SDRC REPORTS |
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Evening Theory Session - lateral work - 14 December by Tam Thornton Another fab theory session with Caron Roberts last night. Leading on nicely from our first session we moved onto ‘counter canter’. First going through the warm-up movements and understanding when the ‘box has been ticked’. Working in trot going large with 10mtr circles in each corner, tick the box. Then introducing shallow loops up the long side. We broke the whole movement down to make sure we knew when to tick the box. This included recognising the use of the aids we went through in the 1st session to ensure we had straight wither to poll at the right points of the movement. Tick the box. Then moving onto the canter, Schooling the right movements before attempting the counter canter. Again recognising when to move into counter canter. Using the warm-up to ensure you have the flexibility and the bend and transitions to get them back on their hocks. Up the long side then half 10m circle back to the track in counter canter. We went through rider position and common mistakes. We also looked at how getting this right will help with Prelim test movements and what to do to get back into counter canter if you lose it. We looked at different scenarios and then identified what to do when ‘pony does x, rider does y’. By the end of the session we had recapped everything and we were all able to shout the right answers instinctively rather than having a brain freeze and losing the moment. We all came away with plenty to play with, really looking forward to the next one. Thanks Caron. JUMPING CLINIC with Caron - 8 December by Lindsay Cook On a fairly blustery and wet day, 5 of us (Pamela, Kerry, Dee, Holly and I) attended the jumping clinic at Caron’s. With lots going on, deliveries and the weather banging and clattering all 5 horses warmed up nicely. We started with a combination of 3 jumps, with Caron’s good advice that if a jump doesn’t go as it should to re-address until its right, if it goes well – tick the box and move on! Five very different horses and riders but as usual Caron catered for all and spent the individual time with each of us. We swiftly moved on to another set of jumps with more questions, no messing around fillers straight in ( it was too windy to have them conveniently placed to the side). Last combination had a bigger question.......... filler on a shut me down turn, gave us all lots to think about but with a bit of help here and there everyone rose to the challenge. To finish Caron put it all together as a course for us, everyone did a great job. Clinics are great as you can learn so much from watching everyone else. Kerry’s horse is young so they were trotting into the jumps but picking up canter in between, by the end Kerry wasn’t far off cantering round it all. Dee’s horse is an ex-race horse, having been hunting a lot recently and flying hedges he had to adapt back to show jumping and with lots of hard work they did brilliantly. Pamela had been working hard with her boy after having recent physio he was looking so much more flexible and looked to be enjoying himself. Holly (Kerry’s daughter) did well she hadn’t had a jumping lesson for ages and put up with us oldies very happily! I was pleased with my boy the hard work over the summer with Caron’s support has paid off, even if he did get a bit cocky towards the end but can’t fault his enthusiasm. Well done to everyone, particularly Caron who braved the elements to teach us all. (13th December 2011) MIDWEEK FLATWORK CLINIC - 20 October 2011 by Ali Keen I’m a new SDRC member and I brought my horse, Archie, along to Caron’s clinic on 20th October. Five of us attended on horses ranging in experience and size, with Lynn’s horse being the biggest by far! This was my first clinic since I have been having lessons with Caron. It was a big step for Archie and I to be in the school with other people and I found it quite confusing at times with us all going in different directions. After warming up and Caron’s very clear explanation of what she wanted us to do, we started our lateral work in walk. Walking down the long side of the school, we had to ask our horses to bend to the outside and leg yield their hind quarters off the track to the inside. Archie and I found this rather difficult, particularly on the right rein but with Caron’s encouragement we gradually understood what we needed to do. Once she thought we all had the right idea Caron asked us to do the same in trot. I found this easier as we were moving forward faster but it was quite difficult as Archie was still quite wired so not really listening. Some members of the group found that their horses were rushing and others lacked sufficient impulsion so we all benefitted from Caron’s individual advice. Approaching the corner with outside bend rather than waiting to ask for this on the straight was a useful tip. Half-halts were introduced for those who rushed as well as some rein-back exercises. I really enjoyed the clinic and meeting other SDRC members. Caron’s advice and encouragement was so motivating and I was very pleased with what I achieved. MIDWEEK SJ CLINIC by Audrey Venables Well it was more like a semi private than a clinic as it was just Eleanor and I, so how lucky were we! Caron gave us the option of either polework or course jumping and we opted for polework. A SJ clinic were I didn’t have to leave the ground, perfect! Eleanor and I are like chalk and cheese when it comes to jumping, she is so positive and I’m a bit of a wimp. Our horses are also quite different. Eleanor has a 4yr old who is very ‘up for it’ and forward going but is unbalanced in canter and prefers to do things on her terms. My horse is in his late teens, he’s balanced and quite obedient and when we get it right he makes a nice shape over a jump, but he does like to have a good look, which doesn’t help my confidence. Caron started by explaining the difference between SJ training canter and competition canter. Then as we practiced over both sets of poles, which were spaced to accommodate the shorter training stride and longer competition stride, she got us to incorporate rein back and turn on the forehand, walk to canter transitions for me and leg yield and shoulder in for Eleanor. All this kept us very busy and gave the horses lots to think about. Very mentally stimulating for both horse and rider. I was a really enjoyable session with lots of information and we both came away with plenty of homework. QUIZ NIGHT by Eileen Devenish At the last minute a few friends from the yard and I decided to enter a team for the quiz night organized by Sally and Eleanor. We laughed on the journey to Castle Eaton, as no-one could remember who had won what, when, on which horse ect. so we decided to call ourselves “ Clueless” -as that was how we felt. Still, all in a good cause and out for a bit of fun we carried on. Six teams in all gathered at the hall with Eleanor as quiz master and Sally as chief scorer. The questions were varied and interesting and certainly strained the grey cells at times. The evening got louder and louder and poor Eleanor’s voice was put to the test. Sally held her own regarding the scoring. After two rounds we had a break when a lovely bread and cheese supper was supplied; this went down very well and replenished us ready for the second half. All the teams really enjoyed themselves and a special “well done” to the two dads who made up one team all on their own. We would also like to say a huge thank you to Sally and Eleanor for putting on such a good evening. RIDING THE HALF-HALT CLINIC by Sharon Henson Today (8 September 2011) I experienced my first riding club rally with my warmblood x tb chestnut mare Aero. On arriving I wasn’t sure how she was going to react as this is her first time out doing something like this, but she seemed to take everything in her stride and was quite relaxed about the whole thing. As soon as we parked the lorry Caron was on hand to tell us all where to go, we entered the arena walked around for a bit then Caron called us all into the middle asked us to briefly introduce ourselves and then explained to us what she wanted us to do. The rally was about understanding the half halt and what our driving and restraining aids are. My main problem that I have is that I don’t sit up tall enough I tend to tip forward although Aero is very responsive to my seat she does tend to bimble a long a bit instead of going forward. This was proved when Caron told us all to ride with Penguin Legs and Hands Free (anyone who has been taught by Caron know’s she uses great terminology that everyone can understand ). 'Penguin legs' basically refer to riding as a penguin would walk, and 'hands free' giving the reins up for a brief moment while performing the half halt just to see how responsive our horses were being to our aids. Everybody had different things that they needed to address and Caron was brilliant at assessing everyone on an individual basis. I really enjoyed myself found the rally very beneficial and everyone was very friendly, helpful and made myself and Aero very welcome. I am now raring to go and can’t wait till I can attend another Rally soon. Thank you every one. Sharon Henson and Aero Amy qualifies for Royal Windsor Challenge Amy Mawson and Bright Spirit have qualified for the retrained racehorse challenge final at Royal Windsor Horse Show next May by coming 2nd in the qualifier at Romsey Show. The horse that won the class was 2nd in the championship this year. On the same day they came 6th in the ROR show horse class, but unfortunately they could not attend the Royal Berkshire show as planned due to a field injury. SDRC Summer Camp at Caron Roberts Equestrian 
I thoroughly enjoyed the SDRC camp at Lanes Farm last Sunday. Fifteen of us attended and we were split into 3 well matched groups. Caron Roberts and Helen Marsden were our instructors who put in a lot of hard work and had planned a well thought out day to include, flatwork, jumping, theory, practical and a quiz. With the first session starting at 9am on a lovely morning, we were all keenly tacked up, mounted and ready to start ahead of schedule. Our group started the day with Helen in Caron’s newly surfaced spacious school, working on our flatwork. After introductions we were all put at ease and worked in open order. Helen gave us lots of individual help and support and soon got the measure of us all. Working with the emphasis on transitions we worked hard and all the horses went well and there was a visible improvement in each of us by the end of the session. Helen was very encouraging and helpful; we all went away with things to work on. We put our horses away for a well earned rest and a munch on a haynet, grabbed ourselves a much needed drink and homemade cake/biscuits which had been kindly donated by some of the members. Then into the classroom with headmistress Roberts (only jokingJ) who led our theory session on points to consider when buying a horse. This soon became a great group discussion with everyone chipping in with ideas and thoughts; it was a relaxed atmosphere and very thought provoking. Leading on from this Helen gave us a practical session on what to look for in conformation, with the help of Caron’s lovely young dressage horse. Who proved to be a model guinea pig and very patient whilst he was scrutinised. By then it was time for lunch and a good chance to mingle and get to know each other. After lunch our group got ready for our jumping session with Caron. Entering the field with trepidation there were many different options of jumps set up and we all became a little quiet! Caron explained we were going to jump a cross pole to start, then analyse and feedback on what we had done which would help us decide which jump we moved on to next. After our warm up we gathered round and tentatively gave our feedback after each turn, before long we found our voices and were actively offering comments on ourselves and each other. We were soon moving on to the next option of jump and improving each time, as Caron would say “tick the box and move on”. We all finished with smiles on our faces and very happy with what we achieved, each leaving with our individual homework. Caron has great flair to get you going and give you confidence, she is very encouraging and always very supportive, making you feel at ease and never compromises the safety and ability of you or your horse. Our last session was to complete our quiz on the theory and practical sessions. When all the groups had finished it was time for the quiz results, all 3 groups had tied with 100% so it was taken to a sudden death question. "What's another name for the shoulder blade?" Nic Davies was quick to answer 'scapula' and won a lesson for her group, well done to Group 2. It was a great day, the weather was kind to us and a good chance to spend a day with your horse and meet lovely new people with a common interest. Very many thanks to Caron and Helen for their hard work. I look forward to doing it again next year or sooner if the opportunity arises! There are a few snaps on Swindon Riding Club Group on Facebook. SDRC One Day Event Report 31 July 2011
“Congratulations to all those who organised the day - I competed and everything ran like clockwork, so thank you!” said thrilled new member, Rita West who completed with her horse Millie. Comments like this were welcomed by Tammy Thornton, the event organiser, and Caron Roberts, the club chair. They both worked tirelessly in the months, weeks and days leading up to the event. It was worth every minute as the supremely well organised day made for a fabulous, fun and friendly atmosphere for everyone. Held at Rabson Manor, by kind permission of George and Gill Horton, the event was a resounding success drawing over 160 riders to compete for great prizes sponsored by Rabson Manor, 1st Class Images, Caron Roberts Equestrian, The Old Dairy Saddlery, Ashley Feeds, and Countrywide. The beautifully built cross-country course starting with 2’3”-2’6” classes presented a great range of fences and gradually increased the questions asked, and while kind to horses in that only one section was timed, it rewarded accurate riding. The day got off to a cracking start with lively competition in the junior novice class from budding young event riders. Painted Runner flew round the cross-country course with Florrie Deasy adding nothing to their dressage score so they could not be caught by their rivals. Florrie has just started competing at BE level, so this was great experience for the combination to start going up the grades. Carol Wright and Rebels Kiss won the restricted novice with a well executed dressage test which kept them ahead of the opposition despite a few time penalties on the timed section of the cross-country. The restricted open over the 2’9-3’0” course, drew the largest entry of the day, but Mel Rowland’s dressage score on Gambit was good enough to win despite a few penalties in the show jumping arena. Mel has been competing at BE 90 on her 13-year-old gelding. The day culminated with a convincing win in the open section by What a Star, who certainly lived up to his name, ridden by Chloe Cardy-Stewart.
Our friendly photographer, Colin Baird at 1st Class Images captured all the action at the event. Visit the website to see all the jumping shots. The volunteers were so well looked after that they are already champing at the bit to help out next year. Caron Robert’s added “We could not have done it without you, so huge thanks to everyone!” Thank you to: Tam Thornton - Chief everything! Caron Roberts - Many things but chief SJ steward on the day David Graham - TD & chief XC steward & control on the day Linda Clow, Helen Marsden, Anna, Sam Rowland & writer, Rocky Massie - delightful dressage judges John H, Phil Newberry, Kerry Alexander & Janet Stares - Steward & Tack inspectors Jenny - Writer & catering Jackie Murphy - Secretary & writer Amber Dunham - Writer & XC gate/steward Wendy lapington - Writer & fence judge Louise Cattermole & Paul(Gibby) - SJ commentators Jo Durston - radio, sj scorer & timer Sue & Kerry Alexander - SJ steward / start Sam & Emma & Gibby - SJ arena party Toni Besley -Secretary Caroline Bell, Wez, Margaret & Ian Miles- Scorers (with special thanks to Ian and Margaret who did the most fantastic job scoring the xc penalties and Caroline for military precision and stoicism) James - Start & very smiley lorry parking (happy shirt too!) Jo Hadfield - Secretary Sue Foord & Lisa Hudson - XC starters Sally Humphries & Friend, Kim, Eleanor & Dave Newman, Christine Beavis and Karen Lucas, Jackie Lee & daughter, Amy Mawson & husband, Sharon Smith & Francis Stokesberry, Nikki Allen & Emily, Tammi Titcombe & Shelley Hoyland, Rachel Beechey, Amber Dunham, Danni Beach, Wendy Lappington - XC Jump judges Paul Thornton & Pete - Quad runners Mac (Tam's dad) for amazing bacon rolls and hot and cold running refreshments for all volunteers. Champion job! Jenny, Tiffany Lay, Jo Andreson, Anne Fletcher (thanks for the amazing quiche!!) - Refreshments SDRC ODE.. RESULTS available here.. Very many thanks to all our competitors and congratulations to our prize winners. Flatwork Clinic with Melanie Norris - 6 August 2011 Although slightly drizzly and damp those of us who were there had a brilliant flat work session and yes we worked very hard. We all came away with homework and positive practices to improve our horses and ourselves. We thoroughly enjoyed the day - even though we were all individually working on different areas of 'excellence' Mel really homed in on what the next step could be and should be so please can we book a few more clinics with Mel - we all really enjoyed them. Dressage clinic with Melanie Norris Last Saturday Oscar and I attended the Melanie Norris dressage clinic arranged through the club. Within 5 minutes Mel had Oscar and I nailed! Basically I do 90% of the work while he begrudgingly does 10%. So, the first exercise we did was one which would ensure he was off my leg and more engaged behind. We then went on to an exercise which focused on rider upper body position on circles. I had mentioned that transitions (especially trot-canter-trot) were my weakness and so Mel gave me some great pointers/exercises to take home to improve these. I found Mel to be a great teacher. She was very warm, approachable and had a good depth of knowledge. She achieves a good balance between explaining your faults but being encouraging and enabling you to correct any weaknesses. Overall, a thoroughly worthwhile clinic which I would highly recommend. Lydia Elks (20th June 2011) (23 June 2011) My first Rally Flatwork Lesson with Caron Roberts I joined Swindon District Riding Club a few weeks ago after entering a couple of showjumping classes at Carons, where I was approached and asked if I would be interested in joining the riding club. I quickly made an appointment with Caron once I received my free half hour and of course I topped the half hour up with £10 so that we could get to know each other better and Caron could assess my abilities. I started off explaining to Caron what I’ve been doing with my horse for the past 7 years which has involved a journey of natural horsemanship. My mentor lives in Texas and he only comes over to the UK a couple of times a year. I have been out to his foundation station twice. The first time to do a week’s foundation course and the second time to stay out there for a month where I took a colt starting course. I have been with him for about 6 years now and have restarted my horse Bob using his methods. Where does Caron come into this you may ask? Well my horse and I are now ready to start putting our foundation knowledge into improving our flatwork and jumping skills and I needed someone that would be sympathic to my beliefs. Look no further. After talking to Caron I found that we agreed on everything. It was amazing. I found Caron very open and honest and was spot on in everything she observed. I came away from the assessment with a few good tips to continue working on. We both agreed that we had clicked and finally I have found myself someone I can work with and ironically she only lives down the road from my yard. That’s a big difference from Texas! I was so impressed that I went home and found the next flatwork group lesson where Caron was teaching lateral work including turn on the forehand and leg yielding. I got there half an hour earlier so I could watch some of the first group lesson and get an idea of what was expected of me. When it was my turn for the group lesson I was joined by two other girls Lisa and Lyndsey. Lisa was having a lesson on foot as she had been up all night watching and waiting for her mare to foal and when she finally fell asleep she didn’t wake up earlier enough to get her horse ready for the lesson. So that left just myself and Lyndsey warming up in walk around the arena. Once warmed up Caron asked us to turn in where she started explaining the techniques for turning on the forehand. She kept it simple and was very clear in what she was saying. If I didn’t understand anything I felt comfortable enough with Caron to stop and ask her to explain it to me again. It took me a little while to get my brain engaged. The leg yielding was quite interesting as although I’ve done a lot of foundation work I have never learnt dressage moves and I found myself doing too much and over cooking it. Caron picked up on this straight away and said I was over complicating it. With that said I went off and got it right. I found the whole lesson really informative and my horse was lifting and going straight by the end of it. Lyndsey’s last leg yield was beautiful with the horse lifting and offering a nice frame. Fun had by all including Lisa on the ground, who was busy taking pictures. This was my first experience of meeting the girls from the riding club and it certainly won’t be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them and Caron is spot on with her observations. I have finally found someone that I can relate to and learn from. If any of you have any reservations of having rally lessons with Caron then please don’t. Not only do you learn loads but you meet really friendly people and have lots of fun. Sunday 22nd May – Dressage to Music clinic 3 with Janet Stares I am a new member to the riding club and as soon as I saw the event diary I was immediately drawn to the dressage to music. After attending the first session at Janet’s house I was even more determined to try it. I unfortunately had to attend the second session on foot as I had no transport but got as much out of it as the riders did I think. I began to meet some lovely people and they made me feel very welcome. Sunday was the final session when all the hard work was put together in a floor plan. As we entered the gates to Little Park, I was excited but also a little nervous, hoping that Obache would behave himself and that we wouldn’t show ourselves up. The indoor school was fabulous, if not a little scary, Obache took an instant dislike to the fillers in the corner but gradually plucked up the courage to go past them. I had studied my music beforehand hoping that I may remember where the music was due to change. A huge thank you must go to Janet Robinson for her hard work with the music. Janet Stares has a natural ability to put a plan together that suits the horse fantastically. Within my test I have four pieces of music I enter the arena to “Chariots of Fire” which is walk music and will catch people’s attention. Once I have saluted I continue in walk until my trot music comes in which is “The Entertainer”. This suits my horses pace perfectly and I can almost feel him dancing to it. Following this we move to canter to “Whistle while you work” before have a well-earned rest to a slow walk piece. No rest for the wicked though as we are straight back into canter on the other rein. The test finishes with the entertainer again where I have the opportunity to halt perfectly as the music comes to an abrupt end. I came out of the session absolutely shattered but also very happy with my test and especially with Obache who not only conquered his fear of the fillers, he revelled in the music and enjoyed himself as much as I did. I am now really looking forward to the competition on 18th June at Home farm. Sue Foord and Obache (18 June 2011) SDRC PUB RIDE 14TH MAY 2011 Seven club members met at Cunetio Riding on Saturday 14th May in the idyllic setting of the River Kennet water meadows in Mildenhall near Marlborough. We were then escorted on a days ride by Mick and Heather from Cunetio together with 3 of their regular riders. It was quite extraordinary that there were four spotty horses in our group. The ride was mostly off road and the scenery was stunning. We rode up high towards the Berkshire border not far from the ancient Ridgeway Path. After a few pipe openers we descended down into a valley and the village of Aldbourne in time for lunch. There on the village green we were met at the Blue Boar Pub by Fiona’s husband and his camera (thanks for the photo’s). We were served drinks and chips/sandwiches. By this point Jo had managed to dismount but we were wondering how she would get back on as she had hurt her back earlier that day. She did not hurt it bouncing down the lanes on her beautiful bay gelding who thought he was going hunting but by putting on her spurs that morning! She did manage to remount and I hope she had enough energy to dance at the Town Mayor’s Ball that evening? After our lunch and a good chat we remounted then left the village on a different route home. Again we climbed up and up to the area of Upper Upham and Snap Farm. We crossed the now disused cross country course at which point we all had to shield Fi’s horse from the inquisitive heifers that came over to see who was riding across their field. Ben was very brave and behaved very well considering he is absolutely petrified of cattle. Then we rode a short section of the Ridgeway and started to come down from the heights into Mildenhall. Every one commented on how much they enjoyed the trip out and how lovely the scenery was. Our thanks go to Heather and Mick from Cunetio for showing us their great riding country. Angela – Treasurer Fi Ambidge, Jo Rowe, Sally Humphries, Rachel Beechey, Anya Medlin and Sue Trussler. (21 May 2011) Very many thanks to Angela for organising this pub ride. Everyone had a great time and big beaming smiles on their faces, even if a little worn out! XC for First Timers @ Rabson Manor 21st April 2011 with Caron by Leah Wells On the evening of the 21st April, with butterflies in my stomach - a mix of excitement and nerves, I made my way to Rabson Manor. Not only was this my first Riding club clinic but also the first time my youngster, Maisey, would be faced with XC jumps. When I turned up I was impressed with the set up and the range of facilities. There were 5 of us in the group which ranged from first timers like Maisey and I to the more experienced wanting to build confidence for this event season. As Maisey hasnt been jumping for very long, my main objective was to teach her to respect the jumps because in the few jumping lessons that we have had she was starting to knock the poles down. Caron suggested that she jumped solid jumps to learn this respect, if she knocked her leg it would teach her to pick her feet up! It worked and the proof was in the pudding when we went for our next jumping lesson. We were introduced to some basic fences: logs, tyres, a step and water. Having not been in water before, Maisey was hesitant about going in but after a bit of gentle persuasion, and some help from another rider stood in the water on her pony to show Maisey that it was ok, she went in. Caron divided her time equally between us and we all left feeling we had achieved something. Maisey has not been the easiest of horses over the last year, I feel that thanks to Caron and the Riding Club these clinics are invaluable for bringing on and boosting confidence in young horses (and riders) and I would definitely recommend them to other riding club members! Roll on the next one........Leah (21 May 2011) Dressage to Music Workshop II by Margaret Miles On a bright sunny but windy afternoon we attended the 2nd Dressage to Music Workshop at Breach Lane near Wootton Bassett. Six riders and horses attended the two sessions with Janet Stares and Janet Robinson and not forgetting the two gorgeous dachshunds which I am sure would like to come and live with me, but I digress. The two Janet’s were brilliant and worked so hard all afternoon to make sure we had music to ride to which suited both the paces and individuality of the horses. I ride a very lively Andalusian called Min who has Prima Dona tendencies and likes to be noticed! We arrived early so we could watch the first session and were very impressed with what we saw and the music choices. Then it was our turn and here I must add that I have no musical talent whatsoever I know what I like but when it comes to beats and picking up the rhythm I am lost, and of course Min got a little tense and anxious so it made the Janet’s job much harder. The other riders got going much quicker and it was great to watch and learn, they made it seem easy. After lots of changes of music and Min deciding that maybe she could trot and canter without making a drama of it Janet came up with some music which suited her!! By the end of the session we had music to walk trot and canter to. The music for our trot work is Surrey with the Fringe on Top from the musical Oklahoma, for the walk we are using March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland which is an operetta and for canter Whistling Rufus which is Ragtime. We are looking forward to the next session when we are going to learn how to put a floor plan to the music. (21 May 2011) Thank you Margaret, it sounds like great fun! DTM Workshop I As a result of the members ideas at the AGM, 13 people and 2 dogs squeezed into my sitting room on a sunny Sunday afternoon to explain what's involved in doing Dressage to Music. The objective was to go through the rules (the boring bit!), then explain what is involved in picking the music (the hard bit!), putting the compilation together (the even harder bit!) and how to put together a good floorplan (the easy bit!). After going through the basic principles and rules, Janet Robinson used a video of various horses to explain how you work out a horse's tempo for each pace, then good and bad music. She then had some complete tests to show the use of movements to show off the horse from a young and very novice Molly to the great and the good, who can still make big mistakes in music choices! Everyone agreed that it was choosing the music that was the most daunting thing, but the next workshop will enable people to try their own or some of the music that we have collected and Janet has kindly agreed to put together compilations for people if they want her to. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and there were plenty of questions at the end. The good thing was that I don't think that we put anyone off, a couple even want to go to the BRC regional competition this year which will be great as I'll have some company!! (19 April 2011) New member at our mid-week flatwork clinic - 14th April 2011 Having saved for months to buy my lorry ( shared with Sharon Henson), I now have transport and am raring to go. Booked a days holiday from work, popped Rosie in her new chariot and set off to my first Swindon Riding Club flatwork session. Having previously had lessons with Caron I pretty much knew what to expect and battened down the hatches accordingly !. I didn't however know how Rosie would react in the company of others and how we would fit in. There were five of us in the session, all with very different horses and issues - Caron definitely has eyes in the back of her head, we all received individual and equal attention and of course there was nowhere to hide!. The objective of the session was "on the aids", with many of us allowing our horses to be slow off the leg or not listening to our commands this session as geared to improving the reaction of our horses to the aids given. With lots of transitions firstly walk/halt/walk , working to walk/trot/walk and then canter/trot/canter, each transition being executed with accuracy and timely response from our horses. I am sure we are all guilty at some point of saying, oh that will do instead of expecting and demanding a better and quicker response to our aids. The session certainly improved the way I rode and my horse's response. I am far more aware of how I use my upper body and being more disciplined in what I will accept from Rosie particularly in canter transitions. An excellent group session both Rosie and I benefitted hugely and have put our names down for the next session. Everybody was very friendly and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these sessions to others, I have also filled in my membership form and look forward to attending lots more with SDRC. Louise Cattermole (19 April 2011, update 2 May 2011) My First Riding Club Clinic by new member Dee Western How did it go asked my husband as I walked into the kitchen grinning like a semi-demented Cheshire cat -his words not mine! "Great!" I replied and it was. I am a new member to the Riding Club. I used to ride competively but for the past 14 years I have concentrated on my children. I hunt regularly and still have the odd horse ticking over. My horse on this occasion was a lovely, big bay thoroughbred, who arrived with me last summer having not been ridden for 9 months and carrying a lot of baggage. I arrived at Lanes Farm in plenty of time for the start of the clinic. This is always good practise and a courtesy to your instructor and other members of the class. On this occasion it turned out to be a necessity as I embarked on a conversation with David on the merits of my old Bedford TK! There were five of us in the class. We made our way into the arena where Caron was waiting, except that is, for Toni, who in Caron's words was "fannying around!" Goodness I thought, I hope they are friends! We started the session by introducing ourselves and with Caron reminding us all of the rules of riding in an arena with others. We then rode off to warm up and to give Caron time to assess us. In these 10 minutes we were being closely watched. Caron noticing the smallest thing, making helpful comments or raising her voice when necessary. There was no favouritism, we were all treated the same, with noticeable improvements when we did as we were told. After an initial assessment, we gathered to have a chat and then we divided off to go and work on areas that needed improving. This was also the time we had the famous "Marmite" speech! By the end of the session I was buzzing. My horse had gone well, I had enjoyed myself and met some great people. Riding in a group is helpful, as we all make the same mistakes and you can see, as well as feel, what happens when you get things right. Our class was mixed. We were all at different stages, on completely different horses, but we were all catered for. The clinics are not just about riding in teams or being a competitive superstar, they are about having fun, improving your technique, gaining in confidence and forging new friendships. I would recommend them to anyone. A number of us have got together since and booked shared lessons according to our, or our horses' capability. And for those of you who don't know about the Marmite speech, I suggest that you come along and find out! 12 April 2011 Mrs Marmite (Caron Roberts) has not lost her touch For those who do not know I have been supporting our club, as club secretary, on foot for the past year due to my beloved Mannington having an unresolved lameness. I am now back on board with my new partner Bowood Top Cat (TC to his friends), whilst Mannington enjoys early retirement back home, both TC and I are looking forward to our new journey together. Last Saturday we attended our second flatwork clinic this year with Caron Roberts at Lanes Farm Equestrian Centre and even though it’s been a while there are certainly a number of new faces but the enjoyment and tuition of the clinics have not changed a bit. When I say this I mean they are not only hugely informative very social too, as I am sure you all agree our horsey activities are a big part of our social activity and when you are not riding you seem to miss out on this. Even though there were four combinations, all at different levels, we all had a fabulous time and it felt to us all like we were getting a one to one lesson from Caron as she was advising us all as individuals as she always does (I am convinced she has eyes on her backside!). Anyway the theme of the clinic was “Leg to hand” this is where you try to engage your horse to push from behind into the contact/hands……Caron also advised on using the half halt within and during transitions to help gain and maintain the back to front action. When this is achieved the horse should feel rounded through its back and relaxed into the bit. At the start of the clinic TC was a bit excited to say the least (he has not got to grips with other horses whizzing around him yet; he was not listening to my aids, as he was more interested in what was going on around him, and was very heavy in my hands. Mrs Marmite came to the rescue……she had us continuously doing upward and downward transitions in order to keep TC attentive and engaged and unable to hang into my hands. At the end of the session we were all presenting a much better picture than when we started and had huge smiles on our faces as well as being puffed out! We am now eagerly looking forward to the next one ........ Toni Besley & TC 24 March 2011 ARENA X-COUNTRY TRAINING WITH CARON ROBERTS Today I attended (as unpaid groom & driver of transport) the arena x-country training that was held at Caron's with my daughter Lucie. Caron held three small groups throughout the afternoon catering for all abilities. The group my daughter attended had a mix of riders on either their own horses or borrowed ones, for those that have horses laid up with injuries, so not all had a long term knowledge of how their horse would react. The jumps comprised of corners, angles, simulated ditches and a multitude of simulated trees sprouting up in odd places, (also known as jump wings). All these were made out of simple show jump poles with the odd barrel thrown in. It made me think how I usually walk courses with Lucie, "over that one turn left, up the hill, steady a little, over that one & so on". NOT ANY MORE! Now I see it from a course designers view and the technical tricks they use to separate the men from the boys. The jumps were not huge but the skill used to ride them correctly was impressive. Each rider improved with the expert tuition from Caron, I think everybody came away with a new perspective on riding x-country. I felt it was work that everyone could take home and learn from without having to have expensive equipment or facilities. I look forward to more of these sessions and may even bring my own horse next time, (now I know that height is not the issue). Even if you never compete, it will give you an understanding of the technical ability and quick thinking of the event riders next time we all walk the course at Badminton or Blenheim. -- Sally Humphries. 27 February 2011 |
SWINDON & DISTRICT
RIDING CLUB
Affiliated to the
British Horse Society
based near Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire
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Did you see our event report in the September Ridgeway Rider magazine? Do you recognise the 'Cheshire Cat' on the cover? Its our very own Dee Western riding Kinneagh Flyer. Our cover girl said "52 yrs old, first event for 14 yrs and I make the front page! I do have the most wonderful horse though!"
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