Monday 3 October 2016

It seems my Sandringham blog went to the cloud when my lap top crashed so here goes again. June seems an age OK and the run up to the event even further but not without a lot of work and paper work trying to keep everyone happy is not always easy. I think the committee felt like a Swan gliding over the Sandringham Water. The 4 inches of rain the location endured within the week of the event caused a wet parking problem for us and mean't we lost some area but overall it went smoothly as we adjusted to sharing with the nationals. The cones area where we normally park was a little disappointing, as we did have to share with the nationals again as there transfer went across the top of the area and so made the course smaller than it could have been but we coped. Thanks to Fiona and Mike for their support over the weekend and for stepping in and building the cones course on Friday as we had been told it was to be built for us but on arrival this turned out not to be the case. However the days seemed to run smoothly with no incidents and the 45 entries seemed to enjoy themselves in what can only be described as a beautiful setting thanks to the generosity of Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip.

The next Event was run at Blandings a well supported event run by Louise and Kim  incorporating 17 club members Kim had rearranged a couple of the obstacles and a good marathon ran around the neighbouring stud the weather as with all the events this year was good everyone had a lovely weekend.

 Junior Camp held at Ashfields was well attented by 18 Juniors who had a great time.

20-21st August was the Club Championship at Ashfields attended by 45 entries it blew a gale with a few people getting wet but overall the weather was kind and the going was good thanks to all the Ashfields team for making us so welcome and putting on the event.

Last event of the year was a training day Sept 24th attended by 9 people and the one day event on the 25th was supported by 20 entries Wilf turned this into a world cup type event it was well received with dressage and cones as normal AM a leisurely lunch and 2 hours pm with cones being driven in trot only between the 3 obstacles.

Thanks must also be given to all the stewards who volunteer there day's and keep coming to help without them we cannot run events. You know who you are. Looking forward to 2017 season if you have any suggestions come to the AGM or contact a committee member.

Monday 30 May 2016

                               Euston Park May 21st/22nd 2016
      Returning after a gap of 7 years we where welcomed by the Estate and think the week end was very successful. We had 38 entries and the weather was kind. the stable field worked well and hopefully if we return next year we will make a few changes. Many thanks to Harry Luff one of our TD's who designed the course and obstacles. And for Malcolm Aickin and his wife Catherine who gave us such support and help over the weekend. Malcolm designed the cones and helped put out the dressage arenas. This year we used an old obstacle and the Pine copse but harry seemed to think if we go back we will try and make the obstacles nearer as this is more appealing for spectators and easier to walk and steward.
    The Park was very busy with events leading up to the Endurance event being held the following week end, we also had a football practice we where unaware of. Hopefully next year we will be more aware and plan the route with all this in mind. I think we will all agree it is a lovely setting and there is masses of sandy tracks for marathons an incentive for all drivers to get their ponies fit for next years event.

Wednesday 27 April 2016

April 2016 at Ashfields

Crinkly Camp 16th/17th April was well supported with 21 people older than Juniors!. The weather although unsettled did not dampen spirits and a good time was had by all Sara Howe, Sarah Jane Cooke, and Liz Harcombe inspired new turnouts and gave valuable help.
  
The training day the following weekend with Sara Howe Sarah Jane and Wilf doing the instruction for 19 people. this is a great way to warm up for the
                                                                              One Day Event that was held on Saturday 23rd April. very well supported with 44 entries. This meant the dressage and cones was still going when the marathon started there where a few delay's early in the marathon possibly due to the sections into obstacles not being even we will try to sort this for another day. The weather was extremely cold and blustery but I think we will agree it could have been worse only a few hardy drivers and helpers did get wet with a sleet like downpour. Full results can be found on the results page the cones was a challenge but although Sonny didn't make the time he proved with 4 very large horses the track was doable clear!. It was good to see regular's and a few newbie drivers. Many thanks to the committee and all the stewards for there help and Ashfields for there input and hosting it.
  We look forward to seeing you all at Euston May 21st and 22nd get your entries in.