West Riding Group EGB

The proceeds for this ride are being donated to the Annette Fox Leukaemia Research Fund.  STOP PRESS the ride raised £400!!

A windy but sunny day saw 30 rides set off on the Ackworth Social Ride and only 4 of them got caught by the rain.

The route was devised by Pat Dodd and the ride organised by Sue Headland.  Thanks very to them both for all their hard work.

Royd Moor Farm provided a new venue for the ride and many of the horses took advantage of the nice grass to have a snack before and after the ride.

The route was mostly off road and used many of the bridleways provided to avoid the busy roads in the area.

Riders taking part were:

Maureen Lees                                   Tilly 111
Bev Corrigan                                     Zoe's Flight
Mark Corrigan                                   Caffreys
Val Swann                                          Hamdan - you know - the Bad Banana Man
Stephen Bennett                                Innuendo
Sarah Appleby                                   Okeden Orient Express
Pat Dodd                                            Phoenix Playboy
Jennifer Rand                                    Midnight
Marcus Headland                             Sabi Waseem
Andrew Rowbottom                          Sunean Silver Ghost
Alison Sole                                        Boo
Amber Sole                                       Darcy (although he might have been called something else today!)
Rachel Clapham                               Molly
Michelle Wilson                                 Diesel
Kerry Dawson                                   Ffortune
Esther Young                                     Guardalcazar
Julie Gray                                           Pointer
Rachel Hartley                                    Alan
Ruth Kranzke                                     Bramble
Teresa Stewart                               Mischief
Paul Kirkham                                     Tease
Kathryn Kirkham                                Mackie
Helen Spour                                       Popeye
Rebecca Westwood                          Ben
Louise Wadding                                Toby
Amy Attwood                                      Fred
Lisa Attwood                                      Myra
Kerry Byrne                                         Vera

17th and 18th October saw the last National ride of the 2009 season at the home of Thay Stephenson in Lincolnshire.  There was a choice of distances from 160km ER over one day to 16km Non-Competitive rides.  The going although flat verges, headlands and farm tracks was hard underfoot due to the long dry spell, the area has only had one lot of rain in the last six weeks, and this as well as end of season fatigue saw several horses failing the vet inspection.

West Riding was represented on the Saturday by Amber Sole on Basford Showman being sucessful in his first 80km competition gaining a Grade 2;  Jeni Gilbert and Flurrie got a Grade 1 in the 65km and Emma Martin rode Falcon in the 40km non-competitive ride. 

On Sunday Flurrie had a change of riders and Emma Martin rode him on the 65km and gained another Grade 1.

It was very sad to pack up on Sunday knowing that it was the last ride of the season and that the winter months are now ahead.  Looking forward to the National AGM and also the group GAM to catch up with everyone and celebrate the year's successes.

West Riding Group was represented by:

80km       Anne Anderson and Steele Independent

67km      Emma Martin and Flurrie

The weather was fine and the views were wonderful.

WATERboy generously donated a portable showering unit to the West Riding Group of Endurance GB and this was awarded through a prize draw open to all entrants and helpers at the South Yorkshire Ride.

WATERboy representatives were on site giving demonstrations of their product to anyone who wanted to try out this method of cooling down their horse.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH WATERboy!!!!!

THANKS TOO TO HORSEHAGE FOR PRIZE VOUCHERS which were gratefully received.

South Yorkshire Ride 23 August 2009 Ride Results

Generated by HERO 2009.20 (27 August 2009)

Class 1: 66km CR {Open}

Ann Harrison        Millenium Chorus                11.44kph               Grade 1
Anne Booth            Rassam                               11.44kph               Grade 2
Bridget Brown      Paddywak                             11.37kph               Grade 3
Rebecca Pearson Crystal Topaz                     11.37kph               Grade 3
Amber Sole           Roxy                                      10.56kph               Grade 4
Emily Ferguson   Flying Colours                     10.56kph               Grade 4
Vicky Drury            Irishtown Yerman                10.61kph               Completion

Class 2: 41km CR {Open}

Kate Atkinson       Oakthwaite Samara           12.48kph               Grade 1
Jenny Duxey         Bonnie Safira                       11.60kph               Grade 1
Rachael Atkinson Vanash                                12.48kph               Grade 4
Anya Dawson       Jasper                                  11.82kph               Grade 4
James Dickinson Duke11                                11.60kph               Completion
Julie Wilkinson    Mallis Jack Flash                 11.54kph               Completion
Elizabeth Newbonner Samarra                        11.54kph               Completion
Pat Guerin             Zhiwah                                  10.42kph               Completion
Terry Madden       Medraar                                 10.42kph               Completion

Class 3: 41km CR {Nov}

Jane Young          Alchise                                   11.38kph               Grade 1
Katie Wilson         Alexander Beetle                  11.08kph               Grade 1
Gerina Corcoran Favian Southey Star            10.04kph               Grade 1
Brett Corcoran      Arnie Black Code                 10.04kph               Grade 1
Charlotte Chadwick Sycamore Rob Roy        11.33kph               Grade 2
Melanie Rhodes  Rowan Of Balfleurs             10.04kph               Grade 4
Sharrna McClelland Fan Tan                            8.28kph                 Grade 4
Ruth Chadwick    Mostafanother R                  11.33kph               Completion
Robert Blane        Rico Esta Arturas                11.08kph               Completion

Class 4: 35km Non Competitive Ride

Pam Benton                         Ben                                          Cornelia Chrobok                 Chant
Stephen Bennett                  Innuendo                               Emma Martin                       Lightning Dark Falcon
Sue Cunningham                Sunean Silver Ghost           Olivia Foster                        Patch
J J Foster                              Lulu                                         Kath Lomas                         Cadah IBN Ahmon
Sarah Appleby                      Okeden Orient Express     Maureen Lees                      Anitras Dance
Diana Clayton                      Tilly III                                    Jean Collins                         ANS Bacher
Vanessa Pengelly               Zeexa                                    Penny Stokes                       Bonzo
Julie Bradley                         Clyde                                     Karenza Westlake               Nivarna

Class 5: 25km Non Competitive Ride

Diane Hudson                     Tommy                                  Justin Dunn                         Tyke
Sandra Lee                           Miss Charm                          Val Swann                           Hamdan Bin Hamdanien
Claire Kinney                        Foxton Velvet                       Alex Kinney                           Blackavar
Marcus Headland                Sabi Waseem                     Trish Hattersley                   Jilly
Anne Blakemore                  Zalditxu                                 Rachel Clapham                  Molly
Michelle Wilson                   Diesel                                    Jackie Rose                         Baxter
Ann Saunders                      Prince's Triple Crown        Mary Smith                            Gyspy Jo
Ian Broadhead                     Southburn Skylark              Julie Thornton                      Glendale Sky
Ian Pycock                             Bowdeen                            Sue Pycock                              Little Mo
Wendy Halstead                  Diplomatic Fashion           Beverley Donaldson             Ranger
R Morley                                Delilah                                  Rachel Herock                       Forodo
Elaine Hamilton                   Carrie                                   Chris Breheny                        Captain

Class 6: 25km Pony Club - Kestrel

Rebecca Dunn                     Northroyd Alpine Snowman       Lolly Riggs                            Chocco
Sophie Riggs                       Bruno                                              Rebecca Marshall               Bertie
Hannah Marshall                 Chini 

 This was a big day for Jas and I as Jas had not competed for over a year due to injuries upon injuries. Sue Headland kindly offered to crew us and look after Daisy Do for me.

 After tackling Sutton Bank for the first time alone, which, if you ignore all around you it is an achievable task, so we arrived safely. As soon as we arrived Sue was singing at the top of her voice “Happy Birthday” as it was my 40^th that day as well.  Jas was very relaxed and happy to look out of the trailer whilst I got myself organised, fussed and fussed some more.

 Heidi  had very kindly let us have a late start, not due to my laziness of getting out of bed, but due to it being Jas’s first completion since his very bad behaviour at Lindum in 2008. I had no idea how Jas would behave. As it was he was as good as gold. Starting HR of 38.

We set off on our own, straight into a nice steady trot. We were back. It felt so good, both of us out there together.  There were quite a few gates but I only had to get off twice during the whole ride, which was a lot easier than arguing about how we were going to tackle the said gates. We cantered along moorlands, walked through muddy puddles, trotted along woodlands, fantastic.   By the time I got to crew point one, I was so happy to see Sue, we had rode it all by ourselves so it was good to see a familiar face and dogs, but Jas just wanted to carry on.

 We then had a long trot along a quiet lane to turn off right, straight onto a lovely open bridle way. The views were amazing, sometimes you forget to look around you when your riding and have to remind yourself how beautiful the surroundings are.  When we got to CP3, the ladies were all smiles and sloshing, they were such a happy bunch. We did the little loop through woodlands and moorlands, back through CP3, ladies still smiling and laughing. We saw Sue again and we got some welcomed sloshing now is was the last leg back to the venue. When we saw the photographer the scenery was amazing, we cantered up the hill but I was so giddy I have a feeling I will look like I’m gurning on the photo’s but its not about me is it? As long as Jas looked good, which I sure he will.

 Right near the venue I saw Jeni and Julie who also sprung onto “Happy Birthday”, just made my smile bigger.  Then we were back to the venue. All Jas wanted to do was eat grass, which was fine. His HR dropped quite quickly but we gave him the whole ½ hour. At the vets his HR was 45, hydration good, no lumps or bumps. The trot up. Away we went, back again and the vet nodded OK, at which point I spontaneously burst into tears of relief, we had done it. I was absolutely over the moon and Jas was still very chilled and happy. 

 I put Jas in the trailer with some food and went to Jeni’s box for a coffee at which point, Jeni, Sue, Julie and Emma all sang happy Birthday, gave me a card and a lovely PINK cake with candles.

 What a perfect 40^th Birthday.

12th July 2009

Just over 50 riders set out from the Dunford Community Centre at Crow Edge on a beautiful day with just a light breeze to cool the horses.  The views were spectacular and the going was varied with the challenge of a couple of tough climbs as well as the easy going of the TransPennine Trail.  The lower speeds reflect the challenging route and as can be seen it can be managed - if you don't spend too long gazing at the panorama!

 West Riding Group Golden Horseshoe Experience 2009

 Three riders and three runners from the West Riding group went to Exford this May to take part in the celebrated Golden Horseshoe Ride.  Julie Martin and Solitaire’s Star were to attempt the 2-day 160 kilometre competition, Jenny Vesey on Beckmeetings Kahruba and Vicky Atkinson on  Vlacq Zamin were entered for the 2-day 80 kilometre competition. 

 For the first time there was a 15 mile cross country run to be held over the tough Exmoor countryside.  Emma Martin had entered as an individual to complete the whole 15 miles and Jenny Vesey and Richard Vesey formed a team to run 7.5 miles each in the relay event.The run was on Sunday and Emma who was competing in her first run did remarkably well coming 17^th and the Veseys won the team relay.

 Unfortunately Julie’s ride ended on the first day as, despite feeling and looking well, Solitaire’s Star was vetted out after 80 km with a high heart rate.  However the West Riding honour was redeemed when Jenny won a gold award and Vicky won a Silver award.  A great result for them both after travelling so far.

Brodsworth Social Ride - 15 March 2009

My horse, Kali, and I set off in glorious sunshine after I had shed a number of layers due to the unseasonably warm weather. I had planned to ride with my mum however her horse was not quite sound the previous day which meant I was riding alone. For the first 30 minutes Kali was relatively quiet and we passed just a few riders. It was glorious cantering along with the sun shining down and the skylarks singing.

After trotting and cantering around Brodsworth County Park the route went along a track then a short road section where we passed some more riders then some more tracks which were fantastic going. The ride then went through Hampole Wood which was lovely with daffodils everywhere. The ride was so relaxing and fast-going.

The relaxed atmosphere soon went when Kali spotted six horses in the distance trotting along. He then had to catch them which involved him trying to canter down hill down a stubble field then cantering madly up the other side after the others. The previous horses we had passed had been walking however this group was keeping up a good pace and for several miles I was behind them with Kali cantering vertically with his head in the air not listening to anything I was saying.

We kept our distance so as not to upset the other horses. Eventually the group split into 3 pairs and I overtook four riders steadily at walk. After passing the second pair, Kali did a full body shake at trot! The front pair I passed later in the ride when Kali had managed to calm down.

The route was very well marked with white arrows which meant that map reading was not required. The ride had great going with lots of opportunities to canter and hills for training. The views were also really good and you could see Drax Power Station on the horizon (ed. A point of interest for Emma as she used to live near there!).

The main route was 20 k with an optional add on of 5 k which was a 2.5 linear route, at the end of which riders had to collect a medallion from a bunch hung in a tree, then turn around and ride back to the main route.

At the end of the ride the horses were treated to carrots and the riders had the choice of two lovely soups homemade by Sue Headland. Kali and I really enjoyed the ride and it was a great pre season training ride. After the ride, while I waited around for my mum who was time-keeper, I ended up helping somebody load their horse and then somebody else reverse their trailer.

This is a ride I would definitely recommend whether for a steady pleasure ride or for a training ride.    Emma Martin.

All photographs curtesy of Terry Headland.  Prints of these are available at a cost of £3 - proceeds to go to club funds - are available from terry@headlandhome.demon.co.uk.

Thanks very much to Alison Harris for organising this first ride of 2009 and to her helpers.

The weather although cold was kind to us and we had a lovely bright day on which to enjoy this pleasant ride.  The route was varied and even though we had had such hard frosts for the previous week the going was fairly good.

There was a good turn out of riders who all enjoyed themselves and came back to some welcome warm mulled wine, or juice for the drivers, and mince pies or ginger bread.

Those who turned out were:

Joanne Wallis                        Emily Ferguson                     Gabriella Mills

Maureen Lees                       Jenny Vesey                          Emma Martin

Diana Clayton                        Rachel Clapham                   Michelle Wilson

Amber Sole                           Allyson Sole                           Janet Barr

Rebecca Laycock                 Sandra Appleby                    Helen Spour

Sue Pycock                           Ian Pycock                             Rebecca Westwood 

Louise Wightman                  Hannah Dibb                         Pat Dodd

Patricia Laidler                      Lauren Creaser                    Sue Dean

Marcus Headland                  Lisa Vallance                        Val Swann

Julie Martin                            Margo Fielden                       Chrissie Maxwell

David Thompson

Photographs curtesy of Terry Headland