Torfaen Riding Club Newsletter

The latest edition is available in pdf format for you to download now. See above.

Contributions  from members would be welcome and should be sent to Yvonne Balakrishnan.

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Torfaen Riding Club Newsletter

Spring 2009 

Welcome

March decided to pounce on me with all its beastly nastiness as I was having instruction on my pony Pelo recently.  It was all sunshine and smiles whilst I tacked up and again when I was lungeing Pelo.  But, when my instructor had arrived and I was well into my lesson it started to spit spitefully at us!  It got a whole lot worse after that - with a roaoing blast of cold wet wind in our faces and a severe battering from storm sized raindrops, the savage attacked with all its ferocity. It was extremely untimely to say the least and we soon had to beat a swift retreat with our tails between our legs leaving the march lion to hunt for other prey.

This is by way of a preamble as I really want to say that I hopeMarch goes out like a lamb and we can look forward to the exciting and varied activitis the club has planned for the coming season.

Yvonne

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A Word From The Chair

At the start of a new season, we look forward with renewed enthususiasm, excitment and vigour to a programme packed with opportunities to engage in a variety of equine disciplines - Gymkhana games, show jumping, dressage and cross country and also to enjoy the friendship and support the club can offer,

I am proud of the achievements of club members who managed to represent the club last year at British Riding Club events and others competing at the British Championships.  It's a joy to witness young people achieve the success that their dedication and enthusiasm deserves.  It also made me proud to see our club's superbly entertaining demonstartion of their riding skills at the Trevethin carnival last year.. Their obvious enjoyment was contagious and showed how much fun riding can be.  It also raised much needed funds for the club so I am doubly appreciative of their efforts.

We were able to offer some training and development throughout the year incliding a successful stable management course.

The Ypouth Committee have had a very successful and busy year and proved to be a very valuable asset to the club.  They added an extra dimension to club activities and they inject their own special brand of fun and mischief!

I am resisting the temptation to nam all the people I know who contribute one hundred an ten per cent to make things extra special as there are so many of you so I will express my sincere thanks to all of you for your contributions.

Mark

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Calendar of Club Activities

March Sun 29th    Open Day at the club field (members only) 11.00 am

April   Wed 1st   Club Field open 6.00 - 8.00

 (from this date the field will be open every ev Wed evening, weather permitting). Note : some Wed nights are for rallies only and start at 5.00 till 8.00 pm. Check the calendar entries below for information.

April Wed 15th   Club Field Dressage Rally 5.00 - 8.00 pm.

April Sun 26th   Cross Country Rally Club Field 11.00 am.

May Mon 4th    TRC Open Bank Holiday Show

May Sun 17th Dressage Rally 11.00 am

May Mon 25th TRC Open Bank Holiday Show

May Wed 27th Gymkhana rally 5.00 - 8.00 pm.

June   Sun 7th Show jumping Rally 11.00 am

June Sun 28th TRC Open Show

July Sun 19th Gymkhana rally 11.00 am

July Sun 26th TRC Open Show

Aug Summer Camp - date to be decided

Aug Sun 16th TRC Open Show

Aug Wed 19th Show Jumping Rally at the Club field 5.00 - 8.00 pm

Sept Sun 6th Cross Country Rally 11.00 am.

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INFORMATION

OPEN DAY Sun 29th March, for 11.00 am.

This is an opportunity for new members to meet established members and the committee and to see what the club has to offer. Activities will include Show jumping, Gymkhana, Flat work and Cross Country.

Wednesday Club Nights

From the ist April the club field will be open every Wednesday evening 6.00 - 8.00 pm.members only. £!.50 per rider.  Activities will vary - see calendar above for details.

Body protecetors MUST be worn at all times on the Cross Country Course.

Riding hats and boots9Not Wellies) must be worn when riding.

Long sleeved tops recommended for better protection.

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BRITISH RIDING CLUBS AREA 15

Sun 12th July, Horse Trials Qualifier, One Day Event. Fressage/Jumping/XC at Howick Farm, Howick, Nr Chepstow. - contact Vicky.

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David Broome's Event Centre

June 19th - 21st Summer Show

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Other Dates

May 10th Smuggler Run Show

May 23rd Pontypool Show

June 14th Llangibby Pony Show

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   PONTYPOOL HORSE SHOW

23RD MAY

PONTYPOOL PARK

Volunteers wanted for stewarding and helping on the day.  If you are interested  : Contact Sara on 07599132785 or Sian on 07773510876

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SPOSORED FUN RIDE

26TH APRIL FROM THE OLD DOUBLE D TREKKING CENTRE, PANTSIDE MOORS, NEWBRIDGE TO THE LAMB INN PUB

IN AID OF THE DUCHENNE -MYSCULAR DYSTROPHY

starts at 12 o clock sharp

refreshments and a rosette for all participants

sponsor forms available tel 07807-034152 or 01633-863985

or at your local feed store.

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FACEBOOK

We now have 63 members - it is interactive, informative and great fun.

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THANK YOU

from Risca Riding Club to Torfaen riding Club for lending jumps and helping at the last show.

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Quiz

How many teeth do horses have? a) 20  b) 32  c) 44  d) 58

How long from mating to birth does it take for a foal to be born? a) 10 months b)11mnths c) one year  d) 18mnths.

How high is a hand? a) 2ins  b) 3ins  c) 4ins  d) 5 ins

What is the maximum number of a hands a pony can be ? a)8 b) 10 c)12 d) 14

What is the fountain head of the world's horse breeds? a) Barb b) Saddlebred c) Friesian d) Arabian

What is a horse's hooves made of? a) protein b) Keratin c) macking d) calcium

*****

CONTRIBUTIONS

If you would like to contribute to the newsletter by writing an artical, or would like to share some news or information or put a notice in then please to Yvonne  on yvonne@balan-sports.co.uk or phone on 07786071747.

the next issue will go out in June, closing date 1st June.

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TORFAEN RIDING CLUB

NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2008 TO FOLLOW !!!

 

 

Autumn 2008

 

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Despite the dismal summer and the difficulty of keeping our horses and ponies fit for competition, I was very delighted to hear about the success of our BRC representatives this year. I must offer many congratulations to both the juniors and the seniors who took part.

The last Open Show was a resounding success and it was such a pity that the other events had to be cancelled. Hopefully, autumn will be kinder .

A very busy home life has left me with many balls in the air this year so I have missed the excitement of seeing you all, .although I have been keeping a close eye on you via the eyes and ears of others. We have a thriving club ,and through it ,very many lovely friends.

I am constantly impressed by the hard work that the committee put in, not just on the club field but off it. They search for extra funding grants, helpful contacts and ways of 'opening doors' to improve the club. This raises awareness of the club and its work in the minds of 'The powers that be' and the general public alike: how the club benefits the community and how owning horses cultivates a sense of responsibility in young people and how much fun and enjoyment horses can give us. In turn,,the club can only benefit from an appreciation of what it does. To all of you who contribute to achieve all this -WELL DONE!

Marie Sian Davies

 

ATTENTION PLEASE FOR OUR CHAIRMAN

It has been a great pleasure for me again this year to see the club go from strength to strength and witness how yesterday's leading rein riders become confident juniors and then go on to represent the club at BRC and Community Events. These are reported elsewhere in the newsletter but I must say "Well done" to Olivia Thatcher and Kath Price for flying the Flag for TRC. Olivia also had a successful weekend at The Championships of GB at Broom s winning a Bronze medal. We must not underestimate the achievements of our representatives at this level. In addition I must mention the outstanding contribution of the group which demonstrated their skills at the Trevethin Fete this summer. The riding to music was truly spectacular, someone said ,"Brought tears to my eyes. It was so lovely."

It is with great sadness that I must report the death of one of our members. Dorothy Page had been a member for many years and will always be remembered as a keen rider who came to the Wednesday Club Night on her beloved horse "Dan". She enjoyed being part of the proceedings and loved the hack back to her yard at Llantarnam . On the weekend she would arrange rides for the people on her yard and look after the young riders in her care. Laura mcHagan, Hannah Jeffries, Sue and Nicole Lumley and Bobby will always remember the times hacking out with Dorothy. She was kind , caring and considerate and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Stan and the family.

The AGM is upon us once more and we also look forward to the annual Awards evening. Both are very important so please make a note of the dates and be there.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee for all their help throughout the year and to Yvonne for the Newsletter.

Keep riding. training and ENJOY.

 

Flavour of the Day - Representing the Club at a BRC Event by Sian Warman

 

It was perfect weather, not too hot and not too cold for competing. I had travelled up early on the Sunday with Ffion and Dave Francombe. A very nice little detour through the town of Ledbury meant that we very little time to get ready. We caught up with the rest of the team in the lovely setting of the orchard.

The first discipline was the Dressage which was a real first for many of us! Ffion was to start followed by Charlotte Price, Lizzy Barber and then Eleri John. Ffion and Shai performed a very tidy test scoring a respectable 38 points. The rest of the team were also up in the 30s with Lizzy scoring 40!

That over, I walked the cross country course with Cath Price, the only senior member , and Charlotte and Ffion. whose faces got paler and paler as we progressed . We offered them lots of encouragement and reassurance.

It was then time to change and walk the show jumping course. The clock was ticking and there was very little time but thanks to some careful preparation before leaving home everything was to hand and we emerged perfectly equipped and ready.

I just had time to watch Ffion who went round beautifully but much to our dismay knocked one down. A quick change into colours and scull caps and a change of tack and we were off again. Ffion set off looking a little pale and Dave and I watched with our hearts in our mouths. Before we knew it. She was on her way home wearing the biggest grin humanly possible despite nearly taking a fall at the water.

It was Lizzy's turn next. Nervously watching from the hill Lizzy's Mum looked far from well. Lizzy was doing very well, getting over the jumps - then she disappeared out of site to the zig zag. Todd didn't like this at all and she reluctantly had to retire.

It had been a very full and exciting day. How proud I was of all of them! A big "Well Done" to the youngest team there!

 What a Splash!!

It wasn't raining. One of the few sunny days this summer, but nevertheless, several horses and riders got wet when they met at St Peter's Church, Henllys. They came for a blessing and they certainly were blessed with sunshine, great company and plenty of fun as they went off riding over the wonderful countryside around Henllys. Reverend Susan Johnson led the gathering in prayers and in the singing of favourite hymns including the very appropriate "All creatures of our God and King". We all loved that - especially us four legged creatures!!

Ughhh!! What ever was that for Reverend Susan? Just as we were lulled into a dreamy sense of contentment you lunge at us with that weapon. What is it? The blessing you say? Holy water? But its WET!!!

Alice,Toby,Ed and Jack ( We also took Elis, Lucy, Jennifer and Katrina with us.)

  

Can you add to this list? Please Email to me for the next newsletter at vonnebala@hotmail.com

 

You are a horseperson if: 

You have favouirite wheelbarrows,shovels and pitchforks.

Your boots and hats are not a fashion statement.

Your horse's stall is cleaner than your room.

 

REPORTS

Cancellations! Cancellations! Cancellations! The Rodeo Bull was really disappointed! He was so looking forward to our Summer camp. Wow! He would have given our bucking broncos something to think about!

 

Summer Camp, Open Show, Jumpimg Rally - all cancelled.

An Indian Summer may just be on its way so make the most of it if it comes. Wednesday evenings will still open from 5.00 pm.

June Open Show

This was a roaring success and some of members wrote in to say how great it was. "They are getting better and better" said one." Fabulous quality rosettes and medals"

"Committee members and helpers are doing a great job. We musn't take all their hard work and commitment for granted."

The National Championships of Great Britain

Well done to Olivia Thatcher who won a Bronze Medal on Mr Kipling at this prestigious event. Well done too to all those who took part . There were many clear rounds and placings.

Show Jumping and Equitation - Allensmore

Really glowing report.

Olivia Thatcher on Mr Kipling - WINNER of the overall individual show jumping. Three clear rounds and the fastest time! Qualified to go to the finals in Lincolnshire.

Senior Team - Julie Kowalewski, Chris Evans, Tracey Price and Cath Price came 4^{th .}

Cath Price on Macy Gray came 4th overall individual in Equitation.Well done!

OPEN Dressage Qualifier Show -Hosted by Wye Valley Riding Club at Chepstow Racecourse Sunday 6th July

 

Cath Price on Macy Gray competed in two events ; came 4th in Prlim 14 Test and 1st in Riding Test 6. As a result they qualified for the National Championships on 6th/7th September in Lincolnshire. They must be congratulated for a really good showing there and for representing TRC. We are very proud of them.

Novice Show Jumping at Sunnybank E.C 

Well done to Kirsty Brann who won the 2'3" on Sept 14th.

Achievement of Other Kinds 

Congratulations to Justine on the birth of her baby.

Congratulations to Katie Gates who qualified in fencebuilding and will go to Olympia.

Apologies for any omissions. Please submit any reports for the newsletter to Yvonne by email on vonnebala@hotmail.co.uk or in writing to Uplands Farm, Sebastopol, PONTYPOOL NP4 5DQ

 

 

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TORFAEN RIDING CLUB

NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2008

Committee

Mark Jones Chairperson 07969924050

Julie Thorne Vice Chairperson 07775852698

Anita Biggs Treasurer 07793393302

Vicky Gillard BRC Secretary 07877106824

Sian Warman Minute Secretary 07773510876

Committee Members

Ceri Thomas 01495774510 Kholy Khan 07880965886

Claire Rowles 07968699731 Deb Bury 07575488601

Keighley Thomas 07988860496 Bekki Wills

Liz Vanpointing Deb Wheeler

Cath Barber Nicola Taylor

Brenda Long

Dear Members

With the gloomiest day of the year behind us ( that was last Monday according to the papers) I would like to wish you all a happy new year. You may have made one or two new year resolutions including some relating to your riding and your horses.

Whichever ones you break, don't let them be the ones to do with the latter. The club is here to help and encourage you with any that relate to the welfare of your horse as well as your riding. . Sam's stable management course at the Thomas' yard is one organised activity which will keep you on track and also give you an opportunity to get a qualification and ITS NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN.

The club has planned a very exciting and busy programme of events for the coming year.

OPEN SHOWS

(to include jumping and showing)

Dates: Monday May 5^th ( Bank holiday) ; Monday May 26^th (Bank holiday)

Sunday June 29^th Sunday July 20^th

Monday August 25^th(Bank holiday)

BRITISH RIDING CLUB AREA 15

Qualifiers 2008

New Winter Team Dressage 2^nd February Pencoed College

Novice Indoor Team Jumping 24^th February Pencoed College

Hunter Trials Date to be confirmed

Show Jumping 22^nd June Allensmore Farm, Hereford

Horse Trials ( One Day Event) 1^st June Hilltop Farm,Ledbury

Open/Novice Dressage 6^th July Chepstow

 

 

Championships 2008

Novice Indoor Jumping 5^th/6^th April Hartpury College

Winter Dressage 5^th/6^th April Hartpury College

Festival of the Hunter 31^st May-1^st June Aston-le-Walls

Horse Trials 8^th-10^th August Offchurch

National Championships 6^th-7^th September Lincolnshire

Team practice sessions are being held at Usk College on Sundays. Please contact Julie Thorne. The final teams to represent the club will be decided by the committee.

Applications for British Riding Club events have to made well in advance. Please contact Vicky Gillard , who is our BRC secretary, to register your interest as early as possible.

Please refer to the list of dressage tests for 2008 which is appended.

TRIPS

Open Show Jumping at the NEC April

Badminton 3^rd May

Please contact Vicky if you are interested.

 

CLUB FUNDS

Good news from our treasurer. We are in good shape. As this is YOUR club and the committee would welcome your input if you have a suggestion to make. The committee meets regularly once a month. The February meeting is OPEN to all members and this could be your opportunity to discuss the clubs needs in the coming year.

 

COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

Mon Feb 25^th, 7.30 pm at Croesyceiliog Cricket Club. Open Meeting

31^st March,/ 28^th April/19^th May/30^th June/20^th July/18^th Aug/29^th Sept

TORFAEN RIDING CLUB WEBSITE

Have you had a look at our website recently? Thanks due to Julie for keeping it up to date. Please help by sending in information and use it. It is often the place to find out about things that are happening at short notice. So DON'T MISS OUT - CHECK IT OUT.

www.trc-online.org

APOLOGIES

Many people were disappointed as there was no Christmas Rally. We are truly sorry and hope to make up for it by organising something special for Easter.

HORSE TERMS

Auction - a popular social gathering where you can change your horse from a liability into and asset.

Colic - Gastrointestinal result of eating at horse show food stands.

Colt - what your mare gives you when you want a filly.

Endurance ride - end result when your horse spooks and runs away with you.

Feed - expensive substance used to manufacture manure.

Fence - decorative structure built to provide a horse with something to chew on.

Grooming - fine art of removing dirt from body of horse and applying it to your own.

Hock -Financial condition of all horse owners.

Lunging - popular training method in which the horse exercises his owner by spinning him in circles until dizzy.

 

 

If you want your newsletters emailed rather than sent by post please follow the simple steps:

Mail us at Mail@trc-online.org.uk  with your Name, Email Address to which you would like us to send your newsletters to, and any other members (i.e. family). We will then send all other newsletters to you.