'Summer Dressage Series' review - Sunday 7th August

For the first time in my role as the Summer Dressage event ‘Owner’, (Summer? don’t believe it) I had to make a very difficult decision and regrettably postpone P18, N30 and E50 tests, due to the torrential rain.   The Monsoons had hit Norland!

The rain was getting worse by the minute.  The waters came bubbling and tumbling down from the Highlands (off moor, down t’lane!) and began to flow into the arena and very quickly the sand became extremely wet and slippery.  I ‘called’ a couple of P4 tests, then watched a few more riders bravely take their turn, but, when the horses began to swim breaststroke, I decided enough was enough and went to consult with our judge Bev who, along with writer Julia, were both sat under a dripping roof, trying to write on wet score sheets. (The vision of a hut and two seated ladies sliding down the hillside, through the woods, landing on Triangle Cricket pitch came to mind)  The look said it all and after a brief debate and a quick glance at Liam stomping around in the mud, we took the decision to abandon the event, for the Health & Safety of rider and horse.  Plus, avoid a massive outbreak of pneumonia in the club.   Noted Nicki; your nice coat was soaking and your t-shirt underneath and …!!!    However, Alison was still laughing, and Kate said she ‘really enjoyed her morning’, both looked like drowned rats. (Sorry ladies).  And - no Sue! - we are not going to paint white parking booths just for you, they will get washed away!

We had managed to complete all P4 tests and the results are shown below.  I think a few riders had completed P18, but, sorry your score sheets were just too wet to give you.  Sincere apologies to all who turned up but didn’t get the chance to ride your tests, your cheques will be returned.   I will try to re-arrange P18, N30 & E50 at a later date but will have to check the club diary dates so we don’t clash with any other CSC event this year.

I cannot praise enough my brilliant team of helpers throughout the summer.  I thank you all very much for your support, we cannot manage any CSC event without your help.  It’s great to see a large number of entrants at the Dressage, plus a high standard of riding and lovely horses, which each judge has commented on.   Our hosts at Ladstone House Stables has done us proud with their support and all the brews of tea n coffee and huggins of chocolate biscuits.  Thank you Andy and Cath.

I hope you have enjoyed the 2011 series and will come back for more. I will try for better weather next time, honest.
Mags.

Placings are as follows:-

P4

1st    Dawn Gumbley riding Chloe       
2nd    Julie Thompson riding Deli
3rd    Alison Butterworth riding Buster
4th    Kate Emery riding Tommy
5th    Louise Stainburn riding Winston
6th     Paula Radcliffe riding Cahirbaroule Rose

6.30 pm Sunday 7 August.  Speake residence at Norland - the French widows are wide open and the sun is ‘cracking the flags’.  Aaaaaaargh this weather!!