Working rally report – Sunday 17th October 2010.
What a difference a day makes! A rally on a Sunday! There was bafflement in the air however all seemed to settle and the day was soon upon us. This was the first of the winter season’s working rallies with stable management. We were also incorporating the C test.
The day dawned bright and the mown grass show jumping arena glistened in the autumn sun. The outdoor was levelled and the indoor school watered in preparation. The urn bubbled in the tea room with anticipation……
We had lead rein members excited at the prospect of riding with and meeting other new members. Hairnets swamped many a small member’s head, but were worn with pride! Our first ridden group, last year’s lead reins, were now riding confidently together and waiting to jump! Archie was chattering away to old friends while his pony positively grinned with delight, or was it a glint of mischief in his eye?
Meanwhile the C test magnificent 4 were being put through their paces by Fiona, our examiner for the day. They were questioned and cajoled, interrogated and guided, until the answer leapt from their mouths. The group then went to be challenged and tested on horseback – phew! The worst was over!
Meanwhile the 2 groups of younger members were designing their perfect equestrian centre using pavement chalks! They brainstormed their thoughts and split into 2 groups for the design process. Mmmm, whose was the best? Perhaps it was the one with the horse graveyard for the ponies that collapsed on the farm ride, (guess whose thought that was!) or maybe the one with the café that sold lovely fresh gooey cream cakes, (well OK that was my suggestion!). Parents looked on bemused and amazed as the ideas flowed and the artistic qualities were there for all to see! Well done Sarah for masterminding the process.
The older groups arrived and were soon being challenged, both ridden and mentally with their expertise on and off their horses being developed. Great fun was being had by all and what a wonderful sight it was – the sea of red sweatshirts accompanied by the chatter of the riders.
All too soon 5pm arrived. Well done to Georgina Burgess, Charlotte Spear, Honor Hocknell and Xanthe Goldsack for successfully being awarded their C test. Welcome and we hope to see you soon to the 2 visitors who came to join in the rally, to see if they wanted to join the branch, (we hope you will!). Finally, thank you to our instructors for helping make the rally so successful. See you all at the next Saturday rally on 27th November 2010 at Limes Farm.
P.S Do you know anybody who would like to “try before they join”? We can now invite prospective members to join in. Contact Joan for more information.