News!

Endurance Team Event

Over the last few years a British Riding Clubs Team Endurance Event has been held at Endurance GB's Lions Tail Ride in Leicestershire. Endurance GB has decided to develop this Riding Clubs Team Endurance Event into a national competition by introducing the concept of Regional Qualifiers which will then culminate in a National Final.

At both the Qualifiers and at the Final, Teams will be asked to compete over a distance of 30 to 35 km (approximately 20 miles) at a speed between 8 kph (approximately 5 mph) and 15 kph (approximately 9.4 mph). Each horse must pass an initial veterinary inspection, complete the course at the required speed and pass a final veterinary inspection in order to be successful overall. Three team members out of the four must be successful for the team to be deemed as being successful and therefore be considered for the Final.

Our local qualifier is being held at Firle on the 22nd August 2010 over a 32km course (around 20 miles). If you are interested in participating in the ride or might be interested in participating in a future ride please contact Maria Elliott on 07786 965624 or email mariaelliott@tiscali.co.uk. 

More information can be found on the Endurance GB website:  www.rcteamevent.endurancegb.co.uk.
Click here to download flyer

VALID FLU CERTIFICATES WILL BE REQUIRED

Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to ……………   NEWMARKET?!

On a lovely bright and sunny morning we met in Hailsham High Street. Our lovely shiny new L J Edwards Coach arrived on time and we were off!  After a brief stop at some services it wasn’t long before we were in horse racing country, first stop the National Stud.

We were joined on our coach by a guide from the stud who was extremely knowledgeable about the stud, their horses and the racing industry in general.  On the drive up to the stallion unit we were all struck by the immaculate paddocks, all neatly post and railed with avenues of blossom trees lining the road.  (And not a horse poo in site!!!!) .  When we arrived at the unit we were allowed to wander round the yard, as you can imagine the stallions are treated to first class luxury with large stables and beds of thick shavings.  We then went up to the paddocks to see some of the stallions and we were told about each of them and their breeding and behavioural traits.  Then it was of to see the mares and foals, picture perfect in their paddocks – with the young offspring having a hop and skip about on their gangly legs waving their fluffy tails.  We also saw some mares that were only hours away from foaling – poor things they looked very big and really looked like they had had enough of being pregnant.

It was then of to Newmarket town itself where we went our separate ways for lunch and met up at thee National Horse Racing Museum.  Not being an ardent racing fan I wondered what the museum would be like, one word – FANTASTIC!  The first part of the museum looked at the history of racing and had some amazing artefacts, some not to modern tastes but offered an insight into racing in bygone days. There were also some very impressive trophies, sculptures and paintings.  Next it was off to the area dedicated to Thoroughbreds, owners and trainers along with the skeleton of the famous Hyperion, who when he died in 1960 had sired 748 winners in Britain – pretty impressive.  Then it was onto the practical area, with displays of old racing tack, stable implements and an insight into the management of race horses for many of us the highlight of the tour, a chance to ride the race horse simulator.  All too soon it was back on the coach for the journey home.   

Performance Awards

Following excellent interest over the past two years the Club will be running their Performance Awards again in 2010.
Details are given below and if you would like to discuss any specific detail please ring Loretta on 01323 500800.
More info here
Download entry form here