STUDENTS WITH HORSE-POWER!
Hall Place EC 6th November 2009
A group of John Madejski Academy students took up a new horse riding challenge at Hall Place Equestrian Centre in September. After initial hesitation the rather nervous group of 16 teenagers began to improve and thoroughly enjoy the training. This sporting activity is completely different for the students and also involves 'hands on' care of the horses. Some of the teenagers are so keen they have joined the Hall Place Helper Training Scheme in their own time at weekends. This voluntary scheme provides extra riding and training in horse care.
BHS qualified instructor Sarah Hamilton-Allen commented 'There has been a remarkable transformation in the student's confidence and skill. I and fellow instructors Gillian Elliot and Wiola Grabowska feel very rewarded after every training session to see these children gaining in self assurance and enthusiasm'.
Hall Place is looking forward to continuing this successful association with students from the Academy.
Images - John Madejski Academy students training at Hall Place.
Images by Royle Photography Equestrian Events www.rpeevents.co.uk
DO THE DOODLEBUG!
Hall Place EC 26th October 2009
Jessica Rosic and Doodlebug were resounding winners at the Hall Place Equestrian Centre Show Jumping in the half term break. This event was a qualifier for the UK Riders 2010 challenge. Jessica qualified for the next round of the Regional Finals in Novice and Intermediate Novice Jumping. Jessica, 13, from Bramley, Hants is a keen member of the Garth & South Berks Pony Club and is trained by Clare Hall. Older sister Sian also competes on Doodlebug. This super family pony is very versatile as he likes jumping, dressage and cross country.
Katie Barlow and Coco had a worthwhile journey as they travelled from Burnham to team up with Corrie Knowles and Raffles to win the pairs competition. Corrie, from Emmer Green, had a very successful day as she also took third place in the Novice Jumping.
The Intermediate Open class was won in fine style by Luke Huxtable and Cilla Pye. Luke, who also comes from Emmer Green, qualified as a senior for the UK Riders Challenge. Hailey Wilder, Centre Manager of Hall Place said ‘Luke jumped a fantastic round on Cilla to beat the very competent Whitemill Dorothy into second place. Luke is very clever at shaving seconds off the jump off time and Cilla is a very athletic mare’. Hall Place, Reading, will host the Regional Finals in July next year, with qualifiers going forward to the National Finals at Arena UK, Lincolnshire in August. 2010 looks to be another exciting and action packed year of competition at Hall Place!
Images by Royle Photography Equestrian Events www.rpeevents.co.uk
WYNN THE WINNER!
Hall Place EC 18th October 2009
11 year old Megan Wynn riding Lady was first place at the Hall Place Cross Country, with a time of 1 hour and 5 minutes. Megan, from Emmer Green, has owned Lady for 4 years and this was their second outing. Lady, a 6 year old New Forest pony, has a weekly lesson with Megan. Delighted mum and groom, Julie, says 'Lady is very keen on her food and tucks into anything and everything!'
Tiggy Greenfield, from Shillingford, and Ned 'Bureside Just William' took the title for the Lead Rein class and special rosette for the best 8 years and under. Ned, a
13 year old strawberry roan, has been with the Greenfield family for only 3 weeks so this was their first outing. Mum, Jo, says 'Ned is an absolute star and we have fallen in love with him. We are looking forward to taking him to more local shows and the pony club'.
Hall Place will be hosting more family fun at the Christmas Show on Sunday 20th December with Show Jumping, Party Games and Hall Place Rider of the Year presentations with Father Christmas.
Image - Megan Wynn with Lady
Images by Royle Photography Equestrian Events www.rpeevents.co.uk.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!
Hall Place EC 10th October 2009
Sisters Victoria and Biz Dance made all the right moves to win the Evening Dressage at Hall Place Equestrian Centre, Tilehurst. Victoria and Longcroft Panache were placed first in the Preliminary and second in the Novice section. Biz, 15, closely following in her sister's footsteps, riding Chingachgook, took second place and overtook Victoria to win the Novice! They have both qualified for the UK Riders Regional Dressage Finals 2010 which will also be held at Hall Place.
The girls keep their horses at home in Boxford, Newbury, and are long serving members of the South Berks Pony Club. They have both regularly qualified for the PC Eventing Championships. This summer Biz was placed 8th at the Intermediate Pre Novice Final. Biz has owned Chingachgook, stable name 'Cookie', for about a year. Cookie is an affectionate thoroughbred who Biz says 'likes to poke his tongue out for polos'! These two hope to further continue with their eventing career. Victoria and 'Welly', the warmblood Longcroft Panache, are planning to affilliate to British Dressage in 2010.