Leics & Rutland Endurance GB Group

Team Spirit 2008 Lindum Thurs 24th July

2008-06-12T17:46:00.004+01:00

LEICS & RUTLAND TEAM SPIRIT 2008

We are again looking to enter a team from L&R Group for the Team Spirit x4 40km relay

There have been rumors of a Mens and a Womens team from L& R!

If anyone is interested in riding or even crewing or helping in this Team event .
We do need static crew's too

It consists of x4 horses & riders competing 40km completing a total of 160km

Its a great event to be part of and one fo the few times you get to compete as a team rather than an individual . As usual great prizes, Team shirt's, and rosettes for all .

This is open to ALL Novice- Open and Advanced riders horse combinations and young riders .

If you interested please contact Sheila Creasey Tel 01664 565096
Email Sheila.egb@talktalk.net

COME AND JOIN THE TEAM !!!!!

Prestwold Estate Evening Social Ride Wed 25th June

2008-06-12T16:52:00.003+01:00

PRESTWOLD ESTATE EVENING RIDE

WEDNESDAY 25TH JUNE 2008

Route

14KMS Off road riding on the tracks & margins of the Prestwold Estate

( By Kind permission of Edward Packe-Drury-Lowe)

Venue

Off the B675 Hoton to Barrow on Soar Rd

Start Time

Between 4.30pm - 6.30pm

ENTRY FEE & RIDE INFO

Full / Associate Members £7.00
Non Members £12.00

Closing Date : Friday 20th June

Cheques payable to Leics/Rutland Group EGB

NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED

NO TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES

NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY

Please send entry form and SAE for directions to the venue to;

Rachael Saunders,

Gippeswyk,

28 Sowters Lane,

Burton On The Wolds

Leics

LE12 5AL

Ride will be run in accordance to EGB rules & regulations

As a social ride there is no pre or post ride vetting

Stonton Wyville Social Ride Sat 27th Sept 2008

2008-06-12T16:34:00.006+01:00

A big thank you to Pam Heighton who has kindly organised this social ride open to members and non-members . Anyone else who wishes to organise a social ride in their area please contact Sharon or any other member of the committee.

Stonton Wyville Social Ride

Sat 27th Sept 2008

8 miles (13km)
13Miles (21km)

Entry Fee

Full / Associate Members £7
Non Members £12

Entry fee includes Light refreshment on completion & rosette

ENTRIES TO

Pam Heighton, Willow Cottage, Main St, Stonton Wyville ,Leics LE16 7UG

Closing Date : Friday 12th September

ENTRIES LIMITED To 40

NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY

ROUTE

The ride takes you through Keythorpe and Hallaton , mainly off road & quiet lanes

VENUE

West View Farm

Nr Market Harborough

Leics

LE16 7UG

Ride run in accordance with EGB Rules & Regulations

As a Social ride there is NO pre or post ride vetting

Inter Regionals Team Training Day 8th March 2008

2008-02-20T20:43:00.004Z

ALL WELCOME !

Even if you not interested to join the team please come and attend !

British racing School Newmarket on Saturday 8th March 2008 1-4pm

Cost £10 / person or £20/family

At British Racing School

Snailwell Rd

Newmarket

CB8 7NU

Please send cheques payable to EGB ICENI IRC

Send payment for the event and the team to

P. Sofley

9 New Road

Brettenham

Norfolk

IP24 2RS

For Directions

www.brs.org.uk

For further info email : ludlowteam2008@btinternet.com

Or Call

Peggy Sofley 07901555146

Angie O'Brien 07917668507

For an exciting & interesting afternoon

We invite YOU to get motivated to compete all this year

The afternoon will give thought provoking information and

explanations on what will be required of you !

Our expert speakers will share some valuable knowledge on

training and competition preparation such as ;

Sports psychology, team building and goal setting
Balanced riding with Mary Wanless ' Ride with Your Mind' Instructor
Care for your horse travelling long distancs
A veterinary perspective on fitness & recovery of the competition horse
No Hoof no Horse

Detailed explanation on the following will be covered if participating on the team

You will be expected to attend mounted / unmounted clinics at the cost of £25 / rider ( one will include a ride simulator )
An application form will be required , accompanied by horse & rider profile
A photo copy of your horses master card and your horses vet sheets from 2007
Confirmation of two rides in 2008 you plan to attend
A ride / excercise plan for you and your horse

'INTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

1st,2nd & 3rd August LUDLOW 2008 '

YOUR REGION NEEDS YOU

Come and join the team , EGB membership required

Horse & Rider combinations for Novice , Open and Advanced Classes

Please check the EGB website for the schedule

This also includes riders with disability

IRC Management Team

CROMWELL GROUP H Gipson

LEICS & RUTLAND F Fairhurst

Sp PSYCHOLOGY A Waklin ( RWM Instructor )

SELECTORS

P. Sofley - Chef D'Equipe

R. Baxter - Vet

K. Green - Farrier

A O'Brien - Sports Therapy

L&R Branch Meeting & 2007 Awards Night Report & Results

2008-01-24T19:48:00.000Z

Leics & Rutland Branch Meeting & 2007 Awards Night

The Leicestershire and Rutland group of Endurance GB held its seventh Branch Annual Meeting on Friday 18th January at the Conservative Club; and was well attended by members, their guests and committee members.

Chairperson Sharon Davison welcomed everyone and gave a report on the Group’s activities in 2007 and advised members of forthcoming events and changes that were envisaged for 2008.The Treasurer Lynn Hopkins gave a full and detailed report of the Groups financial matters.

The Group is trying hard to serve its existing members well and also to encourage more people to try out the sport of Endurance and to this effect an NEW Associate Membership Scheme is being introduced so that new people can savour the joys of spending time with their horse riding over beautiful countryside, at an advantageous entry fee rate. Full details will be published at a later date and will be available from any committee member or from the Groups blogspot webpage:

www.leicsrutlandegbgroup.blogspot.com

Or via the main egb website: www.endurancegb.co.uk

After another excellent buffet supper provided by Cresswell Caterers; Lizzie England gave a short talk about the TROT riding scheme and the plans for the Ride Welland scheme in this area.
The evening was rounded off with the presentation of the Groups Trophies for 2007:

HIGHPOINT TROPHY- Overall champion horse/pony
1st Greystone Taurus ridden by Brian Davies
2nd Island Columbus ridden by Fiona Fairhurst

OSSIE HARE MEMORIAL TROPHY- most points gained in Endurance rides
1st Cherrybell ridden by Larissa Whiley
2nd Java Sunlight ridden by Abigail Goodrich

MALLARD TROPHY- Most points gained in Leics/Rutland Competitive rides
1st Highfield Meadow Trump ridden by Maxine Beck
2nd Shardeana Dardginn ridden by Debbie Moreton

COLLEEN TROPHY- Best Novice horse
1st Northwood Lass ridden by Daniel Videla
2nd Shardeana Dardginn ridden by Debbie Moreton

VALE TROPHY- Best Veteran horse in competitive rides
1st Centaur Josephine ridden by Debbie Moreton

BELMORE TROPHY- Best Junior rider
1st Paige Brown riding King of the Pippins

PIED PIPER TROPHY-Best registered Part Bred Arab or Anglo Arab
1st Greystone Taurus ridden by Brian Davies
2nd Cherrybel ridden by Larissa Whiley

ROYAL LUSTRE TROPHY- best Registered Pure Bred Arab
1st Island Columbus ridden by Fiona Fairhurst
2nd Nawaf GB ridden by Christopher Lamin

DISTANCE AWARDS

BROUGHTON LODGE TROPHY- Highest distance in Pleasure and Social Rides
1st Aseelah ridden by Mary Geary

CRYSTAL COMAIT TROPHY- Highest distance in competitive rides under 56kms
1st MAS Kadambah ridden by Maria Lamin-Hourd
2nd Crystal Eyas ridden by Sue Marriott

MIDNIGHT STAR TROPHY- Highest distance covered by horse/rider partnership in current season
1st Saintwestwell Silver Mask ridden by Ray Davison
2nd Greystone Taurus ridden by Brian Davies

COMMULATIVE DISTANCE ROSETTES:

400KMS- MAS Kadambah ridden by Maria Lamin-Hourd
Nawaf GB ridden by Christopher Lamin

800 KMS-Saintwestwell Silver Mask ridden by Ray Davison
Cherrybel ridden by Larissa Whiley
Centaur Josephine ridden by Debbie Moreton

1600 KMS-Island Columbus ridden by Fiona Fairhurst
Maranello ridden by Karen Evans

2400KMS- Greystone Taurus ridden by Brian Davies

The DAVE RIGLEY TROPHY- Awarded to the person giving assistance to the group throughout the year

MARLENA TEMPLEMAN (ably assisted by her husband)
Special mention was given to Pip Russell, Heather Russell and Matt – who have also helped at most of last seasons rides.

Inter Regional Team 2008 - In the Pink

2008-01-10T19:53:00.000Z

I have been asked by Janetta to be the L&R contact for Inter Regionals .

We are part of the EAST OF ENGLAND combining Cromwell / Iceni / L&R

So if your interested in competing at Ludlow in 2008 as part of the team please forward your details to me at fififairhurst@hotmail.com . Its is for everyone Novice / Open / Advanced and Young riders and crew are needed too .

Ludlow is a fantastic event and great route hilly stony rolling hills everything Endurance should be . The location at Ludlow race course is fantastic and the town plus all the wonderful restaurants are well worth a visit . This a great challenge with great team spirit to be a part of.

Riders as in previous years are given the bright pink polo shirt kindly sponsored by Performance Equestrian .Others available to purchase by your crew.

You basically compete your event as normal and the teams are awarded points for completions and gradings. As well as your event rosette , there are Inter Regional team Rosette's too .

We hope to organise some fund raising events to assist the team as even the other groups donated money to our group riders.

We have in previous years had very strong teams , but its about getting ROUND & SOUND within your allowed time & parameters ...not about going fast .....

2006 - 6th / 7th ( Extremely Hot many from L&R on team )
2007 - 7th / 7th ( Only One from L&R and it poured with rain )

I will need the following

1) Your current rider and horse qualification
2) copy of your master card
3) Plan of your rides prior to Ludlow
4) Preferred distance ( please see schedule for details
5) Contact details

Sheila's Back for 2008

2008-01-10T19:49:00.000Z

HOORAY !!!!!

Sheila's Back as ride secretary for 2008

WE need a new caravan for the group , so if anyone has any contacts or has a spare one lying around please contact via the web or at the group meeting

It must have a big window that opens outwards and suitable inside for storing all the stuff for rides.

2007-12-27T17:34:00.000Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Rudolphs Red Nose Ride Results & Photos

2007-12-17T10:48:00.000Z

Thank you to everyone ! The going was good and even the sun made an appearance .

55 Riders rode out in festive dress , antlers and jingles bells and a few angels too !
BUT not too many Wise Men after seeing the results of the quiz !

Did not see any Mary & Joseph's or shepherds ......ideas for next year ..but definitely lots of santa's but no elves ? It was good to finish the day with hot mulled wine and mince pies and great food at the pub .

We are now thinking possibly about a summer social ride from this venue next year.
It is a campsite and it has function room so its possible to have food and dancing too if you would like it .

Photos to follow shortly

Fancy Dress Results

Best Horse No. 3 Marlena Templeman
Best Adult No.6 Sarah Knibbs
Best Young Rider No. 4 Hannah Marshall
Best Junior Rider No.48 Abigail Denny
Best Group 16 & 17 Theresa Spooner & Emily Wykes
Best Non Rider Shelia Creasey

Please can you let me know the names of your horses and ponies .
The results and photos will be in next months Equestrian Life

Pub quiz
( Gerald Hourd and I we got the highest score (36) but with help so we were eliminated !).

Dingbats are very annoyingly obvious .... some very funny ones too .It definitely helped pass the time and caused a few giggles . There maybe more for crews to do next year.... we could have crew quiz league !

1st Gealy family 31/ 40
2nd Emily Wykes 30/40
3rd Sheila Creasey & Sandy 27/40
4th Sue Broughton 23/40
5th Julie Marshall 15/40

Photos can be purchased from Julia at the website www.equestrianphotography.co.uk

Rudolphs Ride is on !

2007-12-14T17:49:00.000Z

Just to let you know the ride is on .. and if you sent in an entry it has been accepted.

All details were posted and many people have recieved details the next day and some have not ...

For those who have not recieved details please use the link to the pub for directions to the Venue ( The Rutland Arms , Woolsthorpe By Belvoir) .
Maps will be available at the venue .

DO NOT arrive at the venue before 9.30am

Ride start is between 10am - 11.30am
There is a short and long route 19km and 11km .

You do need to sign in with secretary before you can start
You MUST WEAR A NUMBERED BIB .
There will be strictly no entries on the day .

The Rutland Arms Link for directions :

http://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/lincolnshire/rutlandarms.htm

You ride details may not be with you because of the following reasons

1) No SAE enclosed for multiple entries
2) No postage on envelope
3) Incorrect postage on envelope
4) Envelope at least an A5 required

Please when sending and SAE send a good size enevelope with the address clearly written including post code ....

Thank you see you tomorrow

Nomintaions for Committee Members

2007-12-07T10:42:00.000Z

Due to Val Cammock stepping down after serving the group for many years , we need nominations for the Committee........ WE NEED YOU !!!!

If anyone thinks they are able to put something back into the group please contact Sharon Davison before BAM on the 18th Jan 2008. So that they maybe formally nominated and voted in at the group meeting.

Being on the Committee requires 1 night , once a month to attend a meeting to help the group and help Ride Organisers . Meetings start at 8pm and last until 10pm .Sometimes in a pub!!!

We move locations to help reduce travel for all members . Sometimes it is not possible to attend every meeting due to work etc that is not a problem .... we are a flexible group here to help our members. You can do it for a year and see how its goes . It does not commit you for life !

WE NEED YOU and YOUR NEW IDEAS and fresh approach to make this group move forward and grow in membership . You could be a non riding member .... a young rider or a new member ... BUT we NEED YOU

Being on the committee does not commit you to helping at the ride on the day or route marking or vet writing . All our current committee do that of their own good will to make the events possible for the members . You dont have to be an expert on Endurance we just need good ideas to expand the group.

Congratulations !

2007-12-07T10:13:00.000Z

Daniel Videla
Upgrading in 'ONE' season from Novice - Open to Advanced as a Rider.
Riding two horses Northwood Lass 11yr Arab x mare and Island Columbus 11 yr Arab gelding.
Daniel has a new 3yr Arab gelding Kazaiyid to bring into ridden work keeping him busy this winter . Daniel is from Mendoza , Argentina and is returning to the UK for Christmas and New Year . But he will be returning on the 7th Jan as he is in respsonsible for all the horses & people for two treks 150km across the Andes from Mendoza to Chile . The first is for The Princes Trust and the second is for the Antony Nolan Trust . If anyone fancies a horse holiday in Argentina and adventure of a lifetime just contact Fiona for details fififairhurst@hotmail.com

Gillian Hasberry
Upgrading from Open to Advanced with her Connemara St Flannnans Niamh at the College ride in September by passing and gaining a Grade 1.
They have also qualified for the British Dressage Winter Regionals at Preliminary and Novice Level. Last but not least thye also won the Endurance Trophy in the Connemara Performance Award Scheme plus 3 other trophies .

PS Can Gillian please send a photo of you and your horses to add to this post please email leicsandrutlandegb@hotmail.co.uk

Trophy & Mileage Points

2007-11-18T10:29:00.001Z

It has been decided by the committee that the 31st Oct will be the cut off date for mileage and trophy points annually .

This particularly affects NCR's / pleasure ride points .

Broughton Lodge Trophy
Midnight Trophy

If you have any further questions please contact the chair person

JOULES Clothing Sale

2007-11-16T12:31:00.000Z

Joules Clothing are having a Barn Sale of their clothing

24th & 25th November. 9am - 5pm.

Big Barn, Manor Farm, Ashley, Market Harborough LE16

RUDOLPHS RED NOSE RIDE SAT 15TH DEC 2007

2007-11-12T14:00:00.000Z

RUDOLPHS RED NOSE RIDE.....

Its that time of year to dust off your antlers , jingle bells and father christmas outfits !

L&R EGB Group have organised a social ride at the venue The Rutland Arms ( aka The Dirty Duck ) Pub at Woolsthorpe By Belvoir ( by popular demand ) .
The same lovely route along bridleways, private tracks and quiet lanes .

The distances will be 11miles (19km ) and a gentle 6 miles (11km) routes. On completion a festive rosette mince pie & mulled wine and non alcoholic version to warm you up !

Its possible to have food at the pub , Bob ( The wonderful landlord ) asks that you place your order before you depart on the route and estimate the time you want the food . The food is great !

AND THATS NOT ALL......
Please come along even if your not riding as there was a great jovial atmosphere in the pub .... where some of the CREWS last year ( ha ha ) enjoyed the hospitality .... we have something for you too....There will be a quiz for non riding friends & family to keep you busy at the pub with a festive prize ( teams of 4).

There will be prizes for the best fancy dress again for riders, horses & crew
( Please ensure you have your photo taken before you depart and see the Judge )

1. Best Junior Under 11yrs
2. Best Young Rider Under 18
2. Best Horse & Pony
3. Best Senior
4. Best Group ( 2 + Riders)
5. Best Crew ( Can be a group )

We're limiting entries to 50 this year to make parking a little easier at the Venue .

Entry forms to be in next newsletter or can be found to download on EGB website or email fififairhurst@hotmail.com

So come and enjoy the FUN !

Prestwold Ride Photos

2007-11-05T12:58:00.000Z

What a wonderful social & training ride organised by Rachael Saunders and Leics & Rutland EGB Group . The route comprised 99.9% of off road riding around arable fields and bridleways around the Prestwold Hall Estate .

The ride had a fantastic entry of 82 riders on the day 79 riders set off from the venue. The start was a little foggy but soon cleared to reveal perfect blue cloudless skies . A few horses were caught out by a bonfire close to the track but many passed unphased but this did not spoil the day .

Photos kindly taken by Sandy

A BIG THANK YOU to all the volunteers who made the day possible !

Please let me know who you are and the name of your horse
Please keep watching the website for further information as it is updated twice a week with details of further events organised by your local group .

Mary Geary

Babara Housley & Friends

Leics & Rutland Trophies & Distance Awards

2007-11-04T19:57:00.000Z

Please submit your yellow mileage cards to Sharon Davison asap to be eligible for the awards & trophies .

Trophies will be awarded based on the 10 best rides of the season which is the same as the national trophies .

Just to remind you of the Trophies & Awards that are awarded within the region:

GROUP TROPHIES

HIGHPOINT TROPHY - Overall Champion, highpoint all CR's & ER's

MALLARD TROPHY - Leics & Rutland Competitive Rides
( Other Trophy winners not eligible)

CRYSTAL COMAIT TROPHY - High mileage for rides under 56km
( rides with no vet gate )

COLLEEN TROPHY - Highpoint Novice Horse

BELMORE TROPHY - Junior Rider ( 8-17yrs old)

ROYAL LUSTRE TROPHY - Registered Pure Bred Arabian

PIED PIPER TROPHY - Part Bred Arabian or Anglo Arabian

OSSIE HARE MEMORIAL TROPHY - Endurance Rides highpoint

BROUGHTON LODGE TROPHY - Pleasure & Social Rides

MIDNIGHT TROPHY - Veteran Pleasure & Social Rides

MIDNIGHT STAR TROPHY - Highest mileage in current season

VALE TROPHY - Veteran Horse Highpoint CR's & ER's

DISTANCE AWARDS

160Kms Leics & Rutland Rides

400 Kms
800 Kms
1600 Kms
2400 Kms
3200 Kms

Increments of 800 Kms are recognised with distance rosette.

Awards and group AGM will be in January 2008 please look out for confirmation of the date & location an event not to be missed!

P.S.

Please let us know if you and / or you horses has upgraded this year so we can recognise your achievements.

We're also interested to know of any other achievement in other disciplines you may have won this season. We want to know about you & your horses success's.

Prestwold Social Ride 4th November 2007

2007-10-25T17:53:00.000+01:00

Just to remind you about this local group event please come along and support.

The organiser is taking entries until 31st October

There will be no entries on the day

Ride starts at 10.30am BUT DO NOT arrive at the venue before 9.30am

No maps are being provided but there will be one at the venue for you to look at .

For further information please call 01509 880556

Ride Reports & Photos - WE NEED YOU

2007-10-12T09:02:00.000+01:00

At last you have your website ... BUT we NEED YOU ...

We need your ride reports , local information and photographs ... We want to know who all our members are . Just send in a photo of you and your horse and a small paragraph about you and your four legged friend . Lets here from THE CREWS too !!!

Anything local that might be of interest .... just send it by email or even snail mail

PLEASE Note anyone going to CARSINGTON WATER all maps , Vet info and start list is available on the Derby Group website .

Molesworth PR Cambs Grp CANCELLED

2007-10-11T10:31:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know the event at Molesworth has been cancelled due to F&M

Wind Farms

2007-10-10T10:20:00.000+01:00

Several Wind Farms are being proposed in the Vale of Belvoir . These will run along side bridleways such as The Viking Way and many other well used routes . This will cause a serious health and safety issue for many horse riders forcing them onto the already dangerous narrow country lanes .

There will be several public consultation meetings but generally these proposals have not been well publicised .

The proposed industrial wind farm at Thacksons Well Farm in the Vale of Belvoir will affect the villages of Long Bennington, Foston, Allington, Bottesford , Normanton, Staunton in the Vale and Sedgebrook. This site is being developed by Infinergy. ( you can add your comments at their website)

Public exhibitions are being held at
Allington Village Hall - Wed 10th October 4pm -8pm
Long Bennington Village Hall Fri 12th Oct 2pm -8pm

There is another site in Normanton and Beacon Hill are also being proposed with a different industrial wind farm company. This means there will be two different industrial widn farms exceptionally close . These wind turbines are not small and will be visible from great distances.

This could affect you are too so please check your area planning for anemometer's being installed . These are used to asses wind etc for potential wind farms . There are huge financial incentives being offered to land owners. Its has nothing to do with green power but more about jumping on the green band wagon to make money for the few.

It is well documented that on shore wind farms developments have greater impact on the environment and wildlife locally than the benefit of green power nationally . Off shore wind farms are the ones being backed by conservation groups .

You should be challenging their claims about wind turbines
Do we want them ?
Will they affect house values ?
Are they noisy ?
Are they efficient ?
Are they a health issue ?
Are they appropriate in the countryside ?
Will they increase accidents on the A52 and A1 and to local horse riders?

A public debate is being held organised by the local Parish Councils 7.30pm Mon 22nd Oct , Methodist Chapel , Main St, Long Bennington

Silk Willoughby

2007-10-04T12:31:00.000+01:00

Just recieved all the ride instructions through for Silk Willoughby .
Look forward to seeing the group members at this ride .
Not many left now till the end of the season
See you at the weekend .If you have anything you want listing , ride reports , classifieds on here please email me at . We want to hear from you !
leicsandrutlandegb@hotmail.co.uk

Red Dragon

2007-09-26T10:56:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone going Red Dragon this year GOOD LUCK from your group .
Apparently it will be typical welsh weather RAIN RAIN and more RAIN. Equalling a very muddy venue ( comparable to a weekend at Glastonbury) ... Just to add to it apparently the showers are not working at the venue .

I went last year and rode over 2 days , just to advise anyone carrying a mobile phone get one of those waterproof bags as, my phone never worked again after the first days soaking.

Another tip get your map laminated and take spare copies as mine washed away to nothing even inside my map case.... plus lots and lots of spare clothes .

Good Luck its one of my favourite rides enjoy and cant wait for the ride report when you get back

WEG 2006 Aachen

2007-09-20T14:04:00.000+01:00

For those of you who did not get to go last year, here are the photos I took when Chris Maria & Sue & I went on our truly inspirational trip to Germany last year to WEG in Aachen . It gives you a good idea of the event . I was intrigued how this event would work for spectators . Can you make Endurance a spectator & TV friendly and if so how many would turn up ?

The organising committee got it so right with their clever planning of the route of the 160km course which started in central Aachen at the main area of the games with several butterfly wing loops from Vaarls vet gate throughout the day. This enabled spectators to remain static enjoying numerous trade stands . Transportation was available to the main stadium to and from Vaarls keeping the traffic down to a minimum for the numerous crew vehicles.

After several loops the riders & horses returned to the main stadium weaving through the outskirts of the games cross country course for the final two loops using the smaller stadium as the hold and trot up area.

The final route took you along narrow sand tracks sectioned off by crowd control barriers just like other great sporting events like marathon runners experience or cyclists in the Tour De France .Crowds lined the final sections of the route applauding every horse & rider in the pouring rain . Until finally entering the huge stadium with capacity of over 50,000 people for a final emotional circuit to cross the finish line . A huge thunder of applause ricochet around the stadium. A certainly a truly appreciative & educated audience who understood fully the outstanding world class performance task both horse and rider had accomplished that day .

Large TV screens captured every heart beat and thudding hoof and linked you through to the 1st horse back with a countdown as he entered the arena. Then the nail biting moment also shown as the same horse was vetted in the smaller arena next door to confirm the final results.

Here you can see the first horses arriving at the 1st vetgate into the crew area in Vaarls which is on the border of Germany , Netherlands and Belgium . This site had a huge tower you could climb and get a terrific view of the terrain in all directions . This would be where we would spend most of the day . An excellent set up fro the spectators with plenty of catering and trade stands and a bus from the stadium to the vet gate for spectators .The one here at Vaarls and the second the smaller arena at the main WEG site.

The vet gate and trot up lanes just after the crew area. There is a one way entry system into the hold area for rechecks etc. I'm sat in the seating stands they had for this event which gave a clear view of all the lanes . The vet writers / stewards had a red and green card which was shown to indicate if a horse had passed or failed the vet . This was great for spectators . Also from this point there was digital timing board so you knew the arrival and departure times etc from the vet gate .

The trot up lanes were constantly in use

The busy Hold area at Vaarls

The main arena and the awaiting crowd for the first horses home . You can just make out the spanish horse & rider who has just crossed the finish line on the far side of the arena

The Trot up lanes in the smaller arena

The final overall results

1st Miguel Vila Ubach (ESP) Hungares (1998 Arab G) 9hrs 12.27
2nd Virginie Atger (FRA) Kangoo d'AuraBelle (1998 Arab G) 9hrs 16.13
3rd Elodie Le Labourier (FRA) Sangho'Limousian (1990 Arab G) 9hrs .16.14

1st GBR rider home was in 17th place was Chris Yeoman on Lm Taquillero (1996 Arab G) in 10hrs.07.35

If you get chance go to the event website download the map to truly appreciate the course
and also look at the results . Particularly the speeds of the top 10 horses on the final two loops versus there positionand speed on the first 3-4 loops its exceedingly impressive !
http://www.aachen2006.de/default_e.htm

Tendon & Joint Disease in the 21st Century

2007-09-20T11:28:00.000+01:00

Chine House Veterinary Hospital have an invitational clients evening on 2nd October 2007, at Brooksby College 6.30pm - 7pm start .

A talk from Potts Redmond BVetMed MRCVS on 'Equine Joint Disease'
Discussion time after talk
Talk by Professor Roger Smith MA VetMB PhD DEO DipECVS MRCVS on 'Tackling Tendons Present and Future'
Refreshments on arrival and afterwards
Everyone attending to recieve a voucher entitling £10 off their first purchase of Synequin - a high purity oral joint supplement.
Numbers will be limited to 100 : please ring Chine House on 01509 812445
Entry £2.00 in aid of S.P.A.N.A ( Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)