. The schedule is under consideration and several good ideas – as well as others rather more fanciful – have been received. If you have any suggestions for competitions with perhaps a little difference, you still have time to let me know.
Teams
Sadly we could not field enough members jumping at a similar standard to enter a team for the Area Show Jumping. This is a great pity. Where are all the jumpers in the Club? Remember, you have to volunteer for teams. We can’t ask unless we know you are interested.
The Area Horse trials at the beginning of July is VERY expensive to enter and provision of helpers is compulsory so in light of that and the lack of potential team members offering to take part, the club has decided not to enter.
That leaves the Dressage about which I am much more optimistic. The Novice Qualifiier (all team members ride Prelim 13) and Riding Tests will be held on 12th July with the Open Qualifier (three Novice tests and one Elementary) plus Medium, Pairs and Music on the 13th July all at Drumclog, Strathaven. Now that the date is confirmed, can you please let me know before Tuesday 17th June, if you would be interested in going (even if you have spoken to me before). Remember, teams will be made up of volunteers. Please do not be shy about putting yourself forward or just getting in touch with me to discuss it.
Open Show
29th June is the date for our Show at Braecroft this year. The competition has settled in nicely to this venue and we are hoping for a good entry. Of course it’s quite a lot of work setting up, running the classes then tidying up afterwards so PLEASE volunteer to give us a hand if you can. Just phone Alison (01387 860612) or Joy (01387 254757) and let them know when you are available and save them having to ask….because they will, you know!!
Shona Morton (Chairman)
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