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Chairman's Chat - April

 

 Hurrah!! The clocks have changed. Horsecare will get a bit easier.

 

Area 14 and National Championships.

At the Introductory and Dressage to Music Championships, Bury Farm 8-10th March, our GRS riders were Elaine, Amber, Kerry, Maria, Brooke, Florrie, Freya, Jess B, Hannah and Sarah S. As always lots of stories and some really super riding, with rosettes for Jess B, Brooke, Florrie and Freya.

Upcoming Champs: this weekend we have the Novice Winter Championships at Arena UK 6-7th April and the Intermediate Winter Championships also at Arena UK on 27-28th April. Best of luck to Maria, Megan D, Jess B, Emma F and Megan N for this weekend and Megan N, Brooke, Jess B, Megan D, Charlotte S, Emma N, Emma F and Freya at the end of the month. Have a great time and enjoy yourselves!!

The Area 14 Intermediate Dressage Qualifier was run on line by our wonderful Sarah, assisted by our equally wonderful Jill,  and we had three teams taking part. The Gems were placed 7th, the Jewels 8th and the Crystals 10th. Megan D, Sarah S and Caroline S all achieved top 6 placings and there were many good results from the other riders, too. Well done ladies!

 

Area 14 Training

You may well see Area 14 Training advertised on FaceBook. There are usually about four sessions a year and different clubs arrange them, often with a well known rider or trainer- the last one was with Jonty Evans. These opportunities are open to all current members, not just the 'best riders'. Don't think you and your horse aren't good enough!

 

Club Competition - Online Groundwork Skills

The closing date for this is rapidly approaching, Sun 7th April. Are you busy practising? You certainly won't be disappointed with your rosette, they're magnificient!

It is only for members and being inhand means that it's suitable for a wide range of horses & ponies. There are 10 activities and three levels of achievement - Gold, Silver & Bronze. All the details are on WebCollect. 

 

Spring Dressage at Crow's Hall, Sunday 14th April.

 Entries for our Spring Dressage have been flooding in and it's looking like a busy day. I do hope you'll be able to join us; whether as a competitor, spectator or helper. If you're coming and are able to bring a contribution for our Refreshments Table, that'd be very much appreciated.

 

Training.

Tues 9th Apr - jumping with Lucy Gooderham, at Topthorn

Sat 13th Apr - flatwork clinic (and opportunity to practice for the next day's dressage competition) with Tammy Ruffles, at Crow's Hall.  

Fri 19th Apr - flat & poles with Anne Gayfer, at Suffolk Rural.

Sat 20th Apr - jump training with Rachel Lee, at Crow's Hall. 

Sat 27th Apr - mini member with Anne Gayfer, at Suffolk Rural.

Sat 27th Apr - 'Athletic poles and jumping' with Michael Paveley, at Suffolk Rural.

All details are on WebCollect. 

 

I've had an enquiry about mid week training, possibly to include coffee and cake. Please get in touch if this is something you'd be interested in.

 

Club Constitution

Over the last two years the committee has looked at the constitution and shared it's findings at the AGM. With considerable help from Sarah and Kate we now have the new constitution to share with you at an EGM to be held on Sunday 21st April at 8pm, via Zoom. Within the next week I'll email it to all current adult members, along with details of how to join the EGM should you wish to.

 

Club Camp 20th-22nd July at Forest Edge - update

Bookings for training places have closed and there'll be sixteen horses and riders working with the same two trainers (Jess & Rachel) as last year. There is still room for some more 'hackers' but as the camp WebCollect is currently closed, you'll need to speak to myself, Jill, Amanda or Elaine first. 

Final payments will be due at the end of May.

 

Membership

Our current membership is 95. Welcome to all of you who've joined in the last month, particularly if you're a first timer with GRS!

 

Club Points

Hurrah, we've been signing some Points Cards/Sheets! We really do want to reward your participation in club events. A top tip seems to be keep the Points Card with your horse's passport and then it'll be with you at events.

 

 Dates for your diary

May 11th - Helmingham Show

May 18th - Dressage Test Riding Clinic, with Dena Green at Crow's Hall

June 8th - xc training

June 14th & 28th - Summer Jumping Competitions

July 20/21/22 - Club Camp

Sept 15th - Charity Fun Show

Oct - Autumn Dressage, Quiz Night

Nov - Awards Evening & AGM

Dec - Christmas Gymkhana.

Every month - 4 training sessions (with the possibility further ones from Michael Paveley and Tammy Ruffles)

We'd also like to arrange another talk by Bridget Colston and a Pleasure Ride.

 

Welfare and Safety

*Do you know how heavy your saddle is? I didn't last month but I do now - just under 10kgs. I now need to do some maths to see if Buddy is carrying 20% of his weight when me and the saddle are on him.

*Have you looked at the Horse i App ?

 

Let's Share

 I mentioned 'wormer resistance' last month. Is it a concept you're familiar with? If not, do have a look at Westgate Labs website. (I'm sure there'll be other sources of good information so let me know and I'll share them in the next CC.)

 

Special Mentions

* CC for riding her horse so tactfully and helping it become so much more confident

* every rider and horse at Suffolk Rural on 24th March. Sharing the venue with 2500 visitors was a bit overwhelming!

 

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 use of the whip must be for an appropriate reason, at an appropriate time, on the correct area of the horse and with the appropriate level of response. (I'll add further detail over the next few months)

 

Club Clothing

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

 

GRS Committee 

The GRS Committee is myself, Sarah Ahrens, Amanda Salmon, Bex Kelly, Katie Hull, Jill Baldwin, Jayne Ackland-Snow, Elaine Peasey and Rachel Snow. However, we've always got room for extra committee members........ and if you think you might like to join us, do join one of our Zoom meetings to see what happens..

 

Happy riding,

Alison

Chairman's Chat - March

 

 Please hurry up Spring and send us dry weather to go with the daffodils and lighter nights.

 

Area 14

There haven't been any qualifiers, we're into National Champs time.

First up is the Introductory and Dressage to Music Championships at Bury Farm. And so next weekend, 8-10th March, is looking like party weekend for Elaine, Amber, Kerry, Maria, Brooke, Florrie, Freya, Jess B, Hannah and Sarah S. Have fun everyone and enjoy the experience. There's an open invitation for supporters to join them.  

 

Club Competition - Online Groundwork Skills

This is a members only challenge and being inhand means that it's suitable for a wide range of horses & ponies inc. lame, retired, 5*eventers etc. There are 10 activities and three levels of achievement - Gold, Silver & Bronze. Practising before submitting your WhatsApp, by Sun7thApril, is highly encouraged. All the details will be on WebCollect by the end of the week.

 

Spring Dressage at Crow's Hall, Sunday 14th April.

This competition is open to members and non-members, and is a well established event in the GRS calendar. Entries have opened and there are currently spaces in all classes, including the Prix Caprilli which I'm personally looking forward to watching. It is always an enjoyable day out and it would be lovely to have you join us either as a competitor, helper or spectator. If you're coming and are able to bring a contribution for our Refreshments Table, that'd be very much appreciated.

  

Club Online Dressage League

Scores for the February tests are in and this month's special congratulations go to Brooke, Kate, Megan N, Ella, Bex, Jayne and The Mane S'Quad. 

So what about the league results? Team - 1st The Mane S'Quad, 2nd The Half Pass-ables, 3rd The Half Passed-its, 4th Stowupland All Stars. Seniors - 1st Ella, 2nd Sarah L, 3rd Kate, 4th Kathy, 5th Bex, 6th Katie, 7th Claire, 8th Kerry, 9th Sarah L, 10th Julia. Juniors - 1st Megan N, 2nd Brooke (Woody), 3rd Isabella, 4th Jess B, 5th Emma N, 6th Florrie (Miller), 7th Florrie (Teddy), 8th Brooke (Jade). And the winner of the session with Sophie Fairhurst is Claire. Very kindly, Sophie has offered 10% off for anyone who entered.

Huge thanks go to Sarah for organising this and helping people stay motivated during such difficult winter weather conditions. Please post pics of your horses adorned with sashes and frillies.

Would we like a summer league? Yes, please!

 

Club Camp 20th-22nd July at Forest Edge

 Details are on WebCollect and there's priority booking for members until 10th Mar. After that it's open to non-members until 20th March. At that point, we'd like to close bookings and start planning the details. Plan A is to have no more than 16 people doing the training option. However, if you miss getting a training place but would really like one, contact Jill, Amanda, Elaine or myself and we'll look into Plan B which getting a third trainer. If you've never been to a camp before you might have lots of questions, so that's another reason to get in touch!

 

Membership

As I write membership stands at 89, which is strong for this time of year. I know that several of you practice equine hibernation during the cold, dark months and I can completely understand why!  

Most people are finding the new system using Sport:80 manageable but if you're yet to renew and are not sure what to do try following the link on the front page of WebCollect. If you have problems, contact me or another committee member. 

 

Training.

Sat 9th Mar -  jump training with Rachel Lee, at Crow's Hall. 

Tues 12th Mar - flat & poles with Anne Gayfer, at Topthorn,

Sun 17th Mar - flatwork clinic with Tammy Ruffles, at Crow's Hall.

Fri 22nd Mar - jump training with Lucy Gooderham, at Suffolk Rural.

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

Sun 24th Mar - 'Accurate XC jumping' with Michael Paveley, at Suffolk Rural.

All details are on WebCollect. 

 

I've had an enquiry about mid week training, possibly to include coffee and cake. Please get in touch if this is something you'd be interested in.

 

Club Points

We are not signing many Points Cards. Do bring your card to every club activity you attend and have your participation rewarded. There will be magnificent rosettes and trophies given out during November's AGM. If you're not sure what to do have a look on the website- it's very straightforward. A top tip seems to be keep the Points Card with your horse's passport and then it'll be with you at events.

 

GRS Committee Meeting

The GRS Committee is myself, Sarah Ahrens, Amanda Salmon, Bex Kelly, Katie Hull, Jill Baldwin, Jayne Ackland-Snow, Elaine Peasey and Rachel Snow. However, we've always got room for extra committee members........ and if you think you might like to join us, do join one of our Zoom meetings to see what happens..

 

 Dates for your diary

April 14th - Spring Dressage

May 11th - Helmingham Show

June 8th - xc training, 14th & 28th Summer Jumping Competitions

July 20/21/22 - Club Camp

Sept 15th - Charity Fun Show

Oct - Autumn Dressage, Quiz Night

Nov - Awards Evening & AGM

Dec - Christmas Gymkhana.

Every month - 4 training sessions (with the possibility further ones from Michael Paveley and Tammy Ruffles)

We'd also like to arrange another talk by Bridget Colston and a Pleasure Ride.

 

Welfare and Safety

*Do you know how heavy your saddle is? (I don't but it's on my To Do List, as knowing what weight Buddy is carrying is part of keeping him fit and sound; even more important in light of his risk of laminitis) 

*Reminder - if you've had any type of accident or near miss please do record it on the Horse i App.

*Body protectors for Area 14 / BRC (or Pony Club or BE) jumping competitions need to be a 2018 standard, which is a blue and black label. Have you checked yours if you intend competing?

 

Let's Share

 Have you come across the term 'wormer resistance'? It will affect us all - more next Chairman's Chat.

And have you come across horses carrying 20% of their weight may be having their welfare compromised? A complex issue with many variables that we're likely to return to in the future.

 

Special Mentions

* MN for being the top scorer in the online dressage league. Every score was 70+%. A result to be proud of!

* Nigel for keeping Ella above him and scoring so well.

* CS & PD for such huge smiles during training

 

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.

 Would your bit be allowed in BRC dressage competitions? BRC follow BD bit rules, so have a look in their handbook.

 

Club Clothing

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

Happy riding,

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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