What’s On

Peter Cox will be visiting the stables in May and photographing all our riders. He takes some beautiful shots in fact most of the photos on our website are taken by him. He can take great action shots or lovely posed photos and there is no obligation to buy.
The days he will be at the stables are;

Friday 18th May
Sunday 20th May
Tuesday 22nd May
Thursday 24th May
Saturday 26th May

3.30-4.30 p.m. in the Stable Yard.
Sean is our fabulous farrier and he is a key member of our team, playing a vital role in keeping our horses’ feet in top condition and literally keeping all our horses on their toes!
He will demonstrate how to shoe a horse and will talk you through the whole procedure. This is a fascinating and complex subject and would be of great general interest to everyone and of particular interest to those who are doing BHS exams or are just curious to know more.
Sean has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is happy to answer your questions as he gives you an insight into his job.

Free to Members £5 for non-members.
All proceeds will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Fund

We are delighted to welcome Caviste Wine Merchant to the Stables on Saturday 19th May at 7 p.m. Director, Mark Bedford will introduce a range of both everyday and fine wines – suitable for Spring and Summer drinking. Mark is an experienced wine educator and local radio presenter and will steer you through your Sauvignons, Chablis, Bordeaux, Aussie Shiraz et al. Supported by an English cheeseboard, homemade paté and fresh French baguette, we shall also include a mystery blind tasting competition where you can win a bottle of vintage Champagne.
Tickets are £20 each – and any orders received on the evening will receive a 10% discount and free delivery.
You can take a look at the web site on www.caviste.co.uk

If you have been thinking about going horse riding but haven't got around to doing anything about it then come along to one of our Open Mornings at the Stables and find out more.
Come along and meet some of the instructors/horses, have a coffee and discuss your riding needs with our team. Learn how we do things, watch a lesson, and find out how our Membership scheme works. We will try to answer all your questions in a relaxed informal environment and you will meet other like-minded potential riders. Feel free to come alone or with a group of friends. There will be absolutely no obligation for you to sign up for any rides or lessons and you may even find out that riding is not the sport for you, although obviously we hope that is not the case.
If you are interested in attending please email Claire or give us a ring to find out more. Numbers limited so sign up soon
This is for adult weekday riders of any standard, including complete beginners. Starting at 10.30, Next open mornings are on: 19th June, 11th September

With another holiday looming we invite our Members to join us for a very relaxed lunch (of tea and sandwiches) in Carol’s kitchen. This is a lovely opportunity for our Members to meet, chat and get to know others in a very informal setting. It is completely free just let us know if you are coming so we can organise enough to eat! It starts at 12.30 until approximately 1.45pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

From 3,00-4.30 p.m.
This essential session will teach you everything you need to know in order to get your horse ready for the off. From the easiest way to carry tack, to the best way to approach a stabled horse. From how to safely remove rugs, to the correct way to put on both saddle and bridle and, ultimately, lead your horse to the mounting block. We will also show you exactly what to do after riding in order to leave your horse comfortable in the stable. Following practical demonstrations you will have the opportunity to practice techniques individually. Please note that literature summarising techniques and practices will be given to take home and use as reference.
Please e-mail if you would like to attend. Members £10 (Non-Members £20).
This course will also be held on Saturday 30th June.

From 3.15 - 4.30 p.m.
Discover the fundamental principles of feeding; learn the basics of analysing type, weight and energy requirements in order to discover how much and how often to feed both concentrates (hard feed such as mixes and nuts) and fibre (hay, haylage and grass). We will also cover essential stable management such as the type of bedding to choose, how to care for the chosen bed and how to keep the horses’ environment clean and healthy. Please e-mail if you would like to attend. Members £10 (Non-Members £20).
This course is also being held Saturday 14th July 3.15-4.30 pm

Celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee by joining us on a wonderful ride to Richmond Park. 10.00-12.30 a.m.

For Members only. Please enter the ballot if you want to take part.

Our Children’s Holiday Courses are restricted to only 12 children and are hugely popular and therefore you are advised to book early. The Holiday Courses are aimed at children under the age of 10 with a riding level of 1, 2 or 3 including complete beginners. The three day courses run from Wednesday to Friday from 1.45-4.15. The children enjoy a riding lesson every day and also play fun pony games and quizzes. Most of all they relish helping to look after the ponies and, under close supervision; they are able to help with things such as grooming and feeding. On the last day of the course they are awarded a Certificate and a beautiful and coveted Wimbledon Village Stables Rosette.
*Please dress for the weather and bring a drink and a snack.
This course is also on 11th – 13th July, 18th – 20th July, 25th – 27th July and 1st – 3rd August

8th-10th June. Welcome to MINT Polo in the Park - a three day celebration of international polo, lifestyle and family entertainment. Since its debut in 2009, MINT Polo in the Park has rapidly established itself as one of the leading central London sporting events - selling out to both the corporate market and general public in 2010 and 2011. In a similar way to how Twenty20 has changed the image of cricket, MINT Polo in the Park has adapted the traditional rules of polo to create a high octane, fast moving and dynamic sport which attracts spectators and the media alike.
Six teams each representing global cities will play in a 'Round Robin' format over the 3 days, culminating with the Final and the presentation of the MINT Trophy on Sunday 10th June 2012. 2011 saw Team Abu Dhabi claim victory after a hard fight against Team Gaucho Buenos Aires.
2012’s event will build on the success of previous years to bring another glittering, action-packed event. With several new additions, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.
www.polointheparklondon.com

10th – 24th June, 2012.
Jo Taylor is fascinated by the fusion of jockey and horse, a keen rider and horse owner herself she has two passions – horses and painting. Fresh from her critically acclaimed War Horse Exhibition at Liverpool University’s Victoria Gallery and Museum, Stafford Gallery in association with Wimbledon Fine Art are delighted to be exhibiting her work for the first time in Wimbledon Village.
Taylor’s inspiration comes from Newmarket, Middleham and Cheltenham. However, in her quest to explore this ancient partnership she has visited the Spanish Corrida, riding with gauchos over the plains of Patagonia, watched thoroughbreds on the dirt in America and wandered the Indian deserts on the back of a Marwari horse. The wild horses of the Camargue and the grace of dressage have also inspired and informed her paintings. Working in a variety of media she creates an abstract surface, this allows her to explore the muscular form, the movement, the power and the unpredictable nature of the horse.
Exhibition opens Sunday 10th June. We hope that you will be able to come along to view the exhibition and meet Jo Taylor between 12 and 3 pm. The exhibition continues until 24th June.
All artworks can be viewed from 31st May on www.staffordgallery.co.uk
For further information please call Judy Stafford 07939 048 436
email judy@staffordgallery.co.uk

Dog & Fox at 7.30 pm.
Our Annual Summer Horse Show will be held on Wimbledon Common on Saturday June 23rd. This show is open to the general public and takes a lot of planning and organisation. We need volunteers, either for the full day or for the morning/afternoon only, to help us make sure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. No experience is needed we will give you all the information and training you need at the briefing session on Monday June 11th. So please do come along and we will explain everything to you over a glass or two of wine. If you can’t make the briefing but would like to volunteer, let us know and we will make sure you are given the briefing at a different time. This is a great opportunity to get involved in a good fun event and it’s all in aid of a good cause – The Wimbledon Guild.

Start of next series of 6 week short courses 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th June. We hold a series of Short Riding Courses and Horse Care for riders of all abilities. A short course can be the perfect introduction to the challenging and rewarding world of riding or, for those who have ridden before, a great way to build on experience already gained.

The Horse Care courses can teach you all you need to know about looking after horses

Whether you're a beginner, a recreational rider or an aspiring professional, Wimbledon Village Stables has a Riding or Horse Care Course to suit you.

Wednesday 13th June 9.30am to midday.
Have you ever thought about buying a horse but would like to know more about what’s involved in horse ownership? This incredibly informative course has been created for all those who have thought about buying a horse but would really like to know more about what’s practically involved before making a decision. This session will, through talks and practical demonstrations, impart all the basics of horse ownership along with the implications and responsibilities of becoming a horse owner. Please e-mail if you would like to attend. Members £25 (Non-members £40)
This course will also take place on Wednesday 12th September

From 3.00-4.30 p.m.
Grooming time is the perfect time to take note of a horse’s basic health and how he is feeling, so this session covers everything you need to know in order give your horse a relaxing and invigorating grooming session, and recognise any signs that your horse may not be feeling 100%. Become familiar with the many different brushes and tools available, learn how to pick out feet and wash a tail, and generally discover how to keep your horse looking immaculate. Practical demonstrations will be followed by the opportunity for clients to try everything for themselves. Please note that literature summarising techniques and practices will be given to all Clients to take home and use as reference. Please e-mail if you would like to attend. Members £10 (Non-Members £20)
This course will also take place on TBA

Every year, on the Saturday before the Wimbledon Tennis Championships start, there is a Summer Fair on Wimbledon Common. This is an important fund raising event for the Wimbledon Guild with hundreds of stalls, a dog show, displays, competitions and even a funfair.
An important part of the Fair is an Open Horse Show, held opposite Cannizaro Hotel, which is organised by Wimbledon Village Stables. Our horses take part as well as riders from all around Surrey and SW London. There is show jumping, showing classes, Sunshine Tour Qualifying events as well as the spectacular Musical Ride performed by the WVS instructors – which is not to be missed!
Members are invited to take part in the show and should enter the ballot if they would like to take one of our horses/ponies. Please speak to your instructor or any member of staff if you are unsure whether you should. If you decide to and are lucky enough to be allocated a horse we will give you lots of advice and support on what to do and which classes would be most suitable.

GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY ROBERT HOLMES & CO. Traditionally Wimbledon's top-end estate agent.
www.robertholmes.co.uk
GM DEVELOPMENTS - one of the leading quality builders in South West London.
www.gmdevelopments.co.uk

Starting at 6.00 pm. in the Stable Yard. After the horse show ….. comes the Party where we celebrate all the successes of the day – it’s a chance to relax and reflect whilst enjoying a gourmet barbeque with a nice refreshing glass of Pimms served in style by Justin from www.cateredbyjustin.com.

Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the night – please e-mail to check availability.The party is open to all Members, friends, family whether you managed to get to the show or not!

20th-24th June

The Carpetright Derby is one of the most famous equestrian events in the world. Founded in 1960 by the late Douglas Bunn, it is the only competition that sees riders take on the front descent of the infamous Derby Bank, the biggest of its kind to be found anywhere in the world. It is an iconic event, that makes heroes of its human and equine stars, and in which the course itself is as famous as the horses and riders that embark upon it. No other event in the world asks this much of its entrants, and no other course creates this type of drama.

See Hickstead website for further information: http://www.hickstead.co.uk/horse-shows/the-british-jumping-derby-meeting.aspx

The Championships run from Monday 25th June to Sunday 8th July.

There is restricted parking around the Village during this time so please allow extra time to get to the stables or use public transport.

Friday 29th June 2012, 5pm. We don’t just ride horses – we play rounders too!
We are looking for Members to join our staff in an annual Rounders tournament organised by the local business association.

This is always great fun and is open to all abilities. Please let us know if you would like to be part of the Wimbledon Village Stables team.

From 3,00-4.30 p.m.
This enjoyable and worthwhile session will enlighten you as to all that’s involved in the day-to-day care of one of our wonderful horses. From early morning feeding, mucking out, grooming, exercising, daily health checks and maintenance of tack and equipment through to essential late night housekeeping, this session will also illustrate the importance for the horse’s health and wellbeing of a regular routine and settled environment. Please note that literature summarising techniques and practices will be given to take home and use as reference.
Please e-mail if you would like to attend. Members £10 (Non-Members £20)
This course is also being held on Saturday15th September.

17th-22nd July.
As one of the biggest outdoor shows in the country, the Longines Royal International Horse Show uniquely sees the elite of many equestrian disciplines compete side by side: it has everything from the thrills and spills of international showjumping to the elegance and glamour of the country's best showing horses and ponies, to the exhilarating buzz of the country's best eventers flying across country.
For showing riders, this is exclusively a championship show, and is the culmination of many months of qualifications throughout the winter, with a host of prestigious classes for every breed of British horse and pony. The show also stages the peak of winter national showjumping qualifiers as the home to the British Showjumping Winter Finals. As one of only eight global hosts to the FEI Nations Cup™ Series, the show is also the British public's only chance to see their national showjumping team compete on home ground.
See Hickstead website for further information: http://www.hickstead.co.uk/horse-shows/the-longines-royal-international-horse-show.aspx

Tuesday-Friday from 9.00-12.30.
Over four half-day sessions with a senior instructor, you will learn to develop a deeper, more balanced seat, to use aids more subtly and effectively, and to develop a better understanding of how to get the best from every horse you ride. There are two hours of riding instruction on each day which are followed by a lecture/demo which will reinforce the theory of what you have learnt as well as illustrating and clarifying the points covered and discussing aspects of stable management. We restrict the number of people on this course and so you will receive plenty of individual attention and, we hope, get to know the other riders.

Members from £245, non members £440
Next four day course is on 16th-20th October

27th July-12th August
The London 2012 Olympic equestrian timetable has been announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). London 2012 is the 100th anniversary of Olympic equestrian sport.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony takes place on 27 July and will be followed by 12 days of equestrian competition, with the world’s best athletes competing for six gold medals in the Olympic disciplines of eventing, dressage and show jumping. The equestrian events all take place at the Greenwich Park venue.
Eventing opens the Olympic equestrian events on 28 July with two days of dressage, followed by cross-country on 30 July and two rounds of show jumping on 31 July to decide the team and individual medals. Dressage as an individual sport starts on 2 August with two days of Grand Prix competition, which forms the first qualifier for both the team and individual. The top seven teams and 11 best-placed individuals go forward to the Grand Prix special on 7 August, which will decide the team medals. The freestyle to music to decide the individual medals takes place on 9 August. The first qualifier show jumping as an individual sport will be on 4 August. The two-round team decider is on 5 and 6 August. Team medals will be presented on 6 August. The two rounds of show jumping to decide the individual champion will be held on 8 August.

To mark the end of the summer holidays we hold an annual show which is for our Members only. If you have never competed before but have always wanted to give it a go – this is the event for you but it is also suitable for more experienced riders. There are showing classes in the morning and show jumping in the afternoon and it is all managed in a supportive and encouraging way and our staff will be on hand to help you. There are fabulous rosettes for all, and the rider who gains the most points throughout the day is the Champion of the Day.
Let us know if you want to take part and we will enter you in the ballot. We also need volunteers to help us run the show, so if you would like to be involved but don’t want to ride, come along and help us!
MAIN SPONSOR SOUGHT FOR THIS EVENT. If you are interested please contact the Office.

9th-13th September. Horse Riding Holiday to Sierra Nevada, Spain with 'In the Saddle'.
4 night break This is a beautiful part of southern Spain. You ride through the mountains in stunning scenery on lovely Andalucian horses. The price for 4 nights is currently £480 which includes four nights accommodation; breakfast; one dinner; three full days riding; transfers from Malaga. Payable locally three dinners and drinks. The group size can go up to 11 people. The nearest airport is Malaga and so there are plenty of flight options.
If you would like to join other WVS Members on this holiday please let us know. For full details on the ride see this link:
http://www.inthesaddle.com

Come along to the Wimbledon Village Stables 'Oscars' which is being held at Hemingways Lounge Bar in Wimbledon Village starting at 6.30 p.m.

We are absolutely thrilled that Corinne Bracken, Junior & Young Rider Teams Chef d'Equipe will be presenting the prizes and will also be giving us an insight into what went on behind the scenes at the London Olympics 2012.

All members are asked to nominate and vote on each category and (just like the Oscars) the winners are announced on the night. Categories include: Horse of the Year, Pony of the Year, Most Improved Senior, Most Improved Junior, etc and there are a few novelty awards too.
A fun event with great food and wine for those who don't take themselves too seriously!

MAIN SPONSOR SOUGHT FOR THIS EVENT. If you are interested in sponsoring please contact the office.

3rd - 7th October. Horse of the Year Show, the “World’s most famous horse show”, returns to the LG Arena at Birmingham’s NEC in 2012 for an for an incredible five days of compelling action and dazzling displays from Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th October.
The annual extravaganza will host the finals of the most highly regarded showing and show jumping championships alongside International show jumping, which attracts household names from across the globe, and an exciting line-up of equestrian entertainment. High speed crowd favourites such as Pony Club Mounted Games for the Prince Philip Cup and Double Harness Scurry racing make a welcome return, whilst the jam-packed programme will feature further thrilling entertainment to be announced soon.
The UK's biggest indoor equestrian event has also become famous for its top-notch shopping experience, with the retail village boasting around 250 shops and housing the popular Interactive Feature Area.
With two arenas, 1,500 horses, 1,400 competitors and an estimated 65,000 spectators, there is no horse show quite like the HOYS experience!
To keep up to date with all the latest news and for full timetable information visit www.hoys.co.uk

For the past 36 years Carol and Caroline have been running an annual sponsored ride which, over the years has raised more than £500,000 for various national and local charities. This year will be the 37th Sponsored Ride and once again we will be supporting the excellent work done by The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.
The ride takes place over a 10 mile course across the beautiful scenery of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. Fancy Dress is optional and there are lots of prizes awarded to the riders at an awards ceremony over lunch after the ride.
If you would like to take part let us know so that you can enter the ballot to allocate the horses. We always need helpers on the day so if you don’t feel like riding but would like to be involved please volunteer.

MAIN SPONSOR SOUGHT FOR THE 2012 RIDE - If you would like your business to be associated with this major successful fundraising event please contact the Office.

28 October to 3 November. Horse Riding Holiday to Turkey with ‘In the Saddle’ - Cappadocia Highlights -– This is a stunning ride – fabulous horses and amazing scenery. Six night hotel based ride. The ride price is £824 if there are at least 7 people in the group (it is higher if the group size is less than 7). This includes six night accommodation; full board; riding and guide; airport transfers.
Payable locally are drinks and any non riding activities such as the balloon trip (highly recommended). The flight price is currently c. £550. So, total holiday price c. £1,374
(if the group size is less, then it would be higher and also the flight prices might change depending on when booked).
If you would like to join other WVS Members on this holiday please let us know. For full details on the ride see this link: http://inthesaddle.com

The Animal Health Trust UK Equestrian Awards first began in 1989 and has since grown in size and stature into one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar.
Since its launch over 20 years ago, the Equestrian Awards have marked the achievements of riders, owners, trainers and horses from all areas of equestrianism: showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing, veterinary care and voluntary service have all been celebrated and each year a Special Award is given to an individual, or team, who have made an impact in some way over the last 12 months. The black tie event is being held at the Lancaster Hotel, London, situated near Hyde Park and Notting Hill.

This is a magical event and has become an essential part of the Christmas festivities.
It is a traditional Carol concert, held in candlelight in the stable yard, with a choir, mince pies, mulled wine and even a visit from Santa. It is a perfect event for children but is thoroughly enjoyed by all ages and is open to all.

It opens at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start.

A collection is made for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.
Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Office

Our first Christmas get-together for Members.

Full details to be confirmed nearer the time.

A chance for everyone to meet up and celebrate Christmas in style!

Full details to be confirmed nearer the time

18th-23rd December.
Olympia is a fantastic Equestrian Christmas Party and is host to the UK’s only Show Jumping and Dressage FEI World Cup™ Qualifiers.
It also has outstanding Equestrian Displays; the 2012 displays are to be confirmed but 2011 saw the return of Lorenzo The Flying Frenchman and The Lusitano Ride from Portugal. There is a great Shopping Village and a magical Christmas Finale.

See website: www.olympiahorseshow.com

Tues 18th-Thurs 20th December – Rides & lessons as normal
Friday 21st December - Special Christmas two hour ride to Richmond Park leaves at 10.00. Levels 4-6 riders.
Members please enter the ballot if you want to take part. (Rides also at 9.00 and 2.00)
Sat 22nd and Sun 23rd December – Rides & lessons as normal
Monday 24th December – The stables are closed
CHRISTMAS DAY - Work up an appetite on Christmas day by coming the stables and giving us a hand. You should arrive anytime from 8.00. There will be a ride at 9.00 for those wanting to ride (FREE FOR MEMBERS – LEVEL 4-6 ONLY). At 10.00 we will be having breakie and bucks fizz followed by a second ride at 11.00. (FREE FOR MEMBERS – LEVEL 4-6 ONLY).
(Please e-mail office if you are coming to help and also if you want to ride)
BOXING DAY - Burn off the calories from yesterday by coming the stables and giving us a hand. You should arrive anytime from 8.00. There will be a ride at 9.00 for those wanting to ride (FREE FOR MEMBERS – LEVEL 4-6 ONLY). At 10.00 we will be having breakie and bucks fizz followed by a second ride at 11.00. (FREE FOR MEMBERS – LEVEL 4-6 ONLY).
(Please e-mail office if you are coming to help and also if you want to ride)
Thurs 27th and Fri 28th December – Rides & Lessons as normal

Friday 28th December - Special New Year two hour ride to Richmond Park leaves at 10.00. Levels 4-6 riders.
Members please enter the ballot if you want to take part.

Sat 29th and Sun 30th December – Rides & lessons as normal.

Monday 31st December – The stables are closed

NEW YEARS DAY - Clear your head after the New Year celebrations by coming the stables and giving us a hand. You should arrive anytime from 8.00. There will be a ride at 9.00 for those wanting to ride (FREE FOR MEMBERS – LEVEL 4-6 ONLY). At 10.00 we will be having breakie and bucks fizz followed by a second ride at 11.00. (FREE FOR MEMBERS – LEVEL 4-6 ONLY).

Wed 2nd –Sun 6th January – Rides & lessons as normal.

Saturday 9th March 2013.

Our Annual Charity Ball is a fabulous fund raising event and a great opportunity for everyone to socialise in the luxurious surroundings of the Cannizaro House Hotel.

Save the date!

So you think you know a lot about horses! Come and put your knowledge to the test in our friendly, annual Quiz Night ….. .with a difference! The difference is that all the questions are on a horsey theme. You really don’t need to be an expert; you just need some knowledge of horses, and riding and to be prepared to pit your wits against other Members. This event is really good fun and often results in great hilarity when Caroline attempts to demonstrate some of the answers.
The venue is upstairs in Café Rouge and it starts at 7.30pm