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Posted: 24th November 2011. We had a lovely evening with Jo from Canter Happy along with some very potent mulled wine and mince pies. Jo had two colleaues with her at the shop and I have put their links onto the useful links page. Shelley Bird of Deryn Saddlery, she specialies in saddle fitting, reflocking, equestrian parties, showing products and bespoke equestrian wear. Also, Liz & Robin of Beacons Countryside Stires. They have opened up a shop on Ffrwdgrech Industrial Estate to provide locally sourced ranges of feed for horse, cattle, sheep & pigs along with feed additives, remedies, hay & straw, fencing supplies and logs etc. Well we have wrapped the season up for another year and we hope you all enjoy a christmas break. Time for you to do some christmas shopping and some mucking out! Although unseasonal, we have been very lucky with the mild weather. Keep your horse exercised - we will have the winter qualifiers taking place in February which is just around the corner, all are welcome to take part and you will be well supported! Let us take this opportunity in wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and we will see you in the New Year.

Posted: 18th October 2011. Hi all. The winter diary is up and we have a christmas shoppoing evening with Happy Canter in their new shop in Brecon. Mulled wine and refreshments will be on offer! A few of us took part in the Hunter Trials last weekend in Leominster and even entered a Team Chase - a new experience for us all but great fun and we even came second - so thinking of bringing into the club - let us know if you are interested. We have a winter fun ride in November and then our Presentation evening in December - do let us know if you can come. If you have any news you would like to share with us especially any news of what you have been up to with your horse then please send it on and we can share with the other members - pictures too!

Posted: 5th September 2011. I can't believe that it was June since the last post - sorry everyone but we have had an incredibly busy summer. Wind down time now following another successful show. Please do look at the photos www.richardhobsonphotography.co.uk they are great. The sun shone and our new working hunter jumps were a great success. Well done to all our club winners and non members - too many to mention. The supreme went to Emma Palmer and her son Joseph riding Anthea Birch's pony, Toddy. Joseph had only started riding for a few weeks -well done to you all. The bar went down well and finished late into the evening - some bad heads this morning I think!!! Hope everyone enjoyed the day and thank you for the supprt and help.

Posted: 23rd June 2011. The last summer Area Qualifier was held at Allensmore on Sunday 12th June 2011. It was the wettest day ever!!! Our boots were full of water, our windows were steamed up and the conditions were testing to say the least for both horse and rider. Only 3 in a jump off - this gives you an indication of the conditions! And with all that Sam Owen qualified in the intermediate individual - fantastic result. Thursday night we had a Stockland meeting ahead of Monday's annual trip to Stockland Lovell Manor residential camp. 21 riders will be descending on the event course. Look out for this years photos!
Posted: 16th May 2011. The Area Dressage Qualifiers were held at Usk showground yesterday. We had two teams entered and both teams were placed with the B team coming in second and the A team coming in FIRST - welld one girls. Sam Owen, Ann Birch, Michelle Tucker, Sarah Andrews will now be representing the club later in the year at the National Championships in Lincoln. Well done to you all and the B team that were placed 6th. A great day had by all.

Posted: 4th May 2011. The Horse Trials held on Bank Holiday Monday was a very well organised, well supported and well damn well nerve racking!!! The team of five - Beverley Anderson, Sara Lee-Webb, Kate Buck, Bevan & Jan Sharpless were not expecting a miracle - with Bev Anderson only being told on the way to the event what her day would entail, she was our rock and comfort blanket on the ground - the best Chef d'equipe ever! - a very huge thank you from us all Bev - next Sara Lee-Webb - the pro of the bunch who was so unphased by it all, Kate on only her 2nd dresssage test and first ever horse trials and I know it was a target she set for herself last year, Kim - on her new ride with only one day cross country training behind her and a very scary cross country course to jump in front of her and me on a horse that thinks Tigger from Winnie the Pooh is the way to go round a dressage arena! All riders cleared the Cross Country Course in style - Well done to you all, very proud of you. Keep up the training and we will be qualified next year!!!

Posted: 12 April 2011. On Sunday 10 April 2011 a team entered the Area Qualifier (Festival of the Horse). You started with a round of showjumps and the finish of the showjump round is the start of the start to the cross country phase unlike a two phase hunter trial where you do get a break in between! Not only that - we had to learn 2 courses ! Not good for our old brains! The team did very well with 2 x 2 course clears and the other two - one trying to keep a very excitable horse calm and the other glad to see a jump coming because it was the only way to slow her horse down! Really good day out with plenty of Rose wine to help around the course. Well done team! Next qualifier is at Sapey with the One Day Event on the Bank holiday Monday 2nd April 2011. We will need some helpers if annyone has a spare day? Unfortunately, to enter we have to put two helpers forward or our team cant run so if you do have spare time do let us know. (Free lunch!). Keep you posted for results and how we all get on.

Posted: 22nd March 2011. We had a lovely day at the Fun Ride. The weather was kind to us. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those that helped on the day to make it a success. It seems all those that participated really enjoyed the day, the park, the jumps etc. We will let yoou know the final total when the sponsor money comes in. Keep you posted. Dont forget to let Kim know the qualifiers you are interested in. Also, bear in mind that subs are due at the end of this month.

Posted: 21st February 2011. The Area Dressage at Pencoed was held yesterday and we had two teams entered. One of the teams came 2nd (and it was a very close 2nd!) the other team came 7th with some members never having competed dressage before. Very well done to Colin Davies, Kate Buck, Sam Owen, Ann Davies, Emma Bevan. Not forgetting Sara Lee-Webb whose horse became lame just before the competition never mind Sara we have a whole summer ahead of us.

Posted: 9th February 2011. A belated Happy New Year to you all. We were due to start our training last week but the weather put paid to that! We are having another go this weekend followed by some indoor fun on the 19th Feb. Hope you can make it - dont forget to book in with Sarah if you want to join in, it will be some fun for both you and the horses as I am sure - like many of us - you havent had the chance due to the weather and the mucking out etc to find time riding. This month we have the winter dressage qualifiers and our club have two teams entering. We do wish them luck. The new Training plan and events diary has now been posted to the website. Last Thursday we had the Club's AGM and thanks to all those that came along - it was a lovely social evening too. So after ours and the horses well earned break - lets get to it. Enjoy the diary and hope to see you all at some point.
Posted: 6th December 2010. Well we have (and still are having) a well deserved break but we have not rested on our laurels! Indeed, on Saturday 27th November we held a successful xmas bazaar and table top sale - although the weather kept many away we still raised funds for the club and had some fun making wreaths and mistletoe bunches. The mulled cider went down a treat, thanks to Cerys! Just this Saturday we held a quiz and presented the end of year awards. Some well deserved winners none more so than Kate Buck who won the Annual Trophy for Best Achiever kindly donated by Chrissie Chambers. Well done to all of you and let us take this opportunity in wishing you a fabulous Christmas nad New Year. Have a good one.
Posted: 6th September 2010. 2nd Annual Show 2010. The club hosted its annual show on Sunday despite the dreadful weather at first it did dry out as the day progressed. Although this did have an impact on numbers we still had a great turnout and with no complaints. A few even handed their prize winnings back in as an appreciation for the great day they had had and to give their support back to the club. What a lovely gesture. It all ran smoothly with the invaluable help received by committee & members (and even some non-members). There were a lot of very happy faces from the competitors which makes all the hardwork involved very worth while. If you have any constructive criticism about the show or ideas for next year then please do let us know. This is the finale to a great year, although the training will continue and we will be looking forward to the winter championships.
Posted: 16th August 2010. The Summer Dressage Area Qualifiers turned out to be a great success with a few of our own members qualifying for the Championshions in Lincoln shortly. A huge turn out and a BIG ASK for our fledgling club but we had the help of Vale of Usk especially Nikki Watson & Ruth Gregory. A great big thanks MUST go to all those who arrived from 8am in the morning to steward, write for judges etc without whom this would not have been the success that it was. Qualifiers are full of rules and regulations with indepth vaccination and tack checks etc etc our club has never done anything like this before so we had lots to learn before, during and after! The results will be posted shortly. The next on our club's agenda is the Fun Ride over the Eppynt. Do come and support the club. We also have the annual show in a few weeks, if you can spare a few hours then please let us know. Hope to see you at the fun ride and show. Thanks agin for all the help yesterday from our members you were fabulous!

Posted: 12th August 2010. The Riding Club BBQ was blessed by the sun! The talk by Huw Thomas Saddle Fitter & Maker, was really interesting and very well received as was the demonstration by Bethan Lloyd McTimony Practitioner. A huge thank you to you both for taking the time to talk to us. Next on the agenda is the summer area dressage qualifiers.

Posted: 12th August 2010. The Riding Club BBQ was blessed by the sun! The talk by Huw Thomas Saddle Fitter & Maker, was really interesting and very well received as was the demonstration by Bethan Lloyd McTimony Practitioner. A huge thank you to you both for taking the time to talk to us. Next on the agenda is the summer area dressage qualifiers.

Posted: 3rd August 2010. The summer is going so fast! We had a fabulous night at the Usk Inn with the Podiatrist and Mike the Farrier. Very well received, very interesting and very informative (plus the wine was very nice!). Before the club started I would not have attended and "lectures" or "talks" thinking I knew enough - until you actually do start going to these type of things you do not realise how poor your knowledge really is! The members taking part in the Area Qualifiers - dressage next weekend are busy practising. The actual preparations for hosting the Area Dressage are going according to plan! All those that have offered their services we can't thank you enough it really is a case of more hands make light work and it gives us all a chance to ride too. The prearations for the Annual Show on the 5th September are also going according to plan - schedules are out - let us know if you need some to hand out. We have increased the number of classes this year to around 85 including the dog classes so let's hope there is something for everyone and that the rain stays away! If anyone would like to give a hand or get involved in anywat with any of the events - just let us know.

Posted 13th July 2010. It has been a very busy few weeks getting the practice in for the Area Horse Trials held on Sunday. It was a lovely sunny day - a little too hot for the horses and definitely for the riders! A big thank you to Russell & Susan Stafford-Tolley and Kate Buck who gave up tehir time to fence judge for the whole day. A great big thank you to Bev "Bits" Anderson who was our Chef d'equipe - didn't she do well - she had us all on time to all out classes not only that but she had to move a few of around due to an accident on our way to the trials - so thanks Bits for your help. The club had a team of four entered into the Novice 90 area qualifier one of whom unfortunately was eliminated leaving three - Fiona Cloke, Michelle Tucker & me! Fiona had the highest scoring dressage test of the day with only 4 faults in the show jumping & a clear on XC course to follow. Then we had Michelle who despite her nerves did a lovely dressage test and unfortunately fell off in the showjumping (picture to follow - it's well funny!) but fortunately landed on her feet and got straight back on with determination written all over her face. It was only her second time on her horse to go over the cross country course and she did really well and was very pleased with herself afterwards, then me - well I wont harp on about me! We will go straight onto Kim who did the Individual Introductory 80 class with another lovely dressage test followed by a few faults in the showjumping and a fabulous clear on the cross country course - well done Nibbles! Sam 'McCauley' Owen took her horse around the Intermediate class, there was a lot of stiff competition in this class with very close points, at the last count she was 8th out of the class but this may have changed so I will let you know when I have more information but she also did a great dressage test, showjumping & cross country. This was our first horse trials and again we learnt a lot from the day and look forward to the next one. Everybody was really friendly and helpful and we all went home very very tired! I will post some pictures as soon as I get some. Our next qualifier is the Dressage that we are hosting with Vale of Usk so do come and support it on the 15th August. If you can help just let us know as more hands make light work.

Posted 21st June 2010. We dont just do horsey things!! This weekend saw us Go-Karting for Kim's birthday and the competition didnt get any less because we were on four wheels instead of four legs!!! Followed by a meal and drinks. Very sociable evening! The pictures I am sure will follow!

Posted: 16th June 2010. Tuesday evening we had Kim Warren come and give the members a taster session on Pairs Dressage, what fun! There was a lot of response and more dates have been booked in to sort out floor plans ready for the area qualifiers and/or the pairs dressage at our end of year show. A huge thank you to Kim Warren for coming to show us what it takes!

Posted: 16th June 2010. Saturday 12th June saw this years Man vs Horse. One of our members Kate Buck entered riding Banana (Eigth Spirit) and Martin her husband entered running. The race started in Llanwyrtyd Wells and Abergwesyn Forestry, it is an extreme race for both horse and rider. The event started in 1980, when local landlord Gordon Green overheard a discussion between two men in his pub, the Neuadd Arms. One man suggested that over a significant distance across country, man was equal to any horse. The margins by which horses outpace their human rivals have dropped from about 30 minutes to a matter of seconds. Factors tipping the balance toward the human competitor is that horses overheat more quickly and have these horses been trained to climb hills and traverse rough terrain? If not, it's likely you are matching a bunch of supremely fit, specialist long-distance runners against ordinary horses. The result is bound to be closer than you would at first think. But our Kate had trained Banana and at the 3 vet very tough vet checks he passed. The halfway vet test required myself & Kim to cool Banana down whilst Bev Anderson was constantly checking the heart rate with a stethescope and it was only when Bev said he was ready that Kate was able to go to the vet check. Because of Banana's laid back attitude his heart rate came down very quickly allowing Kate to pass the vet check in front of many others. Her first goal was to beat her husband and as she passed him twice ( I must add Martin ran a very fast race but was not 100% well on the day so Kate maybe next year!) her next goal was to be in the top ten which would have been a real high achievement in itself. However, we egged her on and gave her position as fourth a couple of miles from the end and whether or not this did egg her on - she finally came in third! Kate is absolutely hooked on endurance riding now and her support crew no doubt will be travelling the country too! Very well done to Kate and Martin it was a fab day.

Posted: 8th June 2010. A double well done to one of our members, Marion Powell at the Brecon & Talybont Hunt Supporters Show where two of her horses won. Firstly, Marion rode Sally in the Best Riding Cub Horse and won, they then went onto stand Ridden Champion. Her other mare, Molly and shown by Chrissie Chambers won the Coloured in-hand class and I believe it was her first show and she took it all in her stride so to speak! Chrissie to took it in her stride keeping right in sync with the mare (see below)!!

Posted: 26th May 2010. We are back after a very "gruelling" few days at Stockland Lovell Residential Camp in Somerset. The instruction over the 3 days was fabulous and I think we all learnt something aswell as having a lot of fun and many of the club members could put names to faces. Their names however were replaced by well earned nicknames that were very apt, a good job they were all open minded - names such as Bits, Mucky, Socks, Didi, Q, Pussy, Granny balls, Special, Twiggy, Fingers, Lady Helen, Wiener, Gasmic, Killer Kate, Pebbles, Nibbles, No But, Sandwich, McCauley, Shades, some earning more than one nickname! If you want to know why they earned these nicknames - just let me know - I was never any good at keeping a secret!!

I will be posting pictures of everyone shortly so keep looking............................. or you can see for yourself on www.fionacrawford.co.uk SLM 24/05/10

On a more serious note we hope it has given you the confidence to go further and perhaps start competing, we have a meeting 15 June 2010 at 7pm in the Usk Hotel for a quick run through of the Area 15 Horse Trials so if your interested or just want to know a little more, want to support or help please do come along.

Posted: 14th May 2010. Hi everyone, hope you have had a great start to the showing season. Colin & Cerys's horse Hulabaloo had a great start to the season when, in the ridden hunter section of Crickhowell Pony Club show, they rode away with 1st and then Champion, well done to you. On the endurance side of things - Fiona's talk has started something!! Please read Kate Buck's report on her first ever Endurance Competition and how ell she did, well done Kate.

" I had been planning to compete in an endurance ride for ages, but its one of those things that I never seemed to get around to doing. After Fiona Griffith’s inspiring talk in March, I decided now was the time…….

So I entered the Mynydd Machen Challenge. What an amazing day. I have to admit I was very very very nervous. I felt completely out of my depth. Everyone seemed to know what to do except me, but I need not have worried, everyone was so friendly and helpful. Banana passed the vet check, his heart rate was 42. A bit high but I think he was nervous too!!! And so we set off. A well marked course, lots of orange tape which Banana thought was very spooky. Across a couple of fields, down through a village and up a quiet lane all at a brisk trot. Then onto a bridleway and through a beautiful blue bell wood. I tagged on the back of a couple of riders who had set a good pace. They pulled me along until we reached the steep climb up Mynydd Machen. We slowed and by the time we reached the top, my saddle was somewhere near Bananas tail. A breast plate is now on my shopping list. I jumped off, adjusted my saddle, and by the time I re mounted the riders in front were out of sight. Banana was having none of it. He did not want to be left behind, so we flew. Lots of fast canters and gradually caught them up. And there we stayed. Trotting and cantering all the way, over mountains, through woods, completely exhilarating. Banana got faster and faster. I tried to slow him down, I was worried he would burn himself out and grind to a halt, but his ears were pricked and I am sure I could see a big grin on his face. We cantered through the finish in 2hrs 27mins, great, only the final vet check to go. We waited for 30 mins, Banana had a drink and a munch of grass. Final heart rate 48. I was delighted. We averaged 13kph, and received a grade 2 rosette. I am now completely hooked. I have upgraded my membership, entered my next ride and hope to progress from Novice to open this year. What have I learned? Well, I have rekindled my competitive spirit, I need to buy some comfy knickers, and Banana is a star and I love him to bits!! "

Posted: 29th April 2010. Time to start thinking about the Riding Club Horse Trials in July at Chepstow. If you would like some information on it you can either read the BHS website and see the schedule. We are hoping to enter two teams and they can be counted individually too. Kim will be arranging some time to have a chat to see who may be interested.

Posted: 6th April 2010. Following on from the talk on Endurance riding by Fiona Griffiths much interest was shown in her sport and as she has done some rides since some of our members have asked how she had got on so she has given us a report: A quick update on Oli and Angel's progress this year for those whose interest has been aroused by my short chat if anyone is keen to learn more im happy to do a practical training session
Oli has started the year well with a 40k ride at the Forest of Dean completing at a comfortable 12.56kph and a grade one a heart rate of less than 42 at the finish Angel also did 40k but as usual her hr didnt come down so well and only achieved a grade 4 (hr51). Oli has then gone on to the New Forest to do 80k competitive ride completing at13.65kph just under 6hrs of riding gaining another grade one what a star, he was also second in his class that day. Even though the weather was fine on the day the ground was very wet and muddy with a couple of deep fords to cross.
Angel went to Kings Forest in Norfolk last weekend to do a 65k ride for selection in to the British Development Squad Team for Belgium this May. She was super - going as well as she has ever gone with the fastest time I've ever done at 15.58kph under 4 hrs riding vetted really quickly and a grade one her first ever. To top it off we made team reserve which for our first attempt is great. As a ride this has to be one of the best - flat and grassy real good going, nice and cool too. It also takes the pressure off us a little as next weekend we go to Nottingham to do our FEI 1 star ride. and Oli will do another 80k competitive ride as we improve his core fitness.
Riding Club Endurance teams competition at ludlow 18th July - Championship 5th Sept at Southwell, Nottingham. If you would like to enter a team I would be more than happy to help train.

Posted: 6th April 2010. The Naf Championships at Hartpury was well attended from teams all over the country including Isle of Wight etc. Hartpury is a fabulous venue for these championships. There was a very well built jumping course that tested both horse and rider. Our team had a few incidents including a vaccination problem and one of the horses being spooked by all of the goings on that unbalanced the rider who came off and really hurt her leg, fortunately she walked away from it and lived to tell the tale. A great day had by all and from the photos you can see there was plenty of support (and Strongbow to finish the day off!). I will also mention that one of our instructors Kate Bevan did extremely well in the dressage, her team came 8th overall so well done to Kate and her team.

Posted: 30th March 2010. See us in the April edition of Welsh Rider.

Posted: 15th March 2010. Sponsored Charity Fun Ride held yesterday at Glanusk Estate was a huge success. There were three sections Section A - up through the Myarth forestry, section B - along the river below Gliffaes with optional cross country jumps and section C - a fabulous breathtaking gallop on open grassland through Glanusk Estate. It was a "blast" and it's not very often you have a chance to see this wonderful estate and ride through it. Great feedback from the riders. Spectacular setting with the best of the weather this year! A big thank you to Harry & Iona Legge-Bourke for their generosity in letting us have the fun ride at Glanusk and ....breaking news...... we are able to make this an annual event so same time, same place next year! The RDA Riding for Disabled are going to be presented with a cheque next week, we will post pictures and further details as they come in. Thank you to all the stewards who gave up their time not only yesterday but on Saturday to mark out the course too. The "watering hole" was a welcome sight for the children and adults alike. This event was sponsored by Glanusk Estate and Blaythorne.

Posted: 8th March 2010. The Dressage Qualifiers were held yesterday at Usk with 23 teams entered. Our club had 3 teams albeit not full teams due to some members having to pull out with various problems such as incorrect vaccinations etc., and some members having to ride other horses that they have not ridden before. Some may say we were at a disadvantage before we started. The Intermediate members went first with great success and I know that they were very please with their "performances." There are 2 intermediate members and 2 novice members in each team so with my summing up there are approximately 46 riders in each class, Fiona Cloke & Sarah Tindall cam joint 12th in the Intermediate and Ann Davies was 7th in the Novice closely followed by Emma Palmer. The Team came overall 7th - not helped by one of the team members going the wrong way tut tut!! Yes it was moi !!!! A fabulous result for our first team dressage and we are all looking forward to the summer qualifiers. Well done to all those who took part and those who supported and a big thankyou to our Chef d'equipe who was there from start to finish, thanks again Kim.

Posted: 1st March 2010. The dressage at Usk on Saturday was a great success and a fabulous practise for next weeks qualifiers. We had a few hiccups but all good learning!! Very excitable horses very stuck lorries but a great day had by all, well done to all those who took part each and every one of you did very well indeed and thanks to Kim who looked after the competitors all through the day. Very well done to Anne Davies who was placed 3rd in the Novice with her horse Dolau Aspect lets hope she can do it for the team next week. We look forward to next weeks Qualifiers and if your around do come and support the club.

Posted: 21st February 2010. WHAT A DAY!! We took two teams to the Area 15 Showjumping qualifiers for the NAF Novice Indoor Show Jumping Championships and for those who came to compete and for those who came to help and support, you will know that one of our teams were not only placed but actually WON the whole area competition!!!! Whoop whoop our very first club competition and our very first win. Very well done to the team members who came first - Samantha Pugh, Megan Davies, Fiona Cloke and Lisa Williams. This team will now go on to represent our club in the National Championships. The Novice Indoor Show Jumping competition is a team event only. Seniors will compete on Saturday 3 April over a course of 80cm. This is increased by 5cm in the second round. There will then be a jump-off if teams are tied for first place. So wish them luck for this. Special thanks must be said for Beverley Anderson & Cerys Davies for their help today, much appreciated and for Paul Anderson for buying me and Kim a Burger - we were famished with all that excitement!! Here's a photo of the winning team being presented with their prizes and rosettes

Posted: 30th March 2010. See us in the April edition of Welsh Rider.

Posted: 12th February 2010. What an informative everning with Emma Hynes of Abbey Equine last night. The talk on "No Foot - No Horse" based on what to look for when buying a horse, how to prevent problems in the hoof and diagnose when problems occur. Emma also gave us valued information on how to save money at the vets !! There was time for some interaction not only through the talk but afterwards too where Emma was bombarded with questions from just about everyone there. May the Riding Club take this opportunity in thanking Emma for the time given to talk with us.
Posted: 8th February 2010. Great to see so many people at the rally yesterday and so enthusiastic about the team jumping and dressage. The two instructors, Kate and Andrea were well received. We do take our hat off to them as it was very very cold for them to be standing there 3 hours at a time, much appreciated. Well done to all those who participated and thanks again to Rita Pugh for the relaxed day at the Paddocks.

Posted: 8th February 2010. Great to see so many people at the rally yesterday and so enthusiastic about the team jumping and dressage. The two instructors, Kate and Andrea were well received. We do take our hat off to them as it was very very cold for them to be standing there 3 hours at a time, much appreciated. Well done to all those who participated and thanks again to Rita Pugh for the relaxed day at the Paddocks.

Posted: 29th January 2010. We had the AGM last night and what a wonderful turnout with plenty of enthusiasm for the year ahead. Thank you to those who have come onto the committee to give a helping hand and a big thankyou for your past involvement to those of you who stood down. We were pleasantly surprised by the pro-active members we have! Beverly Anderson will be the new Chairman, Cerys Davies the new Training Officer, Emma Phillips takes over as Health and Safety Officer, Russell Stafford-Tolley elected to show co-ordinator with Rita Pugh. Much was discussed and reported and the next few months we will see three teams go forward to the showjumping qualifiers and four teams to the dressage qualifiers, with the new team saddlecloths that were pucrhased especially for these events. We will let you know how they get on. We are starting to organise the sponsored fun ride in March with proceeds going to the Riding for the Disabled, Llangynidr group so look out for the sponsor forms and entry forms.

Posted: 18th January 2010. Just to let you all know we are having our first rally of the year at Llwynon, Trecastle on Sunday 24th, dont forget to book in especially those of you who would like to have a try at the area qualifiers. We also have a little more news one of our members, Chrissie Chambers, has been invited to judge at the Midlands Association of RC Championships at the end of August, not too many Riding Clubs can boast a member being a RC Championship Judge! I know it is over three days with evening performances so quite intense - well done Chrissie.

Posted: 7th January 2010. Happy New Year to You All.Its been one whole month since you have heard from us! You are probably thinking you will never ride your horses when you look out of the window at the snow and ice and they forecast more snow for Sunday - Lets hope the forecast is wrong!! Think only of the long summer evenings we had and will have again! We are back from our seasonal break and hope you are already for the year ahead. The club will be kicking off the New Year with getting horses fit and team training for some Area Qualifiers that we would like our members to have a go at and I know from talking to some of you there are some reserves about entering a competition but we do hope you will have a go with the support of the club behind you - you are not alone! If you are at all interested then the Qualifying dates can be found on the events and Diary and at the moment by clicking on the link found on the home page. If you want further information or your inhibitions quashed then speak/email Kim or Janine. For those of you who do not want to compete we would still like you to have as much fun as we had last year by attending the rallies, training, fun rides, talks and social events we hold throughout the year. Our AGM will be held on Thursday 28th January at the Usk Hotel, please do try and come and if you would like to bring any suggestions you may have for the club along with you. Dont forget - this is YOUR CLUB too!

Posted: 7th December 2009. I hope you have recovered from your hangovers following Saturday's End of Year Dinner & Dance. Thank you everyone for the feedback we have received, thankfully all positive. The Usk Hotel, once again provided the Riding Club with a fabulous venue, the food was outstanding and beautifully laid out, a big thank you to Andy & Gill. The presentations were handed out some not so serious ones and the very serious ones although all of them were very much deserved.

The Best Achiever Award that was so kindly donated by Chrissie Chambers was handed to Colin Davies, well done Colin. Following the preentations we found the true Rock Chicks in the club - you know who you are Chrisse, Daryl, Ann, Rhiannon etc......Chrissie & Daryl gave us a fabulous jive - put us youngsters to shame!! (ok not so much the youngsters but a touch younger!!). We do hope you all enjoyed it and it was so nice to see you out of Jodphurs and smelling so sweetly! We are having a break over the Christmas period so B,C & D RC would like to wish all members a really Happy Christmas and look forward to a New Year or Riding Club Activities. Happy New Year.

Posted: 25th November 2009. Firstly, apologies for not keeping you in with the news!! I was having some problems with the website but as you can see the problems have been rectified and I can now start updating it again. Well we have had a somewhat quieter month mainly due to the weather we do hope none of you have had too many problems caused by the rain (I had my kitchen flooded out!). On the 5th November we had an evening with Chrissie Chambers who took time out once again to depart with some of her vast equine knowledge and in particular this time explaining the do's and dont's, the history and the traditions of Hunting. For those who couldnt make it - you would never believe how steeped in tradition the hunting field is. From the feedback (at the bar later!) we were all impressed with Chrissie's knowledge and the way it was presented, if you get to read this Chrissie may we take this opportunity in taking the time out to enlighten us and to thank you for such an enjoyable evening. Tomorrow evening Brecon & Talybont Hunt are having an evening at Lower Chaper Hall as Tiverton Hunt are coming down for the day. All are welcome so do try and come along. On the 12th November we had a lovely evening in spite of the weather at Canter Happy, Libanus. We were warmly welcomed by Johanna Woolford and the mulled wine did warm us up along with Nibbles and her nibbles!!

Posted: 26th October 2009. The weather was not great to start but as soon as we got mounted the drizzle seemed to disperse on Saturday at the opening meet of the Brecon & Talybont Hunt. The meet was held at Castell Madoc, Upper Chapel and the riding club members turned out in force! (See Gallery). A few hiccups on the way literally with Sarah Taylor once she found out that Bev Anderson was unable to make it and accompany her because she had fallen off earlier in the week. Sarah panicked so the only thing to do was make her down her hip flask of Port. It soon took the edge off her nerves but then there was another problem - we had two empty hip flasks - problem solved - Scott arrived with reinforcements in the shape of a full bottle of Sherry but then the other riding club members found out about it and headed for the Red lorry thats always got alcohol in it!! Sherry all round - nerves gone - all mounted only to be greeted with hot punch mmmmmmmmm didn't it taste moorish and moorish hic hic!! So at the ready we followed hounds out of the grounds of Castell Madoc except for Emma Phillips who thought she would take the unusual exit - Byker her horse did a roly poly over a barbed wire fence and a gate landing on the road the otherside. Emma parted with Byker at the road - and as I write she is nursing her neck, her back, her rib and says she is very sore. Byker was unscathed, thankfully. However, she didnt let it beat her she jumped onto another horse and off we went to catch the rest up. Not long later Sarah's alcohol consumption not only helped her nerves but helped her lose balance on an unfortunate fall - but she too remounted (the quickest I've ever seen her mount too!). As Bev couldn't ride with us because of her fall (and she too is nursing some very big bruises) she followed with Paul & Pete and went off roading in the landrover stopping to help a damsel in distress in her BMW who had bottomed out up some country lane (and I dont think she was blonde either!). The hunt was very friendly, fun and good going. Great countryside and the weather although windy stayed dry. We turned for home and Kim must have thought she was on Sea Biscuit because by then I thought I was on Red Rum!! Unfortunately one hound did get trodden on by a horse (not a RC horse I may add!), we do hope it was ok.

Posted: 23rd October 2009. I cant believe its been a month since the last posting! The time has gove very quickly and so have those late summer evenings. Clcoks forward this weekend - dont forget! The riding club are all set for the Opening Meet at Castell Madoc with Brecon & Talybont Hunt. Will let you know how we get on. There is an update on the events & diary, please have a look. We have had a few committee meetings the last being Wednesday night where we discussed the Dinner & Dance. A possible cross country day etc will keep you informed. We have an evening with Chrissie, which we look forward to, discussing hunt etiquette etc. Come along and enjoy the evening with fellow club members. The we are off to Libanus in Brecon for a Christmas Shopping & drinks evening.

Posted: 23rd September 2009. A big well done to Emma Phillips on passing her trailer test. She says: "I can go where I want when I want!!" Look out Tom you'll never see her at home now! The dates for the Stockland Lovell residential camp are Monday 24th May-Wednesday 26th May 2010. Book in now to assure your place.

Posted: 9th September 2009. From the feedback we are receiving our very First Annual Horse, Pony & Dog Show has been very well received. It was a splendid day and thankfully the rain stayed away. A lot of hard work went into the planning and staging of the event and we would like to thank EVERY ONE of those that lent a hand and especially those who helped take it all down at the end of the day!! Thanks again to our members who gave up their time through the day to make it worth while. A big thanks to the judges and stewards to Emma Bevan, Rita & Cerys who sorted out the jumping - without them - no show! If you have any comments, suggestions or constructive criticism please let us know, it does help us plan for next year. It has been suggested we should run some more in hand and coloured classes etc. We hope you all enjoyed the day.

Posted: 17th August 2009. Brecon, Crickhowell & District Riding Club hosted their very first competition. It was a lovely sunny evening of dressage and clear round show jumping. A great turn out making this the first show a really successful evening. Well done to all the competitors especially those who took rosettes home. A big thank you to all those helpers and a very big thank you to Kate Buck who sorted the Clear Round out - thanks again Kate.

Posted: 29th July 2009. The schedules & entry forms for Brecon Crickhowell & District Riding Club' 1st Annual Show are out. You can download them on this site or pick them up from Hay & Brecon, Countrywide, Nicholls, Vets etc., Do support your show and any help is gratefully received!!

Posted: 26th July 2009. Well the sun shone down on the riding club members who took part in the dressage test evening at the Paddocks on Thursday 23rd July. It was a great success and all members who attended really enjoyed the evening and have asked for it to be repeated on the training Programme.
It gave riders a chance to perform their test in front of a professional dressage judge and discuss comments and scores given. Many thanks goes to Alison Payne the Judge who really took the time to ensure riders got exactly what they needed from the evening. Also thanks to Rita for setting the arena up and Andrea (Chair) for writing for us.

Posted: 13th July 2009. Kim and one of our members Amanda Dell volunteered to jump judge at the Area Trials this weekend at Chepstow, thank you for helping you two, it has also given them an insight into what goes on and Kim will be able to put you all at ease when you are all entered into a team next time !!! I have just come back from a weekend at Cricklands (David Broom Centre) in Chepstow and not only did Rita (committee member), her daughters and mine have a great weekend she has had a chat with the powers that be and our Riding Club Show in December is now a qualifier for the GB Championships. Thank you Rita! This will mean that should you get a double clear in the showjumping and above 58% in dressage you will be qualified for the Great British Championships held at the David Broome Centre.

Posted: 23rd June 2009. One of our members, Kate Buck, had her work cut out getting her horse ready to challenge her husband, Martin for the Man versus Horse race. If anyone is interested in doing Man v Horse next year we are starting with a talk on endurance riding, followed by some endurance training. Here is how Kate got on in her own words. A very big "WELL DONE" to Kate & Martin.

Man Vs Horse Marathon 2009 click Kate to see picture

22 miles of fast off road hill riding, 3 vet checks and a husband who was running it to beat. All the ingredients for a good day out!!It was my third time at this race. The first was on a TB that I could not stop and galloped flat out for 7 miles before going lame. 1 win to Martin. Last year I borrowed my daughters pony who was a star. We flew around and beat martin by a minute. 1 win to me.This year I was riding my horse Banana. A TB x cob. Very laid back, a touch lazy and a bit stubborn.Not really the ingredients for a hard core endurance horse so my chances of beating the husband were not good. Added to this Martin has been training like a demon and running faster than ever. Banana was fit. I had gradually built up his fitness over the last few months and got him used to trotting for long periods of time. I then put in some faster canter sessions, canter up the hill, trot recoveries down. Not sure if this is the correct way to train for endurance, but I have run a few marathons myself and it worked for me! Race day. Arrived in plenty of time, and queued for the vet check. Heart rate taken, legs back checked. Shoes inspected. All ok. My support crew arrived. Thanks Annabelle and Jodie. They were to meet me at various points with water. Tack up and “parade” through the town. Banana thinks this is fun.The runneres set off 15 minutes before the horses, so we do a small warm up loop around some lanes before gathering behind the race car for the start. Then we are off. The first 2 miles are on the road so we trot quickly behind the car before we hit the open hill. Then we are off. Canter to the top, then fast riding over mixed terrain. Hard forestry tracks, boggy sheep trails, and none of it flat. Banana got into his stride. Fast trot or canter. We begin picking off some runners. Banana gets used to spotting a runner to overtake. This keeps him motivated. At 7 miles there is a really steep descent into Abergwesyn. Very scary and slippery. I adpot the emergency brace position, grab some mane, stick my feet out and shut my eyes. We arrive at the bottom in one piece where my crew are waiting for me. Jodie is standing in a stream with a jug to cool Banana down. From the valley bottom the only way is up. Next comes the hardest section . A long grinding climb, with a the half way vet check at the end. Banana was really going well, I was prepared to walk up some of the sections but he was having none of it, and by the time we arrived at the vets he had taken to cantering sideways and snorting. (I think he fancied the horse in front and was trying to impress her, you know what these men are like!) My crew were waiting with buckets at the ready. Stripped the saddle off and poured lots of water over him to cool him down. Its nerve wracking at the vet check. You have to present your horse for inspection when his heart rate is 64 or below. All crews seemed to have devices for measuring heart rates, but not us. A kind lady passing saw our blank expressions and took his HR. 60. Fantastic. Shoes still intact, still sound and happy. Once you pass the vet check you have a compulsory 10 minute stand still before you set off. It gives you a chance to quietly get tacked up and have a drink. Time up and off again. Banana still as happy as ever. Ears pricked and looking for runners and riders to catch. The next few miles whiz by. I manage to tuck behind another horse and it pulls us along. Going well. Hit a road section, the horse in front turns out to be an ex pacer, it is much faster than us and is soon lost from sight. Banana slows, I can feel him lose heart. Up a steep hill. Runners stop to let me through, Banana stops too. We walk. Top of the hill, horses pass us. Banana picks back up and happily trots again. The end is getting closer, you can hear the loud speakers, but the cruel person who designed the course has added a sting in the tail.. You are sent up a couple of long fields, before hitting another trail that takes you home. It was one hill too many and Banana planted all 4 feet in the ground and refused to move until he was good and ready! Runners came passed and time ebbed away. Finally Banana gave in and plodded to the top, we rounded the corner and headed for home. He knew it. We flew across the stream to the finish. One final vet check and we were given our medals and rosettes. Well done Banana. And who won? We did, in a time of 3hrs 14 minutes, a full 6 minutes ahead of Martin. He is getting over the humiliation but there is always next year…………………….."

Posted: 15th June 2009. I havent been keeping you too up-to-date lately, my apologies I have been very busy with a new house which we hope to move in next weekend so things will hopefully settle down after that. But in the meantime - did you all have a great time at the Quiz?? What an intelligent bunch you are.Well done to all of you who had a go at the Bush Tucker Trial. Hope you all enjoyed it. The cross country at Ewyas Harold sounded like great fun, sorry I couldn't be there but was really ill - and not from the alcohol Friday night before you say it! Kate Bevan instructed the cross country and we have had very positive feedback. There will be a committee meeting very soon to arrange more rally dates etc - if there is anything you would like discussed at he meeting please feel free to contact Kim or myself. Its your club and you have a say so please let us know.

Posted: 25th May 2009. I am sure that all of you that came to the demonstration in Natural Horsemanship with John Jones were not disappointed. He showed us all the basics of natural horsemanship on six horses that he had never seen before. He even had one horse that came out bucking and rearing accepting his commands and was so relaxed he dropped to the floor and had a roll!! Thanks to everyone who helped and of course Rita and all at the Paddocks, once again.

Posted: 7th May 2009. Those of you who joined us for the Showing Demonstration had a wonderful time in the company of Chrissie Chambers & Georgia Archer Wood along with her mum Karen and Kirsty who made the journey from Pontardawe with their show pony. Not only did Chrissie give us some excellent tips on being ring crafty we were also given an insight into the serious world of showing. We were shown all manner of tips, how to apply make up yes not only foundation but mascara too!! And it really does work. Thanks again to Chrissie for not only giving her time but passing on her knowledge to us. I now know not to wear shorts & t-shirt when doing lead rein! I knew I was going wrong somewhere but couldnt put my finger on it! Welcome to our two new members that joined us last night, we hope that you will enjoy the wine and the club as much as we are. We are now 61 members.

Posted: 1st May 09. A lovely evening, despite the earlier rain, had by all at Cilwych, what a lovely venue too. Laragh Cresswell was excellent in instructing the very nervous to the more confident of riders across her Cross country course situated along the river Usk and included a variety of cross country jumps, ditches and coffins. We will definitely go back from the feedback Kim and I had from the riders. Well done to you all, some of which were very very nervous but Laragh really put them at their ease and they relaxed enough to go around the cross country course. Next, some of you may have read that Fiona Griffiths, one of our members, represented the club at the Area Qualifiers on the 26th April at Penybont which is near Llandrindod. Here is what she had to say: "Im not sure where to start. At the Open Evening held at the Usk Hotel I had a burst of enthusiasm or was it when I contacted Kim to ask if I could represent our new club at the areas. Anyhow I did - with a few hiccups. I went off to Penybont with a friends beautiful horse (as mine was not going well enough and he has chronic mud fever which the vets nor I can cure!). We had an early start as I travelled with Sam who was doing the Open. The course was very tight with some well up to height jumps. Not the place for a true novice horse or rider, there is nowhere to gallop on or let your horse settle. The course set off next to the train track with 3 fairly straight forward jumps then a quick turn through a gate to 2 skinnys cut back through the water & a sharp left over a large box in the hedge line, a hedge & another skinny through a gate, a log & up a hill, hay feeder & a ski jump down the otherside to a nasty upright through a gate to the double, the water & then the fence in the pic over a tiger trap, sharp left & another tiger trap, a set of rails, another gate & the last home safe. We had a little wobble at one but a nice round, shame about the time penalties, so no place this time.". Thank you Fiona for your report its great to hear how our members are getting on and well done for getting a clear. Here's a fabulous picture of Fiona out on the course:

Posted: 27th April 09. Well done to Fiona Griffiths who represented the club at the Area Qualifiers yesterday.

Posted: 24th April 09. Following last night's committee meeting, we welcome Flick who was voted on as our Teams Officer, those of you who want to be part of a team or train with the team for future participation, then just let Flick or one of us know. The new Events & Diary for the summer has been arranged and you can view it on the Events & Diary page. We hope there is something for everyone, please support your club and get the most out of your membership by participating in some or all! We have a fairly busy summer which will hopefully get you towards your first member Dressage Test then closely followed by a Showjumping & Dressage evening culminating in the Annual Riding Club Show which will have dog agility, horse showing, showjumping etc. There will be an end of year Dinner and Dance for the club members and their guests to close the summer season down but the work and training goes on for the winter season. Again if you have any suggestions or feedback let us know. We are also going to start the British Riding Club Equitation Certificates and will email you with details shortly.
Posted: 23rd April 09. Current members now stands at 58. Welcome to all the new members. Dont forget to email us your comments & suggestions we do listen.
Posted: 12th April 09. Well didnt we have fun on Friday. From the feedback we received (keep it coming please - we know whether we are doing it right!) all of you enjoyed it. We were so lucky with the weather. Thanks to those who handed out the refreshments you were a welcome sight. The food was fabulous thanks to Gill & Andy at the Usk Hotel. Hope to do another soon so keep an eye on the Diary & WHAT'S ON page.
Posted: 8th April 2009. The Team talk last night went really well with members signing up for all disciplines including Quadrille. It was nice to see the enthusiasm of instructors and team members alike. The team programme is now being put together and all team members will be emailed regularly. Details for the Fun Ride were finalised and we hope the rain will be light only!! Happy Egg hunting.
Posted: 3rd April 2009. The trimming, pulling manes & tails and plaiting along with bandaging etc with Chrissie Chambers & Sam Pugh was another successful evening and from the feedback we had each and every member went home feeling that they had learnt something. The wine went down well too! Welcome to our two newest members,Wynford & Jennifer who both joined us last night, bringing our members total to 52. We hope you enjoy the club. Don't forget to book in for the Fun Ride on Good Friday, we need the numbers to arrange prizes and if you want to join us for lunch after at the Usk Hotel after the ride. Reminder: We have our teams talk on Tuesday at the Usk Hotel 8.00pm, do come and find out about your club teams, you can put your questions to us and we will do our best to answer them, all levels and abilities.
Posted: 28th March 09. Flick (see contacts page) is now part of our team and will be taking on the TEAMS. She is willing and quite able to manage the club teams. If you are interested in being part of a team then please do get in touch with her, Kim of Jan. It does not matter what level or ability you are as we are there to train you and support you. So if you want to be part of a showjumping team, cross country team. dressage team or even the Quadrille team which is something Flick really enjoys, then do contact us. We are also having a teams talk at the Usk on Tuesday 7th April 8.00pm all welcome.
Posted: 20th March 09. Following a few discussions we are proposing to put forward a Quadrille team(s), showjumping, XC & dressage team for our Area, would any of you be interested, training will be given? We will be having a friendly non-pressured chat Tuesday 7th April 2009 at the Usk Hotel, Talybont on Usk. Do come even if its only information you want about it 8.00pm
Posted: 12th March 09. For those who came to the Showing Talk - Wow didnt we learn some tips! Chrissie Chambers was informative, fun and answered all our questions. Our next demonstration is on Wednesday 20th May - Natural Horsemanship, see the Events & Diary page for further information. If you are reading this Chrissie - Thank you very much and we look forward to your demo on Trimming, Pulling Manes & Tails and Plaiting demo with you and the showing on horse demo.

Posted: 6th March 2009. Wednesday's Open Evening was a HUGE success and took us quite by surprise. Thank you all for coming. We are now 42 members! There was a lot of interest in all horsey things from social evenings to fun rides to some serious competing. We will do our utmost to cover all aspects. We thank you for all your offers of help and facilities which I am sure we will be calling on soon. Your support for the club will ultimately make the club a success. We will keep our members posted via email and all news will be posted here. Please ensure you book in with the booking form you will find on our forms page for any events with Sarah Taylor (find on contacts page) we cannot estimate numbers to events we must have actual so that we can book the necessary instructors etc. Any queries just contact us, but we cant emphasise the imortance of checking the website regularly.

Posted: 18 February 2009. Brecon, Crickhowell & District Riding Club has had full approval for affiliation to the British Horse Society Riding Clubs. Members can take advantage of the many benefits for example, support & entry into riding club competitions, the Rider magazine sent to each member, along with being covered by insurance (please see terms & conditions) on receipt of membership. Have a look on the BHS website via the link on Useful Links page. If you want more information just contact one of the team.

Posted: 17 February 2009. On 12 February a sub committee met our Area 15 representative Mrs Pam Davidson who has approved our application to affiliate. We were then invited to the next Area 15 meeting held on 16 February 2009. Kim & Janine attended the Area 15 meeting at Raglan where they were very much welcomed and support was offered by some adjoining riding clubs.

Posted February 2009. In January we had our first meeting where the new committee were duly elected. It was decided that we would affiliate to the BHS. We have since met all the necessary criteria to affiliate. We are to have an open evening for all on Wednesday 4th March 2009. A training programme has been put together and you will find it on our events and diary page. In February we are to meet with the BHS area 15 representative who will (or not!) recommend our joining the BHS British Riding Club. Please browse our site and feel free to contact us. Now a few thanks: Thanks to all that have helped in the creation of B,C & D RC your help has been invaluable and thank you to the committee members without whom there would be no club and I know a few of you were "forced" into it - you know who you are!!! Thanks to the support from all the businesses coming to the open evening on Wednesday 4th March 2009. Thanks again to IT3.Com - for all their support.