Staff - We are very pleased that Lexie Verrall has joined the team as an Apprentice working for the Level 2 Equine Groom qualification. Lexie learnt to ride with us here and was a Junior Trainee prior to starting her apprenticeship. We wish her every success
Verity was very pleased to be able to start riding again just 6 weeks after her left hip replacement. It was lovely to be back training Gaya again.
Whilst Verity was off Gaya went to the RDA Championships with Jess Limb where they were placed in the Virtus Championship.
Verity was off for two days for her Red Cross First Aid At Work refresher course
British Dressage - India competed Fizz (High Hoes Eperny) in the Prelim Regionals and scored 68.33% adding invaluable championship experience to this young mare.
We were very pleased that India and Eddie (Escade) qualified for the Inter II class at the National Championships held at Somerford Park Farm in Cheshire. Finishing mid class in a very competitive senior class and again gaining more experience at the level.
India and Nalla also qualified for the Nationals for the Medium Gold class and so it was very disappointing when Nalla came in from the field a week before they were due to go with a small cut to her left hind which then ruled her out from competing. She has now fully recovered and is back in training, just bad timing!
Verity and Gaya went back out competing obtaining regional qualifying scores for the Advanced Medium and Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver classes.
School Holiday Activities - we enjoyed many more activities during August and had some very colourful ponies in lessons after some very artistic pony painting sessions, children having fun and the ponies loving the pampering. One of the highlights of the summer activities was the three day event camp for our more advanced young riders.
It seemed very quiet when all the children returned to school for the Autumn Term!
Bedding - we had an artic load of shavings delivered ready for the winter, making sure all of our horses and ponies stay lovely and comfortable at all times
Sewage system - as we are not on the mains here we have D&M Tankers calling on a regular basis to ensure that the system functions well.
British Horse Society - We had a visit from our business manager together with the Changing Lives Through Horses manager which was very helpful as we move forward to welcome participants to this scheme here at Witham Villa.
Horse Care - we had a visit from Tony who is an osteopath to keep the horses in good shape. (treating zoo animals and game reserve animals as well as horses)
We also had Steph Allen who is an Equine Touch practitioner
ECPro - We had a visit from ECPro to go through the system and to be updated on the improvements and developments that have been made. India and Verity also took part in some promotional work for ECPro.
Leicester University - are going to be training here at Witham Villa and September saw the start of some pre-season training and dressage and jump trials. We wish them luck in their BUCS competitions and hope they will all enjoy their riding, the horses and training here.
Horses - It was lovely to welcome Henry’s previous owner when she came all the way up from Devon to visit him.
Verity went over to The Urban Equestrian Academy to view some horses that will be coming to Witham Villa on a six month loan basis whilst their facilities are developed over the winter. We will be welcoming 4 horses to our team in October:-
Reign - 16hh Thoroughbred light bay mare
Orion - 15.3hh Thoroughbred bay gelding
Benji - 16.1hh Dutch Warmblood dark bay Gelding
Osiris - 16hh ISH x Welsh Cob dark bay gelding