hope in the valley news and events

Autumn 2010 calendar

Tough competition at Hartpury

This year's National RDA Championships had a record number of entries, and competition was tough, but our riders did very well.

2010 Picnic ride at Mopeshole

Thanks to Margaret and Peter Fogg for inviting us to join the beautiful surroundings of Mopeshole on Wednesday 14th July for this year's picnic ride. The weather remained dry and it was a wonderful afternoon. How many bears did you see in the woods?

Results from Dressage at Hickstead 8th June 2010

This year's team turned in some fabulous results, with Rose and Heineken certainly due some credit, as Dylan decided he couldn't cope with the day, and had to go home early!

Lily and Ahid both qualified for the National Championships at Hartpury in July. Well done to everyone and thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their Saturdays to practise for the dressage.

South East Regional Fun Day 6th May 2010

This was a wonderful day at Felbridge - the weather was amazing, the ponies behaved wonderfully & all the riders really enjoyed themselves. We had some excellent results in the Dressage and Countryside Challenge after weeks of practise:

Abbi on Rose - 5th in led class with 71.5% - 2nd in Class 2 Dressage /54.74% and 4th in Combined with 63.3%

Lara on Rose - 2nd in led class with 83.75% - 1st in Class 2 Dressage/58.42% and 3rd in Combined with 71.4% - Qualified for Hartpury National Championships!

Sam on Heineken - 4th in led + sidewalker class with 70% - 2nd in Class 1 Dressage/53.68 and 6th in Combined with 62.05%

Reece on Heineken - 2nd in led + sidewalker class with 72.75% - 3rd in Class 1 Dressage/51.58% and 5th in Combined with 62.4% - Qualified for Hartpury National Championships!

 

Also Charlie came 1st in the Fancy Dress - dressed as Cruella Deville on Heineken.  Please note that no Dalmations were injured or dog-napped during this competition!

RDA Grade Test Results 24th March 2010

Eight of our riders took part in their RDA Grade Tests on Wednesday 24th March 2010. These were held at Plumpton College and Judi Singer the RDA Regional Chairman was the examiner.

Ben, Beatrix and Charlie passed the Grade One test, with Abbi, Sam, Lara, Deanna and Beth passing their Grade Two.  The riders were tested on their riding skills as well as their knowledge of basic horse care.

The test day coincided with the end of term celebrations and all riders were given an Easter egg. Helpers and riders alike enjoyed a tea of hot cross buns and Easter cake.

Thorney Island Dressage 7th March 2010

Four riders, five volunteers and two ponies from Hope in the Valley attended an RDA Dressage Competition on Sunday 7th March on Thorney Island.

Our riders were awarded with two rosettes each; Charlotte riding Rose did particularly well, coming first in her led class and given the distinction of a first rosette for the highest overall junior score. Valentine, also on Rose, came 2nd in the led class and was the 5th overall junior. Deanna rode Heineken and was 3rd in the led class and was awarded 6th place for overall junior and Jack on Heineken came 4th in the led class with 7th position in the overall junior. Hope in the Valley competed alongside Epsom, Arundel and Bradcourne RDA groups.

Group organiser Sheila Camilleri commented "despite the very cold weather it was a highly successful day for our riders, who thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this inaugural event, which will hope will run every year."

Christmas Party 9th December 2009

The Annual Christmas Party was a great success as usual, with a guest appearance from Father Christmas and mounted games for the riders. The riding was followed by piles of delicious party food.  Each of the children decorated their riding hats for the occasion, and prizes were awarded for the best hat in each group.  The winners were Isabel, Abbi and Paddy with Ben and Beth winning rosettes for second place.

During the afternoon the Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Margaret Gordon who has been helping at Hope in the Valley for 13 years. Margaret is responsible for the clothing worn by the riders and ensures that each of them has clean, well-fitting riding gear. She truly is a worthy winner!

AGM and volunteer training 2nd September 2009

The Autumn Term began for riding on Wednesday 9th September, but on 2nd September there was a training day for volunteers. The session was well attended and encompassed leading, side-walking and preparing the ponies for riding

This was followed by the AGM after which we enjoyed tea and cake.  The 2009 Annual Review was distributed and a copy is available to download here.

National Championships at Hartpury 11th & 12th July 2009

Regional Dressage Competition at Hickstead, 4th June 2009

Our riders achieved some wonderful results at the Hickstead Dressage this year with Ahid qualifying for the National Championships at Hartpury.

Paddy – 5th led Junior Test EB on Taylor
Beth – 3rd led Junior Test EB on Heineken
Harry – 1st unled Junior Test EB on Rose & winner of Bronze Horse Trophy for highest overall
unled score
Ahid – 1st unled Junior Test 12 Grade 1-V (walk & trot) – Qualified for National Competition
at Hartpury
Lily – 3rd unled Junior Test 12 Grade 1-V (walk & trot)

Arts & Crafts Group Entry – 1st

Well done to all the riders and thank you to everyone who gave up six Saturdays for practise before the event.

Here are volunteers at fun day 2008 enjoying the sun!