It’s been a busy old winter for those of us who have kept our horses going and there’s lots to look forward to for those who are coming out of hibernation.
Horsey chat all seems very trivial when we look at what is going on in the world just now, but I’m sure there are many SRC members doing their bit for the people in Ukraine. A few members were involved with the Strathearn Horseboxes Help for Ukraine effort back in February. We filled the lorry to the gunnels with donations collected from Cultybraggan Scout Hut and the Co-op, Crieff before depositing at Morris Leslie’s yard at Errol. This group has morphed into Tayside and Strathearn Help for Ukraine and they have sent several lorry loads to Poland already. Check out their facebook page as they are still looking for donations.
On the subject of fund-raising, well done to member Jackie Henderson who baked some wonderful cakes to sell at the last Erik MacKechnie-Guire lessons at Braefield and raised £90 for Ukraine.
Winter lessons have been varied and well-attended at different venues. We are so lucky to have Braefield and Linfield within the club, while Inchcoonans and the new facility at Netherton have also been used extensively. Lessons with Erik, Diana Zadja, Carol Stanley, Julie Spiers and Andi Bruce have all been popular.
We have also had a few alternative sessions; a January bitting clinic at Braefield with Mary Wastie was so popular, we had to organise a further two. It will be great to see all these ponies out there winning this year with their new bits in!!
Thanks to member and vet, Katie Jamieson for organising a very informative talk from renowned equine behaviourist, Gemma Pearson in conjunction with Tay Valley Vets. Gemma helped us all to understand why our horses behave (or mis-behave) like they do! My take-home message from this was the three F’s essential for a happy, healthy horse: Friends, Forage and Freedom.
More recently we had Sarah Cruikshank from Baileys giving a talk at Gleneagles on feeding the performance horse, which was very informative and enjoyed by those who attended.
It seems like a long time ago now but, back in December, we held our Annual Members Meeting and Prize-Giving at Madderty Village Hall with a delicious meal provided by another talented member, Hazel McFadzean of Hazelnuts Catering.
Very well done to Anne McEwan for deservedly being awarded the “Most Improved Member.” Also to Eilidh Campbell for winning the Gleneagles SRC Showjumping league and Marjorie Grant for winning the Gleneagles SRC Dressage league.
Performance points results, with McCash vouchers down to sixth place were as follows:
- Marjorie Grant and Lexi
- Beverley Ferguson and Piper
- Sarah Brand and Cloudy
- Erika Hay and Prince
- Katie Jamieson and Flo
- Kate McDiarmid and Ziggy
Coming up is powercross at Inchcoonans with Andi Bruce and jumping on grass at Linfield with Carol Stanley. Keep an eye on our facebook page or the events calendar on the website. Booking is always on equoevents. Below is a wee taster of what to expect at the lovely Linfield Farm:
Well done to those members who were quick enough off the mark to get a space at the 2022 Area 22 camp at Auchlishie Saturday 21st to Monday 23rd May. I can guarantee you will all have great fun! I believe there is a short waitlist, so it might still be worth applying. Sue can email you the form.
Area 22 Competitions take place, again at Auchlishie, Kirriemuir, on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June. This is a great opportunity to represent your club at any level you like and also be part of a team. We tend not to do the qualifying competition, because nobody ever wants to travel to the deep south to take part but the non-qualifiers are hotly contested and great fun.
There are classes for showjumping from 70cm to 110cm, style jumping 75cm and 85cm, dressage and riding tests – these are all on Saturday. Sunday is horse trials day with classes from 70cm to 100cm. The Club will subsidise one entry to the value of £18.50 per competitor. Stabling is available at £40 for one night and £15 for subsequent nights inclusive of straw. If you are interested in taking part in this fun competition or just want to find out more, please contact Erika on ehay@erhynd.co.uk. Entries have to be in mid-May, so don’t delay! We have to provide two helpers each day as well, so please, please let either Erika or Sue know if you would be willing to give up, even half a day, to help out. Apparently there are also sponsorship opportunities – just putting that out there for anyone interested!!
Here’s a taster….
Well, that’s it for the April newsletter. Let’s hope the link arrived in your inboxes safely – first time lucky!!
Have a great spring/summer training and competing and hope to see all our members out and about.
