A Weekend at the Championships 8th September 2007
Camilla Russell and Toome Yankee
Update on her weekend at Lincoln. Not the result that she had hoped for (15th) but nevertheless, a fabulous time and tremendous experience.
“The build up to Lincoln had gone really well. Eric was in tip top condition and then Hilary Clemerson phoned to say she’d broken her ankle the weekend before. Bugger…I needed that final lesson. Needless to say, Hilary obliged and Eric put in the best work ever (extra oats helped!).
We got to Lincoln at 9pm Friday night. It was a hive of activity – we got Eric settled and promptly opened our first bottle of wine.
Bumped into Becky Trower doing some retail therapy early Saturday morning. She was a great boost as usual. I asked her for some tips and she said to just enjoy the day, regardless of what happens.
10a.m. and time for a gentle exercise but Eric was fast asleep in his box. Not a problem, we had bags of time so left him to it. When eventually we went into the exercise area, we were greeted by the Red Arrows!
Wow, we suddenly acquired a lot of impulsion!!!
Once in the warm up area things became a little tricky….Eric felt extremely hyped by all the people, horses, tannoys, etc etc. He was up, down round and round ….we should have been in a rodeo.
In the arena I thought it best to sit quietly, try to get him focused which was very difficult, and perform an accurate test. In hindsight this was the wrong approach I should have used his energy more effectively and been more aggressive in my riding (a valuable lesson learnt).
The best is to come…..whilst doing a transition to WT at “C” we put in an almighty buck and then another……I could have killed him but instead just kept smiling.
The whole thing was so out of character - a real experience for both of us – I just hope we have the opportunity to try again as I know we are capable of achieving a better result."
Camilla
(Top)
Editors Note
So it seems that summer has passed us by (or do I mean by-passed us) and judging by the weather outside that winter has arrived. At least we've made a start on the Winter Progress Competition - we have started it a month early this year and it was a bit quiet as I expect people are having late holidays just to get a bit of last minute sun.
Next month we thought we would look at running some training beforehand to make the most of hiring the school. It is a lot more expensive to hire than the RDA (that's not a gripe as we would much rather pay the extra for the facilities provided - as I'm sure everyone will agree come the real winter!!) Amanda Blake is judging the first class and has kindly agreed to carry out some training before the competition. The format hasn't been finalised yet so if there's something you want that we haven't provided then now's your time to say - phone Jennie Robins now.
Gary Rickards has after many, many years decided to step down as membership secretary - thanks for a great job well done Gary, and Megan Morgan is taking over - hence the second copy of the membership renewal with the new address. I'm sure most of you haven't returned yours yet anyway but don't forget that membership runs from 1st Oct - 30th Sep so get those applications in now!!! (If you've sent them to Gary, don't worry, they will get forwarded.)
Another sad event last month was the passing on of Paula Newman's lovely big grey horse – Bosun. He had been rather off colour for some time and was eventually diagnosed with laminitis so Paula had to take the very brave decision to have him put to sleep. Paula is very keen for Bosun to be remembered and after a committee discussion we decided we would buy another trophy for which we already have a worthy recipient this year - to be called The Bosun Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Achievement
Don't forget the AGM this month - phone Sue to let her know you are coming. You are still very welcome even if you don't phone but you won't be able to have any of the scrumptious FREE dinner that Sue cooks up for us.
Helper's Raffle - 4 x £25 countrywide gift vouchers, Trophies, Progress Prizes, Food, Chat who could ask for more???
Remember 25th October
As the year is drawing to a close we seem once again to have a bit of spare cash thanks to everyone's hard work in organising and helping out at shows throughout the previous year. We received £700 again for our share in running the ODE and were discussing what to do with it at our last committee meeting.
One suggestion was that we put it towards the Area Competition Training. Renewed interest and strong competition together with the growing expense of training and competing was a good enough reason for us to help subsidise this to a much greater degree. In return CDRC wants a proper commitment from applicants - we are in a huge Area and entries are becoming more restricted - so we think all possibles should attend at least one training session - on foot if necessary (but then with a good track history) - great for bonding with your future team mates!
But I think Team places will be harder to come by so get out there, get training, get competing!!
(Top)
Tribute to Bosun by Paula Newman
You came into my life one day
The hand of fate was played that way
I wasn’t looking for a horse
You changed my life, moved its course
Your curly ears, the endless stains
Getting lost down country lanes
The things they said you’d never do
But nothing was ever beyond you
You tried so hard to do your best
Often finished above the rest
We had so much fun over the years
Your passing on brings me to tears
You were so big, so brave, so bold
At least you never will grow old
Forever in my heart you’ll stay
Until we meet again one day
Sleep tight my big man.
(Top)
|
