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Chairman's Chat - November

 

 Yikes, it's time to dig out your torches!

 

Area 14 and National Championships.

Last Sunday proved to be a good day for GRS at the Area 14 Arena Eventing Qualifier. Yet again our junior riders (Jess, Brooke, Ruby and Violet) won a the team competition and will be off to Champs. Individually Violet came 1st, Ruby 4th and Brooke 6th. In the next class (80cms) Jess was 4th and Violet 6th.The senior team (Ella, Pip, Emily and Annabel) was placed 3rd, with Ella 3rd and Pip 9th individually. Ella rounded off the day with a 3rd place in the 90cms class. Huge thanks for representing us so well.

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On Sunday 10th November there is the Area 14 SJ Qualifier at Topthorn and we've got lots of riders competing. I've lost count of how many but it's well over ten! Good luck to you all and remember it's meant to be fun, so park any nerves or visits from Maureen, and smile. Do come along and support if you can. Our friendly ethos really helps all of us.

Finally, there's the Winter Dressage Qualifier on Sunday 24th November, at Easton College. Again we'll be represented and have Jo E, Jo P, Emily, Jayne, Nicola and Emma N riding.

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Club Online Summer Dressage League

When all the numbers were added up the Junior winner was Brooke at Intro, Prelim and Novice; at Senior Intro, Claire S; Senior Prelim, Alli N; Senior Novice, Jayne; Concours d'Elegance, Jill; and the winning team was The Mane S'Quad. Many thanks Sarah for organising this.

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Autumn Dressage.

Our October Dressage competition at Crow's Hall is firmly fixed in the club's annual calendar and is always a lovely day. Crow's Hall is such a delightful setting (thanks again Caroline for generously allowing us to use your home), the friendly supportive atmosphere makes competing much less stressful and the opportunity for Halloween dressing up is simply fun!

Thanks Bex for organising everything.

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Again, I want to reiterate that although I start each Chairman's Chat by reporting on competitive riding, every club member is equally valued and important - well, as long as they are kind to their horses!!

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Training.

Sat 2nd. Nov - jump training with Rachel Lee, at Crow's Hall.

Sun 3rd. Nov – dressage clinic with Tammy Ruffles, at Crow’s Hall.

Tues 5th Nov - flat & poles training with Anne Gayfer, at Topthorn.

Sun 10th Nov - dressage clinic with Tammy Ruffles, at Crow's Hall

Fri 15th Nov - jump training with Lucy Gooderham, at Suffolk Rural.

Sun 24th Nov - mini member training with Anne Gayfer, at Suffolk Rural.

Sun 24th Nov - jumping skills with Michael Paveley, at Suffolk Rural.

All training details are on WebCollect.

You may notice that not all training costs the same. This is because different trainers and venues charge different amounts. We run as a Not For Profit club and so members pay what we are actually charged. We get extra revenue by charging non-members more!

I mentioned this last month but....could you help at training sometimes? We like, if possible, to have an extra person on the ground to help trainers with equipment and poo picking, and solo travellers. It's always interesting to watch and listen to the trainers without having the stress of being on your horse - if you're able to help simply let the organiser know.

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Awards and Social Evening, including AGM - Friday 29th. November

This is always a lovely opportunity for us to get together, in the warm and dry without our horses. The format will be as usual-

6.45 arrive, set out tables and chairs; and start chatting and catching up on people's news

7pm start with brief AGM and then move onto the Awards.(details about your Points Cards will be sent)

7.30 pm arrival of the fish and chip supper (you will need to pre-order and details will be emailed nearer the time)

Afterwards, will be a Quiz organised by Jill and a few rounds of our club favourite, Horse Beetle!

Then more chatting time.

9.30pm tidy up and depart.

I do hope you can make it and if you haven't got a friend to come with don't worry, we'll find at least one for you.

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Dates for your diary

tbc. Dec - Christmas Gymkhana.

 

Welfare and Safety

* Continuing with 'The Charter for The Horse' that every main equestrian organisation has signed up to:

the third pledge is Respect. ‘Through compassionate, mindful, patient and empathetic interaction, we foster positive relationships with horses based on trust and respect.’

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Let's share

There's a very thought provoking and informative film on YouTube called 'Horses and the Science of Harmony' It lasts about 70mins, so why not chill out one dark evening with a favourite drink? I'll be interested to hear what you think of it.

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Special mentions

*IO'K for coping so well with a tricky pony

*FR for demonstrating a lovely balance of confidence and maturity when helping adults

*KS - for showing that spectators can also join in with fancy dress

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Bitesize BRC

As the BRC Handbook runs to some 180 pages, it was suggested that each Chairman's Chat highlights a rule that might apply to GRS members.

 The rider is expected to know if the horse has sensitive skin and must use the whip accordingly.

 Membership Fees

British Riding Clubs have announced they'll be increasing their charges.

So when you renew Senior Membership will be £32, Junior Membership £30 and Non Riding Membership £28.

Club Clothing

Not sure about what xmas pressies to buy? There's quite a range of GRS clothing and Bex is the person to contact if you're interested. 

 

GRS Committee 

Currently the GRS Committee is myself, Sarah Ahrens, Amanda Salmon, Bex Kelly, Katie Hull, Jill Baldwin, Jayne Ackland-Snow, Elaine Peasey and Rachel Snow. 

Do give us feedback or send suggestions about the club.

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 Sorry everyone but as is often the case I pressed Send and realised I'd forgotten something important!

The Awards and Social Evening on Friday 29th November will be held at our usual venue, Mendlesham Community Centre (IP14 5RT)

If you know anyone who's thinking about joining GRS do bring them along, the more the merrier.

Fingers crossed that I won't need to send Part 3 tomorrow but don't hold your breath!

Alison

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Chairman's Chat - October

 

 How can it be we’re into the final three months of the year? Time really does gallop on.

 

Area 14 and National Championships.

 A very well done to Emma N, Jess B, Hannah, Jo, Sarah S, Maria and Jayne who represented Area 14 at the National Dressage Championships, in Lincoln. It was a HUGE event with an atmosphere to match! Alongside the team competition there were a variety of direct entry classes in which Jess, Maria, Jayne, Jo and Hannah all got top ten finishes. Go Gipping!

The Winter SJ Qualifier was held on Sunday and we had four riders (supported by Nadine). Violet and Glade did a super job and came 4th in the Junior competition. Gemma had a great double clear and Pip and Emily nearly did! Thank you for representing us.

Upcoming on Sunday 27thOct is the Area 14 Arena Eventing Qualifier, at Suffolk Equestrian. Good luck to Violet, Ruby, Emily, Ella, Brooke and Pip.

The final mention must be to wish Libby and Jess good luck at the BRC Combined Challenge Championships, this Sunday at Aston-le-Walls.

Charity Fun Show 2024

This was held on Sun 15th Sept at Topthorn and was a huge success. Having so many happy people makes it all worthwhile! The final sums are being done and all profit will go to East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Huge thanks to Bex for all her hard work in organising this and to her elite team of helpers.

 

Club Online Summer Dressage League

The final tests are due to be marked very shortly and then the league placings will be announced. Many thanks to Sarah for organising everything connected to this long running club event.

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Training.

Sat 5th Oct - jump training with Rachel Lee, at Crow's Hall.

Sun 6th Oct – dressage clinic with Tammy Ruffles, at Crow’s Hall. (A perfect opportunity to prepare for the following week’s Autumn Dressage Competitions)

Tues 8th Oct- jump training with Lucy Gooderham,at Topthorn.

Fri 18th Oct - flat & poles training with Anne Gayfer, at Suffolk Rural.

Sun 27th Oct- mini member with Anne Gayfer, at Suffolk Rural.

Sun 27th Oct - jumping skills with Michael Paveley, at Suffolk Rural.

All training details are on WebCollect.

Could you help at training sometimes? We like, if possible, to have an extra person on the ground to help trainers with equipment and poo picking, and solo travellers. It's always interesting to watch and listen to the trainers without having the stress of being on your horse - if you're able to help simply let the organiser know.

 Dates for your diary

Nov (date tbc) - Awards Evening & AGM

Dec - Christmas Gymkhana.

Every month - at least 5 training sessions 

 

Welfare and Safety

*”Do you think I’m too big for my pony?” is a question that was asked at a recent training session. What a good question! There is scientific research behind a horse, in good condition, only comfortably carrying 15-20% of it’s own body weight. So if you’re not sure, it’s scales for you, your riding clothes and tack, and a weigh tape for your horse. The BHS website lists some signs of equine discomfort including back pain, reaction to tacking up, lameness, reduced performance.

* Continuing with 'The Charter for The Horse' that every main equestrian organisation has signed up to:

the second pledge is Care. ‘Throughout their entire life, during exercise and rest, we offer horses a secure and suitable setting to create positive experiences that address their social, behavioural, nutritional and physical needs for a high quality of life.’

A very special mention to Jessica Baldwin.

Jess has qualified and ridden at every BRC National Championship in 2024. A truly remarkable achievement! I hope she can feel a deep sense of pride in how she’s worked so hard with Robbie to realise these successes.

 

Bitesize BRC

As the BRC Handbook runs to some 180 pages, it was suggested that each Chairman's Chat highlights a rule that might apply to GRS members.

 If the pony/horse is marked by the whip its use is excessive.

 

Membership

Currently we have 89 senior members and 27 junior members. Since BRC changed their management of the membership process, we have continued to have people join every month. I’d like to wish brand new members a very warm welcome and I hope you’ll be able to come to a club activity soon. And to returning members, it’s great to have you back!

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Club Clothing

There's quite a range of GRS clothing and Bex is the person to contact if you're interested. 

 

GRS Committee 

Currently the GRS Committee is myself, Sarah Ahrens, Amanda Salmon, Bex Kelly, Katie Hull, Jill Baldwin, Jayne Ackland-Snow, Elaine Peasey and Rachel Snow. 

Do give us feedback or send suggestions about the club.

 

Wishing you happy and harmonious horse time,

Alison

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Chairman's Chat - September

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Have you managed to enjoy time with your horses over the last few months? I do hope so.

 

Area 14 and National Championships.

 Good luck to Emma N, Jess B, Hannah, Jo, Sarah S, Maria and Jayne who are representing Area 14 at the National Dressage Championships, this weekend at Lincoln. Remember it's all about having a good time! You're already winners by qualifying for the Champs.

Well done to Pip and Jess B for riding at the BRC National Horse Trials Championship at Swalcliffe. Two great efforts at a very demanding competition.

And a big well done to our riders (Sarah S, Hannah, Ella, Jess B and Libby) at the Combined Challenge Qualifier held last Monday. Two top 10 finishes for Ella and an impressive 2nd place for Libby.

 

Charity Fun Show 2024

This is our next BIG club event and will be held on Sun 15th Sept at Topthorn. There are classes to suit all, with the emphasis on stress-free fun. Please do come if you can - we want lots and lots of competitors, plenty of spectators and some helpers. If you're not able to come, how about sponsoring a class? Every penny of profit will go to the  East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Full details are on WebCollect but if you have any queries contact Bex Kelly

 

Club Online Summer Dressage League

We're now into the final month of this summer league and the deadline is 28th September. Thanks to Jayne lending me her lovely Donny, I've been able to take part and can thoroughly recommend online dressage to those of you who've never tried it. No travelling, no dressing up, no spending hours washing and plaiting your horse, and if the test doesn't go well, you get as many chances as you want. And there are magnificent rosettes. What's not to like!

Huge thanks to Sarah for organising this.

 

Training.

Sat 7th Sept - jump training with Rachel Lee, at Crow's Hall.

Tues 10th Sept - flat & poles training with Anne Gayfer, at Topthorn.

Fri 20th Sept - jump training with Lucy Gooderham, at Suffolk Rural.

Sat 21st Sept - dressage clinic with Tammy Ruffles, at Crow's Hall.
Sun 29th Sept - mini member with Anne Gayfer, at Suffolk Rural.

Sun 29th Sept - jumping skills with Michael Paveley, at Suffolk Rural.

All training details are on WebCollect.

 

Area 14 Training.

Area 14 subsidises some training each year which is open to current Area 14 club members. On 2nd Nov Nicola Wilson and Simon Grieve will be coaching at Easton College. Details are on Area 14 Facebook or contact me if you don't do FB.

  

Club Camp 2024 at Forest Edge

 What a wonderful time was had - great fun, great food and most importantly, great friendship. Thanks to our skilled and supportive trainers, Jess and Rachel, we were able to offer lots of flexibility and there were many new achievements and smiling faces. 

Our next club camp will be 8-10th August 2025 and we'll send out information Feb/March. Try to be patient!

 

 Dates for your diary

Sept 15th - Charity Fun Show

Oct 13th - Autumn Dressage

Nov - Awards Evening & AGM

Dec - Christmas Gymkhana.

Every month - at least 5 training sessions 

 

Welfare and Safety

*In my last Chairman's Chat I wrote 'If you've forgotten the concept of Social Licence do look it up, we ignore it at our peril'. Since then has been the shocking video of one of our top dressage riders using totally unacceptable training methods. Condoning the actions or ignoring the incident is damaging to our Social Licence. If you have ideas about what GRS can do to actively demonstrate placing horse welfare central to our club and events, please get in touch.   

* Did you manage to have a look at 'The Charter for The Horse' that every main equestrian organisation has signed up to?

   The first pledge is Empathy. Recognising horses are intelligent and emotional beings, we always prioritise their mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing.

Empathy towards our horses is certainly a move away from some of the older, more traditional ways of viewing horses.

 

Bitesize BRC

As the BRC Handbook runs to some 180 pages, it was suggested that each Chairman's Chat highlights a rule that might apply to GRS members.

 A rider's arm should never be raised above the shoulder whilst using a whip.

 

Club Clothing

There's quite a range of GRS clothing and Bex is the person to contact if you're interested. 

 

GRS Committee 

Currently the GRS Committee is myself, Sarah Ahrens, Amanda Salmon, Bex Kelly, Katie Hull, Jill Baldwin, Jayne Ackland-Snow, Elaine Peasey and Rachel Snow. 

Do give us feedback or send suggestions about the club.

 

Wishing you happy and harmonious horse time,

Alison

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2023 AGM

Firstly, thank you to everyone who attended our AGM, as always it is a pleasure to see you, and without the pressure of getting ready for a class or wondering if our horses are behaving at the trailer/lorry.

Those who have been to a previous AGM will know the format by now, the meeting part followed by presentation of the awards, including the points league. Then everyone's favourite part, Fish & Chips and games. Who doesn't find a game of Horse-Beetle exciting, if not a little frantic!

For those who didn't attend, please find the minutes and Chairman's report HERE

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Those who attended will also be aware of the new points league we are trialling for 2024.

For those that weren't there, we now issue points cards for you to complete. The onus is now on yourself to collect and keep track of the points you earn. Points are only earned at GRS or BRC Area 14 events.

 Please print our a copy of the score card HERE and the scoring sheet HERE. Each points card is valid per horse, so if you have more than one horse, you will need more than one card.

Rules are shown on the League card, and should answer any questions you may have. If you do have any further questions, please contact Bex.

Please be reminded that cards MUST be signed on the day the relevant points are awarded, so make sure you take your card with you to every event you attend, even if you are helping.

Points make pretty frillies!

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***Helmingham 2022***

What an epic day!!!!

My news feed is full of photos of everyone’s gorgeous horses and ponies having fun and making memories at Helmingham.

I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw classes at a local show as big as they were today, full of pure quality. THANK YOU to everyone single competitor for supporting our event you were all amazing. So many comments about the fantastic atmosphere which is down to you guys, you help make it.

Our judges certainly earned their lunches today a tough job but they were all superb giving each person their time to shine.

The amazing team of not just the committee but members & non-members doing their bit and not forgetting every other family or friend who gets roped into helping out. It ran so smoothly today, team work makes the dream work!

We are so lucky to have also have a huge band of very generous and supportive sponsors who really do make a difference to us being able to put on the kind of show we do.

Everyone was kept well fed, photographed and had somewhere to spend their prize money and the first aid was on point too.

As always I cannot thank everyone enough, I do hope I caught most of you to personally say it but if not please know how grateful we are.

Till next year!!

Bex x

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If you didn’t get a chance to see and buy pictures on the day, they are available for viewing and purchase direct from the photographers website

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