West Riding Group EGB

BRODSWORTH SOCIAL RIDE

Sunday 19^th October 2008

 Sue Headland found a good venue with hard standing with the co-operation of the Brodsworth park warden with enough room for most of the trailers with some parking just outside the car park on the access road.  The start of the ride was through the Brodsworth Country Park, an ideal place to take a young or nervous horse as there is no traffic and it is reasonably quiet.

 The route took the riders around the surrounding countryside finishing with another loop around the Country Park.

 The weather was fine but cold which made the homemade soup provided by Sue all the more welcome.

 Everyone seemed have a good time.  Thanks very much to Sue for organising this. 

25k	Jackie Rose	Baxter
25k	Pat Dodd	Pheonix Playboy
25k	Stacey Bushell	Alex
25k	Kath Lomas	Cadah IBN Ahmoun
25k	Lisa Vallance	Moody blue
20k	Mike Dennett	George
20k	Rachel Clapham	Unknown
20k	Michelle Wilson	Unknown
20k	Val Swann	Hamdanier
20k	Anna Pheonix	Ellie
20k	Jacqueline Pheonix	Midnight
20k	Louise Wightman	Summer
20k	Bev Corrigan	Zoes' Flight
20k	Mark Corrigan	Caffrey's
20k	Karen Hobson	Macky
20k	Hannika Minto	Jake
20k	Thomas Dennett	Bobby
20k	Margot Fielden	Tara
20k	Jessie Story	Chester
20k	Zoe Woof	Oliver
20k	Adele Newlove	Corky
20k	Alison Harris	Orrie
20k	Rebecca Westwood	Ben
20k	Lauren Creasser	Saffi
20k	Tricia Laidler	Foxy

 

Cumbria Challenge 30/31^st August 2008

This ride is well worth the journey if only for the gallop at the side of the lane that runs in the area between the M6 when drivers toot and wave at you from a safe distance!

 The corralling area is in a sheltered walled field with plenty of grazing.  Camping and parking just outside on the open fells.  This is open to the extremities of the Britis climate but we were blessed with good weather this year – well at least until we had finished the ride on Sunday and the rain came down for the presentation and packing up!

 It is quite a walk up to the actual venue but on the bright side this loosens up any stiff muscles both in the rider and the horse. 

 The route is really good and can be ridden with confidence.  It takes in both open fell, minor roads and some pretty villages; one with a very useful ford for replenishing water containers as well as a passing paddle and drink.

 Day 1 had up to 81 km CR classes and West Riding Group members successful that day were:

 81 km CR       Emma Martin             CAA Khalil                 12.3 kph         Grade 3

 40 km CR       Vicky Atkinson           Vlaq Zamin                12.5 kph         Completion

 Day 2 also included the Cumbria Challenge 81 km ER, successful West Riding Group members were:

 81 km ER       Julie Martin                Solitaire’s Star              16.3 kph     5^th

 65 km CR       Jenny Vesey              Beckmeetingskharuba 13.5 kph     Grade 1

                        Sue Headland           LTF Kalisha                   13.4 kph     Grade 1

 40 km CR       Vicky Atkinson           Vlaq Zamin                    13.3kph      Completion

 Hopefully this ride will continue and next year host some longer distance ERs as well as all the usual CRs and we hope that you will support this wonderful ride – well worth trying at least once.

 Julie Martin

Held 24th August 2008, you really should have been there!  You really missed a truly fantastic ride which was enjoyed by all.  Go on, make sure it's in your calendar for next year!

 

Last of the Summer Wine, Dunford Community Centre, Sunday 24th August 2008

(Generated by HERO 2008.25 (24/08/08)) - Please note that these results have not been ratified and may be subject to change.

 Class 1 - 40 km CR Open

Kate Atkinson	Frisbee	10.81 kph	Grade 2
Phil Rice	Jewel	12.12 kph	Grade 3
Helen Dawson	Elina of Rushbank	11.59 kph	Grade 3
Linda Reeves	Faleh	11.00 kph	Completion

Class 2 - 40 km CR Novice

Rachel Tomlin	Tallulah	11.88 kph	Grade 1
Diane Gillings	Novah	11.42 kph	Grade 1
	1 elimination

Class 3 - 32 km CR Open

Jeanette Bennett

Aesthete Asefa

11.03 kph

Grade 3

Class 4 - 32 km CR Novice

Esther Young	Guadalcazar	10.21 kph	Grade 1
Kerry Dawson	Ffortune	9.89 kph	Grade 2
Angela Hill	Thee Rastafa	9.84 kph	Completion
Emily Ferguson	Flying Colours	9.23 kph	Completion
	4 elimination/retired

Class 5 - 32 km NCR

Sarah J Emery	Bashir Shafeeq
Julie Jagger	Dancer
Debbie Scott	Charlie
Lydia Clayton	Mr Spoldge
Gillian Burgess	Zee
Deborah Pinder	Hector

3 eliminations

Class 6 - 22km NCR

Margot Fielden	Tara
Lorraine Walters	Gunnerby Top Flight
Sophie Walters	Iassin Al Landas
Joanne Wallis	Sam
Heather Hardy	Bobbins
James Hardy	Lucy
Deborah Smithson
Mary Lennon	Trixie
Roz Pedersen	Phoenix
Pascha Ruffles	Cassie
Carol Cresswell	Drummer
Amber Sole	Roxy
Heidi Clark	Abbery Cornish Messenger
Anne Goodall	Spice
Debbie Brownlee	Barnaby
Sam Coggill	April
	2 eliminations

Congratulations to Jeni Gilbert and Flurrie who came 1st in the National 160km ride at the Dukeries on Saturday.

Over a course on which only a third of those who started in both 160km classes finished successfully Jeni and Flurrie continued their achievements to win their class.  Flurrie looked wonderful throughout the competition.

The West Riding Group are truly proud to have such a great example of horse care and training within its midst and they are an inspiration to us all.

 

Ackworth Moor Top Ride
Ride Results
11 May 2008

(Generated by HERO 2008.25 (13 May 2008)) - Please note that these results have not been ratified and may be subject to change.

 Class 1: 80km CR {Open}

Orange 2 Emma Martin Eaglespring 14.20kph PASS - Grade
Orange 1 Bridget Brown Paddywak 11.97kph PASS - Grade 4

 Class 2: 65km CR {Open}

Green 7 Rachael Atkinson Vanash 13.44kph PASS - Grade 2
Green 5 Jenny Vesey Beckmeetings Kahruba 11.43kph PASS - Grade 2
Green 4 Philip Hirst Madjin Des Pins 14.13kph PASS - Grade 4
1 Elimination

 Class 3: 50km CR {Open}

Yellow 11 Heather Park Henry 12.29kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 10 Tina Smith Princess Carmara 12.44kph PASS - Grade 2
Yellow 17 Deborah Wardle Just Jack 12.44kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 14 Alison Wanless Warrens Hill Quelanza 12.29kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 15 Karen David Whitbridge Crystal Callista 11.45kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 12 Elizabeth Worthy Luby 11.45kph PASS - Grade 4
Yellow 18 Saunders Kay Dawn Sonny 11.71kph PASS – Completion
2 Eliminations

 Class 4: 40km CR {Open}

Yellow 28 Anne Anderson Steele Independent 13.48kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 41 Felicity Edmeston Trinculo 12.97kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 34 Liz Finney Ravensdale Singer 11.59kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 35 Josie Ratter Marlak Romance 11.59kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 36 Jane Stewart Chant 12.97kph PASS - Grade 2
Yellow 30 Helen Dawson Elina Of Rushbank 11.82kph PASS - Grade 2
Yellow 33 Pat Guerin Zhiwah 11.11kph PASS - Grade 2
Yellow 31 Karena Fellows Bonnie Bonito 11.88kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 40 Lisa Vallance Moody Blue 11.53kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 26 Karen Fairbairn Painted Lady 10.81kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 42 Linda Reeves Faleh 10.66kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 37 Harry Ingram Chi Lin Tashiq 11.11kph PASS - Grade 4
Yellow 25 Kate Atkinson Frisbee 10.38kph PASS - Grade 4
Yellow 27 Lesley Hughes Harvey J 10.38kph PASS - Completion
4 Eliminations

Class 5: 40km CR {Nov}

Yellow 63 Angela Corner Gedenski 11.53kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 45 Karen Hynes Sam 1 11.00kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 46 Jane Young Alchise 11.00kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 48 Kath Lomas Cadah IBN Ahmon 10.76kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 50 Rebecca Fairburn Oakthwaite Samara 10.38kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 51 Nikki Brown Bleachgreen Star Of India 10.38kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 58 Diane Gillings Novah 10.38kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 52 Tracy Thompson Flicker Of Fancy 10.16kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 68 Liz Benwell Stella I 10.04kph PASS - Grade 1
Yellow 57 Suzanne Chamberlain Night Owl 11.00kph PASS - Grade 2
Yellow 65 Robert Blane Mistique 10.43kph PASS - Grade 2
Yellow 54 Bethan Reeves Rashiek IBN Malik 10.66kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 53 Helen Swales Bo Busk Echo 10.16kph PASS - Grade 3
Yellow 64 Rebecca Harrison Quicksill Merrylegs 10.43kph PASS - Grade 4
Yellow 47 Emily Ferguson Flying Colours 9.83kph PASS - Grade 4
Yellow 61 Elizabeth Newbonner Samarra 10.48kph PASS - Completion
Yellow 62 Julie Wilkinson Mallis Jack Flash 10.48kph PASS - Completion
Yellow 66 Denise Hutchins Maxwell Horse 10.04kph PASS - Completion
Yellow 67 Sarah Appleby Okeden Orient Express 9.91kph PASS - Completion
Yellow 60 Margot Fielden Tara 8.05kph PASS - Completion
1 Elimination

Class 6: 25km NCR

Yellow 79 Ann Coates Lloyd 11.19kph PASS
Yellow 74 Jackie Rose Baxter 10.71kph PASS
Yellow 75 Rachel Clapham Molly 9.86kph PASS
Yellow 84 Hannika Minto Jake Bottero 9.25kph PASS
Yellow 77 Maureen Lees Anitras Dance 9.03kph PASS
Yellow 73 Trish Hattersley Jilly 8.87kph PASS
Yellow 80 Rachel Dennett Badger 8.52kph PASS
Yellow 81 Lucy Stavely Brandy 8.47kph PASS
Yellow 82 Emily Bellwood Lafayette 8.28kph PASS
4 Eliminations

A Double Double

On the weekend of 3/4 May West Riding members Julie Martin and Jeni Gilbert tried their hand at a 2 day 160km competition. 

Jeni and Flurrie went down to Berkshire Downs to take the challenge of the south.  They completed successfully coming 4th out of 6 starters.

Julie and Jilly went to RAF Cranwell, flying the West Riding Flag in the north where they came 3rd out of 6 starters.

The run up to this ride wasn’t the best I’ve ever had: promotion at work meant I was working full time with a longish commute most days, my mother was ill in bed with her funeral arrangements ready on the bedside cabinet (see put it away later!) and then to cap it all I was ill as well two day before the ride.  So feeling not too brilliant and thinking about how bad the weather had been last year – gale force winds, snow, sleet and rain – Emma and I left our field, once more in very strong winds, for the journey to Nottinghamshire.  We were pleased to find that the nearer we got to the venue the lighter the winds became and before very long it became obvious that it was going to be a lovely day!

 

I like the venue for this ride, there is plenty of room for parking and the vetting is away from the hustle and bustle of the parking area with a nice walk to it for the horses to stretch their legs and settle down.  The going was slightly heavier than usual due to all the rain that we have had this winter and probably because we had such a wet summer last year as well.  But this was only in small pockets and in general you could keep up a good speed.  Emma was riding Khali for the first time since May last year and we were keen to see how he would go and if he would trot up sound at the end.

 

Terry Headland was performing a multi crewing task and we were very pleased to see him at the crew point with water and slosh.  Jilly always drinks very well on rides and in fact nearly had me in a puddle at this ride when she put on the brakes very quickly and slid into it so she could have a drink.  Even Khali had a drink so it was much appreciated.

 

At the half way hold we wasted a lot of time trying to get the heart rate monitors to work and in the end just went to the vet’s without getting a decent reading.  Both horses were fine and trotted out well and were eager to get back for their mid-ride snack, Jilly likes snack time!  It was soon time to tack up and get out for the second half and the horses seemed to enjoy it just as much the second time around with Jilly even jumping logs in spectacular fashion.  When Khali got a little bit tired Jilly took the lead and trotted out well in front.  They do like to take it in turns and keep each other going.

 

It seemed no time at all before we were back at the venue and getting ready for the final vetting.  Khali’s heart rate was quite high at 59 but we knew he wasn’t as fit as Jilly but we were really only wanting to see if he was sound after all his problems last year – and he did we were delighted.  I was amazed when the vet said Jilly’s heart rate was 40 – most unusual for her – then she did a very nice trot out for me so I was well pleased – a Grade 1.

 

A really good ride, well marked and well organised and made even nicer when you picked up your rosettes to find an easter egg as well!!

(Or should that be a potty history?)

Well, potted? I don’t know but I’ll try. How do you put 23 years into a pot? Ok write it and then reduce it. Here goes

First horse was a chestnut gelding bought for jumping - at least that was my criteria. Heyho.  A Palomino mare, Cameo, became my partner for 23 years, she didn’t like jumping!

So, what do you do with a horse that loves to run, doesn’t mind where,  doesn’t mind how fast really, as long as she’s free. My friend Douglas Whitehead suggested I go along to the inaugural ride at the Lancashire Group of the Endurance Horse and Pony Society and that was that. We joined the West Yorkshire Group and 12 months later I found myself on the committee and the rest as they say is history......you want more?  Ok

When we started endurance the starting heart rate was counted. The finishing heart rate was compared to this and the grades worked out accordingly. i.e. same or two beats more was a grade one, three or four beats a grade 2 etc. A finishing heart rate over 64 beats was elimination.  This worked well until people were seen trying to increase their horse’s heart rate before initial vetting, thereby giving a false reading for the finishing HR comparison. So, the rules changed so a set starting heart rate was decided depending not on the horse but on the distance to be ridden. 25 miles the heart rate was 38 bpm. Can’t remember the rest as Cameo never progressed any further. However, my surprise Christmas present in 1986 did.

Shaharazade (Harri) joined us at 16months old and was nearly the death of me. If she had been human she would have been ME........we didn’t gel.  So much so, that when I backed her at 3.5y.o. 

I spent four days in hospital and three weeks off work (I should have been a month in hospital but I hate them with a passion and my sister came and wheeled me out ). A year on and a professional tried with Harri.  Oh well, back to the drawing board. Harri was by now so traumatised she wouldn’t even let me get on. A lot of time and TLC and we sorted that little problem and at six years old she took me out into the big wide world. And I gave it to her along with the moon. From pleasure rides to endurance rides she never let me down.

The rules changed again between Cameo’s retirement and Harri’s first ride and over the years they have changed many times until in 2001 EHPS joined forces with the BHS Long Distance Riding Group and Endurance Great Britain was formed. The rules stayed pretty much along the EHPS lines to start with and odd BHS rules have been adopted to suit both lots of members.  During these years I was Group Representative for EHPS West Yorkshire Group which, with the two societies becoming one, became the West Riding Group taking in the South Yorkshire area. Also being Chair of the Group for many years brought me into contact with other Group Chairs and their Group reps. Friendships formed and competitions between groups emerged. Some still going but little advertised. Douglas and Linda Whitehead introduced the West Yorkshire Challenge all those years ago and this still runs today. Some years ago we challenged Lancashire to a ‘War of the Roses’ Quiz and we still hold the trophy. Although this quiz has died a death, due to the huge distances each group had to travel to meet up, it was great fun whilst it lasted.

Another great competition is the Team Spirit. Introduced by Sue Broughton many years ago when she used to organise a four day event. (and adopted by Thay Stephenson at Lindum). Yorkshire have competed in it since its second year and been placed many times and been last once, but in 2006 we won it. As Team Manager and mostly on the team myself I have always tried to include new members to ‘bring them into the fold’ so to speak. The ‘Spirit’ is wonderful for team building and winning was one of my greatest moments in Endurance. Giving up the Managers job after this I handed over to Kath Lomas who proved it wasn’t a fluke and led the Team to victory again in 2007.

Some wonderful times and memories, and they’re not over yet:

Crewing Jeni Gilbert the year she won the Novice Championship.

Sue Healand following me and Harri at a gallop, we did a very quick, sharp left turn. Sue didn’t and was to be heard shouting Whoa, whoa at the top of her voice as she disappeared into the forest.

Harri again, cantering in front of someone who had attached herself to us. Crossroads in the forest, Harri turns right. Horse behind doesn’t wait to get to the crossroad but turns when Harri does although it is 20 yards behind us and has to negotiate some bushes. Rider emerges spitting leaves out of her mouth and with twigs in her hat. How do you stay on when you’re laughing so hard.

Watching new members enjoy the sport and want to progress. Watch them learn more about their horse and want to know even more. Wonderful

Riding in ‘Endurance Rides’ and making many more friends along the way, Harri was placed in every ER she ran in, bar one, winning her first at the age of 19.  She wasn’t permitted to start at one ER as she was deemed to be lame. Esther (Young) lent me her shoulder and her vast experience with horses and Harri was fit and well for the next one.

Since joining the world of Endurance I have tried to give back as much as I can, with special emphasis on the newer members.

As a member of the Consumer Committee I/we tried to reach these members to find out what they wanted from EGB and how they felt about the rules and regulations. This was a success and the rules adjusted accordingly.

As Membership Liaison Officer for the past three years I have again left myself open to new and old members to help with contacting a Management Member, liaising regarding any problems and generally there if needed. My name and number are in the book and I love solving problems if I can.

As a Technical Steward I find I meet many old friends and make many new ones too.

As an honorary FEI steward I meet the International riders, vets and delegates too. What a bunch!

Although I have retired from the WR Group Committee I am still involved with Endurance and I know that Julie (Martin) is right for the Group and wish her and the 2008 committee well.

Finally, I have to say that the flowers given to me at the 2007 AGM were spectacular.

And the portrait of my horses, done by Jan Martin, almost moved me to tears. I will always treasure it.

             

Harri on the right. Cameo in the middle and my new project, Dannell (aka Jellybabay) on the left. We hope to see you in 2009

Regards and Best Wishes

Val, Harri and Dannell (Cameo died in 2005 aged 34.  God Bless)

EXPERIENCES OF A “NOVICE” RIDE ORGANISER

“Wouldn’t it be good to have a social ride in your area, you’d be able to organise one, we will help”

 Sounds a lovely idea, and I really did enjoy it, but I advise anyone taking this on to be aware of a few points. Helping at rides is one thing organising is a big leap further. It’s usually straight forward enough to turn up and marshal, or give out the bibs, or direct the parking. I have done quite a lot of rides and helped at some, but there are still quite a few things you don’t know when it comes to organising.

Firstly (as my husband noted!) you must have your partner/ significant other on board, be nice to them  – you will need their help and that of lots of others, do not underestimate the man power required to organise and run a ride.

Next find a suitable venue, and finally make sure you have plenty of time.

 Where to begin:-

Advertise, this is where I went wrong with the first ride I organised thinking there would be enough people within the group. Have plenty flyers – with all the appropriate information and the web site address of where to download entry form. Make sure entry form has all the required information and a disclaimer to sign. A generic social ride entry form would be good then no need to keep redesigning.

Discuss finances with the group, are they expecting to make profit, break even, what if make a loss can the group cope?   You need to know how much is ok to spend and how reimbursements will be organised. Keep all your receipts.

Planning the route, a GPS of some sort is wonderful to quickly and easily get the distance right. Do not worry about the route too much (as I did) as to whether people will like it or not. It’s always good to ride somewhere different and as long as you check for safety, the route will be fine. 

Health and safety advice needs to be prepared. Check the venue and ride the route with one of your recruited helpers for any hazards, or necessary safety advice. Make a poster with this and display it at the venue.

Unless you have the appropriate OS software on your computer, best to ask someone else to do maps for you. Thank you Julie. Route talkround needs preparing and can be more difficult than you think to do! Marking the route on the map is very time consuming and colour photocopying may be ok but does not always come out well.  I believe it is possible to do this on screen then print off if you have the know how and equipment, I shall certainly invite a geek friend round before I organise another ride to sort this out!

Then don’t forget the letter with directions to venue, info about the venue, water, loos, dogs, refreshments etc.

So it’s going to happen. Don’t go away the weekend of the closing date, you will have to have prepared those maps, print out the talkround and info letter, allocate numbers, prepare spreadsheet with riders names and numbers , and get those entries posted off before anyone else phones asking where it is!

Equipment you will need:-

1)     Tape and spray paint to mark the route , how much? Where to get it from?

2)      Bids for stewards, marshals etc

3)      Road signs to the venue,

4)     Road signs for horses crossing

5)     Building, caravan, van to act as secretary office at venue

6)     Rosettes and refreshments for the end.

7)     Your friendly local “man with a tractor” to call if any one gets stuck

Sort these out well before the weekend of the event if possible.

Marshals need to be recruited, preferably people who are used to horses, my non-horsey friends were not keen on the thought of these large animals passing by. Brief them of where they are to be and at what time have list of all their phone number, and supply them with marshal bib. I did spread sheet of all the marshals with the marshal point and phone numbers and any special notes – when first and last rider had gone past they could let next marshal know.

So the weekend of the event arrives – Saturday is marking the course day. If you can get this done by the trail bike team, do.
This is a very time consuming job and the more helpers the better, so hopefully you have managed to ride the course with various friends who will know what they are doing. Alas for my ride there were significant parts where trail bikers were not allowed to go and also they were not available that weekend – so book them early if you want them.

 The big day finally arrives. Get up early you don’t want people arriving at the venue before you! Also need to put up all those directions to venue and horses crossing signs before you get there. Not best planned for me as I had birthday party night before and lamb to bottle feed before I started.

 Plenty helpers at the venue, even for this small social ride needed 2 to give out bibs 2 to time people out and another to organise the parking.

I managed to remember to take spare map talkround and health and safety notice plus tape and scissior so these could be displayed.

Things I forgot to take to venue, spare girths, hats, not essential but if someone has forgotton something like this, really good to be able to fix them up. Richard Maxwell headcollar to help with difficult loaders, box or purse to but bib deposit money in.

And when it’s over, hopefully no-one has got lost or injured , and everyone has had a good day out , it’s all been worthwhile after all!

Jenny Vesey

 

 

 

 

 

.

Eldwick Social Ride - 20th April 2008

Despite the weather continuing its unrelenting pattern of cold, wind and rain 40 riders and horses turned out to do the Eldwick Social Ride.  The riders did distances of 30km, 20km and 10km and all came back to the venue looking fit and happy.  A local farmer helped pull the heavy boxes off the field as it became very slippery after lunch.  Results below.

Rider Name	Number	Horse Name	Distance	Speed in kph
Emma Martin	28	Solitaire's Star	30km	9.38
Anne Anderson	9	Steele Independent	20km	8.33
Dominic Clark	24	Darcy	20km	7.19
Elaine Clark	25	Gideon	20km	7.19
Verity Clark	26	Skye	20km	7.19
Sue Headland	18	L.T.F. Kalisha	20km	6.93
Lisa Leddicoat	21	Great Chivalry	20km	6.81
Janelle Holden	30	Phantom Flame	20km	6.81
Gillian Hardwick	22	Bobby	20km	6.67
margot fielden	42	Tara	20km	6.59
Tracy Rayner	6	Caleb	20km	6.56
Stephanie Knight	3	Oxenhope Red Rose	20km	6.48
Emily Ferguson	8	Flying Colours	20km	6.48
J Smith	40	Spotty	20km	6.45
V Purslow	41	Danny	20km	6.45
Emma Paipala	19	Friday	20km	6.42
Sarah Appleby	29	Okeden Orient Express	20km	6.15
Chris Breheny	34	Captain	20km	6.15
Elaine Hamilton	35	Carrick	20km	6.15
Marie Bowness	36	Forest	20km	6.15
Louise Holloway	37	Clementine	20km	6.15
Pat Dodd	38	Phoenix Playboy	20km	6.15
Helen Austin	4	Nagano	20km	6.09
Jan Nottingham	33	Millie Sue	20km	6.09
Sam Peters	31	Ffortune	20km	5.80
Esther Young	32	Guadalcazar	20km	5.80
Linda Whitelaw	43		20km	5.80
Pat Schwalbe	44		20km	5.80
Anne Hutchinson	7	Gordon	20km	5.74
Katie Lee	15	Midnight	20km	5.66
Jenny Lee	16	Barney	20km	5.66
Zoe Woof	20	Pink Lady	20km	5.66
Pam Waring	11	Dolly	20km	5.41
Val Stomworth	12	Jigsaw	20km	5.41
Angela Brock	10	Charlie Boy	20km	5.11
Joy Honeyball	13	Lady	20km	5.11
Val Swann	39	Shaharazade	10km	4.96
Keirston O'Neill	23	Akira	10km	4.96
Anya Hingley	17	Ruby Tuesday	10km	4.96

 

 

Julie Martin got a chance of an exclusive
INTERVIEW WITH FLURRIE our SUPREME CHAMPION now sponsored by Horsehage 

Q.1	Where do you come from originally and what is your ethnicity?
I was born, broken & hunted in Ireland and then at 5yrs shipped with several other ponies to England. Unfortunately they have not been able to trace my parents.
Q.2	If you had to describe yourself how would you do it?
I went white very early and so had to develop a way off disguising this – I found rolling in the mud was the answer. I do not like flies, being brushed, bathed or fussed over.
Q.3	Where and when did you first meet Jeni?
When I arrived in England I was sent to a large yard in Dronfield near Sheffield. Jeni came to try me out and we rode out a few times. I behaved fairly well and only shied at the road grates.
Q.4	What made you think she would be a suitable owner?
They reduced my price because I hadn’t completed my ‘schooling for selling’ course but she didn’t mind as she is not keen on going in circles. I think they also warned her that I had ‘attitude’.
Q.5	When did you first start doing endurance riding?
We were due to start in 2001 but FMD arrived and so I spent a whole year walking around – it was very boring.  We then started in 2002 but it was slightly delayed because  I was attacked by a dog and she fell off and left me to find my own way home.
Q.6	What attracted you to endurance riding?
I find that going out and seeing other horses very entertaining, particularly all the pretty fillies that I get to meet. Also the food & drink supplied during the ride is very good.   Also I don’t have to be super clean all the time.
Q.7	How do manage to keep Jeni fit?
She definitely finds it harder than me to get fit. We try and help by doing lots of shying and stops. I know she does skipping and pilates because I can see her through the window, Ginger and I have a jolly good laugh at this, it’s better than watching the tele anyday.
Q.8	What sort of exercise do you do yourself to prepare for a ride?
I do stretches, fighting with Ginger, eating and sleeping. When we go riding I do lots of shies and stops to keep my reactions up to scratch. I also do a good wall of death on the lunge.   But I am not really keen on training I prefer the real thing.
Q.9	How do you look after Jeni on a ride?
I expect her to stay on and map read. I find the best route and speed, I even can spot the markers but sometimes I get the class numbers confused.

 

Q.10	Do you have a special diet to help you keep fit?
I used to get bored with the same food all the time so she had to keep trying different mixes and cubes. This year though we stayed with  Spillers slow release cubes  on a bed of Hifi Lite with a topping of Baileys outshine - a nice combination.
Q.11	What equipment do you use to help you on a ride?
I have a blue competition bridle with a cheltenham gag which I tend to listen to most of the time  and lots of nice sheepskin numnahs. The saddle is a very comfy WH type with a suede seat saver – this helps Jeni stay with me when I am  testing my reaction times.
Q.12	What special factors do you think have contributed to your success?
I enjoy the competitions and travelling to different places where the grass is usually better than at home and I get even more banana skins that usual.
Q.13	Which is your favourite ride?
Gosh that’s difficult – I think Dukeries, Cumbria was great this year but it sometimes is too wet for me.
Q.14	Do you have any other hobbies?
I did pony club games last year – that was fun – strange but fun. We came 6th in the musical chairs competiton so that might be an alternate to endurance when we are older.

 

Thank you very much for your time Flurrie, thanks too to Jeni for interpreting, and good luck to you both for the coming season.

Fit to Tow

Are you fit to tow?

Are you towing safely?

Is your trailer fit to use?

Is your car up to the job?

These questions and more are answered now as The Highways Department has produced a useful DVD on the subject of towing.  Copies can be obtained from www.highways.gov.uk/towing.

Val Swann retired from the committee this year after 22 years!

The West Riding Group has been particularly lucky to have Val working on the committee in many capacities, most notably as Chairman, for 22 years.  She has put in a great deal of hard work and it was with some regret that we allowed her to stand down.

At the Group General Meeting Val was presented with a bunch of flowers and a voucher entitling her to an original piece of artwork by Jan Martin.  We hope that she will enjoy the resulting portrait of her animals and hopefully in time we will be able to display it on the website.

Val will continue to be an active member of the group and also in her capacity as Technical Steward for Endurance Great Britain.

In 2009 we expect to see her out and about with her youngster at the social rides and in 2010 competing for the Novice trophy!

Good luck Val and thank you from all of us.

 

New committee details on Your Committee page

 

A Cambridge-based paramedic has launched a national campaign with Vodafone to encourage people to store emergency contact details in their mobile phones. Bob Brotchie, a clinical team leader for the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust, hatched the plan last year after struggling to get contact details from shocked or injured patients. By entering the acronym ICE – for In Case of Emergency – into the mobile’s phone book, users can log the name and number of someone who should be contacted in an emergency. The idea follows research carried out by Vodafone that shows more than 75 per cent of people carry no details of who they would like telephoned following a serious accident. Bob, 41, who has been a paramedic for 13 years, said: “I was reflecting on some of the calls I’ve attended at the roadside where I had to look through the mobile phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person. “It’s difficult to know who to call. Someone might have “mum” in their phone book but that doesn’t mean they’d want them contacted in an emergency. “Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now, and with ICE we’d know immediately who to contact and what number to ring. The person may even know of their medical history.” The campaign was launched this week by Bob and Falklands war hero Simon Weston in association with Vodafone’s annual Life Savers Awards. Vodafone spokesperson Ally Stevens said: “The Life Savers Awards already demonstrate, through practical example, the important role a mobile phone can play when minutes matter in an emergency. “By adopting the ICE advice, your mobile will now also help the rescue services quickly contact a friend or relative – which could be vital in a life or death situation.” The campaign is also asking people to think carefully about who will be their ICE partner - with helpful advice on who to choose - particularly if that person has to give consent for emergency medical treatment. Bob hopes that all emergency services will promote ICE in their area as part of a national awareness campaign to highlight the importance of carrying next of kin details at all times. He said the idea was for the benefit of loved ones as well as the patient. “Research suggests people recover quicker from the psychological effects of their loved one being hurt if they are involved at an earlier stage and they can reach them quickly," he added. He said he hoped mobile phone companies would now build the ICE contact into future models, adding: "It's not a difficult thing to do. As many people say they carry mobile phones in case of an emergency, it seems natural this information should be kept there." Nominations for the Life Savers Awards can be made by contacting the awards hotline on 0870 902 3333 or visiting www.vodafone.co.uk/lifesavers
		Released: 20 April 2005

TOP TIP from Susan Rogers

Someone told me about a useful number to put on your mobile phone.  It is 112 and I have it listed under "emergency no signal".

If you are out in the countryside and need the emergency services your phone may not be receiving a signal from you own provider so use this number and your phone will search for any signal from any other service provider and you are quite likely to get through.  This will enable you to call the emergency services without leaving the casualty while you climb out of a valley or find help.