Author: admintdrc

By Sacha McVay & Sir Anton

Today, I had the pleasure of joining the Taunton District Riding Club and members at Primmore Farm for a gridwork rally, coached by the wonderful Ed Hobbs.

There were a range of different classes throughout the day, which catered for a broad mix of abilities, from young or inexperienced horses to ones with more experience, knowledge and education, which created a great sense of accommodation. The classes were kept small with no more than three horses and riders in each, which meant that everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and concentrate fully on the advice and education that was offered.

Primmore Farm has some excellent facilities and boasts a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, whilst also being conveniently located on the outskirts of Taunton to make for a stress free drive (as we all know how stressful it can be moving horses). This made it a perfect venue for a Sunday rally.

Ed Hobbs from S B Equestrian did a great job of making riders feel welcome and offered everyone the opportunity to further their education, but have fun at the same time, through his experience and knowledge in the industry.I personally feel that Ed has a distinctive approach to teaching, whereby he encourages riders and horses to think for themselves in a hope that they are still able to develop and progress when he isn’t there to prompt. In my case, I have a horse that had surgery last year to correct Kissing Spine, which has meant that we’ve had to strip back to basics and start again. Ed has been a fantastic coach to get us going again, and I really feel like we’ve achieved something after every lesson, which always fills me with joy. My horse and I can both say that we thoroughly enjoyed our day out and are looking forward to the next rally!

Eventers Challenge 2018

With a small change to our usual annual schedule this year we ran our Arena Eventing at Downe Farm near Tiverton, with all the courses expertly designed and built by Tim Cheffings. We were very fortunate on the day and blessed with glorious sunshine, although very fresh. Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to the that volunteered their time to help this day run smoothly and efficiently, we have received many compliments on how friendly and organised the day was.

With a very positive entry list we set off with the 70cm. Within the Novice section, the leader board was very close with a strong win with only 1 time penalty from Kristie Hope riding her own Hamlets Honey. In second, Tabitha Stephenson on Tullibards Magical Ocean, was slightly ahead of third place, Molly Sharples with Lou. In fourth, was our own, Beth Paddon, who also came in for best placed TDRC member. Closely following was Jess Smith, a regular team rider for the club. Sixth went to Nicola Bolt riding Sparhanger Spirit of Troy. Within the Open section it all came down to riding the optimum time with all riders riding a clear course. First place went to Chloe Powell on Spinningdale Sienna who completed a flawless round. Second went to Louise Sherman on Spencer, who had had a very successful outing the previous weekend moving her from the Novice to the Open class, proving again they are ones to watch. Third was also best placed TDRC member, Gemma Gilbert, a regular team member, riding her own Apache Blue on just 3 unfortunate time faults. Fourth and Fifth goes to Gillian Glegg riding Bridge Street Boy and Rebecca Turner on Divertido.

In the 80cm the competition was hot again all places coming down to getting close to that optimum time, first place going to a perfect round ridden by Abbie Wills on Kai. Second place, slightly quick on time was Lily Cronk on her super pony Bobbys Dream. Jo Lambourne secured third place with another quick clear round riding Tiger Lily. Even faster times brings in fifth and sixth with Kathy Hollick-Blee riding La Rafale and Liz Peach on Saffy. We saw another team rider winning the best placed TDRC, Sarah Willims riding a very speedy Kismet. Alongside the individuals we also had two teams in the 80, The Invaders of Ilfracombe and Colyton Castoffs who went on to win with a very respectable 6 penalties.

In the 90cm, the optimum time was the key decider once again with first place going to Darci Barton riding Bodberry Ronan with an unfortunate two time penalties from an otherwise immaculate ride. Final rider, Beatrice Smith swooped in the steal second place, and we saw Abbie Wills on Kai returning to be placed 3^rd with an unlucky pole. Fourth went to Andrew Parry on Autumn Bright Star. Fifth and Sixth to Ellie Thorne on Bazil and Lotta Blombergsson on Mika. Best placed TDRC was Flora Layard riding Rockisland Casstel Pete who completed their first 90cm event with us today.

We were very fortunate to have a number of lovely sponsors for the event who kindly supplied us with a number of the prizes that went to places first to third, many thanks to the following companies:

www.muddy-footprints.co.uk

www.stockinjur.com

www.toplinenaturals.com

www.dengie.com

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our teams the best of luck that are heading to Bicton this weekend for area Arena Eventing, Emma Jane has done a super job at organising the teams and we will be well represented…… Good Luck All.