Chobham & District Riding Club

1. CDRC CDRC January 2008NEWSLETTER Chobham & District Riding Club Dear Members, With the difficulties that 2007 presented in terms of the unhappy Summer weather and a prolonged outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease putting paid to a lot of our riding activities, it is with a hearty welcome that we greet a New Year! May it see you, your families and your horses thrive and prosper! As a relatively new member of the committee I do not know many of you yet and I look forward to putting that to rights over the coming months. Certainly I have been made to feel very welcome by the committee and I thank them for their enthusiasm and clear commitment to the Club. I would like to thank my predecessor Linda Manning too, as she has taken great care in providing me with a lot of background information about the Club so that I am well equipped for the office of Chairman. Your committee has been busy putting together a programme of events for you to join in during 2008. I do hope that you will note them in your diaries and resolve to support the Club by participating fully in our various activities. If it occurs that there are other suggestions to add to the schedule then please do make contact with me or another committee member and we’ll do our best to take your ideas forward. With all good wishes, James Parker, Chairman Upcoming events for 2008 The winter series is well under way, if you’d like to compete, or simply go and watch, here are the dates for your diaries: 27 January - Dressage BRC National qualifiers, The Priory, Frensham 10 February – Dressage team friendly, Area 11, The Priory, Frensham 24 February – Winter Indoor SJ BRC National qualifiers, Sands Farm, Horsham 5 May – Festival of the Hunter Horse Trials, Littlefield Manor, Worplesdon There are opportunities for Junior and Senior members of the club so please do get in touch with one of the committee members if you want to represent the club.

2. Well, it seems like quite some time ago now that six CDRC members turned out to a very cold Dressage team friendly event at The Priory. It was so cold in fact that the sand schools were still frozen! So, our thanks particularly to Linda Manning who turned up at 8.45am to support and call the tests. But many thanks also to the parents who provided invaluable support and video-ing skills. The teams included three new CDRC members, Caroline Shrubb, Becky Blackmore and Jo Horwood, which as team manager is really good to see. Becky turned out her first Novice test with a very impressive 60.38%, achieving 12th place out of 18 competitors and as last minute stand-in, I’m pleased to say, that my calm old Dream produced an acceptable 62% prelim which got us as far as 8th. 2007 was a catalogue of disasters for myself and Sinbad, after injury and illness, we were then confined to barracks for another couple of months courtesy of the dreaded Foot & Mouth! So with all that behind us it was time to get back out and start competing again and where better than the Priory and a club friendly where the previous year I'd got my best score of 64.5% (not a fantastic score but for those that know Sinbad it really is, he's not the worlds most naturally talented but I love him all the same!) Anyway I was hoping my class would be run in the outdoor arena, Sinbad gets a CDRC CDRC Member News January 2008 Area 11 Dressage Team friendly, The Priory, 26 November 2007 Here’s an account of the day from competitor Vicky Nugent … bit spooked indoors. Well, no such luck! I just about managed to ride Sinbad "The Ironing Board" around the test, when he threw in a beautiful arabesque prance and an impressive flying change. Unfortunately, neither were part of the test. We did however, put in a really nice halt which should have propped up the score but not enough to get us anywhere near last year. We all had a good old giggle about it and hey, it can only get better next time out.... right? Join us on the next one and find out, guarantee you'll enjoy it!   Once again, my thanks to all who represented the club and as ever, if you want to get involved, please just contact me on 07795 564405 or kellyflewis@hotmail.com

3. CDRC CDRC Out and About January 2008 Low Emission Zone in London This is coming soon (4th Feb) and could affect you. Fines for breaking the rules are large - £1000 a day – so please be safe and not sorry! Do you own a horsebox, or regularly travel in one? Do you visit locations inside the M25 for lessons or competitions? If you answer Yes to these questions then please be careful and check the new rules on the Low Emission Zone. The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will affect older, diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches and large vans (exceeding 1.205 tonnes unladen weight) and minibuses. It will also include other specialist vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans including; motorised horse boxes, breakdown and recovery vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, gritters, sweepers, concrete mixers, tippers, removals lorries, fire engines, motor caravans, ambulances and large hearses (over 2.5 tonnes) are also included. It is recommended that you check the compliance status of your vehicle if you plan to travel in the Zone. • There will be a phased introduction of the LEZ from 4 February 2008 through to January 2012. • Different vehicles will be affected over time and increasingly tougher emissions standards will apply • For the vehicles affected by the LEZ, the relevant emissions standards and the date on which standards come into effect are outlined in Emissions Standards If your vehicle does not meet the emissions standards you should read How to comply which describes options available to enable you to meet the LEZ requirements without paying the daily charge. Horseboxes will be included from July 2008. The Riding Club Area Committee has already moved one of the scheduled events because the venue is on the edge of the zone and taking a wrong turn could take you into the Penalty Zone! For any further information check the website – www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon

4. CDRC CDRC Out and About January 2008 New rule changes to the events There are several Rule Changes for the 2008 season. There will be full details of these outlined in Rider Magazine, or you can find them on the BRC website via this link - http://www.bhs.org.uk/Content/Brc-Home.asp?id=105&pg=News%20and%20Press%20Releases The main points to note are:- Eligibility: No horse/pony may compete in the same senior and junior competition. Logos: May be used up to 14cm x 14cm. Spurs: Juniors will be allowed to wear spurs in line with senior competitors. Dispensation: Use of nose nets no longer requires dispensation from BRC office. Dressage: Entry to the arena or failure to enter within 45 secs will result in a 2pt penalty DressagetoMusic: Introductory music must be no more than 20 secs. SJ: Top pole of any fence must be wooden, not plastic XC: First fall of horse/pony and/or rider will mean mandatory elimination New Classes: Junior Open, Junior Pairs, Senior Pairs. Fences: Fences, distances and speeds:- Intermediate Horse Trials: H – 1m, D 1600m – 2800m, S – 490mpm Junior Open XC: H – 85cm, D – 1600m – 2800m, S – 450mpm Senior Pairs XC: H – 85cm, D – 1600m – 2800m, S – 450mpm If you have any queries on rules, please ask – we would hate anyone to be eliminated or not permitted to compete for failure to pose the question! Do we have any budding Masterminds? The Area 11 inter club quiz will be taking part on Monday 11th Feb at the Watermill Pub in Dorking. Teams of 3 are invited to compete. Competitors must be RC members with 1 member no more than BHS Grade 3, one no more than 1 or 2, and one unrestricted. Entry fee is £15 per team. I believe that there is usually an equine theme to the questions There is a licenced bar and good food available. If you are interested in putting together a team, or joining in, please let one Claire know by Feb 5th. Time to renew your club membership This is the last call for 2008 club membership renewals To take part in any club outings, competitions or training you’ll need to be a member, so make sure you renew now!

5. CDRC Riding at Lingfield Park Racecourse Does your horse think he’s Shergar? Or do you fancy yourself as the next Frankie Dettori or Hayley Turner? Why not give it a try? Lingfield Racecourse all weather track is made available to race horse trainers and other equestrian users for training purposes. I have made enquiries and as a Riding Club we would be able to ride on the course. • The fee is £15 per horse. • Riders must be over 16. • Horses must have (and produce) a valid Flu + Tetanus Certificate / passport Course usage is weekday mornings only, but there may be a chance (with sufficient interest) to request a weekend. Please contact Claire by e-mail (Claire.valvona@gmail.com) or phone (07798 827101) to register your interest. CDRC Club Members Get Out and About January 2008 In this section, we’ll keep you posted on the latest CDRC events and training as well as giving you news on how the members are doing on their horses outside of the riding club events. So if you have any news and views on our recent events, or have done well out and about then email one of the committee members. Sunday 24th February Cross Country Fence Judge Training Day organised by British Eventing at Busbridge Village Hall, Godalming Free to attend, with light lunch included.  Contact Anthony Ffooks on 01749 812994 or email ant@lamyatt.demon.co.uk CONGRATULATIONS!! To Sharon Teale for getting two of her horses – Highland Warrior and Apache Warrior - through to the final round of the 90cm BSJA Amateur Championships at Arena UK last month.

6. CDRC DON’T FORGET!! As a member of CDRC you get a 5% discount at ChobhamRider and ButtonsSaddler on all your horsey kit Simply show your CDRC member card when you make a purchase. CDRC Club Members Get Out and About January 2008 Fleet Lions Sponsored Horse Ride – Sunday 8 June 2008 Tweseldown, near Fleet, Hants Fleet Lions are holding a sponsored ride at Tweseldown. The ride will be the usual format, covering 5 miles including two circuits around 25 cross country fence, with jumps to suit everyone's abilities. There will be rosettes to reward your riding and sponsorship efforts and a trophy for the person who gets the most sponsorship. Half of what you raise will go to the local branch of Riding for the Disabled. Last year that was £1000! For more information, please visit www.fleetlions.org.uk/fundraising/horse.html A cautionary tale……. Some friends of mine recently learnt that horses can be very costly. When the horsebox wouldn't start the husband was roused from his slumbers to jump start it, which he did (don't we always). He left the lorry running to warm up and proceeded to feed the dogs as the wife made the tea. Whilst glancing out of the window he noticed in horror that the lorry was moving. With a resounding crash it ran backwards into their living room. The moral of this story is - if you are lucky enough to own a horsebox and you keep it at home, don't leave it on a slope running with the blooming handbrake off!! Bob Deacon CDRC ORGANISES DILYS GORDON DRESSAGE TRAINING “One of our few outings this year was to attend one of the dressage clinics with Dilys Gordon which was brilliant. Hard work but definitely worth it! She can really help you get that little bit extra out of your horse, which is what makes it so great. That along with the sausage sandwiches and tea provided by Claire which went down very well. Huge thanks to Claire!!” Vikki Nugent  CDRC will be organising flat work training with Dilys Gordon throughout 2008. If you are interested in training with Dilys, please contact Liane Deacon for more information.

7. CDRC CDRC The Committee January 2008 With a new committee for 2008 we thought it would be nice to introduce ourselves and post in a couple of mug shots so you can recognise us all out and about. No doubt you’ll spot a few familiar faces… James Parker, Chairman: has two horses, a 16.2hh hunter and a very fiesty retired polo pony, liveried in Horsell. Working for local government in the field of road safety and sustainable transport, he is an acknowledged leader on equestrian road safety matters. James is a Riding and Road Safety Examiner on the London committee, as well as being a BHS exams moderator. He won the Sefton Award in 2001. James has been a governor of Woking High School for nine years and has just resigned the position of Vice-Chair, in order that he can devote time to CDRC. Claire Valvona, Club Secretary: Claire has been Riding Club Secretary since 2002, a role which is very rewarding because of the contact with the members. Claire works full time for a bank in the City and juggles that with care for her three horses. Since moving to Hill Place this has been far more stable duties than riding and competition has given way to hacking and training! Maybe 2008 will see a come back? Sally Watson, Treasurer: I joined CDRC as a non riding member about 12 years ago when my daughter was a junior member and at that time new committee members were needed. Well, as kids do, my daughter has grown up and left the nest, but I am still with the club as its treasurer, a post I have held for four years. I can also always be found in the secretary's tent at our open show in August or providing tea and cakes at our other events throughout the year. Liane Deacon, Training Co-ordinator: I am an Aromatherapist working with people with Learning Difficulties and discovered horses aged 38. One canter and I was hooked!! I attempt dressage, show-jumping and cross country but, as I still haven’t managed to find my brakes, this is all generally done at warp speed! Needless to say, my New Year's Resolution is to SLOW DOWN!

8. CDRC CDRC The Committee January 2008 Kelly Lewis, Team Manager: This is my third year with the Club as team manager which is a nice way to meet the members. Mostly you’ll spot me at the team competitions with my partner in crime, Dream, having arrived in what we fondly refer to as the banana. At any event you can find me in the bright yellow horsebox. I have been riding for 20 years so you’d have thought I’d have the hang of it by now. Sadly, it’s not my full time occupation, but here’s hoping that one day it might be! Bob Deacon: Played rugby with Staines and then Egham for 27 years.  Never rode until I was 39 (if you cant beat them then join them). I have been on the Pony Club Committee for 6 years and seem to be best at Show Jumping (See Picture). I have just joined the BSJA so I can fall off at some better venues!  Spencer Lewis: I have been riding on and off since I was 14 and have only really competed at local/unaffiliated level. My current pony, a bay 17.1hh Irish Draught, is a loveable character who is willing and tries hard, which is just as well as my riding leaves a bit to be desired. I am new to the fold of committees but am keen and glad to help, and I wanted to keep the CDRC going. I have frequently been roped into driving duties with the horsebox that I built myself, it’s a bit rough but it does the job really well at a fraction of the cost!! OUR CONTACT DETAILS: Claire Valvona claire.valvona@gmail.com H = 01483 480339 Mb = 07798 827101 Kelly Lewis kellyflewis@hotmail.com Mb = 07795 564405 Sally Watson H = 01932 346765 James Parker James.Parker5@ntlworld.com H = 01483 828443 Bob Deacon hythepark2@ntlworld.com Liane Deacon Spencer Lewis sjlewis75@hotmail.co.uk