NEWSLETTER

MISTERTON & DISTRICT RIDING CLUB
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2008

Welcome to everyone, here we are already in March and it is hoped that everyone including ponies/horses are getting ready and looking forward to the forthcoming season.

The Annual General Meeting took place in January, new committee members were elected and together with existing committee members, three meetings have already taken place with Mrs Matthews welcoming us into her home and providing refreshments. A lot of hard work has already taken place in relation to the 2008 schedules and diary dates. At the time of writing this letter the committee were just about to visit the Club field to check all equipment and discuss any maintenance needs.

This leads nicely on to discussions surrounding the security of the field. Quotes are currently being sought and it is hoped that new and improved gates will soon be installed. In addition, for a number of years it has been hoped that the Club House could be extended, and again the committee are in the process of requesting quotes to have such work carried out.

Some up and coming dates – The Equestrian Car Boot sales has been scheduled early in the year so please put 22 March 2008 into your diaries and look at all suitable items to sell….

The Easter Show date is scheduled for Easter Monday (24 March 2008). Classes will include showing, jumping and games. A Rally is being considered on 29 March 2008 and hopefully will focus on gymkhana games practice – please confirm details with Patty Jenkins (01455 202795). Followed by the Spring Show on Sunday 6 April 2008. (Club Field weather permitting)

So what else has changed for 2008?

New Classes – Due to demand new jumping classes have been included to aid with the transition for riders recently riding off the lead rein.

Timeliness - The committee are well aware that one of the main complaints received from members is the amount of waiting time, between and during classes which then delays other classes. This has sometimes meant many members leaving the field late….. Whilst this is sometimes unavoidable, for example due to weather or sheer amount of competitors, we will endeavour to become timelier. Therefore it has been agreed that classes will start more promptly so make sure that you arrive in plenty of time. In the case of showing classes we would ask competitors to practise their ridden show before hand, and attempt to minimise their show to 2 minutes…

Photographer – it is hoped that we will have our own resident photographer available at various events throughout the year. Listen out for details

Rally News – a number of disciplines are hoped to be themes for Rallies throughout the year including the Gymkhana Games Practice on 29 March 2008 at 10.30 (confirm details with Patty Jenkins - £5 per rider) and Showing Ring Craft Practice (date to be advised). The Rallies will be in the same format as last year. They will run through out the day with no more than 2/3 rides going on at any one time, members will be put into rides of no more than 7, which will run for approximately one to one and half hours, therefore places will be limited and MUST be booked by the Wednesday before. These Rallies are excellent value money. Tuition is undertaken by qualified instructors, and it is a great opportunity to ride with other members of similar abilities. It’s always fun to learn new stuff, and remember to qualify to compete for the Cups at the Autumn Show; members need to attend at least three Rallies.

Help needed – a number of people were mentioned during the Annual General Meeting for their tireless efforts throughout the season. Without this continuous help, it would be extremely difficult to ensure the club is able to continue holding events. A big thank you to all those who helped last year, any help however small is always appreciated…

Parking – there is ample parking on the club field. We would discourage parking on the road outside of the Club Field as this can cause hazards not only to people hacking by but also visually when exiting the field.

Website News – Don’t forget the Web Address

www.md-rc.co.uk

We are looking for a “Member” and a “Pony of the month” to put up on the website. “Member of the Month” your name (Christian name only), a photo, age, favourite and least favourite food, pop band, film, actor, and TV programme. Plus your best achievement and any claim to fame you may have etc.
For Pony of the Month we need a photo, their age, and colour, how long you have had them. The activities you do together, your plans for this year and your best achievement together so far.
Please send all the details to Isabel Meadows 1 Gwendoline Drive, Countesthorpe Leics LE8 5SH (e-mail izzym@talktalk.net) or Kristina Hinson (e-mail kh197@aol.com ). We look forward to seeing them!

?!?Have Your Say?!?

Want the Club to try something new? You have a really good idea? Something is really annoying you? Look out for the ‘Suggestions Box’. Any suggestions will be discussed by the committee….

And finally……………………

Good luck for the forthcoming season.

Some Useful Numbers:- Mrs J M Mathews (President) – 01455 552993
Mrs E M Cross (Secretary) – 01455 552653
Mrs J Tilley (Rally Secretary - 0116 477041