What’s On

At the close of the year we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their support over the last year.

To all our members and riders we have loved having you ride with us; to all our horse owners thank you for letting us look after your wonderful horses; to all our visitors and friends in the Village thank you coming in and seeing us; to all our wonderful, dedicated and loyal staff – we appreciate and value you all so much; to our farrier Sean, to Tristan and his gang for remaining cheerful and smiling everyday while relieving us of a ton of horse manure; to PJ and his posse of Vets; to Tristan, Mick, Greg and all at Frosbury Farm for providing such an excellent and efficient service; to Sandra and Amy Cullingham at Manor Farm for providing the most luxury holiday accommodation for our lucky horses and ponies; to Farm and Stable Supplies; to Lynda Dawson for all her invaluable work co-ordinating and supporting our various charity events over the year; to Robert Holmes for sponsoring events; to Peter Cox our photographer, Peter Power our printer, Gordon Vincent and his team on Wimbledon Common as well as Simon Richards and all at Richmond Park.

We would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 and look forward to seeing you all soon. Carol, Caroline and families

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 Saturday 28th April and Saturday 7th July.

The Household Cavalry is the most elite regiment in the British Army. Captain Anton Wallis, Life Guards Squadron Second in Command, will give a fascinating presentation about the Household Cavalry, its history, its traditions, its horses, its soldiers and its vital role in the protection of the Monarch as well as the country. You will recognise the two regiments, The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals, in their ceremonial roles but there is so much more to life in this historic and unique regiment many of whom are currently serving in Afghanistan as well as on peace keeping missions throughout the world.
Starting at 7.30 p.m.
Free for Members
Venue Cafe Rouge but TBC depending on numbers. Bring money for food and drink! Please e-mail office if you would like to attend

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: 6th March, 24th April, 22nd May

Even though it seems as if we have only just got over Christmas – it is very nearly time for the next school holiday, and before it starts 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.

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

As you know our Dressage Competition Week starts on Tuesday 21st February. If you would like to see how the test should be performed and learn more about the movements and all the potential challenges you can expect when performing it, then come along to our Dressage Demonstration on 18th February. The Demo starts at 3.00 will last about 1 hour 15 minutes and will be held on The Causeway, Wimbledon Common. It is Free to Members and £10 for non-Members. Please email the office if you would like to attend.

Start of next series of 6 week short courses 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th February. 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.

Our Annual Dressage Competition Week will take place in the week commencing Tuesday 21st-Sunday to 26th February 2012. The test you will be asked to perform is Prelim No 12 (2005) and copies of it are available in the office.
Please don’t be put off by the words ‘Dressage’ and ‘Test’. This is genuinely suitable for all our members whose riding is Level 4 and above. Your instructor will talk you through how to ride the test and will spend time in your lessons in the run up to this week coaching you how best to approach the test.
If you have never competed or ridden a Dressage test before –this is your opportunity to do it in a friendly and supportive environment. Get over your nerves and give it a go!! Prizes are awarded at the Annual Charity Ball.

22nd - 24th February, 1.45- 4.15. £170 per child.
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 Wednesday 11th - Friday 13th April and Wednesday 18th - Friday 20th April

Saturday 3rd March 2012. Cannizaro Hotel, Wimbledon.
Our Annual Charity Ball is always a sell out - so reserve your tickets now! The evening starts with a glass of bubbly at the reception, before sitting down to a superb three course meal. There are a couple of short presentations followed by our famous raffle and the evening is rounded off by dancing until the early hours with our amazing DJ. There are some excellent magicians to entertain you and one of the highlights is the Party Photo Booth which we have booked again this year.
Come on your own and we’ll find the perfect companions for you to sit with or bring some friends and reserve a table of ten or twelve. Tickets are £90 each.
Make a weekend out of it by taking advantage of the very special room rates that Cannizaro offer our guests and we advise you to book soon to avoid disappointment!
One last thing – in order to donate as much money as possible we are looking for generous sponsors for the Photo Booth, the magicians, the table decorations so if you can help please get in touch with the office.

"I wanted to write a quick note to say a huge thank you for all the planning, organisation and attention to detail that went in to making the 2011 ball such a fabulous night on Saturday - what a great introduction for me to the life and people that make the stables - and a chance to have a glass and drink or several with the girls i am riding with. - everyone was so welcoming and friendly and the evening flew by far too quickly. So congratulations on a wonderful event - I am already looking forward to next year" Emily

Feel and look absolutely glamorous with a professional makeover.
Get luminous skin, those seductive smokey eyes you always wanted or just add some sparkle to your look.
Book your glamorous makeover session now with Parissa our professional Make-up-Artist who will donate all proceeds to the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Date: Saturday 3.3.2012
Times: From 1pm-6pm (30min slots)
Place: The Cannizaro Hotel, Room TBC
Price: £30 per person (cash or cheques only)
Book now as spaces are limited!! You will not only look great but you will be doing something good as well!

www.parissamakeup.com.
Please call Parissa to book 07932642660

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 Sunday 22nd April and Saturday 16th June

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 19th May and Saturday 30th June.

Thursday 22nd March 7-9.30 pm.
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 13th June 9.30am to midday.

From 3.00 - 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 Sunday 27th May 3.15-4.30 pm

Starting at 7.30 upstairs in Cafe Rouge.
Olwen Law created In The Saddle in 1995. Since then it has grown to become the UK’s leading equestrian holiday specialist. Their Book of Riding holidays (and website www.inthesaddle.com) has information about riding holidays across the world from Ireland to India, Arizona to Argentina and a lot of other destinations in between! With over 260 pages covering 117 rides in 38 countries this is the most complete source of information on riding holidays.

In May 2011, Olwen gave us a fascinating presentation on the different types of riding holidays around the world and how to choose the right one.

Her talk in January 2012 will continue in this theme with an update on what’s new for 2012 in the world of riding holidays with some stunning images and video from rides all over the world. During 2011, In The Saddle travel consultants accompanied clients in Jordan, Israel, Botswana, USA (Arizona & Colorado), South Africa, Georgia, Mongolia, Turkey, Kenya, Spain, India, Argentina, Chile and Australia so there are many exciting new images to show

Free for Members just please bring money for food and drink. Please e-mail office if you would like to attend.

This is a really good fun ride in the beautiful scenery of Richmond Park and is for experienced riders only. It starts at 10.00 and we will return home by 12.30pm.

It is for Members only and places are limited so please enter the ballot if you would like to join us.

Royal Windsor Horse Show is the largest outdoor equestrian Show in the UK, with over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in more than 250 jumping, showing, and carriage driving classes. The event has been running for over 65 years and takes place in Her Majesty The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor Castle.

There is plenty to see and do at Royal Windsor Horse Show with entertainment, arena displays and fun activities taking place in the Castle Arena and throughout the entire showground. There is something for the whole family to enjoy.

See website for furthur information: http://www.rwhs.co.uk/

So you think you know a lot about horses! Come and put your knowledge to the test in our friendly, annual Pub Quiz ….. .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 The Rose & Crown Pub (to be confirmed) and it starts at 7.30pm.

We are delighted to welcome Caviste Wine Merchant to Saturday 19th May at 7 p.m. at the Stables. Director, Mark Bedford will introduce a range of both everyday and fine wines – suitable for Easter and Spring 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

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.

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 Tuesday June 12th. 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.

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 with a glass or two and a burger. We look amongst our lovely members and friends to help us out with this as we are all pretty exhausted by the end of the day. So if you would like to offer your services as party organisers, barbeque cooks or washer uppers then we would all be eternally grateful! Please let us know.

Open to all Members, friends 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

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.

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

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.

This is the ‘Oscars’ of Wimbledon Village Stables!

It is held at Hemingways in Wimbledon Village and starts at 6.30pm.
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.

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.

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.