Our XC was held on Sunday 20th April, I can report that the day in general ran very smoothly and we received many nice comments. Many thanks to all those that helped. XC's take a lot of organising before and on the day, therefore all help was greatly received.

We have now finalised our summer show schedule, you will notice the main change is with the showing only being held at 2 shows. However, on these 2 days we have tried to increase the profile of showing and organise qualifiers and championship classes to increase numbers. On JUNE 29TH we have showing classes which are also incorporating EQUESTRIAN LIFE QUALIFIERS. On AUGUST 24TH we are holding showing classes followed by CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES for those that have come 1st and 2nd in the classes. We are continuing to hold dressage, show jumping, working hunter and gymkhana games at all 4 summer shows.

I hope to see you all at our first summer show on 25th May.

Becky Littlefield (Chairman)

Team News - INDOOR DRESSAGE & SHOW JUMPING

Some of our dressage & SJ team members have been busy since the last newsletter:

Three teams went to the new Winter Dressage Qualifier at Trent Valley EC on
10th Feb. The two senior teams were Suzie Trelawney on Chemet, Anna Barradell on Olkje, Jane Wisher on Constant Star and Jenni King on Merlins Maveric. Francessca Bull on Bits n Bobs, Claire Atkins on Prince Wexford, Sarah Gibson on Oscar Award and Judy Andrews on Jake.

The Junior team only had three members these were Hope Bull on Spartacus, Teri Rudkin on Lord Blake and Sian Geach on Cj's Adante Moondancer. It was a long day with an early start for some. Suzie was the first Rearsby competitor in at 9.26 and Judy closed the show at 4.28. Everyone did their best and as usual we all learnt something. Congratuations to Suzie who was 3rd in her arena and 6th overall in the prelim section, and to Judy who was 2nd in her arena and 2nd overall in the novice section. Unfortunately only teams qualify for the final but well done to all.

The juniors had a good day with both Hope and Teri coming first in their arenas, this meant that Teri came 1st overall in the prelim section with Hope a very close 2nd. Sian came 3rd in the Novice section but only finished 5th overall. This meant that the juniors tied for 1st place with Hykeham the scores could not be split so the fourth team members score came in to play. As we did not have a fourth team member the first was awarded to Hykeham who now go on to compete at the Final at Hartpury. Well done to all the juniors and if anyone would like to join the team for the summer qualifiers please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Denise Geach (Dressage Team Manager).

In February we also sent teams to an indoor SJ qualifier at Laughton Manor. Our junior members did extremely well and qualified to compete at Hartpury. This was held 5th & 6th April. Our junior Showjumpers left for Hartpury at 5am for an early start. The team consisted of Charlotte Barker & Bobbin, George Lewin & Holly and Jordan Abell &  Elegant Lady, unfortunately Hope Bulls pony Spartacus went lame the night before. This left us with a team of three, after a 2 1/2 journey in the snow - very pretty!! we arrived at Hartpury, the course was quite twisty and tight but anyway George was first of the team to go. Unfortunately they had 2 stops at the first very unusual for Holly but then jumped the rest of the course lovely. Next to go was Jordan, only his second competition on his pony Lady. They also had a stop at the first and a pole off, next to go was Charlotte & Bobbin who showed the boys how it should be done with a lovely clear round, she also went clear in the second round, George had one stop and one pole down, and Jordan was doing great until the last couple of jumps where he had two stops and one down. Although not making the jump off, they all did extremely well to have qualified in the first place and to make the second round in the championships, well done to all!! It was a long drive and a long day however was also very enjoyable and they all said they would like to do it again, here's looking forward to summer qualifiers.

Keren Lewin ( RLRC Treasurer & Parent & Taxi of George Lewin)

If you wish to find out more information regarding summer dressage and SJ teams or wish to compete please contact Becky 07789 265 184 ASAP as entries will be submitted soon.