It has now been 33 years for us here at Witham Villa! so much has changed over those years and we are forever grateful to everyone who has helped, worked and supported us over that time. As ever we look forward to the future and the continued development of the centre in the years ahead.
University Training. We were pleased to welcome back members of the De Montfort University equestrian club who train here with us here at Witham Vila. We put on taster sessions to enable students to come along and have a go and see if they would like to start/continue riding depending on their previous experience. And then there were try-outs for this year’s team selections We wish all of the teams good luck and plenty of enjoyment in 2025/26.
RDA - it was good to welcome back the Kimberley House RDA group who ride and train here on a Thursday afternoon
Sensory needs - we are proud to work with schools and children with sensory needs, it is wonderful to see the positive influence of their interaction with our horses
Halloween Half Term Holiday - witches, ghosts and ghouls and all things scary! We had lots of activities over the half term holiday all with the Halloween theme. Thank you to our staff and in particular to Kate for all the great decorations.
Dressage Demonstration - Verity and India held a dressage demonstration here on Saturday 4th October, showing their progressive training from young horse at Prelim level through to advanced at Grand Prix. Starting with High Hoes Epernay - Fizz to her friends who is a 4 year old that India has backed this year and is now happily and successfully competing at Prelim level, having qualified for the winter regional championships in just two outings. Then moving on to Vanilla P - Nalla showing Elementary work towards Medium. Verity then rode Gaya showing Advanced Medium work and the evening finished with India and Escade - Eddie showing their progression through to the Grand Prix movements. Thank you to everyone who supported this event, it was lovely to see you.
Unaffiliated Dressage - we run our unaffiliated dressage show once a month on a Monday. are looking forward to the Autumn Series Championship show to be held on December 1st when the Champion and Reserve Champions of the different classes will be presented with their awards.
Affiliated Dressage - Verity was thrilled to finish in 5th place at the Area Festival Championships in the Advanced Medium Freestyle class. Gaya is now qualified for the Advanced Medium Silver Winter Regionals and Freestyle Regionals. The next goal is to move up to Prix St Georges
Kate Cowell Dressage Clinic - we are very lucky that Kate holds a clinic once a month on a Monday - she is an inspiring coach for every level, having herself been successful all the way through to Grand Prix - both Nationally and Internationally. Her final date for this year will be December 15th - book via My Riding Life
India Durman-Mills Dressage Clinic - India has been successful from Junior to Young Rider level and has won three European team bronze medals. She is now moving up to Under 25 Grand Prix. Her next clinic is on December 22nd - book via My Riding Life.
Mia - our beautiful 13 year old Black Labrador very sadly had to be put to sleep on 20th October. She had been under veterinary care for the past year as she had problems with her hips and was on medication, which regretfully became insufficient to maintain her mobility. She was a most wonderful dog and will be greatly missed by us all. Forever in our hearts