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Latest news and gossip
Hi Folks,
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Don't know about you but I am certainly ready for these
April showers to move on and the May flowers to bloom.
Actually the Common is looking very lush and green with
tempting yellow flowers already and I just can't understand
who my mum is so prissy about me trying to have a taste, or
several even, as we amble around. Carol had been worried
that the Common was getting too dry and hard, well I think
she can stop worrying for quite a while. |
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Fortunately we managed to fit in
our Sunday demonstration and lots of friends turned
up to cheer on Inkerman, Kerry and Pod. Pod, of
course, is well used to doing demonstrations and,
with Vicky on board, dazzled the audience with a
superb display including extended trot and flying
changes. Kerry was in fine form too and with Jenny
riding her she was able to show just how novice
lateral work should look. The star of the show
however was Inky - at least that is his story and
who is going to argue with Inky? With Fiona riding
him, Inky was in his element and to rapturous
applause he demonstrated many advanced movements.
He loved it, both performing and taking the bows at
the end.
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Having seen how well our three very
different horses performed with our staff members riding
them the next demo. will be called "Riding - It's Easy When
You Know How!" . Do come, do learn and do e-mail in any
questions you would like answered, perhaps you could even
suggest which horse you would like to see ridden in the
demo.
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What happens to all the "manure"
we produce may well be a question - or not? Actually
we are very "green" and our dear friends Tristan and
Brett from "All Your Junk" collect loads of "**it"
every day. They have asked me to mention that they
deliver to allotments, so if you know of an
allotment in need of a little or indeed a lot of our
help, WVS would be happy to put them in touch with
you.
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Now how many of our riders belong to the BHS I
wonder? If you do, you will have seen our lovely
"Campaigning Caroline" receive her award for all her
hard work from the Mayor of Kingston. Can't tell you
how long they say she has been working on Riding and
Road Safety issues - she must have been at nursery
when she started if it is really 28 years. However
each and every one of us horses are really grateful
to her for all her efforts on our behalf in teaching
riders how to ride safely on the roads and in
campaigning for so very many other road safety
features that keep us all as well protected as it is
possible to do when we use the highways. (Caroline
regularly runs Riding and Road Safety courses
leading to BHS certification from WVS and anyone who
is interested in taking part should enquire at the
office) |
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Wimbledon Village Stables really is a family
business and another member of the family to whom we
horses owe a big debt of gratitude is Jim,
Caroline's dad. Whenever we manage to knock our
doors out of alignment, need netting put up to keep
out those troublesome pigeons etc. Jim is always
there for us. He is so kind and never complains
about all the problems we cause. OK, I am very sorry
about the panel I knocked out of Dollar's box last
week. I got a little excited because I had been
moved onto the front yard from my usual box and just
wanted to make sure that they knew I was there and
were not going to miss me out of the early morning
feed. I am sure you understand. With Dollar down at
Manor Farm on holiday, it could happen - well maybe
not with our wonderful staff, but I had to be sure.
When accidents like that panel happen, Jim is our
man, our very best friend and sorter-out of
problems. We just couldn't cope without him. |
I am sure you will have noticed how particularly fine we
are all looking as our summer coats come through. If you
would like to take advantage and have your photo taken on
board your favourite mount, just mention it to Carol and
either she or Claire will be happy to bring out the camera
and catch you in action on the Common.
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With Summer just around the corner, we are already
beginning to think about which of us will do what
competition in the Annual Summer Show. It is such an
exciting time for us horses and there is always the
staff musical ride to look forward to. Saturday 21st
June - put it in your diary! If you can help out on
the day we would be so very grateful, there is so
much to be done and we really do rely on volunteers.
There will be a meeting a week or so beforehand to
answer any questions and explain what need to be
done and lots of experienced people around on the
day too. Please do think about getting involved,
it's great fun.
Tania and Chloe |
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Claire, of course, will tell you that summer means
only one thing - barbeque parties, but then she is
from Zim and the sun shines all the time there. Here
its a little different! However we are very social
horses and just love it when everyone comes down to
the yard, for a party in the evening, particularly
when they bring us a little treat or two. So the
suggestion is that, when the weather is right, we
have an impromptu barbeque. We could e-mail everyone
who puts their name on the barbeque list and Claire
would fire up the coals and friends would turn up
with something to eat, something to drink and
something for us horses - apples, carrots and polos
always go down well. What do you think - let them
know in the office. Other social events like wine
tasting or quizz nights could be arranged if you
like - so long as they include horse treats I'd vote
for it.
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Think I am about to celebrate my birthday - TJ too, but
more of that next time. Hope to see you for a ride sometime
soon.
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Charity
Ball - March 2008
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Super news, the WVS Annual Charitable Ball at
Cannizaro House on the 8th March was attended by 200 of our closest
friends and raised the fantastic total of £9,200 for
our favourite charity The Royal Marsden Hospital.
Very many thanks to absolutely everyone who
contributed. The stable neigh had been at fever
pitch as we horses tried to keep up to date with all
the news and gossip before the big night. It was my
first stables ball and I heard lots of talk about
sumptuous ball gowns and splendid accessories.
Thought I might be in line for a new numnah too, so
it was a bit of a shock when I realised that horses
do not go to the ball! What, all that lateral work
and dressage practice, legs criss-crossing and we
don't even get to go and strut our stuff?
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Well, I guess the hard working staff and riders deserve a
night off duty and the chance to dress up to the nines once
a year. They spend so much time grooming us and making sure
we always look our best it is good to see the photos and
just how wonderfully well they all brush up too!
As well as being a Charity Ball, it was also a special
birthday for our very own Maria who celebrated her 30th
birthday on the day and, having made her own dress (now how
clever is that) looked truly beautiful.
Have your met our lovely new horse, Chester? He joins the
Bottriel family which also includes Dessie and Louis. All
three horses were so proud of their FB (Financial Backer)
, Bill, who not only did a sterling job as MC of the
raffle and auction, but also hosted a 50th birthday party
for Marie.
Last, but definitely not least, one of the keepers, John,
was also celebrating his birthday. All in all it was truly a
special night for celebrations.
Caroline's family attended in full strength with her
lovely mum and dad, Jeanine and Jim, supported by her
husband Peter, daughter Ella and son Ross back from uni and
accompanied by his girlfriend. Sasha also came back from uni,
especially to ride out with us horses on the Common, which
we loved and thoroughly enjoyed hearing all her news before
she transformed into a "ball-belle" for the evening.
The champagne reception, was again generously sponsored
by Leo's dad Steve Ballantyne (Ballantyne Landscapes on
07977563891) and took place in the main hotel were there was
a special display of photographs of all those people who do
so much throughout the year to make Wimbledon Village
Stables such a wonderful place for us horses to live and
work. There was also a super slide show of riding
photographs, produced by Lee, of all those attending the
ball.
Cannizaro had erected a marquee especially for the party
but the very high winds meant that not only do we ride out
in all weather it would seem that our riders party in all
weather too! . Jo, looking stunning in her black ball gown,
made an amusing speech of welcome and Rory is delighted to
say that his owner Susan once again made the annual tribute
to Sarah, Sara, Caroline and Carol and presented them with
bouquets which they so richly deserve for all their hard
work not just organising the ball, but throughout the whole
year.
One of the highlights of the ball is the presentation of
the Vivian Colyer Dressage Cup which was donated to WVS in
honour of Vivian who rode at the stables for many years. It
is, we all hope, a fitting tribute to her love of dressage
and an inspiration to many of us to achieve that very
special harmony between rider and horse needed to put in a
good performance of a dressage test. This year the standard
was so high that first place was shared by two very worthy
winners and their owner/riders. Athos ridden by Marie-Noel
and Rolo ridden by Deborah should be very proud of
themselves - trainer Jenny most certainly is.
After all the fun and excitement you may think that the
following day would be more than a little quiet - but no,
everyone turned up bright and early for work the next
morning - what a wonderful team we have!
Looking forward to seeing you all down at the Stables
Thank you to the following Sponsors:
Steven
Ballantyne
Equine Adventures
UBS
Lola
Susan Poole
Friday Dressage Group
Karen Roberts
Wanda Bird
Anna and Carolyn Richardson
Briony Reed
Sara Saragouda
Caroline Bowis
Linda Walker
Thank
you to the following for providing raffle prizes:
Terry
Pierre, Quinton Scott
William Bottriell
Matt Rothman, Heather Killen and Clonshire Equestrian Centre
Paul Turner, Trans Wales Trails
Inge Wansbrough Jones
Gillian Greenwood
Dawn Assadar
PH7 Specialist Treatment Centre
Parissa Khosrowshahi
Dog & Fox
Bayee Village
Lucy Francis
Lynda and Peter Dawson
Bunty Lewis
Gillian Greenwood
Parnaby’s Saddlery
David and Claire Goddard
Suzy Jacobs
Questionnaire
Shilstone Rocks Stud
Patrick and Sheena Evershed
Jo Fidling
Sarah Huggins
Dede Wilson
Wimbledon Bookshop
Virgin Active
Ruth Arthur
Renata Montalto
Joules
Village Florist
Richard Kent at Parkside Hair Studio
Gardenia
One Stop tack shop
Lochfyne Fishmongers
DE Davies, Chemists
Village Gift Shop
Rachel Leonard
Virgin Active
Say Pasta
Lydons
Zest4homes
The Mint Source
Lulu Blonde, Wimbledon Village
Estillo
Brora
Angela Stewart
Jenny Knight
The Franconian Sausage Company
* Thank you * Thank you * Thank you *
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SHOP AT THE
STABLES on the first Sunday of every month, between10.00 and 2.00, Sue from One Stop Tack Shop
brings her van along with a
selection of riding clothing, including boots, coats, gloves, coats,
jodhpurs etc. If there is anything that you know that you want then
please let the office know and we can make sure that she brings it along
or give her a call on 020 8873 1352.
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Sponsored Ride 2007 Report
28th October, 2007
My very first Sponsored Ride and what a wonderful treat to go out as
part of a herd of 24 horses, strut our stuff all around Wimbledon
common and Richmond Park and come back with more than £17,000 raised
for The Royal Marsden Hospital - life really can't get much better
than that! |
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First of all a very big thank-you to all of you who sponsored us
horses, we really do appreciate your generosity as, of course, does The
Royal Marsden Hospital. Even I realise that an event like this cannot be
run without a huge amount of preparation and organisation. Carol,
Caroline, Sarah and Sarah work ceaselessly in the office to see that it
all works on the day, ably assisted by De-de, Jan, Renata and Deborah,
Vish the photographer who worked so hard on the day, with brilliant
results! and Bonnie's owner Penny who kindly gave up the opportunity to
ride to be the Judge of our Fancy Dress and Condition and Turnout
classes and most particularly to the Souki family who so generously
sponsored the 32nd annual ride.
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As you all know October in Richmond Park is rutting season and
the stags this year have been in full voice - if you have ever
heard a rutting stag bellow you will know exactly what I mean.
Early on Friday morning a small group of us ventured into the
Park and were delighted to be able to report back to the other
horses that the stags were now in a state of post-coital calm,
so we could expect no bellowing during our ride. My mum also
took the opportunity to stage a "dress rehearsal" to see how I
would react to my fancy dress costume. It was green, so I tried
to eat it - just too much like grass or carrot tops really.
Otherwise I was unfazed so the plan to dress me up was "on". |
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The day of the ride started late, exactly an hour late, something
weird our humans do called changing the clocks. At 7am (8am according to
my tummy) our breakfast was served followed, as usual, by the mucking
out and grooming routine. By 7.30am we realised that it was a very
special day as many of the owners and riders had joined the staff and
were busy helping with the grooming. The stable yard was full and the
excitement palpable. Fancy dress costumes started to emerge and Snoopy,
Pixie, Alice & Panda had their manes and tails colour sprayed to
transform them into "Rock and Roll Chicks" and their riders Olivia,
Desi, Lucy and Saskia dressed appropriately. Bamboo and Dessie were Wild
West ponies mounted by the two Pink Sheriffs Lara and Claire. Then there
was Helga the Viking, well most of us know serious business is afoot
when our riders carry long schooling whips, so I think Kerry was very
brave not to overact when Helga mounted carrying a long pole axe -
fortunately Kerry tells me she recognised Barbara and so knew she would
be fine! Rolo's owner Olivia donned a beautiful pair of wings to
transform into a Pink Fairy. Mum and I bedecked as "Two Irish
Leprechauns" fitted in just perfectly. Photographs were taken and
judging of the classes finalised. "Condition and Turnout" was won by
Athos, who looked superb ridden by Sean.
By 9am we were all saddled up, dressed up and raring to go. The
entire group of 24 horses and riders set off down Wimbledon High Street
in a magnificent parade and proceeded together around the Common. Both
Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park looked superb, the autumnal colours
were at their best, with fallen leaves carpeting the tracks but still
sufficient left of the trees to provide a colourful vista. The predicted
rain held off for the first couple of hours and was then merely drizzle,
for which those of us in fancy dress were particularly grateful - there
is always some concern about the "colour-run" factor!
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Having ridden out all together, in Richmond Park we split into
smaller groups but met up again at Splashfields to enjoy a
welcome pause, a stirrup cup for the riders and polos for the
horses. Duly fortified we made our way back home across the
Common again exhausted, exhilarated and thoroughly delighted
with such a successful day. Once back it was time for prize
giving, but not of course until all of us horses had been
thoroughly pampered, thanked and put to bed with our hay for the
night.
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Then it was time for the riders and helpers
to party! Treleigh was delighted to be the highest sponsored
horse, raising £2850 and her generous owner Karim donated his
prize to the nurses who look after Caroline's mother at the
Royal Marsden. Louis had had a nervous moment at the beginning
of the day, his rider William had just returned from the USofA
and was in grave danger of oversleeping due to jetlag.
Fortunately in the nick of time he arrived and together they had
raised a whopping £2000. William has very generously donated his
prize of a stay at Cannizaro House to be raffled at our Ball on
March 8th 2008. Jo riding Chloe came third having raised £1485.
Cookie was amazed that Clare who was her last minute substitute
rider whipped up massive £1485. Boysie thoroughly enjoyed his
first sponsored ride with Katie and was proud and delighted that
she had raised £1451. Dessie came 6th in the sponsorship stakes
with Pink Sherif Lara lasooing £1147. Wow, what a day to
remember.
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After all the excitement, many of the riders and helpers met up with
Caroline's parents to enjoy a wonderful Sunday roast lunch at the
Brewery and Tap, many thanks to John and Heather for a magnificent end
to a truly excellent day.
You can order copies of any of Vish's photos by clicking on this link:
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/vish/6887060
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Incidentally, if you happen to go onto the website of the Official
Ticket Agent for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, you may well recognise the
faces of those who appear on the home page, our very own Mr. Pod being held
by Sasha and Silver Dollar ridden by Millie.
http://ww1.ctshk.com/beijingolympic08/english/index.htm Quite how that
happened we do not know but isn't it exciting?
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The Wimbledon Village Stables 'W-Oscars' Party September 2007
I am so thrilled, after just a short time living here
at WVS, I have been invited to review the W-OSCARS. For those of you who
do not know, the W-OSCARS are the red carpet award ceremony for all of
us who live, ride and work here at Wimbledon Village Stables.
Well, first off, they were held at the prestigious
restaurant San Lorenzo, where everyone was made so very welcome.
Prosecco flowed and wonderful canapes and delicious wines made the
evening really special. A big thank you to Ghigo and his team at this
very special restaurant.
Now, as a new horse here, I am just learning that our
year at Wimbledon follows the school year. Our 6 week courses coincide
with school terms and our holiday courses are during school holidays.
So, for all the riders, this W-OSCARS event was a bit of a hooley after
the long summer holiday. Lots of our riders turned up to catch up with
their friends and meet new people who share their passion for riding
here in London and see the awards.
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The OPENING category was won by
Sarah, our wonderful Office Manager, who is so appreciated by
everyone who works here, keeps a horse here on livery or rides
here, for her excellent organisational skills and ability to
allocate a rider to a horse and to stretch comfort boundaries to
develop experience, confidence and pleasure. Also for being such
a great rider herself, a wonderful Mum and generally such a
SUPERSTAR. That is definitely an award that all of us horses
would endorse wholeheartedly. |
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HORSE OF THE YEAR category - well you can imagine how
competitive we all feel about that, so I am delighted to say that we all
got a nice mention from our lovely riders. Louis came first, but the
others are not in voting order.
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Louis - Mr. Perfect, gorgeous,
funny and friendly. Chloe - The Princess, sweet
tempered, willing and beautiful
Guinness - A kind, gentle horse with an amazing canter
Alice - Reserve Show Champion at the Wimbledon Show.
Pretty too and great fun to jump
Silver Dollar - Thinks he's a stallion - perky but
reliable. |
Louis's lucky owner
Rebecca receives his award |
.Kerry - Dublin Show horse champion, a wonderful teacher.
Lola - So beautiful, our rock and roll horse.
Inkerman - Amazing, kind and mischievous, longest standing lad in
our stables - see "Comedy Moments" later.
Clyde - Wonderful, kind and mischievous, newest lad in our stables
- see "Comedy Moments" later.
Bonnie - A real favourite, tries hard if you ask nicely.
Athos - He's a dude, big, beautiful and friendly and pulls the
most comical faces.
Casper - The biggest and boldest with super school moves -
entertaining and full of beans.
Bamboo - Truly brilliant and truly beautiful.
Eclipse - The Latin Lover (you may have to ask about this!).
Boyzie - Best horse still on approval!
A very SPECIAL category and honourable mention was made to Biscuit,
Honesty and Megan for so many years of steadfast loyalty, brilliant and
willing service, all the fun they have given to their riders/owners and
their distinctive individual characters.
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PONY OF THE YEAR came next and you can imagine how difficult
it was to decide this category. Rolo won, but the others are not in
voting order.
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Rolo - A little superstar, a big
horse in a little pony, a great teacher and a real show off
lady. Panda - So cute, loving and kind, he's adorable.
Noodle - Great name and such a pretty pony.
Pixie - Such a friendly and cheeky character: pony +
rocket = Pixie!
Snoopy - Absolutely gorgeous,
lovable pony who has recovered so well from being unwell |
Rolo's owner Olivia
with her W-Oscar |
Dessie - A fab little pony with a brilliant jump and very cuddly
in his stable.
Cookie - Such fun, a gentle, reliable pony with no mischief or
malice.
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And then there was the BEST COMEDY
acts of the year - for which there were only two candidates -
Inkerman and Me (Clyde)! We were so proud that our antics had
amused you all so much. Details are in the office and very funny
reading they make. With a score of 5 to Tinks and only 4 to me,
he won this time, but I am sure we will both keep you amused for
years to come.
Member, Linda captures a wonderful moment which was caught on
camera - "During the February snow, Inky did his favourite
‘giraffing’ trick to a snow-laden tree, but didn’t count on the
tree pinging back upright depositing a small avalanche on his
head. I’ve never seen a horse so indignant!"
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BEST MOMENT caused a lot of thought on the
part of our riders. Natalya's brilliant dressage display was obviously
appreciated but the winner was the Staff Musical Ride. Bit of a
dichotomy in the voting though - some thought it was brilliant and the
highlight of the year, others enjoyed seeing the staff prepared to make
fools of themselves (good luck to him/her in their next lesson!) and one
vote was for Freddie being bucked off during the practice session!
Randomly Jenny (rider, not instructor Jenny you
understand) voted for herself as having the "flappiest elbows", Lynda
was mentioned as perhaps the only livery who not only knew what a
grooming kit was but also how to use it and Eleanor was voted the
smartest turned out rider.
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Every member of staff received huge
support in the INSTRUCTOR category. Again I haven't put
them in order - would I dare! - Jenny - Received the most
votes, many for bad language directed at clients - "do you want
to be riders or passengers?" (expletives deleted) one rider had
to resort to the internet to understand her vocabulary! Above
all she never fails to show an ultimate respect for the horses
and has "pushed riders boundaries" encouraged and challenged and
always gets the best from all horses and riders in her
wonderful, inspiring lessons and training hacks.
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Claire - For just being Claire with
her calming way around horses, riders, teenagers, children,
hysterical/clueless parents. Also for her helpful instructions on riding
skills, safety on the road and in the yard and her special skills at the
barbeque on party nights!
Vicky - A motivating, knowledgeable
and excellent teacher. Very inspiring, bags of fun and nice eyes too!
Des - A calm but enthusiastic instructor who always sets the example
by looking so much in control of her own horse. Her lessons are fun and
challenging, one high point was a jumping lesson when she taught her
class to ride a triple bounce.
Caroline - For being so softly spoken, laid back and chilled out. Or
alternatively the best Sgt. Major ever. A brilliant instructor who knows
what riders can do and stretches them to achieve it. A great confidence
booster who really helps the nervous riders.
Maria - Lovely nature, patient and kind, she quietly gives confidence
and is always smiling and so funny.
Joanne - Calm beautiful and Polish (like half of one of her fans!).
An observant, sensitive and creative teacher she also exercises and
schools our lead rein ponies, lets them have fun but makes them look
wonderful too.
Anita - Restores rider's confidence, encourages them to ride better
and has a lovely sense of humour.
Wow, what a wonderful team we have, but we knew that anyway! Seems
the humans just enjoy a party and who are we horses to deny them a
little pleasure now and then. Hope you enjoyed the party or enjoy
reading about it if you didn't get there this time, put it in your diary
for next year!
Think I might keep the rest of our news until next time, keep reading
and keep riding - its Autumn and just wonderful out there - hope to see
you soon.
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Summer Show Report
June 2007
The weather forecast was awful, but the Show must go on - of course!
The Wimbledon Village Fair just would not be the same without a huge
and enthusiastic turnout of horses and riders from WVS. So Friday
night preparation and Saturday early morning panic continued as per
usual on show day.
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We are very lucky in having many Members and friends who
volunteer to do all those jobs on the day which are so vital to making
the show the success it is. Marilyn who has acted as Secretary for many
years and Susan in the judging box were joined this year by people who
were helping for the first time. Thankfully the rain held off until the
very end of the day so allowed the spectators to really enjoy watching
the quality show jumping and showing classes. As always we also owe a
huge thank you to our sponsor Robert Holmes for his continued support
which we very much appreciate.
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Many of us horses from WVS trooped down to the Common to
strut our stuff and, as you would expect, we behaved ourselves admirably
and did our owners and riders proud in competition from a record number
of entries to all classes. The early morning clear round jumping is
always popular and got the show off to a very good start. Olivia and
Snoopy then came equal first in the Novice Jumping Class. |
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Alice is being very modest about it, but every other horse
in the yard is well impressed with our Reserve Show Champion. Not only
that but also 2nd in the Coloured Horse class. Hilary her owner is
thrilled and thinks that Vickie did a wonderful job both as rider and in
grooming Alice to such a very high standard.
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Of course Alice was not the only one of us Wimbledon horses
to cover herself with glory. Treleigh and Rolo took Karim and Sarah into
3rd place in the pairs class and Pod with Sasha on board came 4th in the
Intermediate jumping.
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In their very first show Panda and Esmee came 3rd in the lead
rein class, with Biscuit and Emi coming 6th in the same class.
Annabel riding the lovely Cookie came 2nd in the Best Rider Junior
Class and 4th in the Handy Pony and Lucy came 4th with Pixie in the
Pony Club Pony Class and 3rd in the Family Pony. Olivia riding Rolo
came 4th in the Pony Club Pony. These are just
brilliant results and show that the youngsters at Wimbledon Village
Stables are really doing well with their ponies.
In his first visit to the Wimbledon Village Fair Eclipse, ridden
by Des, came 2nd both Best Senior Rider and Best Riding Horse, which
really proves what a strong pair they are. Cookie and Annabel went
brilliantly and also gained a 2nd place rosette.
Silver Dollar was groomed to perfection by Barbara and they came
4th in Condition and Turnout and 4th in the Riding Club Horse and
3rd in the Senior Best Rider class.
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For many of the spectators the highlight of the show has become
the Staff Musical Ride. This year Clancey, Pod, Eclipse, Chloe,
Casper, Alice, Rolo and Kerry were the lucky horses chosen to sashey
along to the music and songs from The Jungle Book. With Jenny,
Sasha, Des, Ella, Freddie, Vickie, Joanna and Claire on board we
just knew it was going to be fantastic fun from first beat to last.
Out on the Common they have a lovely large arena and they made use
of every square inch of it to show off some spectacular moves
including a very special cross over in canter. Wow, guys, what a
super performance.
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The evening barbeque was held in the stable yard after all
us horses had been brought back home, rubbed down and fed and watered.
We always get the very best of TLC, and we did deserve it after we had
done so well! Benji just could not believe that the people were planning
a party when we animals were all so tired. He had had a very long and
tiring day out on the Common and could hardly keep his eyes open - until
Claire started up the barbeque and something started to smell really
interesting! Suddenly he and little Filly were back on form and joining
in all the fun. Thankfully someone had thought to bring along loads of
polos, carrots and apples for us horses too.
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It has been a truly social week for the Members, many of whom
went along to a prestigious private show at the Royal Ballet School
in Richmond Park. Of course we see the lovely building in which the
Ballet School is housed when we go on our two hour hacks to Richmond
Park, but we understand it was a real thrill for our Members to be
invited inside, sip champagne on the terrace and watch the sunset
and then enjoy a really exceptional performance from the students.
If you would like to see the building, which was originally built
as a hunting lodge for Queen Victoria, from the outside whilst
enjoying a hack, check out the programme. Mark is offering two hour
hacks in Richmond Park throughout the summer months.
Hope you can come and join us on one.
Love from the Wimbledon Horses x x x
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By its very
nature, horse riding influences the whole person and the
effect on all the body's systems can be profound. Whether
the event is show jumping, dressage, cross-country or
hacking along woodland walks, the unique combination of the
horse and its movement with the rider produces an
extraordinary effort on all the systems of the body.
As the horse
moves the rider is constantly thrown off balance requiring
that the rider's muscles contract and relax in an attempt to
re-balance.
This exercise
reaches the deep postural muscles of the trunk and pelvis
and the adductor muscles of the thighs. Also, depending on
the speed of the horse, other sets of muscles are working
strongly such as the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutei’s
during rising trot.
Horse riding,
especially trotting and cantering increase both the
respiratory and circulatory systems therefore it is
considered to be cardiovascular exercise. Indeed, in an
article obtained through the Internet (Calorie control
Council - Fit Facts) the total calories used per hour by a
150 pound person during horse riding were similar to those
used during jogging (6mph) and cycling (9mph) (315-480
calories per hour).
Riding a horse
requires a great deal of co-ordination in order to get the
desired response from the horse. Repetition of the patterned
movements required in controlling the horse aid to quicken
the reflexes.
As well as
improved co-ordination and relaxation, riding stimulates the
vesibular system by the movement of the horse and it's
changes in direction and speed. Proprioception has also
shown to increase due to activation of the proprioceptors in
the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint.
To conclude,
horse riding is a wonderful form of exercise, which
stimulates the cardiovascular system as well as all the body
systems.
Although riding
is a strenuous exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment,
therefore the rider has increased tolerance and motivation
to lengthen the period of exercise.
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Road
Safety Guidelines
Riding on the roads is an essential part of our daily life
here at Wimbledon Village Stables so it is very
important that we make sure our riders are aware of
all the related safety precautions. The short ride
to the Common is made safer for us by the manually
operated equestrian lights which warn approaching
drivers that horses are on the road, while the
traffic lights at the Common end of the High Street
stop traffic to allow our horses to cross. Although
our Instructors ensure that the rides to and from
the Common comply with the appropriate safety
procedures, it is important for everyone to be aware
of the following guidelines
Horses on the road should never be ridden with a loose
rein: riders should always be in a position to use
the reins instantly for control. You should look,
listen and think ahead at all times. Be alert for
possible hazards; keep looking behind, in front and
to both sides to check what is happening in the
road. You should never ride more than two abreast.
When riding as a group, you should cross all roads
and junctions together – a group should never
separate when crossing. Always keep close to the
horse in front of you.
When riding up the road, look back, signal if required, try
and make eye contact with the driver behind you and
thank him for waiting. Hand signals should be
clearly visible and correct. Never signal with a
whip in your hand.
If passing a hazard on the left, look ahead to check for
oncoming traffic and, if necessary, use hand signals
to slow the traffic down. Look behind – if it is
clear, signal to the right while manoeuvring around
the hazard. Talk to your horse, as this will help
to keep him calm.
If
you have to ask the traffic to stop, the signal
should be made clearly with hand and palm
outstretched. Try to make eye contact, as this
helps to ensure the cooperation of drivers in
lorries, vans, buses or cars as well as cyclists.
Remember to thank each driver on every
occasion.
Horses and riders have the same rights and
responsibilities as any other road user. Every
driver who shows courtesy to riders and horses
should be thanked. You can say thank you
with a nod, a smile, or shout ‘thank you’. The
three points of the well-accepted courtesy code are
consideration from riders and drivers,
good manners and acknowledgement.
As Wimbledon Village Stables has a high profile presence in
the Village and is much loved by local residents, it
is especially important that all our riders ensure
they follow these guidelines. It is up to each
individual to demonstrate our appreciation of
considerate driving which, in turn, will encourage
drivers to be more patient when they encounter our
horses.
Another
way to improve safety is to be visible: you can
order a WVS hi-viz tabard or waterproof jacket from
the office.
If you would like to take your British Horse Society
Riding and Road Safety Examination please see
Short Courses |
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Keep Warm and Dry This Winter
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Now that winter weather seems
to be upon us, we thought it was worthwhile reminding all our
riders that there are lots of ways that you can keep yourself
warm, dry and snug when riding, whatever the weather.
If it is very cold this winter,
or if you really suffer from the cold, you may want to buy
yourself a ‘winter riding outfit’ rather than just wearing the
same jacket, boots, gloves etc that you wear in the summer with
a thick sweater. |
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It is essential to have a good
waterproof coat as it is vital to stay dry if you are to keep warm. You
can order a fluorescent yellow jacket which will not only keep you dry,
but is highly visible too. They are only £24. If you prefer a more
subtle colour there are lots of styles of riding jacket available, long
or short, at all price points.
You can order these from
Parnaby’s (the saddlers we recommend). Call John on 01653
693070.
Waterproof over trousers are also a good
idea and can be bought from any outdoor shop (about £15).
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Layers are the key to keeping your body warm. Wear tights (or thermal
leggings) under your jodhpurs and wear several thin layers rather than
just one thick sweater. Try wearing a thin cotton or thermal vest, then
a cotton polo neck, then a fleece and finally your jacket. That way you
can peel off layers if you start to get too hot.
Don’t forget your extremities –
not only are they the parts most likely to suffer from the cold
but they can be the hardest bits to keep warm. A good pair of
riding gloves is essential. You can buy thermal liners for added
insulation.
Cold feet can ruin the enjoyment of your ride, but
can easily be kept warm with the right footwear. Thick socks are
often not helpful as they can make your regular riding boots too
tight and so restrict blood flow- much better to invest in a
pair of winter riding boots. The Equitector thermal boots (see
right) are
brilliant and cost around £70.
Telephone
Equitector Ltd on
0208 0904029.
They are open 7 days a week from 8 am to 9 pm and offer next day
delivery.
Don’t forget we ride out in all weathers and feeling cold can ruin your
ride. Take care of yourself this winter and treat yourself to the
correct clothing. |
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Please check out
the Newsletter now - there is so much on it!
This column is regularly
updated and copies of all the previous columns are
available in the Stable's Office
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