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The Gossip Column

A Cob's Eye View of Wimbledon Village Stables....


Latest news and gossip
Charity Ball March 2008
Sponsored Ride 2007
The WVS Oscars September 2007
Summer Show Report 2007
Horse Riding - The physical benefits
Road Safety Guidelines

Keep Warm and Dry in the Winter - our essential guide on what to wear

Written by Clyde the horse
Updated: 01/05/2008

 

Latest news and gossip
 
Hi Folks,
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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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)

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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 *

 

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!

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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Barbara and Kerry Olivia, Lucy, Des and Saskia Snoopy! Claire and Lara

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".

Mum and me
Sean and Athos William and Louis Stephen and Leo

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.

Olivia and Ella head one of the rides Caroline and me! Carol and Sarah

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.

 

Karim and Treleigh

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.

 

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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Wimbledon Village Stables Sponsored Ride

 

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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.

Photos from our Awards Night on the 23rd February

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

 

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.

 

Some of the wonderful team, Joanne, Jenny, Sasha, Vicky, Claire, Ella and Des

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.

Charlie holds her horse Clancy
 

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.

Freddie and Casper 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. Ella with William and Louis
Champion of the Day, Bilbo and Rachel with Reserve Champion, Alic and Vickie and sponsor Robert Holmes 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.
Karim and Treleigh 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.

 

John and Inky

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.

Claire and Kerry Emi riding Biscuit with Sasha Vickie and Alice William and Louis

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.

Des and Eclipse Olivia and Rolo Ella and Dessie Barbara and Dollar

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.

 

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. Summer Barbeques at the Stables

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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Horse Riding - The Physical benefits

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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Sponsored Horse Ride in Richmond Park, London

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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 thankedYou 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

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. 

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). 

 

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. 

 

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          

Horse Riding in London at Wimbledon Village Stables

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