Naphill Riding Club

Affiliated to the British Horse Society

Newsletter

                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

July 2010

 

Dear Members
 
I am sorry it has taken so long to get another Newsletter out. We have had a busy time since February with the Milton Keynes Camp in May, the Open Show in June and the Moreton Morrell Camp in July as well as all the Area qualifiers.
 
Unfortunately the website was hacked into just before the Open Show which made things very difficult. This has now been rebuilt by Leo King and we have a really great site which I am sure you will find easy to use and very informative. There is a calendar on there so you can keep up with what's going on! As regards the team events there has been information on the Weekly Update but we had a mixed day at the Area Dressage - the Riders Team came fourth and Alison Stenning came third in the Medium and Christine Honour came third in the Elementary. At the Dressage to Music, which our club organises, Christine Honour came third in the Elementary. We did not have much luck in the Festival of the Hunter or the Horse Trials but both days were enjoyed. We have only one person competing for us at the show jumping qualifier and that is the last qualifier for this year. We are always looking for people to make the teams up and are very grateful for those that do and we hope that more of you will give it a go next year.
 
The AGM will be held in early November and we will be doing fish and chips again. We will be looking for some new committee members so please give it some thought and if you feel you could join us then give me a ring - we usually hold the meetings on the first Monday of the month at the Peacock at Henton.

 
Jane Vaughan

Chairman

 

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NORFOLK HOLIDAY 2010

 

We had quite an interesting journey to Norfolk, a piece of the facia board above the cab fell off, fortunately it slipped down and came to rest on the wiper blades and we were able to safely retrieve this. We were on the A1M at the time. On the plus side it increased the ventilation which was welcome as it was a very hot sunny Sunday afternoon. The roads were very quite as England was playing what turned out to be their last match of the tournament. This also was fortunate for us as we lost the A10 and ended up in the heart of Ely, we had to ask a policeman for directions!

 

We arrived at Courtyard Farm to hot tea and chilled beers. After a quick wash and brush up it was off for dinner and to get acquainted with our holiday companions Janet Bayley, Jo Pay, Jan Potiphar and Lesley Bryant.

 

The first ride to the beach is one we will never forget. Escorted by Janet and Jo we could relax and follow them and not worry about maps and getting lost. After a stop at the café for an ice cream we headed straight down the beach to the sea, it was very calm and just right for introducing our horses. All of the horses went in with no trouble and after a nice paddle and splashing each other we had a lovely canter before turning for home. On the way we stopped at the White Horse for a spot of lunch and a beer. For Val and I this set a pattern and most days saw us in this garden. They made us very welcome and did not mind the horses at all.

 

Although there are not many official bridle paths most of the fields have large set aside margins so you can ride for miles with very little roadwork.

 

On Tuesday we had a very nice trip out, courtesy of Jo, to Blakeny where we had a boat trip to see the seals. On the return we stopped at Burnham Market and paid a visit to the hat shop. This shop was amazing, like a tardis, once you went through the a small entrance into the gift shop area and up the stairs the shop extended towards the back and most of the upper floor is taken up with hats of all shapes and sizes in a full spectrum of colours. The colours were all grouped together and there was also matching accessories. Definitely the place to go for a wedding hat or an outing to Ascot.

 

On Wednesday Val and I could not tear ourselves away from the beach but the others all enjoyed a trip to the Norfolk County Show, apparently there were less stands this year but it was still well worth a visit.

 

Another day saw Val and I again following Janet and Jo, this time to the Windmill at Bircham. On arrival the horses were given paddock’s and a stable and we were then able to enjoy a cream tea before visiting the restored Windmill and the shop, where all of the cakes are made on site. On the way home we routed via the King William at Sedgeford where again the horses were welcome in the car park.

 

Val and I chose to eat out in the evenings and when we were not accompanied by the others we cycled to the local hostelries. The small country lanes were very quiet but we think we managed to find the few hills that were in the area.

 

We have been walking and riding on the amazing beach, swimming in the sea and generally having a fantastic time.

 

The bunk house is basic and comfortable, Janet had prepared us well with lists of all the items required.

 

We have still left lots to see and do for future visits and have had a great holiday with good company.

 

Karlyn & Valerie

 

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