JUNE
Unaffiliated Dressage - In June we held our Unaffiliated Dressage Spring Series Championship Show.
Thank you so much to everyone who has volunteered to help us with these shows, in particular Louise and Steph who have written or stewarded or called tests - whatever was needed!
We love welcoming all of the competitors and their lovely horses here to Witham Villa and it is always our aim to provide a friendly and supportive environment.
Congratulations to the Spring Series Champions:-
Intro Open - Jackie Johnson riding Kray Boy
Intro Veteran Rider - Vivian Smith riding Jimbo Boy
Intro Veteran Rider Reserve Champion - Ann Lee riding Stan
Prelim Short Arena Open - Helen Brown riding Onie
Prelim Short Arena Open Reserve Champion - Jackie Johnson riding Kray Boy
Prelim Long Arena Veteran Rider - Nicky Barr riding Epetia
Novice Open - Allison North riding Fernie
Novice Veteran Horse - Allison North riding Fernie
We look forward to the Autumn Series which will culminate in December with the Championship Show
Dogs - We have a new addition to the yard - a Springer Spaniel puppy called Mabel, she is very cute and full of energy!
Mia - the older of the two black labradors is now 13. She does walk with a limp now due to left hip problems but this is managed by a monthly Librella injection at the vets.
Ebby is very happy to have Mabel to play with and Mia is happy to get some peace!
Grounds Maintenance - During June we had the trees on the drive and alongside the front paddocks pruned back as they were in the way of any lorries accessing the property.
BHS Photoshoot - we were very excited to host a photoshoot for the BHS for the next Stage 2 Training books. All horses and riders had a lovely day. We were very happy with the feedback from the BHS when they commented how relaxed and happy the horses all looked and what a good atmosphere there was on the yard.
Saddle Fitting - Sue Carson of Sue Carson saddles came to refit the yard air saddles ensuring the horses are all kept comfortable.
Kate Cowell Clinic - Everyone who attended benefitted from this clinic. Kate comes once a month and her clinics can be booked via My Riding Life.
British Dressage - India competed Ziggy (Danzmayr) at Arena Uk in the two elementary tests gaining two second places with 67+% and 65+%
Verity competed Gaya at Onley in Advanced Medium 6 and Advanced Medium Freestyle with 64% and 68%
Ginty (Integra) has been sold and we wish her well in her new home and wish her new owner great success with her.
International Dressage - India and Eddie (Escade) attended the Pre-Europeans training camp at the Unicorn Centre.
We have been busy getting everything prepared ready for our trip to Germany for the Young Rider Europeans as India and Eddie have been selected for the team…. cleaning the lorry, making sure all the paperwork/ vet checks etc are all in order.
JULY
International Dressage - On 4th July India, Verity and Eddie left the yard and travelled down to Dover for an overnight stop at Parkers. First thing the next day all of the team horses did a final trot up and then we were off in our horseboxes to the ferry.
Once in Calais the boxes park up and the horses have to be checked - paperwork etc and passed before they can continue on their onward journey. This takes about 1 1/2 hours.
Fortunately all paperwork was in order and we were off again driving to the overnight stay in Belgium. The following day we completed the journey to the venue in Kronberg, Germany.
Monday was a settling in/stretching the horses day.
Tuesday was arena familiarisation and the official event trot up.
Wednesday the first two team riders competed and the second two on the Thursday. The team finished in 4th place, just outside the medals this year.
The individual competition ran on Friday and Saturday with the Freestyle on Sunday.
It was a privilege for India and Eddie to once again be selected to represent Great Britain in what is their final year of Under 21 competition. They are now continuing training for Grand Prix
Summer Holiday Programme - Once again we have a programme of special events available to book via ECPro.
Veterinary - Ziggy had to go to the vet and have a tooth taken out which was done successfully and his is now back home recuperating
Staff - Our policy at Witham Villa is for all staff to have continuing professional development and it was good to meet up with each individual for their annual appraisals and plan their next goals.