Brian and Claudius

It was a great day for livery owners on Thursday. I think everyone came home with rosettes and not everyone competed on their own horses (well done Jane and Boris)!

The champagne bottles were popping chez Chappell(-Simms) after two great rounds with Claude.

Fancy Dress Pairs - 20/12/07

Yasmine and Clara, Hollie and Munchkin took part in the Fancy Dress pairs yesterday. Here is a clip of them in action. Please note the bit where Hollie thinks that as she has wings she can actually fly (over the blue planks)!!

Dog and Dobbin

Well we couldn't let it go by without a mention.

Bamber and Rosco's first dog and dobbin, with a very creditable 3rd place. It was Rosco's birthday yesterday, so it was perfect timing at a year and a day to have a go.

Caitlan and Bamber rode a great first round, and then it was Rosco and Dad, who went off to a flying start with both clearing the spread with grace, ease and style, then an amazing piece of pole work by Rosco who had never even seen the poles before but negotiated the in and out requirement excellently. Then it all went a bit pear shaped, with Rosco tripping up dad, then deciding that a new game of jump on dad was more fun, and when dad finally pulled himself off the floor, two more great jumps by the newbies finished the round. Slightly exhausted, but still laughing.

What a hoot, can't wait till the next one. Here's a photo of Rosco sitting proud with his rosette.

Say goodbye Hugo

All good things come to an end....

Hugo has left Wellington Riding to move to pastures new just outside Tadley. Georgina has promised that she and Hugo will be returning to compete in as many unaffiliated Dressage competitions as possible as this always was their real passion... ok perhaps just the hunter trials!

See you all soon, you can't get rid of us that easily.

New Chick on the Block

Who is this fine filly......??
Only arriving on Saturday morning Lexie soon introduced Bounty to life on the Yard with a lesson on Saturday and Sunday.
There seems to be a lot of pink and purple so having a boy first this is a little of a shock.

Fancy ribbons all round!

WSC dressage tonight and not one but two fancy ribbons for Wellie liveries!!

I can be found grinning from ear to ear with a 2nd place rosette, but Lucinda is grinning even more with a 1st place! Woohoo!

Well done Lindo and Geoffrey - you are superstars!

The wedding of the year!

We had a wonderful day last week - the sun was shining and champagne flowing! More photos at: http://wedding.nationalphotographer.co.uk/GALLERIES/ch30107/ChappelE1/index.html.

The return of Mrs B!

She's back and Wellington Country Park very kindly put on fireworks in her honour!

Pride comes before ...

There was I thinking I was just getting this jumping lark sorted again so signed up for Mandy's clinic today . Huggy soon put me to rights and there were two unplanned dismounts during the day .

As it was the end of a JC week there was photograhper present and I am the proud owner of a terrific action shot of us parting company which I couldn't resist sharing with you all .

Bit sore this evening but otherwise fine and due to ride Huggy again ( in a flat lesson ) tomorrow.

May I introduce.....

Mr and Mrs Chappell (or is it Chappell-Simms - have you decided yet Ruthie?!)

It was a beautiful autumn day in the Forest of Dean for the wedding of Brian and Ruth, and an enjoyable day had by all who attended (although I think there would have been some with sore heads this morning!)

Congratulations Brian and Ruth!

We are not worthy!

Flicking through the results section of Horse and Hound this evening I was delighted to see under Advanced Medium Dressage 83 - 3rd Sahara Firefly (C Merritt).


Well done Caroline and Fly!

Show jumping report

Sadly it was Wendy's last event as WSC co-ordinator so we all had to be on our best behaviour and do a good job! It was a traditional Wendy course with some tricky fences and tight turns in the jump off. The wall caught a few people out and a couple of the turns had to be on a penny!

Geoffrey and I gave it our best shot - we had one down and although we didn't try some of the tight turns we had a great time! But Brian and Claudius showed us how it's really done and came home with a 3rd place!

Well done Brian and Claudius! (Please Mrs Chairperson, can we bump them up to the next league?)

Munchkin meets Geoff Billington

Here's a clip of Munchkin being put through her paces by Geoff Billington. Hollie was having the usual speed issues with Munchkin and Geoff B thought he'd have a go! Please excuse the camera shake and laughter from all watching, but it was funny!

Geoff Billington

Me, Hollie and Caitlin all had a great time at pur Geoff Billington clinic earlier today.
Click this link for a video:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-wK6n360pBs

(P.S keep watching until the end for proof that Geoff rearlly did ride Munchkin!)

Sad News

With a really sad heart I need to let you all know that, very sadly, Wills passed away last night. Our heart goes out to his owner Vicky, and, if its any consolation at all, his last few months as her horse were probably the happiest of his life.

So sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but its best you all know.

Run free in the great paddock in the sky Wills xxxx

Who'se hiding at the back ...

We had a jump lesson with David last night and all had a good time trying to lenghten and shorten our canter between two jumps . We discovered after the lesson that a certain member of the class had opted out of doing the jumps when the last one was a spread . What was surprising was that David didn't notice and the offender would have got away with their action ( or lack of it ) had they not admitted what had happened in the club house .
No prizes for guessing who will be going first every time from now on !

PS - offenders were Ruth and Geoffrey .

Hippopotamus discovery at Wellington

There was an amazing discovery yesterday at Wellington Riding. It appeared that Theo, the posh dressage pony, had been abducted and replaced with a hippopotamus.

A 30 minute jet wash revealed that it was in fact, just a disguise and Theo was underneath all that mud afterall!

Sleeping beauty

We popped round to say goodnight to Claude the other night and found him flaked out (must have been due to Mr Sheerin's XC session). It was a bit dark, so not much to see, but turn the sound up to get the full effect. (Sounds just like Brian.)

Brian and Claude's first dressage test

So Brian thought he'd give the WSC dressage a go tonight, you know, just have a pootle around and see how it goes.

He only went and flippin' won it!

Well done Brian and Claude!

Hunter Trials

Munchkin and Hollie took part in their first Wellington Hunter Trials together at the weekend and after two refusals at fence number 2, had a clear round. Thanks to everyone for all their support and advice!

Geoffrey has new neighbours part deux

I was pottering around this evening and look who stuck his nose out to say hi!

Fame at last!

Grab a copy of this month's Horse magazine, turn to page 18 and read the letter of the month! (Shame my stirrups weren't level.)

Claude meets Geoff Billington

It had to happen eventually, Claude met Geoff this morning at 10:30am. By 10:35am he was rodeo-ing across the Duke's Hall (Claude, not Geoff) at which point Geoff was speculating that there was about to be a missed opportunity for £250 for video of the event. Claude + jumps + other horses = 1 really, really excited horse. Eventually he calmed down when he discovered he actually was going to be jumping but not before some more fun and games with leg-yielding (only to the left) and preferring canter to all other gaits.

The other riders had some pony troubles which had Geoff leaping on-board to "realign the brakes", it never ceases to amaze me (and make me realise just how much more there is to learn) when a talented and experienced rider gets on someone elses troublesome horse... and the horse turns into the best behaved beast for miles! I've seen it with many of our instructors and all of our guest instructors (and John Sillet) and am filled with admiration every time. Once the maintenance was complete all three of our party took to the course and sometimes landed on the right canter lead! Even Claude while being hampered by me pulling the wrong way.

Nevertheless, we discharged ourselves admirably (in my eyes at least) and great fun was had by all!

Now looking forward to the next visit... we're already booked in, don't miss out, get booked in, you'll kick yourself if you don't.

Park Farm pictures

Pictures from Geoffrey and Maggie's day out.

Stressed out ponies...

She's making me do dressage AGAIN, but it's okay, I've learnt the Amazing New Dressage Test...

Mum, did you learn the test?

The Amazing New Dressage Test

I think Geoffrey's been reading up on this one...

For Horses Unsuitable for BD or Classical!

1. A. Enter at ordinary serpentine.
X. Sprawl. Salute.

2. C. Stop dead. Stare in horror at judge and shy to left.
Continue at ordinary working gallop.

3. E. Stagger left 20 or 15 or 22 meters in diameter circleor pear shape or five pointed star. Avoid excessive crossing of legs.

4. K. Begin to halt.
Z. Keep trying.
F. You can do it.
B. Pull rein. Give up. Continue at out of hand gallop.

5. H. Regain right stirrup.
Continue at ordinary trot, bouncing.

6. MKT Change rein. Free Walk loose reins. Remove horse from judge's luncheon table. Ask judge for leg up.
Jump back into ring.

7. Z. Turn down centre Line.
Halt. Grin. Scratch. Burst into tears.
Leave area at free walk on long reins, loose language.

Beech Hill Hunter Trials

Hollie and Munchkin did their first Hunter Trials today along with Alison and Cara. After walking the course yesterday, Hollie and Alison were highly excited this morning when we arrived at Beech Hill. Hollie and Munchkin set off very well clearing the first four jumps (at a sensible speed!). Then Munchkin ran out at jump number 5 and slipped on the wet grass and Hollie somersaulted over her head! They were 'technically disqualified' as Munchkin's shoulder touched the ground. Both were given the once over and were fine, though a little disappointed they couldn't continue. Alison and Cara had a more successful round, completing the course with some refusals which sadly also meant elimination. It's tough this horse-riding business! However, all four had a good time and it's all good experience(!)

Clara's first outing!

First of all, many thanks to Bambers family for letting us share their box!

When we first entered the warm up arena, Clara was rather exited, and pony's were charging past us, so she decided to put in a few bucks and have a little canter, but after that she thought it's not that exiting and settled down for the clear round.
Unfortunatly, we did not get a clear round, but the judge felt sorry for us and gave me a rossete anyway.
It was now time for the 2'3, where we had 1 refusal, and I forgot the course.
After a break, we decided to give the clear round anouther try, and this time we did get a great clear round!
Then we attempeted the 2'6 (which looked more like 2'9) where we had to refusals at the first fence. Then we got goin rearly well, but then Clara took one look at a large spread and said no. So we were eliminated from that class.

Overall, we had a great day, and I am very proud of Clara being so calm.

Geoffrey has new neighbours!

Despite Merrylegs's scowl, we're all rather proud to have Theo, the dressage diva, as our new neighbour. Hugo's joined us too, but he was 'out-to-lunch' when the photo was taken.

Theo's big night

Last night Theo and David competed in the Wellington Advanced Medium to music championship. After 3 months of very hard work, they managed to pull a very respectable 65.05% out of the bag, loads of big smiles all round.
There were loads of photos and video taken of the well polished pair that will be making its way onto the blog so everyone can see what a fantastic job Diane did of preparing both Theo and David.

Geoffrey and Maggie's dressage report

We all headed off to Park Farm Show last weekend and had a great day. Geoffrey decided to add his own style to his dressage tests and finished it off really nicely cantering down the centre line to salute the judge (it should have been medium walk - ahem). No fancy ribbons for us but lots of important lessons learned, like don't hold your breath during the test, purple really isn't my colour.

Maggie Mae did a great dressage test narrowly missing out on a 6th place fancy ribbon. There was much jumping involved and a showing class to finish off the day. Important lesson learned here - showing is boring, don't try it kids.

My early birthday present!

Seeing as the Hunter Trials are only a few weeks away (and i needed a new sweatshirt) I have had my Birthday present early! Well, there wouldnt be much point in having it on my birthday in October after the hunter trials, and I will probably have outgrown it by next year.


So, here are mine and Clara's new XC colours!

Saddle Club Jump Cross

The jump cross course built on Friday has been used in earnest today with the Saddle Club jump cross competition run this afternoon . After the detailed course walk Wendy predicted where the problems would be and how right she was . Congratulations to Pip and Fox , Susie and Tilly and Anne Bridger and Dolly who achieved the only clear rounds . Pip won the upper league being closest to the bogey time previously set by David and Rabbit . Wendy had also done a round on Scarlet and assured us she went as slowly as possible but we think her defintion of slow is not the same as ours as even going slowly she was 30 seconds faster than David.
Over 800 photos taken so hopefully some good ones of everybody somewhere.

PS Huggy and I had a ball jumping parts of the course this morning under David's watchful eye. My stirrup leather breaking as I landed after the double was interesting to say the least.

Video posts.

Great news everybody, as of 2 days ago the blog can accept direct video posting without having to go through you tube and such. There's a nice little article about it in the Help section of Blogger for those who want to give it a go.
Personally, I'm going to spend the rest of the evening trying to find the most embarassing videos I can!!!

Across the pond

 

Just to prove that you can ride a horse at an elevation of two miles!

See you all soon, though not with the dogs or George just yet!

Hugey Poogey!

Hugo and Ciara were lucky enough to do dressage at Mattingley just ahead of the floods a few weeks back.

They were on top form at Burnham Beeches this weekend!

Fun in the field

So, the thing to do after you have been hosed off and covered with fly spray, is to remove said fly spray with a good roll...Tommie Tom demonstrates!

Whilst in the field a familiar face came to say hello and have a close up shot taken! All those times I have spent ages trying to catch him, all you need is to take a camera and then you cant get rid of him!

Oh well, if you insist on taking my picture I think this is my best side

And also having some fuss....

....and then deciding that the camera thing should be checked out properly

If at first you dont succeed....

Hooray! Thanks to the technical genius that is Mr Chappell (apparently the problem was user error), I have succeeded in being able to put up some pictures of last Mondays show - warm up only.

A sneaky one of Caroline and Mr Fly!











...and after the event - someone looking pleased with himself if a little tired!

Tommie Tom buddies up - it's dark you know!

Look who joined us for a fuss, a couple of polos and a trip down to the field tonight! Tommie Tom! (I think he wanted a go on the lickie.)

Advanced Medium Dressage - freestyle to music

The qualifier for the Area Festival took place on Monday and Wellie was well represented. Just for those folks over the pond, here's David and Theo's test.

Enjoy!

WSC combined training report

The dressage was good apart from forgetting what came next after tracking left at C. We were more relaxed than normal and got a score of 34.21.

We were caught on camera smiling whilst jumping (well it was the last jump).

Here's a close up for proof!

I think we got 7 out of 10 for the jumping. So all in all, a successful evening. The Wellie livery crew were on form - Pip and Fox took home second place in the open league; Nadia and Maggie and Charlotte and Paddy all had good rounds too.

Here's some shots from our recent lessons. You see we can do it rather well when the adrenalin and nerves aren't pumping!

The Out-takes

Recently David wowed us with his musical taste and cool dressage moves in preparation for some big fancy event coming up soon...

Not wanting to give away the chosen music or the moves from the test, I've put together a video of out-takes to keep you all going.

Clickie here!

Pics of Theo!

'Now if I can just pull this rug out of the way I can get to my evening feed.'

Theo: as if butter wouldn't melt.