Junior and Novice Area Dressage Report

Saturday 2nd August started off really wet, but the sun came out in the afternoon, just in time for the juniors and novices to compete. We all arrived in plenty of time, numbers given out, and last minute preparations done. The Burghley turnout of both riders and ponies was fantastic, and it was obvious to all that a lot of time and effort had been spent. All our riders and ponies were a credit to themselves and the branch.

We had sixteen representatives of the Burghley there:-

Novice Teams                                                    Junior Teams

Lisa Reid                                                            Silas Mason
Jessica Varley                                                     Greta Mason
Alice Turner                                                        Bethany Fitt
Lily Whitworth-Biehler                                        Anna Haefeli
Oliver Meikle                                                      Jake Webb
Harriet Vickers                                                    Ross Hemmings
Catherine Davies                                                 Issy Henriques
Samantha Kay                                                    Elizabeth Bowen-West


In the space of 1 hour and 45 minutes all tests were done. It was quite manic in the warm up field, but Julie Frizzell was there to sort everyone out and help with the warming up.

The results took an age to come in. Silas and Bethany both won their arenas, which was brilliant. Along with a rosette, they each got a goodie bags, containing things like vouchers, brushes, etc. Elizabeth came 5th in her arena on Ollie. The Junior team or Silas, Greta, Bethany and Anna came 3rd overall.

Individual results in the novice were Jessica and Alice both getting 5th in their arena's and Ollie Meikle a 3rd in his. Sadly the teams didn't get placed.

A big well done to those that got placed, and an equal well done to those that didn't. We all went as a team, preformed as a team and you all did me proud.

This is my last year as team manager for the dressage, so in time honoured tradition I have a few thank yous.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the instructors that have trained the team over the year, Jo Homes-Cole, Kate Moorley, Nikki Herbert and Julie Frizzell. The children have learnt so much and dressage is now deemed as a cool discipline and not something to groan about.

I would like to thank the children and parents that have come to training (rain or shine), competitions and been great fun. Also to Margaret Spain who organises the intermediate and open teams.

I would also like to thank Robbie Reid for his support and his understanding in why I have to retire.  I will be available to help the new manager, and pass on pearls of wisdom! I have enjoyed my time as team manager and after a steep learning curve for my first year, relaxed a little! I now know lots more about dressage than I did before, but confess that there is still lots that I don't know. I know that the person who takes over, will have the support of everyone that does the training and will enjoy the job.

Jutta