(Text-only) NEWSLETTER

Image: Dartford and District Riding Club

AUGUST 2007

Rallies
General rallies on Saturday mornings at The Old Mill, Swanley with Flair Sifleet continue after a short summer break for £10 a session. See diary for dates. Booking required. Ring 01474 708566 if you’re interested.

Specialist Clinics at Shannon Leigh, Bexley
Shannon Leigh are offering Dartford members the following weekly clinics:
Mondays 7-8p.m. Dressage with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session
Wednesdays 7-8pm & 8-9pm Jumping with Roger Browne £16 per session.
Thursdays 7-8p.m. Rally with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session.
Ring Leigh to book your place on 020 8300 7092.

Team Training
Training sessions in Show Jumping / Dressage / Riding Test are offered on Saturday afternoons Hogspringville Stables, Swanley. A course of show jumps is available, with help / instruction if required. These will be run in the afternoons, starting from approximately 3p.m. and will cost around £10 per rider. Booking required, please ring 07958 617648. If successful, we will continue to run these, on alternate weeks to Flair’s Rallies. These are open to anyone who has competed on teams or anyone who would like to be considered!

Spring Show – Sunday 6th May @ Warrigal Farm.
The Spring Show seems a distant memory now, but was very well attended. Lots of you came along to compete with many rosettes and trophies going home with our members (always a bonus!!) and we were chuffed that so many of you came to help set up on the Saturday before hand. ‘Many hands make light work’ is certainly true so A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped. Special thanks, as always, to Flair who organises the judges and stewards, takes the entries, buys the equipment needed, hires the loos, books the first aid etc. etc. etc. AND is always first there on the showground and last to leave. She is a mad woman!! Colin Lewis also deserves a mention as he busied himself putting up all the rings for the Spring Show, its rather boring banging in all those posts and roping the rings off, but someone’s got to do it, and it’s usually Colin! The jumping, clear round and working hunter rings don’t magically appear, it was down to lots of you, your families and friends, all working together. So thanks again…..
Full results are on our website www.dartfordanddistrictridingclub.com

Dressage Series Sunday 13th May and Sunday 29th July
The first two of our dressage series have now taken place. They both ran smoothly, the July date being very busy and running from 9 to about 6 o’clock! Thanks to everyone who helped, including Jessica and Hannah our fantastic, young, but ever so accurate, scorers!! Full results, are again available on the website.

Team Showjumping at Bluebarn – Saturday 12th May.
We sent three teams to this competion, which was a friendly, hosted by Colette’s Horse Shows. In each team, all three members’ scores count.
The novice team were:
Louise Atkinson – Twiglet ( clear / 4 faults )
Rachel Webb – Ziggy ( Double Clear )
Alina Tinson – Bally Larkin Cliff ( Double Clear ) Team 7th, well done girls!!

The two open Teams were:
Sarah Edmonds – Mr. Foyle Clover
Megan White – Miss Dynamite
Hollie Leathem – Million Dollar Pony Team 6th, wicked!!
and
Clare Drury – Au Contraire
Alex Hudson – Toby
Kristy Deacon – Kimba Lad Team 1st, wey-hey!!!!
So a good day for the club, with individual placings in warm up classes for lots of members, too.

Area 10 Dressage / Riding Test on Sunday 17th June @ Risebridge Farm.
This was a great day out for the club, with some unexpected results! We had a junior team entered for both the team Dressage and the team Riding Test. Riders representing Dartford were:
Jessica Sifleet – No One’s Perfect
Hannah Knight – Prince Nuchi
Hannah Lewis – Pondhead Oliver
(Lacy Haward unfortunately had a disaster with a trampoline so was unable to make up the team with the ever consistent Jack, a real shame as the remaining members had to go on and compete on all three scores to count)…..but go on they went….Hannah Lewis was amazing and won both of her tests, qualifying her for The Nationals in Lincoln. It’s Hannah’s last year in Riding Club juniors and was one of her aims to qualify again. She has been very successful and consistent on our dressage teams, so thanks Hannah and well done. The team came 6th in the Dressage and a really great 2nd in the Riding Test. The Riding Test result means that they, too, have qualified for Lincoln!! You go, girls!! Considering that Jessica’s ‘Alfie’ and Hannah’s Nuchi are very young ponies, this was a great achievement, they rode brilliantly.
Then it was the turn of two Senior teams, who also competed in a Dressage and a Riding Test Team. They were:
Virginia Rider – Operation Chance
Laura Kerr – Grace
Amanda Giles – Artist Impression
Emma Swarbrick- Two Tone Artist
and
Leigh Ann Kerr – Point – no shoes – Scally!!
Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber
Flair Sifleet – The Lone Brigadiar
Clare Drury – Au Contraire Team 1st (Dressage) Qualifying for Lincoln
This is the third time of winning the Novice Dressage team for Dartford and really great when you consider who we’re up against in our area of very well established clubs.
So, onto the more ‘fun’ classes. Leigh and I had entered the Individual ‘Dressage to Music’ and had spent some (not much) time, with my fantastic music teacher friend, Chris Hook, putting together some kind of routine to music. We both had distinct ideas for what we wanted to use. As ‘Connie’ (Au Contraire) is French (Selle Francais) I wanted to ride to French themed music. I had chosen The Can-Can as a definite for my trot work. Chris was able to plug in his keyboard and play live whilst I went through some ideas for my routine. Leigh had decided that Troy (Point Scally) was a Bob Marley fan so her music was taken from one of his albums. Chris mixed our music, and copied it onto disk and tape (a back up!). So, armed with my French music and Leigh’s Bob Marley, we had a go….well….. it was worthwhile as I came 2nd and Leigh came 5th. I am waiting to hear if I have qualified for the Nationals at Addington. That was the first surprise.
Finally, Leigh and Katie were entered for the Pairs Dressage. They had done this class last year, so were hoping to improve on their performance. They are at the same yard so were able to refine their routine. Their horses are both chestnuts and well matched. However…..Leigh and Katie had done very little in the way of preparation. In fact, both had been so busy, their paths at the stables had hardly met. In fact, they hadn’t practiced at all. They could barely remember their test from last year. I think they were thinking that I wouldn’t make them do it. They were wrong! With half an hour to go before their time, they were busily trying to remember what they had to do and riding round together making something up. The final surprise….They won!! So now they’ve got to do it again at Lincoln, luckily Phillip got it on video so they can check what exactly it was that won them the class! So two teams, one pair, one individual and maybe a music through to the Championships……

Area 10 Horse Trials @ Borde Hill Sunday 24th June.
The following week we sent some riders down to Borde Hill to have a go at the Area Eventing. The Junior team, quite inexperienced as far as horse trials is concerned, but up for it, were:
Nicola Wood – Ollimore
Amye Hudson-Smith – Baby Badger
and Kristy Deacon – Kimba Lad
(Hollie Leathem and Million Dollar Pony were entered but unable to compete, as Hollie was unwell the night before the competition) So, again, the team competed on a three, with all scores to count. The first discipline was the dressage. Amye had had a crash course dressage lesson on Badger, a pony kindly lent to her and only previously ridden by Amye a handful of times. Kristy had been working on it as had Nicola, although all three girls concentrate on Show Jumping in the main. So they all performed very creditable tests. Then came the show jumping. By then it had really started to rain. Ollimore wasn’t keen as it was so slippery but got round, whilst Badger and Kimba skipped round most happily (great ponies!). Then the rain really set in. Ollimore had definitely decided we were all mad, and pulled up, but Badger and Kimba again put in stirling performances and were clear. Future eventing stars???
Sarah Edmonds on Mr. Foyle Clover went as Senior Novice individual and had a good time, sploshing around in the mud. Lastly, we entered a Senior Intermediate team and one Senior Intermediate individual:
Clare Drury – Au Contraire
Leigh-Ann Kerr – Point Scally
Emma Swarbrick – Two Tone Artist
Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber
and Sara MacDonald – Kira
The Senior team came 3rd and Sara wasn’t placed individually, but wasn’t far off. The course was beautiful, but the rain just didn’t do anyone any favours, so great for everyone to return home in one piece. Hope you’re all dried out by now???

Area 10 Showjumping Qualifier @ Felbridge on Sunday 8th July.
The final qualifier was at Felbridge, a great venue with several arenas. We sent two junior teams. A novice, and for the first time, an open team.
Jumping on the Novice Junior Team were:
Amye Hudson Smith – Baby Badger
Lacy Haward – Jack
Jasmine Wilkes – Millfields Dorothea
and Alina Tinson – Bally Larkin Cliff.
This team didn’t get through to the jump off, but Amye and Badger got through individually and were placed 5th.
The Open Junior Team were competing with only three members. These were
Hollie Leathem – Million Dollar Pony (Ebony)
Kristy Deacon – Kimba Lad
and Amye Hudson- Smith – Garnavilla Prince.
This team went really well, and were placed 2nd, beating Ardingly but being just pipped by Rother Valley.
We also had a Junior ‘Style Jumping’ team entered, who were
Lacy Haward – Jack (3rd individually)
Amye Hudson-Smith – Baby Badger (5th individually)
Hollie Leathem – Million Dollar Pony (Ebony)
And Jasmine Wilkes – Millfields Dorothea.
This was a new competition for all of the girls. It is unusual in the fact that the riders’ style is assessed and marked, giving a total mark at the end. Ponies must be ridden in a snaffle and there is a penalty of 5 marks for wearing martingales. Knock downs are also penalised. The whole competition calls for some very accurate riding! Well, you wouldn’t have known that the girls had never competed in this kind of competition before, as all scored really high marks, and the team won (so they will get to have another go at Lincoln!)
It was then the turn of the Seniors. Jumping on the Novice team were:
Sue Bray – Mia
Flair Sifleet – Lasna Buachaill
Alex Hudson – Toby
and Me (Clare) – Au Contraire.
We did quite well over the two rounds, but had a pole here and there, resulting in 5th place out of 14 teams. We have, however qualified for The London and South East Championships based on this result.
Jumping on the Senior Intermediate team were:
Emma Swarbrick – Two Tone Artist
Leigh Ann Kerr – Point Scally
Sara Mac Donald – Kira This team were also placed 5th.
and Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber.
We then competed in the Senior Style Jumping. The team consisted of;
Emma Swarbrick – Two Tone Artist
Leigh Ann Kerr – Point Scally
Clare Drury - AuContraire
and Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber. (2nd individually)
The team were chasing last year’s win, but could only manage team 2nd place. Happily, Katie qualified individually for the Style Jumping at Lincoln, so our hopes will lie with her (no pressure, Katie!!).

Autumn Show @ Warrigal Farm on Sunday 23rd September
You should receive a copy of the Autumn Show Schedule in this newsletter. We have changed it ever so slightly, adding some classes hopefully to attract more competitors. Please, Please, Please get you entries in early to avoid disappointment….and do come, making the most of your vastly reduced entry fees!! As usual, we need lots and lots and lots (and lots!!) of help. We will be setting up from 10 o’clock on Saturday 22nd and will also need helpers during the day to steward rings, assist in the secretary’s tent, to run the clear round all day (any volunteers??) etc. The show raises money for the club and our charity, Demelza House. It is one of our bigger ventures and cannot run without support from members and their families….SO PLEASE HELP!!

Area 10 Hunter Trials Qualifier @ Lodge Farm on Sunday 14th October
Here’s a chance for anyone interested in cross country to represent the club. There are both Junior and Senior team competitions. The Novice is approximately 2ft 9 and the Open 3ft 3. This is a qualifier for the national competition, and vaccination certificates are required. For more information, ‘phone the team hotline 07958 617648!!

D.D.R.C. Dressage Series @ The Old Mill on Sunday 28th October
The third, and final event of our dressage series will take place at the end of October. You do not need to have participated in the whole of the series to take part, so do have a go. The introduction of a Walk and Trot series has proved very popular but there are also Preliminary, Novice and Elementary tests too. Entries for members are, again, vastly reduced (where else can you compete for £5 per class??) but spaces do fill up quickly. So get your entries in!! Help is also needed on the day. If you want to view a test from the Judge’s point of view, and are able to write at speed, it’s a great idea to volunteer to be a judge’s writer. We also need scorers and someone to open and shut the arena door all day…..you can watch and learn a lot from this, too. Contact Flair if you are able to help!

Team Showjumping @ BlueBarn on Saturday 3rd November
This ‘friendly’ teams of three competition is hosted by Collette’s Horse Shows. www.cbequine.co.uk The Novice competition is ideal for anyone new to teams as there are warm up classes and the courses are approximately 2ft3 – 2ft6. The Open team courses are approximately 2ft9. If you would like to be part of a Dartford team, please let us know, Bluebarn is a lovely venue and it’s great fun.

Area 10 Winter Indoor Novice Jumping Qualifier
@ Duckhurst Farm Saturday 17th November
Anyone interested in representing Dartford at this area qualifier should contact me a.s.a.p. You need to be confidently jumping over 2ft9 courses, but equines must have no B.S.J.A. winnings. We can send junior and senior teams. Vaccination certificates required!

‘Friendly’ Area 10 Team Jumping @ Eaglesfield on Sunday 10th February 2008
We have offered to host this ‘teams of three’ Jumping Competition. Each team will consist of one novice rider (not to have won more than £25), one novice horse/pony (not to have won more than £25) who both jump 2ft6, and one open horse/pony & rider combination who jump 3ft. There will also be warm up classes for juniors and seniors. We would like to field some teams for this event, so, again, if you’re interested, please let me know……we will also need lots of help, both setting up and on the day to help things run smoothly. If you can assist in any way, we would be most grateful.

Well, that’s all for this newsletter, keep your eye on the website for updates. We will report on our adventures in Lincoln next newsletter. Hope to see you at The Autumn Show,
Clare (D.D.R.C Chairperson)

Image: Presenting ourcheque to the Demelza House Childrens Hospice

FEBRUARY 2007

D.D.R.C Welcomes New Members!!

This may well be your first newsletter if you have just joined?
We seem to be recruiting a healthy new membership and ‘oldies’ renewals have also been coming in – well done and thanks – so we hope to make 2007 an enjoyable year for the club.
Please remember to do your little bit to make D.D.R.C. a friendly and successful club. As you can see from our diary dates we have a lot going on, and you are expected to help out!!! We hope to see you from time to time throughout the year at our events…..please volunteer your services….or expect to be volunteered! Setting up shows, helping on the day and packing the equipment away afterwards are all part of the members’ jobs, a ‘plea for help’ usually goes in each newsletter, followed by a ‘Hello, are you free on the ……..’ type phone call> You have been warned…….!

If there is anything you want to see the club doing, or (fingers crossed) if there is anything you would like to organise and run, please don’t hesitate to put your ideas forward.

Easter Show / Spring Show / Dressage Series – Schedules Enclosed.

Enclosed with this newsletter should be copies of the above competitions. We advise early entry to avoid disappointment (you are the first to have schedules!)
We have kept the members entry fees low, a perk of being a member.
Class sponsorship @ £25 per class is very much available, if anyone is able to help??

Rallies

General rallies on Saturday mornings at The Old Mill, Swanley with Flair Sifleet will continue this year for £10 a session. See diary for dates. Booking required. Ring 01474 708566 if you’re interested.

Specialist Clinics at Shannon Leigh, Bexley
Shannon Leigh are offering Dartford members the following weekly clinics:
Mondays 7-8p.m. Dressage with Daniel Baddely £12 per session
Thursdays 6-7p.m. Junior Rally with Daniel Baddely £12 per session.
Ring Leigh to book your place on 020 8300 7092.

Team Jumping Saturday 20th January @ Bluebarn (Colette’s Horse Show)

Team D.D.R.C. claimed another two victories at Bluebarn, and also lots of individual wins and placings.
The Novice Team – ‘Dartford Minis’ : Alina Tinson (Bally Larkin Cliff), Rachel Webb (Ziggy) and Amye Hudson-Smith (Garnavilla Trigger) all jumped double clear, and were the only novice team to do so, making them outright winners. However, they were also very speedy in their jump-offs as Alina won individually, Amye was 2nd and Rachel 4th.
Team success rounded off a very happy day for Alina, who had won both the Absolute Novice and the Novice Warm-Up classes, too. Wow! Way to go, Alina!!

Open Teams : The ‘Dartford Desroyers’ - Sarah Edmonds (Mr. Foyle Clover), Amye Hudson-Smith (Rodeo King) and Janice Rickell (The Joker) jumped well and finished 7th.
Janice was 3rd in the Open Warm Up and Sarah went on to win the 85-90c.m. Open.
The ‘Dartford Dashers’, Megan White (Miss Dynamite), Hollie Leathem (Million Dollar Pony) and Kristy Deacon (Kimba Lad) finished in 6th place. Kristy was 3rd in the 85-90c.m. Open.
The ‘Dartford Doughnuts’, Shannan Cameron (Hindleap Topnotch), Stacey Arnold (Jacko) and Emma Swarbrick (Two Tone Artist) were 3rd. Stacey won the Open Warm up and was =4th individually in the teams too.
………But ‘The Dartford Divas’ did it again, winning the team competition, with all three riders on double clear. Clare Drury (Au Contraire) was =4th individually, Jessica Lovell (Charlie) went like a rocket and won individually and Amye Hudson-Smith (Garnavilla Trigger) was 6th individually.

D.D.R.C. Clothing.

We still have some D.D.R.C. clothing available - winter jackets in adults small and medium sizes for £35. These are machine washable and are very warm. They look great over a show jacket. There are also reversible children’s jackets (fleece on one side, jacket style on the reverse) for £27 and ordinary ¾ zipper fleeces for £25.
Our cotton polo shirts are available at £12. All are in black, with our distinctive double stirrups logo in silver and gold, and ‘Dartford and District Riding Club’ embroidered underneath.
See Flair at rallies or Clare at shows to order, or ‘phone 07958 617648.

Teams 2007

We are an affiliated Riding Club, which means that we are able to enter official, British Riding Club Area competitions.
These are listed in our diary dates. Our area, Area 10, has its own website www.brcarea10.org.uk which supplies all the information about competitions and training open to you as a Dartford member.
Team competitions are open to Juniors (under 17 years of age on 1st January in the current year) and Seniors, who may ride either horses or ponies.
Team members must have a valid and up-to-date certificate of Equine Influenza for the horse/pony they ride.
If you are interested in teams, please let me, Clare Drury, know as soon as possible. We will be putting in preliminary entries into H.Q. at Stoneleigh very soon, so need to know who wants to do what and when.
Basically you should be out competing at the level and discipline of the team you wish to join.
If you have any questions regarding the competitions available, the standard required or restrictions, please phone to have a chat (07958 617648).
Overleaf is a list of Area 10 Competitions, dates and venues.
Some of the restrictions may change slightly when the 2007 rule book comes out. This is available from the B.R.C. bookshop – a must for team members.

Competition Junior Senior Restrictions Date Venue
Novice S.J. (indoor) 80cm. Junior Senior Equine - no B.S.J.A. winnings 24 Feb Duckhurst
Novice S.J. (outdoor) 80cm. Junior Senior Equine - no B.S.J.A. winnings 8 July Felbridge
Intermediate S.J.(outdoor) 95cm. Senior £150 B.S.J.A. winnings allowed 8 July Felbridge
Open S.J. (outdoor) 95cm Junior £400 B.S.J.A. winnings 8 July Felbridge
Open S.J. (outdoor)
1m 10 Senior £500 B.S.J.A. winnings 8 July Felbridge
Style Jumping
85cm. Junior Senior Senior £100 B.S.J.A
Junior £50 B.S.J.A. 0-10 B.E. pnts 8 July Felbridge
Horse Trials
85cm. Junior 0 –20 B.E. points 24 June Borde Hill
Horse Trials
Novice 85cm. Senior 0 B.E. points 24 June Borde Hill
Horse Trials
Intermediate 1m. Senior May be registered with B.E. subject to 2007 rule change 24 June Borde Hill
Horse Trials
Open 1m 10 Senior 0 – 20 B.E. points 24 June Borde Hill
Hunter Trials
85c. Junior 0 – 20 B.E. points 14 Oct Lodge Farm
Hunter Trials Novice 85cm. Senior 0 – 20 B.E. points 14 Oct Lodge Farm
Hunter Trials
Open 1m. Senior Subject to 2007 rule change t.b.c. 14 Oct Lodge Farm
Dressage Team
Novice Prelim level Senior 0 British Dressage Points 17 June Risebridge Farm
Dressage Open Team Senior 3 x Novice level riders 0 – 74 B.D ponts, 1 x Elementary level rider 0 – 149 B.D. points 17 June Risebridge Farm
Dressage Team Junior 2x riders Prelim – 0 B.D. points, 2x riders Novice – up to 49 points 17 June Risebridge Farm
Dressage Medium Individual Senior Up to 249 B.D. points allowed 17 June Risebridge Farm
Dressage Pairs inc Music Pairs Senior Junior Up to 74 B.D. points allowed 17 June Risebridge Farm
Dressage to Music
Senior Junior Up to 74 B.D. points allowed 17 June Risebridge Farm
Riding Test
Novice Senior Junior 0 –5 B.D. / B.E. points allowed 17 June Risebridge Farm
Riding Test
Advanced Senior Junior 0 – 50 B.D. points / 0- 20 B.E. points allowed 17 June Risebridge Farm

We will also try to enter some ‘friendly’ team competitions as and when they arise. Keep an eye out for information on these in newsletters. D.D.R.C. pays entry fees for members representing the club, but you are expected to provide your own transport to venues. We had a great year last year, let’s hope 2007 will be just as fun!

Well, that’s all for another newsletter, hope to see you all soon,

Clare (D.D.R.C Chairperson)

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JANUARY 2007

Area 10 Competitions – keep an eye on area 10 website www.brcarea10.co.uk – vaccination card required – contact Team Organiser, Clare Drury 07958 617648

RALLIES

General rallies on Saturday mornings at The Old Mill, Swanley with Flair Sifleet will continue this year for £10 a session.
See diary for dates. Booking required. Ring 01474 708566 if you’re interested.

SPECIALIST CLINICS

Shannon Leigh Stables Bexley are offering Dartford members the following weekly clinics:
Mondays 7-8p.m. Dressage with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session
Thursdays 6-7p.m. Junior Rally with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session.
Ring Leigh to book your place and take advantage of this opportunity. www.shannonleighstables.com
on 020 8300 7092

FIRST AID COURSES

Shannon Leigh will be holding a 'Appointed Person' one day course and a 'First Aid at Work' course over 5 consecutive evenings.
'Perfect First Aid Services Ltd' is an HSE approved training company and will be at Shannon Leigh on the 3rd March 2007.
The one day 'Appointed First Aid' course on the 3rd March 2007 is designed to qualify an appointed person at the work place. The cost is £65 per person and will include certificate
The 'First Aid at Work' course over 5 consecutive evenings is TBA.
Please email Leigh at shannonleighstables@hotmail.com for details and to reserve your place.

CLINICS 2007

We will run some specialist jumping, cross country and dressage clinics this year – none are confirmed at the moment.
If anyone has any requests / ideas / preferences for particular trainers / dates / venues, then please contact a committee member.
Details will be posted on the website and sent to you in the next newsletter.

EAGLESFIELD TEAM SHOWJUMPING 12th November

The Riding Club sent four teams to this competition, hosted by Wrotham and District Riding Club. It was a great day out.

DARTFORD DAREDEVILS were 3rd in the Team Scurry.
Connor Smith – Rodeo King
Nicola Wood – Ollimore
Stacey Arnold – Jacko
Janice Rickell – The Joker

DARTFORD DESTROYERS were 4th in the Teams Class.
Dominic Franz – Secret Tango
Lacey Haward – Jack the Lad
Sara MacDonald – Kira
Emily Mason – Danny

DARTFORD DELIGHTS were 3rd in the Team Class and 2nd in the Team Scurry
Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber
Megan White –Miss Dynamite
Hollie Leathem – Million Dollar Pony
Kristy Deacon – Kimba Lad

And DARTFORD DIVAS also went, but were unplaced (this time!!)
Lisa Waghorn – Sammy
Clare Drury – Au Contraire
Jessica Lovell – Charlie
Amye Hudson-Smith – Garnavilla Trigger

‘STAR JUMPERS’ were Sara on Kira, Katie on Mic and Kristy on Kimba, who all jumped three faultless rounds each.
Well done girls!!
Thanks to all ‘teamies’ and the ‘support crew’ who were brilliant all day.

CHRISTMAS SHOW Saturday 9th December

The Christmas Show was extremely well supported and it was great to see so many members competing.

Apart from the gridlocked carpark (which wasn’t fun), the day was successful.

Thank you to everyone who helped, we do appreciate the time given to help run these events, as Flair and I cannot do it alone!

There were at least 18 ponies competing in the gymkhana games, with a few riders managing to swap for different races.

The lead-reiners held their own against other riders – well done anyone who had to lead, running up and down that indoor school is a task in itself!
We had to ride everyone off in three heats before the ‘final’ for each game, but still managed to get finished on time.

The fancy dress was a wonderful sight, with a record 17 entrants.

Photofanatic were there capturing riders on film.
Their website is well worth a visit if you missed the show and want to view the pictures.

Finally, after sorting out the parking, we held the fun jumping and team competition.

We proudly used our own D.D.R.C. showjump for the first time, supplied by Sheepgate Showjumps.

The whole show managed to raise approximately £500 for the club, so the hard work was definitely worth it!

We will run a similar event at Easter, so get your thinking caps on for the fancy dress, and get into training for the gymkhana and the jumping.

Results of the Christmas show were as follows:

Fancy Dress
1st Bayliss ‘Family’ on Molly
2nd Jasmine Ricard on Bramble
3rd Robing Young on Flossy
4th Niamh Duffy on Kipper
5th Danielle Clark on Touch of Luck
6th Sharee Watson on Anock Ter Burcht

Class 1 Pudding Pairs
1st Louisa Jennings & Vicky Cooper on Irish Jackpot
2nd Sarah Edmonds & Hollie Leathem on Million Dollar Pony
3rd Abbey Hendrick & Amye Smith on Garnavilla Trigger
4th Sara Payne & Ellie Valentine on My Destiny
5th Georgia Edwards & Olivia Nutman on Amber
6th Clare Drury & Sara Mac Donald on Au Contraire

Class 2 Holly Horse and Hound
1st Megan White on Miss Dynamite with ‘Dog’
2nd Louisa Jennings on Irish Jackpot with ‘Megan’
3rd Francesca Baylis on Molly with ‘Leo’
4th Olivia Nutman on Amber with ‘Benji’
5th Danielle Clarke on Touch of Luck with ‘Dog’
6th Clare Drury on Au Contraire with ‘Kougar’

Class 3 Turkey Scurry
1st Megan White with Miss Dynamite
2nd Sophie Edwards on Owen
3rd Hollie Leathem on Million Dollar Pony
4th Louisa Jennings on Irish Jackpot
5th Jodi Collett on She’s a Lady
6th Ellie Valentine on My Destiny

Class 4 Tinsel Teams of Three
1st Amye Smith on Rodeo King
Natasha Samson on Captain Jack
Abbey Hendrick on Garnavilla Trigger
2nd Clare Drury on Au Contraire
Megan White on Miss Dynamite
Hollie Leathem on Million Dollar Pony
3rd Sara Payne on My Precious Amber
Ellie Valentine on My Destiny
Sophia Edwards on Owen

D.D.R.C. CLOTHING.

We still have some D.D.R.C. clothing available - winter jackets in adults small and medium sizes for £35.
These are machine washable and are very warm. They look great over a show jacket.
There are also reversible children’s jackets (fleece on one side, jacket style on the reverse) for £27 and ordinary ¾ zipper fleeces for £25.
Our cotton polo shirts are available at £12.
All are in black, with our distinctive double stirrups logo in silver and gold, and ‘Dartford and District Riding Club’ embroidered underneath.
See Flair at rallies or Clare at shows to order, or ‘phone 07958 617648.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL.

Sorry……it’s that time of year again when I have to remind you that your membership is up for renewal.
Unless you joined after September 2006 (around the time of the Autumn Show or after) in which case you are already a 2007 member, you will need to rejoin.
If you are in any doubt, please ring our membership secretary, Kim Atkinson, on 01474 703063.
Membership rates will remain the same – a form has been enclosed in this newsletter. Remember that membership entitles you to vastly reduced entries to our own competitions, a chance to compete on D.D.R.C. teams with entries paid for, regular rallies and clinics, and great (!) newsletters!!

Kim would appreciate any renewals, at the latest by the end of February.
Members hoping to represent the club on Area 10 teams must be members by this time.
We hope that you will rejoin, and, as always, we are happy to hear from you regarding ideas for future ventures for the club.

Wishing you a happy, safe and successful new year!

Clare :-)
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NOVEMBER 2006

DIARY DATES 2006.

Sunday 12th November
Indoor Teams Showjumping Wrotham and District R.C @ Eaglesfield E.C.

Saturday 9th December
D.D.R.C. Christmas Show
Gymkhana, Fancy Dress, Showjumping The Old Mill Equestrian Centre, Swanley

Sunday 28th January
Junior and Senior
Teams of Three Showjumping Area 10 Liason Committee
@The Golden Cross

D.D.R.C. denotes Dartford and District Riding Club events -
contact Club Secretary Flair Sifleet 01474 708566

Area 10 Competitions – vaccination card required –
contact Team Organiser, Clare Drury 07958 617648

DRESSAGE SERIES.

The final dressage show of our series ran on 1st October and awards were given out at the A.G.M. Thank you to all that helped throughout the year and especially to Flair who organised each competition (and won most of it!!).

The Dressage Champions 2006 were:
Series A (Walk and Trot / Prelim) Flair Sifleet -Tresaison Zodiac

Series B (Prelim ) Donna De’Ath- Madison

Series C (Novice ) Flair Sifleet- The Lone Brigadiar

Series D (Elementary) =Emma Jane McGarth- Duke of Wellington
=Flair Sifleet- The Lone Brigadiar

Junior Champion Hannah Lewis- Pondhead Oliver

Senior and Overall Champion Flair Sifleet- The Lone Brigadiar

NEW D.D.R.C. WEBSITE www.dartfordanddistrictridingclub.com

We have a new and updated website, created for us by Leigh Ann Kerr, ‘technological computer wizard’ (a.k.a. Hobbit Woman!!).
It is easy to navigate and will be a means of keeping our members informed as to what’s going on in between newsletters.
There’s lots of information about the club, its aims, achievements and members.
There is a page for members’ photos, so please get yourself on the web to show just how lovely our members are!!!
But….Please don’t bother to look at the Lincoln piccies as there are some very embarrassing ones of the ‘National Teamies’ trying to do the Macarena (o.k?)

Thanks must go to Michelle Hudson, who created our original website.
Thank you for all of your hard work, Michelle.

RALLIES

Rallies continue every fortnight on Saturday mornings at The Old Mill, Swanley with Flair Sifleet for £10 a session. Booking required. Ring 01474 708566 if you’re interested.

TERRIFIC ‘Teamies’ Triumph!! (…..Again!!)

The London and South East Championships were held in Henley-on-Thames on the 8th October.
We had qualified three senior teams for this through the summer – one in Dressage, one in the Riding Test and one in Horse Trials.
Because of the strangles outbreak in the local area, two of our riders were on voluntary quarantine, so, with a last minute S.O.S. call to a few members to ride in their places, we managed to field our teams….just!
I’m not quite sure how it all worked out but somehow 5 riders managed to ride on 3 teams. Usually the teams are made up of 4 riders with the worst score being dropped, but that wasn’t an option so we made do with 3 riders, all scores to count!!
The Horse Trials was fun and the cross country course especially twisty.
Sara MacDonald riding Kira was placed 6th individually, mainly due to bombing round the xc like a woman possessed (everyone else seemed to have had time faults).
In the dressage, ‘last minute’ team member Debbi Gilbert riding Paddy was 4th individually and in the Riding Test Clare Drury riding Au Contraire was also 4th individually (made up for the 41 time penalties in the cross country!!).
So, all in all, a successful day for the club.
Thanks also to team members Flair Sifleet riding The Lone Brigadiar and Emma Swarbrick riding Two Tone Artist for competing too.
We hardly saw each other all day as we were too busy running from arena to arena, going off to ride different tests, walking courses….etc….but had all managed to park up together, so as far as I could make out, everyone went home happy!

We sent a team of three showjumpers down to Bluebarn on 15th September to compete in Canterbury Riding Club’s Teams of 3 Competition.

Members Stacey Arnold riding Jacko, Nicola Wood riding Ollimore and Janice Rickell riding The Joker all jumped superbly, clear, then clear and fast in the jump off, to secure a brilliant first place for D.D.R.C. Well done girls!!!

Inspired by this achievement, we then sent one Novice team and two Open teams to the Blackhorse Teams of 3 Jumping Competition, again held at Bluebarn on 15th October.

The Novice team (‘Dartford Delights’) were all juniors – Megan White riding Miss Dynamite, Jade Cauldfield riding Jade’s Promise and Holly Bunting riding Ghost.
They were not placed in the teams, but Megan was 2nd individually in the warm up and Jade 7th. In the Open competition, the two teams were:
‘Dartford Destroyers’ - Sara MacDonald riding Kira, Emily Mason riding Danny and Kristy Deacon riding Kimba Lad and ‘Dartford Divas’- Jessica Lovell riding Charlie, Amye Hudson-Smith riding Garnavilla Trigger and Clare Drury riding Au Contraire.
In the first round, everyone jumped clear.
Four teams then went through to the jump off on a zero score.
After some amazingly tight turns, Dartford Divas came out top, and Dartford Destroyers were 4th. The winners all received super rosettes, trophies and a plaque for the best riding club AND really great sashes!!!
Thank you to everyone who jumped and supported our teams at Bluebarn, it was a very enjoyable day.

AUTUMN SHOW @Warrigal Farm on Sunday 24th September

A big thank you to everyone who came to help and ride at our Autumn Show.
We were very pleased with the turnout and managed to make a profit of around £2000 for the club.
We will be donating a sum of money to Demelza House, a local respite centre for very sick children, after the Christmas Show.

Results of the Autumn Show were as follows:

Class 1 Minimus Jumping
1st Emily Gunn- Oak Thunder
2nd Arther Galvin- Champ
3rd Connor Smith- Rodeo King
4th Phoebe Smith- Bay Light Star
5th Rachel Stewart- Sasha
6th Nikki Simpson- Gentleman Jack

Class 2 Novice Jumping
1st Ellie Chambers- Limited Edition
2nd Shannan Cameron- Hindleap Topnotch
3rd Shannan Cameron- Ronnie Rocket
4th Emily Gunn- Oak Thunder
5th Holly Bunting- Ghost
6th Arther Galvin- Champ

Class 3 Pairs Jumping
1st Kristy Deacon- Kimba Lad
Shannan Cameron- Rocket Ronnie
2nd Jessica Lovell- Charlie
Amye Smith- Prince
3rd Kristy Deacon - Silver Lining
Shannan Cameron- Hindleap Topnotch
4th Emily Mason- Hot Gossip
Sarah Edmonds- Mr. Foyle Clover
5th Stacey Arnold- Jacko
Nicola Wood- Olllimore
6th Annabel Middleton- Romeo
Frankie Szkoda- Casper

Class 4 Intermediate Jumping
1st Emily Mason - Danny
2nd Kristy Deacon- Silver Lining
3rd Kristy Deacon- Kimba Lad
4th Demi Pitt- Stiggy
5th Stacey Arnold- Jacko
6th Amye Smith- Prince

Class 5 Open Jumping
1st Dan Sharpe- Sidney Pink
2nd Kristy Deacon- Kmba Lad
3rd Emily Mason- Danny
4th Stacey Arnold- Jacko
5th Emily Mason- Hot Gossip
6th Nicola Wood- Ollimore

Class 6 Working Hunter Horse
1st Dan Sharpe- Sidney Pink
2nd Ian Gordon- Kay
3rd Sara Jane Perera- Loch Perseverance
4th Lionel Rummell- Onzio
5th Jenny Illing- Dollar
6th Elizabeth West- Magic Moment

Class 7 Working Hunter Pony
1st Emily Gunn- Oak Thunder
2nd Karen - India
3rd Alina Tinson- Bally
4th Emily Basten- Misty

Class 8 Senior Open Riding
1st Emma Northwood- Farwinds Tamara
2nd Nicola Cruttenden- Dessy
3rd Sue Lawrence - The Grey Guy
4th Fay Lofts- Ramona

Class 9 Bst Ridden Horse
1st Sue Lawrence- The Grey Guy
2nd Nicola Samson- Elkie
3rd Clare Haynes- Magic
4th Kathy Cousins- Golden Vine

Class 10 Best Ridden Pony
1st Nicola Cruttenden- Dessy
2nd Emma Northwood- Farwinds Tamara
3rd Hannah Lewis- Pondhead Oliver
4th Emily Basten- Misty
5th Lauren Lazell- Winter Sky
6th Hannah Knight- Shades of Grey

Class 11 Lead Rein / First Ridden
1st Liam Northwood- Revel Mink
2nd Jennifer White- Masselwech Model
3rd Richard Morgan- Arnie
4th Ellie Buckham- Tetley
5th James Bartar- Primrose
6th Maisie Morgan- Ghost

Class 12 Junior Open Riding
1st Lauren Lazell- Winter Sky
2nd Hannah Lewis- Pondhead Oliver
3rd Hannah Knight- Shades of Grey
4th Jordana Madely- Missy
5th Kayleigh Beer- Magic

Class 13 Welsh (A & B)
1st Ceinfryd Stud- Dukeshill Dimarco
2nd Yasmin Nancourou- Ernie
3rd C England- Ben
4th Donna Denman- Paddy
5th C Linsdell- Joey
6th Josie Hoorington- Cavey’s Little Diamond

Class 14 Welsh (C & D)
1st John Nicholls- Ricochet
2nd Nicols Cruttenden- Dessy
3rd Lucy- Red
4th Gemma Burley- London Tipsy Sailor
5th J Stevenson- Barn Meadow Rhianwen
6th Kerry Little- Criteriou Tiger Lilly

Class 15 Mountain and Moorland
1st Hayley Greenwood- Finch
2nd Victoria Charles- N&M Naughty but Nice

Class 16 Youngstock
1st Aaron Byers- Aston Simynt
2nd Sarah Marney- Ernie
3rd Hannah Knight- Woody
4th Hayley Greenwood- Finch
5th Gemma Burley- London Tipsy Sailor
6th Kerry Little- Criterion Tiger Lilly

Class 17 Coloureds
1st Jen Murphy- Haysden Nirvana
2nd Sarah Marney- Ernie
3rd Vicki Payne- Mickey
4th Kate Carey- Jacob
5th Valda Salisbury- Neville
6th Rachel Webb- Ziggy

Class 18 Best Pony (13.2 and Under)
1st C Linsdell- Joey
2nd Yasmin Nancron- Ernie
3rd C England- Ben
4th Chrissy Evans- Primrose
5th Victoria Charles- N&M Naughty but Nice

Class 19 Best Pony (13.2-15hh)
1st Sam Edmed- Irish Prince
2nd Nicole Lansdell- Woodview Magical Mirage
3rd Victoria Charles- N&M Naughty but Nice

Class 20 Young Handler
1st Joshua Lansdell- Woodview Magical Mirage
2nd Emily Gunn- Oak Thunder
3rd Lydia Smith- Timmy
4th C Datlen- Ben
5th Geena Beddoes- All Jazzed Up
6th Jack Barwick- Jasper

Class 21 Potential Competition Horse/Pony
1st Jen Murphy- Haysden Nirvana
2nd Susan Ede- Rocko
3rd Hannah Knight- Woody
4th Jode Lefevre- Supreme Vienna

Class 22 Best Horse
1st Jen Murphy- Haysden Nirvana
2nd Susan Ede- Rocko
3rd Valda Salisbury- Neville
4th Kate Carey- Jacob
5th Kathy Cousins- Golden Vine

Class 23 Adult Handler
Cancelled

Class 24 Arabs
Cancelled

Class 25 Marvellous Mare
1st Nicole Lansdell- Woodview Magical Mirage
2nd Emily Rose- Fiery Fenelk
3rd Kerry Little- Criterion Tiger Lilly
4th Rosie Little- Lautine Lucky Lady
5th Lauren Clark- Mega
6th Yvette Baldwin- Chocolate

Class 26 Gorgeous Gelding
1st Lydia Smith- Timmy
2nd Danielle Clarke- Major Finesse
3rd Briony Sprooles- Tetley
4th Megan Barwick- Jasper C
5th Valda Salisbury- Neville
6th Emily Gunn- Oak Thunder

Class 27 Veteran (20years and over)
1st Jayne Matthews- Flight of Fancy
2nd Victoria Charles- N&M Charles

IN-HAND CHAMPION
Jen Murphy- Haysden Nirvana
RESERVE
Aaron Byers- Aston Simynt

RIDDEN CHAMPION
Nicole Cruttenden- Dessy
RESERVE
Lauren Lazell- Winter Sky

SHOW JUMPING POINTS
CHAMPION 2006
1st Emily Mason- Danny
=2nd Kendelle Hendreson- Polo
=2nd Amye Smith- Prince Charming
=2nd Emily Gunn- Oak Thunder
=2nd Kristy Deacon- Kimba Lad
6th Kristy Deacon- Silver Lining

Specialist Clinics at Shannon Leigh, Bexley
Shannon Leigh are offering Dartford members the following weekly clinics:
Mondays 7-8p.m. Dressage with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session
Wednesdays 7-8p.m. Jumping with Roger Browne £16 per session.
Thursdays 6-7p.m. Junior Rally with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session.
Ring Leigh to book your place and take advantage of this opportunity
on 020 8300 7092.

DRESSAGE SERIES at Shannon Leigh
A schedule for Shannon Leigh’s new dressage series is enclosed in this newsletter. The dates are as follows;
26th November, 17th December, 21st January, 18th February, 18th March
and 22nd April.
Classes range from Walk and Trot up to Elementary. Please do try and support this venture if you can. More details are on the Shannon Leigh website www.shannonleighstables.com

Eaglesfield Team Showjumping 12th November
The Riding Club will be sending four teams to this competition, hosted by Wrotham and District Riding Club. It is always lots of fun and usually attracts good entries. There will be a ‘normal’ teams of 4, where the best three rounds for each team count and in the event of a tie, everyone jumps off against the clock, followed by a team scurry, where each round is timed and knock downs incur 4 faults. Again, the three best scores count and are added together to find the winners. Jumping for Dartford will be:

Dartford Daredevils
Connor Smith – Rodeo King
Nicola Wood – Ollimore
Stacey Arnold – Jacko
Janice Rickell – The Joker

Dartford Destroyers
Dominic Franz – Secret Tango
Lacey Haward – Jack the Lad
Sara MacDonald – Kira
Emily Mason – Danny

Dartford Divas
Lisa Waghorn – Sammy
Clare Drury – Au Contraire
Jessica Lovell – Charlie
Amye Hudson-Smith – Garnavilla Trigger

Dartford Delights
Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber
Megan White –Miss Dynamite
Hollie Leathem – Million Dollar Pony
Kristy Deacon – Kimba Lad

If you’re free, please do come and support us, we hope to do well (!!) A report on how we fair will be posted on the website, and will be in the next newsletter.

Christmas Show Saturday 9th December
The Christmas Show is fast looming….a schedule is enclosed in this newsletter. Please do come and support us, either by riding or helping. We need someone to organise the car-park (and this is not a pleasant job for one person to do all day…many hands make light work!!), to help set up the jumps, to open and close the school door and to be our arena party. If you haven’t helped all year then you should certainly volunteer yourself for this one! It’s actually a lot of fun, and you might even get to wear one of Santa’s Little Helpers Hats!!

D.D.R.C. Clothing.
You may have noticed that the trendiest (and warmest!) riders this autumn are sporting the range of clothing from D.D.R.C. We have winter jackets in adults small and medium sizes for £35. These are machine washable and are very warm. They look great over a show jacket. There are also reversible children’s jackets (fleece on one side, jacket style on the reverse) for £27 and ordinary ¾ zipper fleeces for £25. Our cotton polo shirts are available at £12. All are in black, with our distinctive double stirrups logo in silver and gold, and ‘Dartford and District Riding Club’ embroidered underneath. A selection of these will be on sale at the Eaglesfield team jumping and at our Christmas Show, or you can order your size by telephoning 07958 617648.

B.R.C. Area 10 Liason Committee Indoor Jumping Competition
This friendly teams jumping is being hosted by Hailsham Riding Club on Sunday 28th January at The Golden Cross. Juniors and Senior Teams are run separately, with a warm up class before hand. Any D.D.R.C. members who wish to jump, should contact Clare. The restrictions are as follows:
Section 1 (2ft6”) Novice Rider – rider not to have won a total of more than £25 in the past 2 years in showjumping.
Section 2 (2ft6”) Novice Horse/Pony – horse/pony not to have won a total of more than £25 in the past 2 years in showjumping.
Section 3 (3ft) Open – no restriction.

D.D.R.C. Annual General Meeting & Prize Giving
Thanks to everyone who came to our A.G.M. on Wednesday 18th October at The Old Mill. Congratulations to everyone who took home trophies and rosettes for their jumping or dressage achievements this year. The committee all agreed to stand again for 2007 and their ‘jobs’ will be…
Chair ~ Clare Drury
Secretary / Shows ~ Flair Sifleet
Treasurer ~ Michelle Walsh
Safety Officer ~ Sara MacDonald
Training Officer ~ Katie Sanders
Website ~ Leigh Ann Kerr
Membership ~ Kim Atkinson
Minutes Secretary ~ Mandy Giles

We are a rapidly expanding riding club now with just over 70 members.
We have established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with this year and are looking forward to even bigger and better things next year. Have a great winter!

Clare :-)

AUGUST NEWSLETTER 2006
Dressage Series.
The first of our series of dressage competitions took place at The Old Mill in March and was extremely popular, running all day and into the evening.
Thanks to all of you who came to compete and even greater thanks to those who helped….it was a long and exhausting day.
Flair Sifleet and Michelle Walsh in particular deserve much praise as they saw to things running so smoothly.
The next dressage event on Sunday 11th June was as equally well supported, again with super entries.
Results of these two competitions and the points situation so far are on the website.
The last dressage competition in the series is on Sunday 1st October. Please enter early to avoid disappointment as classes will close when full.

Showjumping Clinic with Graham Fletcher.
This clinic filled very quickly and was a great success.
Graham’s approach was to bring it right down to basics and he had most of his groups cantering over poles before attempting any fences.
This was not as easy as it sounds but produced a forward, rhythmical canter, which was ideal to jump from.
Graham’s most repeated phrase was ‘chill within yourself’ which helped calm anxious riders.
I’m not sure if he was impressed by our riding and horses, but I thought everyone was very well turned out and a credit to the club!!
Hopefully Graham will come back for another clinic in the summer holidays.
Please keep an eye on the website for details.

Thanks to Kim Atkinson for organising the clinic.

Easter Fun Show at The Old Mill Friday 14th April.
The Fun Show was well attended generally, although gymkhana entries were down on previous fun shows.
Photographs are available from Anna Jackson of Photofanatic.
The results of the jumping classes were as follows:

Class 1. Pairs – Two Riders / One Horse/Pony
1st Sarah Edmonds and Clare Drury on
Mr. Foyle Clover
2nd Louisa Jennings and Vicky Cooper on Irish Jackpot
3rd Louisa Jennings and Vicky Cooper on Cornmill Bright Spark
4th Kristy Deacon and Shannon Cameron on Parsley
5th Holly Pearson and Clare Drury on Sammy
6th Stacey Arnold and Jessica Sifleet on Jacko

Class 2. Horse and Hound
1st Vicky Cooper on Irish Jackpot with Megan
2nd Megan White on Miss Dynamite with Tye
3rd Sarah Reed on Milenska with ‘Dog’
4th Louisa Jennings on Cornmill Bright Spark with Megan
5th Kristy Deacon on Parsley with Megan
6th Jade Caulfield on Lady Roulette with Tye

Class 3. Scurry
1st Megan White with Miss Dynamite
2nd Hollie Leathem on Million Dollar Pony
3rd Julie Diamond on Milenska
4th Stacey Arnold on Jacko
5th Kristy Deacon on Parsley
6th Grace Duffy on JoJo

Class 4. Teams of Three.
1st Sarah Edmonds on Mr. Foyle Clover
Stacey Arnold on Jacko
Hollie Leathem on Million Dollar Pony
2nd Jasmine Wilks on Don’t Stop Rupert
Grace Duffy on JoJo
Jessica Duffy on Millie
3rd Sara MacDonald on Silver Lining
Kristy Deacon on Parsley
Shannon Cameron on Ronnie
4th Louisa Jennings on Irish Jackpot
Vicky Cooper on Cornmill Bright Spark
Chloe Burge on Funky Feebie

Spring Show at Warrigal Farm on Sunday 23rd April.
The weather was not at all kind to us for our lovely Spring Show and it drizzled all day. Competitors were not deterred though, and entries were still good, making a healthy profit for the club.
Results are, again, on our website and Quantumn Photographic got lots of great photos, especially in the jumping ring.
Thanks to all that helped and attended….you all got out of the lorry park eventually as no-one was still stuck when we left….and the following week the grass was growing back fine.

Rallies
Rallies continue every fortnight on Saturday mornings at The Old Mill, Swanley with Flair Sifleet for £10 a session. Booking required. Ring 01474 708566 if you’re interested.

Terrific ‘Teamies’ Triumph!!
Saturday 20th May saw The Senior Horse Trials team of Katie Sanders on Mr. Micawber, Sara Mac Donald on Kira, Emma Swarbrick on Two Tone Artist and me, Clare Drury, on Au Contraire compete at Ardingly.
The team finished a very creditable 3rd, qualifying them for the London and South East Championships, but best of all, Katie won in her arena and had the highest overall score of all the arenas, so will go to the National Championships at Offchurch in August. The club wishes her every success…hopefully a report is to follow!

Then on Sunday 25th June we sent two senior teams and one junior team to The Kent County Showground at Detling for The Area 10 Dressage and Riding Test Qualifier.
First to go were Leigh Ann Kerr riding Point Scally and Katie Sanders riding Mr. Micawber taking part in the Pairs Dressage class.
This consists of a four minute choreographed test of Novice standard.
Movements were ridden both side by side and apart and their routine was lovely to watch.
The two chestnuts were very well matched and Leigh and Katie came 4th.

The junior team was Jessica Sifleet riding No-one’s Perfect, Shannon Cameron riding Cotterell Riverdance, Hannah Lewis riding Pondhead Oliver and Hannah Knight riding Sapphire.
The Novice 26, ridden by Hannah (Lewis) and Shannon was very close, with Hannah leading for most of the class. Eventually they came 3rd and 5th individually, and their team was 6th.

The riding test differs from the dressage in that the rider is awarded points for each movement, for setting it up, clear aiding and generally having an effective and tidy position. The junior team came 4th in the Riding Test teams. Well done girls, you were all a credit to the club.

The two senior Dressage / Riding Test teams, and their individual results (as far as I can remember, it all got very confusing in the end…sorry!!), were as follows:

‘A’ team Flair Sifleet – The Lone Brigadier – 2nd D
Clare Drury – Au Contraire – 7th D / 5th RT
Katie Sanders – Mr. Micawber – 6th D/3rd RT
Leigh Ann Kerr – Point Scally – 6th D/3rd RT
‘B’ Team Dany Cocklin – Boris – 3rd D
Emma Swarbrick – Two Tone Artist – 1st!!!!! D
Virginia Rider – Operation Chance – 3rd D
Stacey Ravell – ‘U’ (a.k.a Gadget)

In the dressage, out of 27 teams, the ‘B’ team won!!!!! – FANTASTIC!!!...…this qualifies them for the Nationals at Lincoln – and the ‘A’ team were third, qualifying them for The London and South East Championships.
The ‘A’ team were also 3rd in the Riding Test, so qualified in that, too, for the L. & S.E. Champs. Phew!!

Finally, the last Area 10 qualifier saw two senior teams going down to Felbridge for the Show Jumping and Equitation Jumping.
The Senior Novice team of Sarah Edmonds riding Mr. Foyle Clover, Jackie Liddell riding Brownbread Raven and Courtney Escudier riding Top Tip jumped two rounds each.
They were not placed, but rode well, despite the blistering heat.
The other senior team (Me again on Au Contraire, Leigh Ann Kerr on Point Scally, Katie Sanders on Mr. Micawber and Sara MacDonald on Kira) jumped both the Intermediate jumping, where we came 5th, and the Equitation Jumping.
The latter consists of entering the ring, halting and saluting the judge, showing canter on both reins and then jumping round a course of showjumps.
Marks are awarded like in Dressage for style and performance and deducted for knock downs.
You also have to ride in a snaffle with no martingales or spurs allowed.
So stripped of our usual ‘gear’ we all jumped round without too much of a problem….and were staggered to find that we had won the team competition!!!!!!! So that means another Lincoln qualification!

This completed our most successful year teamwise, with teams qualifying in every discipline. We still have some ‘friendlies’ coming up (see Diary of Events) for both Juniors and Seniors, and will continue to get as many team members out to fly the Dartford Flag in the future.
If you are wanting to join any of our teams, you should be out competing reasonably successfully, and for Area competitions must have an up-to-date ‘flu vaccination card. Other than that, keenness is the only other essential attribute. Contact Clare Drury or talk to any of the committee at our shows and we’ll point you in the ‘team’ direction.

Kent Riding Club of the Year
Recently we entered this competition, set by Speedgate Saddlery.
We submitted a portfolio of our aims and achievements as a club and managed to secure the runners up position, behind Bradbourne Riding Club.
Our prize was £100 in Speedgate vouchers, which we’re very grateful for.
We have spent some of this on a Buccas Rug which will be awarded for the Senior Riding Class Winner at our Autumn Show and have had two Speedgate ‘goody boxes’ made up for the winners of the Junior Riding and Lead Rein/First Ridden Classes.

Autumn Show @Warrigal Farm on Sunday 24th September….be there!!
Enclosed with this newsletter should be a schedule for our forthcoming Autumn Show. Hopefully there will be some classes to tempt you to come and compete.
We have moved the date to avoid the clash with the Molash Ride and the Lodge Farm show.
Fingers crossed it will be as successful as last year and thanks to everyone who has sponsored the classes.
This year we will donate a percentage of our proceeds to The Demelza House Children’s Hospice, a very worthwhile local charity.
As usual, we really need lots of help, on the Saturday to set the rings up, on the day to run the show and afterwards to clear away.
None of this is particularly painful when lots of people share the work, so please offer your services (or your mum’s/dad’s/nan’s/aunt’s/brother’s/boyfriend’s etc).
As a member, you have actually agreed to helping out at at least one of our competitions (have you?) so beware….if its always the same people, then those same people will get fed up.
Sorry, moan over...we do have a really good band of loyal helpers who turn up and help out….it would be really great if we could clone them and keep them in the container ‘till show weekends!!!

Specialist Clinics at Shannon Leigh, Bexley

Shannon Leigh are offering Dartford members the following weekly clinics:

Mondays 7-8p.m. Dressage with Daniel Baddeley £12 per session

Wednesdays 7-8p.m. Jumping with Roger Browne £16 per session.

Thursdays 6-7p.m. Junior Rally with Dan Baddeley £12 per session.

Shannon Leigh has a newly built, MASSIVE, sandschool and these are both great trainers, so ring Leigh to book your place and take advantage of this opportunity on 020 8300 7092.

Well. That’s it for another newsletter. Hope you’re all having a good summer! Clare :-)