Extracts from the Branch Newsletters

Articles are re-printed from Grampian branch newsletters and the editors of this website take no responsibility for their contents.

Latest newsletter issued 14th January 2012

Scottish Regional Group Arabian Horse Supporters (SRGAHS)

are looking to promote links with ourselves through a variety of methods. The following were agreed:

• Reciprocal links on both websites.

• They will promote SERC rides in their newsletter.

• SRGAHS shows will include classes for In Hand and Ridden Endurance Horses at their 3 events:

      -  5th May Spring Show, Fountain Equestrian, Goval, Dyce

      -  2nd June Group Show, Ingliston

      -  18th August Northern Show, Fountain Equestrian, Goval, Dyce.

• 8th September Versatile Arabian Event, Fountain Equestrian, Goval, Dyce.

• They will give discounted membership to members of SERC.

Further information is available on their website www.srgahs.co.uk

which can be dangerous if you get too close. Here is a list of our current closures:

Culbin, near Forres - tree felling work at Wellhill/Buckie Loch/Findhorn Bay areas of the forest

until March. Diversions will be in place. Please obey all signage.

Ordiequish Moray Monster Trails, near Fochabers - Gulley Monster/Soup Dragon/Dragons Tail.

Tree felling work will result in weekday closures of the trails from now till end January. They will

reopen at weekends. Please obey all signage.

Kirkhill, near Aberdeen - part of the red trail is closed to horses for the foreseeable future, till

remedial path work is carried out. To avoid the small section that is affected, continue on the forest

road and rejoin the route after 800m.

Advance warning - part of Countesswells (Kingshill section only), near Aberdeen - tree thinning

work will be carried out, probably in the new year. This will affect some of the trails in this section

of the forest.

Advance warning - Scolty, near Banchory - tree felling work on part of the red trail.

Diversions will be required from mid to late December to end of March.

Forestry Work – Extract from FC Newsletter

New Car Park Charges

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is in the process of increasing the number of car parks at which

we apply charges for car parking. Over the next few months you will see new meters at nine of our

sites around Moray, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

These car parks will be Kirkhill, Foggieton, Countesswells, Scolty, Bennachie Centre, Back of Bennachie,

Culbin (Wellhill), Whiteash (Winding Walks) and Roseisle.

FCS has had to look very closely at how we continue to provide the wide variety of high quality

recreational opportunities throughout Scotland in light of the need to manage budgets in line with

available spending.

Rather than reduce our offering of great quality walks, bike trails, viewpoints, picnic areas and the

many other facilities in the forest, we will be asking you to pay for car parking at some sites so we

can reinvest this money in the up-keep and indeed, in some cases, improvement of facilities.

Keeping these facilities to a high standard can be fairly expensive. Some examples of work carried out

in the past year include:

. Gordon Way path upgrade at around £20,000;

. Car park upgrades across Moray and North Aberdeenshire at £20,000;

. New toilet block at Back of Bennachie at £50,000; and

. Countesswells and Foggieton path and car park upgrades at £70,000, with much more to do.

We regularly carry out very many smaller tasks including keeping toilets clean, felling unsafe trees,

removing fly tipping, grass cutting, running public events, and working with children in schools,

to name but a few which hopefully improve the enjoyment of your forest visit.

Across Scotland charges will reflect the opportunities available on site. In most cases in north east

Scotland charges will be no more than £2 to park for the whole day. At the Bennachie Centre it will

be only slightly more at £3. All sites will have a 1-3 hour rate and there is also a £1 for one hour rate

for short visits. We think what you'll find on offer makes this good value for money and these rates

are very comparable to similar ones offered by other providers across Scotland.

We know we have many regular visitors who visit our forests almost every day so we have arranged

annual season tickets which will give you access to all the FCS sites in Moray and Aberdeenshire

forests including Huntly Peregrine Wildwatch Centre, for only £30 per year. For your season ticket

please contact our Huntly office on 01466 794161 or by email at moray&aberdeenshire@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

The Club Ride Omnibus is published on http://sites.google.com/site/sercrideomnibus/ This is a “live”

calendar and you can get updates on the “Ride changes” page. Detailed information on each ride will be

posted nearer the ride date.

A hard copy may be produced by Borders Branch in the New Year which will be available to buy.

All members should have received a copy of the EGB magazine. If you did not see this please let Ruth know.

Drug-testing

This is already in our rule book, but the FEI are encouraging random drug-testing to take place next year

at all levels of our sport.

New Barefoot Trophies for 2011 Freya van Midden has kindly donated these two new trophies

which will be awarded at our AGM in February 2012

Inca Trophy:

Barefoot Horse (wearing of boots allowed) with the most gold awards over the season from any

competitive classes ridden in any branches in Scotland, irrespective of rider.

In the event of a tie, the trophy will be shared.

Barefoot Pleasure Trophy:

Barefoot (wearing of boots allowed) horse/rider combination, with the most completed pleasure rides over

the season ridden in any branch in Scotland.

In the event of a tie, the higher pleasure mileage wins.

This was a weekend of two halves. On the Saturday we had all the classes up to the 80 kms ER and what an exciting finish that was. The crews said that the first 3 were vying for the win, and it was close. The three horses came over the open field and round the corner into the finish straight at full belt with Iain Paterson and Donna Hemmings neck and neck and Francis Bakker in hot pursuit. They thundered up past the finish and did a wide loop of the parking area. Iain got Primo's head across the line first but unfortunately got spun on high HR as Primo got chilled in the nippy wind (otherwise OK). Full results are listed elsewhere, so Donna duly took the win.

Then the rain and wind intensified and I spent most of the night listening to the torrential rain and 50+ mph wind.  I went to check the horses a couple of times and they were stoically standing quietly in their corrals. Then it was back to the live weather and hoping the weather would move just a few miles North or ease sufficiently to let us have our ride on Sunday. However, it wasn’t to be and I had to make the decision to cancel the Sunday classes. I’m afraid it took some time to text or phone everyone, so I apologise to anyone who didn’t get the message soon enough to save the drive to the venue.

And before I close, I have to say a huge thank you to all the helpers who did such a brilliant job over the weekend. We could have done with a few more, especially beforehand as I ended up having to mark the route back into the venue on the Saturday morning and I was then late opening the barriers on the Longside section of the railway – apologies to everyone affected. But back to the helpers, I’d especially like to thank Donna who checked every inch of the tracks (with the exception of the new route back into the venue), marked the forestry and Longside loops and demarked the forestry; Arlene and Carola worked especially hard to co-ordinate the entries and helpers for this weekend; Angi and Karl made the bridge over the cattle grid and helped mark and demark; Lorna did us proud with the helpers buffet; and each and every person on the list below. Thanks a million.

Ruth

Some photos from Forest of Deer are on www.belleleisure.com

Well - I don't know about Kirkton Manor but Nine Stanes was wet enough. Many thanks to Katie Keith who organised the route along with Alison Carrington who sorted me out stabling and marked a lot of the route. Also to stalwart Ruth (CS) and to all the helpers in the caravan who stayed cheerful despite the weather. Katie had found some new, lovely grassy tracks for the ride and even though I had to repeat the 30 km route with Obi to gain his STQ it was certainly not a chore, despite the rain showers. Total of three wet coats during the ride though.

Hope you have all dried out now.

Candy

It was a great ride. Loved it. Boysie and I had such fun. And all the more special for Boysie getting his first BTQ with hr 46 at 10.6kph. Although 12yrs, in his novice year and not a natural athlete like Maisie (at Clashindarroch) who is only 6 and novice but now has her BTF comfortably. He definitely liked all the splashing and almost dived into the second ford - bit like one of those Water World theme parks for horses at times!  But what makes the Grampian rides so much fun is they are very well organised, well marked and folk are just so helpful and friendly. And great to see all the pleasure riders out there.

A special thanks to Allison (Lady Vice C) who made Candy and me so welcome at the stables and gave me lots of support. Also to Arlene for her patience with my registrations.  Sorry I did not have time to stop and chat at the end. Keen to get home. A96 was closed with flooding at Keith just as we arrived back home! Lucky.  See you again. Maybe make it to Mintlaw.

David

Thanks for the email and the link to Toria's photographs.

It was a great ride and so pleased that we got to do the canter track at Nine Stanes woods - always wondered what it was like. Saddles all cleaned and polished and raring to go for the next one.

L.

Karl & Ryan, Tricky & I all had a great time on Sunday. An excellent ride, lovely venue, good tracks with a nice mix of off/on road. Really enjoyed the track thru the trees up Knock Hill, made the horses think! We will definitely be going back to Nine Stanes again.  Thanks to all involved

Angi

A “SURVIVOR’S” VIEW OF THE ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS OR HOW TO GET YOUR HORSE USED TO WATER! by Lynda Keeler

After almost 2 years of non-competitive rides due to injuries I was so looking forward to taking La Rouge [Ria] to the Scottish Endurance Championships being held at Perth Race Course at Scone. This time she would be travelling with Judals Just Dreamin [Pharoah] her field companion. We set off at Lunch time from Netherley in the glorious sunshine and on arriving at the venue set up our corral where the two horses had plenty of company.

I was doing 31km on the Saturday and Sarah (Pharoah’s owner) was attempting her first 50km as a Bronze Thistle Final grading. Sadly we wouldn’t be able to ride together as these were different classes and the route was not the same.

The weather forecast showed that we were all going to get wet this weekend but we didn’t realise how wet! The rain started late afternoon on the Friday but we are a hardy bunch and used to riding in all weathers and all the pleasure riders returned with smiles saying they had enjoyed the ride.

Saturday dawned with grey skies and the promise of more rain to come and the first rider was soon underway doing the 160km over 2 days. The vetting area had been moved as the rain during the night had saturated the trot up area, and it was now on hard and stony ground near the main car park! Both our horses passed and we went back to the trailer to get tacked up. I was a little worried as Pharoah had to start before Ria and I wasn’t sure how she was going to react to his leaving her.

I walked a little way to the start line with Sarah and then split off to try and connect with my companion on the 31km route. I had a very unhappy horse so mounted her and rode her around to try and keep her occupied – although with trepidation as she was calling out to her boyfriend and threatening to buck!! Soon however, it was time for our class so we headed over to the Start.

Once we were underway and trotting out smartly she focused on her job and settled down… we rode alongside the river passing cross country jumps and a glorious view of Scone Palace – back along by the side of the Race Course and as the miles fell away headed over to Muirward Wood. The tracks were great – the going a bit soft – plenty of puddles for thirsty horses. I was riding with Yvonne Thomson on Schadow and the two horses had got into a good rhythm and were covering the ground. The marking was good and we hardly needed to look at our maps. We headed up to St Martins and once we reached Check Point 2 knew that we were now going to be heading back. All the riders we met or passed were happy and enjoying the route. Arlene Parvin and her daughter Emma on her Arab Magic Moonshine [Dino] came flying by with the words “Nicky and Dino are on a mission” – they sure were - as soon they were out of sight our horses steadied back down again and we continued in a ground covering extended trot.

We did our loop at CP3 – the horses saying “we’ve done this bit before?” A cheery wave to the CP Steward and making sure he had our numbers ticked off headed down through the woods – retracing our steps through a very boggy wet field.

The rain came on again and soon we were soaked…. No need for sloshers – the rain was doing a grand job of cooling us down. We crossed the A93 with the help of Stewards and knew that we were on the homeward stretch. Surprise, surprise – I recognised my jeep that Sarah’s boyfriend was using to crew her – Steven said “would you like a slosher” – yes please says I and poured it over Ria’s neck – not sure if she was grateful as she was pretty wet already! Steven said Sarah was doing fine on her 50km but riding on her own was proving tough as prior to this Pharoah had always had a companion on the rides.

Soon we were cantering up the hill towards the Finish – stop watches off – big smiles from stewards and even bigger smiles from the riders.

Horses washed down – Sarah back for her half-way vetting – heart rates taken – then off to see the vets. Ria passed fine with a heart rate of 45 bpm and speed of 12.24 kph. Heart stopping moment when Pharoah had to be trotted up again … did I mention he is a barefoot horse? Not easy trotting on stony ground and proving you're sound!! Big sigh of relief he passed so back to the trailer to feed him and Ria.

Pharoah set off again to do his final 20km and Ria was turned out in the corral. Time for me to have a quick shower in the jockey changing rooms – fantastic standing under hot, hot water and getting warm again. Soon Sarah and Pharoah were back – I helped wash him down and we took his heart rate. It was starting to come down so we took him over to vet dreading having to run him up on the stones again. Rain still falling…. Was it never going to stop? Huge puddle to negotiate to get to vets!! Not good for a horse that doesn’t like going though puddles!

Heart rate 60 – not as low as hoped but under 64 – heart in mouth – trot up – can Sarah run him up again

please …. 2nd trot up – vet still undecided – 3rd trot up with all vets watching – 5 card trick…. Each vet writes on a piece of paper whether he thinks horse sound or not…..bated breath. YES - HE HAS PASSED SOUND – big hugs for Pharoah and Sarah.

After celebratory dinner that evening more surprises were in store…. The rain kept falling – the river kept rising and soon broke its banks – the water gushing out over the bridge from the hard standing car park into the grass parking area in front of the race course. Tents were starting to float in 2ft of water – horses were up to their knees in some of the corrals and others were up their bellies. Sarah phoned me at the Inn where I was staying and said the horses had to be evacuated so at 10.45 p.m. I set off to drive back to the Race Course (7 minutes away). I couldn’t believe my eyes when I arrived…. Horse Boxes, caravans, trailers all parked on the roadway leading out of the Race Course. Trailers were being towed out to hard standing through 2ft to 3ft of water. The camping area was completely underwater. It was organised chaos… I managed to get through hoping and praying the 4x4 would be high enough to cope with the water.

Sarah came up and helped me hitch up the trailer and then she walked in front of me feeling for the firmer ground as everything was now covered completely in deep water. The horses were being evacuated to the Race Course stables 2 miles away so after squeezing the trailer into a space between a box and trailer on hard standing in the main car park we went back for the horses.

I couldn’t believe how deep it was and how fast it was flowing … everyone was leading horses down the flooded park and across the bridge. There was no panic – everything done in an orderly manner. Poor Pharoah, who doesn’t like walking through water, had no choice but to follow Ria in the dark and over the flooded bridge.

Once safely tied to the back of the trailer we threw everything into the jeep so we could get them loaded.

We drove to the Racing Stables where the car park was full of boxes – horses being unloaded and people trying to bed them down for the night in the dry.

I dropped Sarah back off to her caravan at the Race Course which was now sitting on a dry section of half the car park – the other half was under water. Too tired to take the trailer off again I towed it back to the Anglers Inn through roads that were flooded so it was a matter of driving in the middle of the road. Parking on the pavement, I headed into the Inn for another shower and a much needed bed at 1.30 a.m. These Championships will certainly be remembered for a long, long time and now I even have a T-shirt saying “Survivor 2011 SERC Perth” – just as a wee reminder!

Last Day of the 2011 Scottish Championships washed out – literally!

Ruth, just back from Perth and beginning to dry out

Marlene Arthur’s account of the Perth floods may well be only one of many but it seems to catch the mood exactly.

I don't really know where to start ... but I was getting truly frightened when I realised that we were in the middle of a flash flood.

It had rained constantly from the moment we all arrived at the venue in Perth Racecourse on Friday lunchtime. We had thunder and lightning Friday and Saturday but we all just got on with the Champs as planned. As Molly Atkinson once said, we knew it would be "wet, very wet or very wet indeed". It turned out to be the latter.

Saturday was mental. Everyone and everything was totally saturated, the paperwork was ruined ... it was like trying to write on a wet facecloth. The vetting area flooded by Fri afternoon, so we moved it to higher ground for the Saturday ... it too was flooded by Sat mid afternoon. We were all exhausted by Sat evening and nearly everyone decided on an early night. THANK GOODNESS I was in the trailer and not in a tent. By the time we emerged from our evening meal in the marquee it was obvious we were in trouble.

However, no one at that point was going to bail out from the Champs ... our intrepid (mental) endurance riders and helpers decided to weather the storm ... It was still battering down when we said our good nights; some were in tents, some in trailers others in lorries and the non-hardy individuals were in the tiny jockey rooms or the luxury of B&B's. I was tucked up cosy and dry knowing I'd never sleep for the noise of the battering rain on the trailer roof - and I wondered what on earth was going on outside at about the back of 10.30.  What a commotion - in the semidarkness and in the pishin rain, I could see folks splashing about in ever deepening water hitching up 4x4's, horses were being moved, big puddles had become huge and ever widening pools, and flashlights blinking everywhere. A mass exodus was taking place and the water level was rising fast. When I opened my wee jockey door, I could see that my trailer was already in its own pool and so was the jeep (which I'd foolishly unhitched on the Friday) but some grass was still visible between the two.

At first, I decided to sit it out and leave in the morning as we'd been told day two had wisely been cancelled and that people were being advised to either move to higher ground or to go home. I didn't think we'd get enough rain to totally flood us out, so I climbed back into my sleeping bag to try to drown out the noise.

Thank goodness I'm such a nosey b****r, coz by the back of 11 I'd decided to have another look to see how folks were getting on ... thank the gods I did, coz the burn had burst its banks and I was now sitting in water which I discovered was more than halfway up my wellies !! ARGHH !! The trailers wheel clamp and chocks were already under water and well out of sight. You could feel the pressure of the water around your legs and there was a current like you experience when you are in the sea or in a fast flowing burn!  I don't mind admitting it but I was really getting scared by this time. The campers tents were already awash and the contents were floating away ... I saw many items bobbing about in the darkness.  Everyone was brilliant helping each other coz hitching up in flowing water in the dark in a steamed up vehicle when you are in a state of panic ain't nice.

By this time the corralling area for the poor horses was more than thigh deep, After hitching up, I'd gone to help move horses and one woman had stripped off her trousers, socks and boots and was wading about in water almost touching her knickers to rescue the poor shivering beasts.  Most of them calmly took it in their stride bless them. It was all like a bad dream ...

By the time we'd moved to higher ground and everyone was safe I decided to climb back in to my sleeping bag in an attempt to sleep. I listened to big lorries and vehicles coming and going just feet away from my wee safe haven and thought, stuff it, if this is gonna continue for the next couple of hours I might as well head home coz the noise was simply too much.  So, at midnight, I set off home ... very,

very tired and in poor visibility.

The jeep was badly steamed up but I didn't want to put on the A/C coz it wasn't very happy being driven thru all that deep water with the 4x4 activated. I realised it was going be around 2am by the time I made it home, so that was my next dilemma! IF I arrive at Henry's farm at that time of night, someone will end up coming out with a flashlight in case it's a prowler, plus the thought of parking and un-hitching in the dark and pishin rain was gonna be unbearable and almost impossible. But ..IF I take the trailer home, there's no where to park in the street coz of all the road works and yellow workies barriers, AND the house door will be locked with the key in the door and I'll not get in unless I call Duncan to open it up, AND that would mean leaving all my belongings in the street. None of these options was ideal as I didn't want to disturb anyone and I didn't want to have to unpack/unload the trailer at 2 in the morning! All these thoughts were going through my head during the horrific journey home through flooded roads and misty sections. It seemed to take forever; I badly needed a well earned sleep. Anyway ... you'll all love this bit and you'll now be totally convinced that I'm quite mad ... On arriving in home, I pulled into our street and turned immediately right in to the new Old Folks Home/Retirement village, parked in the huge, empty car park and returned to my sleeping bag knowing my belongings wouldn't be unattended during the night and that I wouldn't disturb ANYONE.

I slept like a top, crawled out of my sleeping bag about 0700hrs, brewed myself a cup of tea and then trundled the jeep and trailer the final couple of hundred yards up the road to the house just in time for a very puzzled Duncan to open the bedroom blinds and wonder why I was standing in the garden.

Quite and adventure and hopefully NEVER to be repeated.

Clatt Ride, Sunday 5th of June 2011. Report from Joan Austen

This year the weather was in our favour and the ground the best that could be hoped for. The Chairman of the Hall committee kindly supplied a tank of water in case of a heat wave(!!) and thanks to the last minute loss of the ‘away’ vet gate (due to withdrawal of the 80km distance), and Carola’s enthusiasm, there were lots of helpers.

The ride route covers forest, moor and field, the road work is at the beginning and end and is overall a relatively small proportion. There is plenty of different going, and for some their first experience of wide open spaces and long hills, so is truly a fittening ride as well as a chance to see some magnificent views.

Thankfully our two bits of excitement were resolved happily – Marion and Blue were reunited (after several hours apart), and Lucy’s horse loaded – the ground was cleared and the landowners, professionals and helpers thanked in appropriate ways (sorry if anyone was missed, you were all appreciated). Hopefully everyone had a good day.

Grampian Branch Fleeces and Rugby Shirts, and SERC Trailer Stickers

We have a number of good quality fleeces in black or navy with the Club logo embroidered in gold.  They are front opening with a full-length zip.  There are also rugby shirts, also with the Club logo, and SERC trailer stickers. These are usually in the caravan, if not, please ask.

Dark navy fleece (medium) .................................£20 each

Black fleece (M, L, XL) ........................................£20 each

Yellow and black rugby shirts (S, L, XL) .........£5 each

Trailer Stickers..........................................................£2.50 each

The fleece sizes are ‘neat’, so you may wish to buy one larger than your normal size.

The rugby shirt sizes are generous.

The trailer stickers are A4 or 210x297 mm.

Cheques should be made payable to “SERC Grampian”.

There will be a charity ride at FINZEAN estate by kind permission of the Farquharson family and organised by the Aberdeen Supporters Group of the Brooke Hospital for Animals.  The ride will start at 6 p.m. followed by a BBQ.  Sponsor forms will be available - the cost of the ride is £25 but if you can raise more than this the Brooke will be highly delighted.  Please contact Linda Moncur Anderson at lindamoncur@me.com or Sue Fogg at susan@mcwmilligan.com for Entry Forms.

The Clash – Inside Looking Out

Not the Clash but our Clashindarroch, the first ride of this season.  Blessed by the weather which was both sunny but with a gentle cooling breeze at least at the venue, it was a perfect day for ride in the forest.  It was a pleasure to be there even as a humble helper in the caravan.

However, back at the venue and interned in the caravan, it was a typical first ride.  Which bits of tack or crewing items were left hanging in the tack room is unrecorded although on this occasion everyone had brought their horses, saddles and hats.  Don’t laugh, over the years, on previous first rides, all of these vital objects have been forgotten by someone.

When it comes to paperwork it was another story.  We don’t expect non-members to have medical cards but Marlene Ralley, my competent and trusty assistant, handed out many of these to members too.  Vet writers were handed blank vet sheets and a very significant number of white Mileage cards and Competitive Master Cards were also not filled in.  Whilst Marlene and I were glad to do these additional clerical jobs, if you had to wait a little longer than usual for your rosette, this could just have been the reason.

However all is forgiven since I too have sinned in the past but please do remember these simple things and make the next caravan prisoner’s life a little easier.

Leon.

Aberdeenshire Sports Council Awards

Roger and Brenda Searle went to the dinner on 11/3/11.  He was awarded runner up for Outstanding

Achievement. They said they thoroughly enjoyed the evening. He also picked up a Certificate of Nomination for the Club of the Year.

Growing with the Miles by Carola MacCallum

Article originally written for the Arab Society newsletter.

I have shared my life with Stazi (Sandy to his friends) for two and a half years now.... more

RAGWORT

The Ragwort plant (Senecio jacobaea) is a pretty yellow flowering plant that is absolutely deadly to livestock but especially to horses because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids.  The one saving grace is that it doesn’t taste good but once cut and dried is edible and still retains its toxicity.  These toxic compounds principally cause damage to the liver that can lead to death.  It is most important, therefore, that humans take precautions when handling the plant i.e. wear gloves and face mask.... more

“No man is an Island….”

Roger Searle sets an example in perseverance in pursuit of the elusive Gold Thistle.

On 19th September, at the Highland Fling, Forest Hunter completed his Gold Thistle: I had the great good fortune to be his rider. We had been together at SERC events for nine years; this was our last ride.... more

Best Conditions at 2010 Grampian rides

Learning to Crew or Being thrown into the deep end

By Carola MacCallum

Someone once told me that the great thing about working with horses is that you never stop learning.  ......more

Tahuna – Typhoona

What do you do when the rain is sheeting down, the wind is blowing a gale and

the sand is flying enough to strip the paint off an oil-rig? .... more

Thanks To ...

Pat Dorward and Marlene Arthur who put in a lot of work into trying to arrange an

early season ride for us at Loanhead- weather conditions in the lead up, work in the

forestry and on the tracks and a lack of entries unfortunately their hard work is not

resulting in a ride- but there work is not unnoticed!

Thanks also to Carola McCallum who has arranged fellow member and Instructor

Viv Law to come along to Loanhead and let a few of us have a leg stretch with the

horses to some music in the indoor school- hopefully letting us learn how to make

schooling a bit more fun and working on the horses rhythm with the music.

Congratulations to Clive Pollitt who has been accepted as a 3* FEI Judge and Chief Steward.  We are aware of how much time and effort this training entails.

Helping Hands - an open letter from Jenny Milne ... more

Hydration, it’s more than a drop in the bucket

by Lucinda Stapleton

Hydration is very easy to balance in humans but is not that easy to balance in horses. .... more

On Hogmanay 2009 Arlene had to make the awful decision to have Prince put to sleep. He was very ill with an infection which had led to internal damage and despite Arlene’s loving care and the hard work of the vets at Ardene Veterinary Hospital he would not have recovered and so wee Prince has crossed the Rainbow Bridge…

I was lucky to get to know Prince this year and got really attached to the hairy grey Highland pony who became a wee project to keep me busy after Jack’s injury at Ludlow and this year’s chaos in my personal life. Thanks for that Arlene; it’s amazing how your friends know what the best therapy for you would be!

Prince was only 4 years old and he was a cracking pony with so much promise. In the summer we had fun hacking out, fittening him and bringing him on. He had a great character, cheeky and stubborn but also intelligent and affectionate. His first outing was to my Drumtochty ride in August. Poor Prince got the shock of his life at his first endurance ride and the stubborn streak came out in full force! When faced with the hilly course he planted his feet and said NO WAY! I had to get off and pull him up all the hills and we were hopelessly out of time. When I got back I announced that riding Price for 10 miles was more exhausting than riding Jack for 50!

However, with his first Pleasure ride under his belt he began to blossom, going beautifully round Forest of Deer and Blairgowrie, his determined wee legs going 19 to the dozen! Arlene and I were very proud of him as he began to show his potential. In October we had a lovely day out in Blackhall forest with Arlene riding Nicky and wee Prince going along behind him in his own sweet time! He came with me to Riding Club training with Hamish Cameron, who was very admiring of him. It was his first lesson and his first time in an indoor school, he was understandably a bit puzzled, but we laughed and enjoyed ourselves loads!

The last few rides I took him on were round the stubble fields as the evenings grew shorter. He was a forward going Highland and liked to canter through the stubble, putting in the odd cheeky buck out of sheer joie de vivre!

I made plans to take him to Intro dressage at Riding Club and to take him and Jack to pop some cross country jumps in the New Year. Arlene rode him three days before he died and said he was his usual cheery self, slithering a bit in the snow but happy to be out.

Dear Prince, you gave us happy times in your short life and you were very, very loved. Sleep tight wee man, we will all miss you.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO DRINK MERRILY BUT DOES YOUR HORSE?

A well-written and informative article from Lucinda Stapleton (Horse Quencher UK)

<info@horsequencher.co.uk>  .... more

Holidays on Horseback

Carola & Judith spent some fun days at Mar Lodge

My new year's resolution, amongst many other more boring ones, was to have as much fun with my new horse, Stazi, as possible. .... more

Update on Endurance & the Pony Club
Pony Club UK has recently announced that it is launching endurance as one of its official disciplines in 2009. Work is currently ongoing on this proposal, which includes Pony Club having its own UK committee, established rules, distances and end-of-season national championships in the future, in conjunction with the national governing body Endurance GB (EGB). 

It is, as yet, not clear how the roles of EGB and SERC will relate to Pony Club in Scotland. Meantime, Pony Club in Scotland is happy to continue with the support it has received from members of SERC at local levels on the introduction of endurance at grass roots level through local branch rallies, camps and training events. There are several proposed rule changes being put forward for the Club AGM in the light of this, to bring SERC into line with EGB.

Health Exemption Certificate
It has been agreed to introduce Health Exemption Certificates as we have members and ride participants who have a health problem of a chronic or long-term nature (e.g. MS), which make it difficult for them to know until close to the ride whether or not they will be fit to participate.  Equally the Committee know that to continue to participate in physical and social activity is beneficial for some of these conditions in so far as it is possible. The Club has a clear ‘equal opportunities’ policy which encourages us not to discriminate against participants on grounds of health or disability.
Therefore the Medical Exemption Certificate will be issued based on self-certification that the member has a chronic or long-standing condition which makes their health unpredictable, production of a medical certificate is not required.
Once issued, the certificate will enable a rider to routinely request refund if their health condition at any point in the 14 days prior to the ride prevents participation.  The ride entry form has been adapted to include the provision of a tick box so that holders of a MEC can make the ride secretary aware at the time of entry and should the rider have to withdraw, their entry will be refunded.
To apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate [MEC], members should write with their details to the Club General Secretary.  All applications will be dealt with in total confidence.

Membership renewals run from 1^st January –

Membership forms were sent out with the Club newsletter – please pay up!  They should be returned to our Membership Secretary, Katie Keith. Your membership should have been renewed by 1st January and this is the last newsletter you will receive if you have not done so.

If you are wondering “Why join?” and what do you get for your money, we offer the opportunity to ride in many diverse places. Members get a discount on entries, third party insurance, friendly advice and the opportunity to have your horse assessed by an experienced vet, who often will take a great deal of time to talk to you after the ride if you have a problem. 

If you have a friend who is dithering about the discipline, then “Starting Endurance Riding” by Claire Wilde is an excellent little book published by Threshold Picture Guides No 41.

Birham Trophy

Brenda Searle, who donated the Birnham Trophy, has been in touch concerning the qualifications for this award which, you will remember, is currently for the most senior member with the highest points for the year. She feels that with the experience of the past two years this is too restrictive and perhaps militates against older riders who do shorter distances of pleasure rides.

She has asked that the conditions of qualification change to  "The senior rider 60 years or over having ridden the greatest accumulated distance in the season"

 Those wishing to be considered for this award would need to have had their sixtieth birthday on or before the 1^st January in the year in which they qualify, and to notify the archivist.  This is a handsome trophy and well worth winning!

SERC on Facebook!

We now have a facebook group called grampian scottish endurance club – so if you are on facebook – join in!.

No Passport, No Rescue!

Should you have the misfortune to be stranded by breakdown or accident - professional transporters may refuse to carry your horse if you cannot produce the passport. So it is wise to carry the correct documentation, even if you are just taking your horse out for a few miles for a lesson or hack in the forest!

BHS GRAMPIAN Presents

Graeme Hunter MCVRS With a talk on WORMS AND WORMING

on Tuesday 9^TH December at 7.30 at the Torryburn Hotel, Kintore.  Price £5. Everyone welcome.

Any queries, contact Julia Gourley at nethertulloch@hotmail.co.uk or 07789 094021

Le Trec
Our next practice day is on Saturday 13th Dec at Cobblehouse Stables near Turriff, starting at 11am. Please let me know how many of you are coming as we may have to split into groups if there are too many for the school. Cost is £10 per head. We will be doing bending, ridden "S" bends, ridden corridors (they are as narrow as the led ones) and control of paces.

Bring your own snacks etc

Liz Watts.  07800 608385

BHS Scotland warning - please pass on - Helicopters!

Horse Riders be warned - Low flying helicopters in all areas of Scotland over next fortnight.  The RAF has 4 Puma Helicopters based at Leuchars in Fife for the next 2 weeks on exercise, they will be flying in all areas, both day and night.

The BHS advises in order to give the pilots a chance to avoid flying directly over you while out hacking please wear HI-Viz gear at all times, as usual on the public highway but also while hacking off road and even schooling.

Any Queries ring Helene in 01764 656334

Helene Mauchlen
BHS Scotland, Woodburn, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 3RG

The Scottish Equestrian Association is conducting research into equestrian participation in Scotland and equestrian associated activities. This will help improve understanding of participation levels and aid support and funding across the equestrian sector in Scotland.

Please spare a few minutes to fill in the short survey. All input is important in order to appreciate the breadth and depth of equestrian activity in Scotland. Please also pass this around to as many people as
possible in order that we can get as many responses as possible. The link to the online questionnaire is:

http://www.sportinginsights.com/sea08/sea_survey.htm

Glenariff Endurance Festival, 9-10 August 2008

Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim, Ireland

A Scottish flying finish was the triumphant end to a weekend that saw Scotland sweep the board at the Glenariff endurance festival in Northern Ireland  ....more

Congratulations!

For anyone who hasn't heard, Katy Hazel Parvin was born on the 11th July 2008. Arlene and her husband Kevin are having lots of sleepless nights and yes the horses are not getting exercised as much as they should be!

Team selection!

Grampian has 3 members selected to go to Ireland next week for the Home International and Celtic Challenge. Congratulations go to Lisa Maitland and Aztec, Lorna Hogg with De Marco, and our chairman Jane Hollstein, with Polmailys Lord Abu.

We wish them a safe journey and a successful event. You will be able to follow team updates and progress on the forum.

Capercaille Interbranch Challenge and Perth Weekend

A team of four Grampian riders took part in the Capercaille Interbranch Challenge at Perth on Saturday 28th of June. They were:-

Morven Lawson - Pleasure

Lisa Maitland - 30km

Lynda Keeler - 50km

Kate Robertson - 60km

Everyone of the team performed exceptionally well and as a team finished a close 2nd just pipped at the post by Dumfries branch.

Some of the other branch achievements during the weekend were:

80K ER  - 1st - Katie Keith
4th - Jane Hollstein (GTF)

80km CTR - Tony Comerford (STF)

60km CTR - Fiona Munro (STQ)

As Perth racecourse is the front runner for next years championships, this event was a great warm-up and the venue, routes and organisation were all of a very high standard.

Branch Merchandise

We have the new club merchandise which is be available to purchase.  Jenny Milne has attached a link to show the style of fleece.  The colours available are either dark navy size medium & large, or black in XL with the Club logo. There is limited stock available and they are sold at £20 per garment.  The fleeces will be available at the caravan along with the rugby shirts (black and yellow) of a few years ago which are at a knock down price of around £5-10 each. http://www.scotcrest.co.uk/photos/1.668347SS58M-L.FIT-MIC-JACK-PR-HR.gif

BHS Grass Sickness Sponsored Ride, Run, Cycle or Walk

Congratulations to our Branch members who took part in Lothian’s Hillhead ride:

Kate Robertson with Lady Bathsheba won the 120 km ER, in a phenomenal 9 hours 46 minutes, at a speed of 12.90 km/ph with an amazing Heart rate of 52 bpm!!!!!!!

Lorna Hogg and De Marco came 5^th in the 120 km ER in 10 hours 16 minutes at 12.27 km/ph with a fantastic Heart Rate of 60 bpm! after only a few minutes.

Katie Keith and Jakhiri achieved their Gold Thistle Final in one attempt, a distance of 85km, at 13.53 km/ph with a Gold Heart Rate of 48 bpm!!!

Well done to you all - incredible achievements which take years of dedication, enthusiasm and commitment.

Sad news from Ruth
There’s no easy way to say this.  Samee died suddenly last month.  She was found dead in the field in the morning with no visible injuries or evidence of trouble in the field.  This was a huge shock as she was looking great the last time I saw her and she was only 22 (her mother lived to 42, not that I expected Samee to reach that age, but I did think she would make around the 30 mark).  This happened while Malcolm and I were away on holiday and I couldn’t get back to be there so it’s been hard to come to terms with it.  I bred her from Hameda who I had bought after knowing her since the '70's (before some of you were born!), so it's a huge chunk of my life.  Ruth Riddell
The Committee and members offer their condolences to Ruth at this sad time.

An enjoyable “Drop in”

Those of you who were unable to come to the “Drop in to Endurance” morning on Saturday missed an enjoyable and informative time. This was a very friendly and informal gathering and those who did turn up, ranging from newcomers to very experienced riders, all chatted freely and went away better informed. We can all learn from each other’s experience, and there was a great deal of swapping boots (horses), trying saddles, discussing the merits of massage therapy, heart monitors, how the new rules might affect you, etc. all on a one to one basis.

Our grateful thanks to Lorna who made it clear that the rules are not that difficult, Katie Keith who showed individuals how to use heart monitors, Arlene and Emma Parvin who brought (and sold) some lovely tack, Janice Thomson, who brought her car loaded with half her tack room and gave lots of advice; Kate Robertson who discussed the training of horses up to the highest levels, Leon who showed most of the stuff you may need in your crew car or back at the venue to get your horse ready for the vet; and Clive Pollitt who had a great deal of interesting (and often home-made) kit and gave advice on getting through vettings.  Jane and Douglas were on hand to answer and ask any questions and Douglas performed the essential office of catering with tea, coffee and chocolate biscuits.

Breaking news ..Argent of Ballydougan announces his retirement from Grampian Branch rides - at age 15 and a half.

Lizzy Thornton sent this piece last November,

Archie is sure there will be a few sighs of relief from various Officials and Clipboard Ladies as he was notorious for breaking loose, scattering all and sundry persons/equipment/articles in his wake. His usual excuse was to see what other equines had in their buckets...... more

The Versatile Quarter Horse By Susan Jacyna

Simon and I live in Keith and are lucky to have really beautiful riding country on our doorstep.  Orinoco (sire Venture Max, dam Waccabuc Jr) is now ten and I bought him from Joan Cadzow when he was a just-backed and very green 3 yr old....... more

My Versatile Arabian

Katie & Jack’s view of the SRGAHS Versatile Arabian Event

The summer of 2007 has been memorable for most people as incredibly wet, and for me, as one of many some amazing highs and crashing lows. The week of National Arabian week I should have been travelling down to Swindon to compete on the Scottish team at Barbury Castle....... more

Blackhall ride report  from Highland branch member Fiona Monro 

Fiona & Nico – intro to Grampian

Well our first Grampian ride has come and gone.  We were fortunate that the venue field was nice, big and flat and Nico found the grass very tasty!!  The usual nerves kicked in with me, from the moment I awoke that morning and by the time I reached the yard I had probably double dosed on Rescue Remedy as did Nico before loading.  Lorna came with me to support our first ride back to SERC after being off since July last year.  Nico’s pre-ride heart rate was 48 and I (or rather Lorna) found us fabulous riding duo in Donna and Sameh.  Their paces were very similar as were their spooky moments!!  Would have enjoyed the ride even more if there were more canter opportunities, but the ground was hard and very stony in part.  We managed a couple of canters passing by the river though.  Nico and Sameh found the ascending hills quite a chore towards the end, but soon perked back up when we were descending down the final section to the venue which was a particularly fine moment, given that Donna & I were both soaked through by this point.  Always nice to see a photographer on route and Nico suitably posed for her, so dying to see how that looks.  We came through the finish and averaged 10.7km/hr.  No need for cooling down as the dreach day managed to do that for us.  Post ride heart rate was 52/50 and if it hadn’t been for him straining himself to look at something else, we may very well have been down to 48!!  My horse was a little star given that he did the ride carrying more weight than he should be (he, not me, I was referring to his tum).  But I am just glad that the two of us enjoyed being back at SERC and it wouldn’t have been possible without Lorna, (not forgetting Monty), Donna & Sameh.  Topping off my day was Nico loading in his new trailer without too much hassle.  Big smiles all round.  Thanks very much Grampian Branch for making my first ride back an enjoyable one without the threat of getting lost on route due to fabulous marking.

A wonderful Surprise at Balmoral

A report from Yvonne Thomson

The BHS  Diamond Jubilee Ride at Balmoral this year turned out to be a real surprise....... (more)

For photos of the event, click here   For further information, contact www.bhsscotland.org.uk

Drummuir Ride report

By Mary Stelmach

Drummuir is always a popular early season ride offering distances from 80k downwards. It attracts riders from our neighbouring branches who are ready to try an early 80k or wish to use it as a training ride for the Golden Horseshoe. ...... (more)

Greens of Afforsk, Blairdaff (alias The Easter-Egg Hunt Ride!)

Ride report by Lynda Keeler

Little did I realise when Lorna said there would be a surprise for us at the Greens of Afforsk ride that it would be a hunt for Easter Eggs!  ....... (more)

March 2007

Australian Physiotherapy Pilates

Kate Robertson is restarting classes on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings at Kemnay, Alford and Huntly respectively, commencing 16^th April.

Pilates can improve your core stability, fitness, flexibility, improve posture and help you feel invigorated.  Do you think a fitter rider would benefit your horse? If so contact Kate on 019755 62436 for details. 

March 2007

Therapeutic Grooming

Eight lucky horses and their riders attended Pauline Kidd’s Therapeutic grooming session at Drumnagesk. Lucky, firstly because the weather was kind enough to allow it to happen, and secondly because it was such a unique and beneficial experience. Pauline began by observing each horse in walk and trot to assess its general well-being, i.e. stiffness or lameness, and then embarked on a process of all-over touch and light massage. Her infectious enthusiasm and practical hands-on approach, using a very laid-back demonstrator horse (unlike our jumpy Arabians) was a memorable way of getting to grips with each individual horse’s sensitivities and thus its aches and pains. As a point of interest I think all the horses exhibited at least one sore bit. Likewise most of the riders admitted to sore bits, often a mirror image of the horses’ problems. Therefore surely our individual imbalances greatly affect our faithful mounts – a point to consider and work to eliminate, maybe using this technique.

Therapeutic grooming is an all-over assessment and gentle massage of every muscle in a horse’s body – I would recommend it for every horse.

Of particular interest to endurance riders, this technique could be used during and post ride, at vet gates and pre-ride vetting as a way to identify any tightness in muscles, sensitivity or soreness.

Tony Comerford

Our thanks to Tony for organising this interesting and useful event.

March 2007

Glen Tanar Ride Report 2006

From Yvonne Thomson,  Ride Organiser, writes an interesting story on organising a new ride........ (more)

Kirkhill – A Great Success

Ride report from Ruth Riddell

Congratulations to Gundula and Lorna for a great success with the Kirkhill ride on Sunday.  We were very lucky with the weather, not only the wet weather beforehand to soften some of the hard tracks, but the wind during the previous week to dry off the surface to provide some of the best going we have had at Kirkhill for some time.  Then on the day, we had a nice cool wind which was excellent for everyone except the vetting team – I hope they have all thawed out now.

The new tracks seemed to ride well – no compulsory walk or industrial estate, less tarmac and in their place a few new “less well known” connecting tracks to give a bit of variety.  Added to that, one or two planes coming in to land and the occasional train going under the bridge all added to make the route a nice outing after what seems like a long winter.

We had lots of new faces (and some old – or should I say well-known – faces too) and lots of smiling faces at the end of the day which makes it all worthwhile.

But the main reason for the success of the day was the time and effort put in by both Gundula and Lorna beforehand and the attention to everything to ensure that the ride ran smoothly.  Well done to you both.

New Members

Grampian Branch would like to give a warm welcome to the following new members: Donna Hemmings, Angus Nesbit, Mark Nesbit, Iona McDonald, Arlene Killoh, Judith Barker, Claire Wallace, Freya van Midden, Christina van Midden, Katharina van Midden, Jenny Milne, Morven Lawson, Jacqueline Christie, Susan Duncan, and Mr & Mrs Duncan Hynd

And welcome back to Linda Taylor, Yvonne Monro, Kathy Meyer, Michael Lomax, Willie and Janet Keith and Angela Horrod who have all rejoined us after having had a break.

Please be assured that most members enjoy sharing experiences and advice relating to endurance so don't be afraid to ask- although preferably not if we're standing waiting to vet our own horse!

Christmas Fun Day on 28^th December

Our thanks to Tony and Karen Comerford who ran this enjoyable day.  A number of riders expressed regret at not being able to attend as it was a very icy morning.   Tony and Karen wrote the following report.  ....... (more)

New trophy

This new trophy is called the Schadow Trophy.  No, my wonderful Haflinger Schadow is not dead or sold on; she is still very much with me and still enjoying her endurance. 

I decided to give this trophy to Grampian SERC  to encourage and reward the riders that for reasons of their own do not do big miles or very long distances and have the pleasure of achieving a reward for their efforts and enjoyment.  Riders going the longer distances already have many trophies to aim for.

This trophy is for the most Golds for 30 miles  (48 km) and under.   The Golds can be from other SERC branches as well as Grampian.   It is surprising how many miles you can ride in a year just doing twenties or thirties. 

( I hope to win it myself some day!)

You may say that we already have a Gold trophy.  Yes, I gave that one too; the Cresta Lee Trophy, for the most Golds in a year for all distances.

Yvonne Thomson 

Strathdon Ride

Report from ride organisers, Karen and Tony Comerford.

From the organisers’ point of view, the ride on 15^th October was a breeze! A small entry, all of the riding variations on a 36km loop, and we had lots of helpers. ....... (more)

A Happy/Warm day for Whitehaugh 2006

Ride Report from Kate Robertson (with a sigh of relief)

Happy – because we had strong, knowledgeable people in charge – including Dawn Saunders as first-time Chief Steward, Janice Thomson as Vet Writer, and my husband Hugh as essential background support. These three were the back-bone of the organisation on the day and proved a formidable team. The warm glow came from Mandy Craik’s Mum’s gorgeous chocolate cake, sampled by the majority!

Huge thanks go to Yvonne and Dawn for marking the pleasure ride, Robert Keeler for sense of humour and start/finish timekeeping; Kathleen Howie and Pat Williams for Caravan/results, sign-maker Anna Craik; typing expert Leona Whiteoak; Forest Enterprise for lovely riding tracks; and Hugh for all his hard work cutting back broom and gorse.  Apart from the memorable chocolate cake, Mandy found helpers, made all the packed lunches, and most important of all – boosted the morale of the fraught ride organiser – what a friend!

Hugh and I demarked all the routes ourselves – no offer of help with that task. Thanks also go to Raynet, vet Heather Simpson and Farrier – the special Ken Playle.

Perhaps new members and those who do not help with rides might realise just how many people we need to put on even a small ride – just 16k and 33k – making together a 49k.  Even though it is hard work, you make new friends and have good fun. 

Jack in the Box

Have you ever watched someone trying to load a difficult horse? Wanted to help? Felt sorry for them? Shaken your head in disbelief? Like many problems, it looks less complex from the outside looking in. ......... (more)

Coloured Tail Ribbons - by Marlene Arthur

I've always assumed most equine owners are aware of the "colour coding" of horses tail ribbons:

Blue for stallions ie. if you have a mare in season, you'd better steer clear of him.

Green for novices and youngsters ie. please pass wide and slow and at a reasonable speed.

Red for kickers ie. please look out and stand well back (my horse falls into this category)....... (more)

A Finnish Horse's First Year in Endurance - by Lynsey Gordon

The best thing I ever did was to buy Valittu, otherwise known as Dino, a 14.3hh palomino Finnish horse which I bought from Kirsi and Mika Malaska when they came over to Hayfield Riding Centre. He had spent his first years competing in trotting races ...... (more)

Helping at Rides - by Tracey Banks

Yes, these 3 horrible words that everyone loves to hear – helping at rides.  Our rides can only take place if we have enough volunteers to run them.  There are a number of jobs you can do so I’ve decided to give a brief description ........... (more)

20 Mule Team 100  by Clive Pollitt

In 1880 a team was established to haul borax from the Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley and the Amargosa works near Shoshone to the railhead at Mojave.  These 20 Mule Teams soon became a legend, .................(more)

GRASS SICKNESS – my part in its downfall – by Dawn Saunders

Like Tony and Karen (Comerford), I too lost a pony to grass sickness.  Within 24 hours of being diagnosed he was gone.  So five years down the line I was devastated to come home from holiday and find our little black Shetland, Magic, obviously in the throws of it too...... (more)

Mud Fever: Getting It Right by Kieran O’Brien MA MVB PhD MRCVS

EqWest Equine Veterinary Clinic, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8QA kob@eqwest.co.uk

Mud fever is very common in the Arabian breed, due at least in part to the high prevalence of white legs.....(more)

Equine Grass Sickness

Just over a year ago I lost my horse to Grass Sickness.  It has taken that year and a new horse before I felt able to write about it....(more)

Hitting The Wall and Electrolytes by Clive Pollitt

In a recent ride at St Fort, I had the pleasure of riding with a group of 40 milers, one of which was using the ride as a Silver qualifier.  This was to be her first 40 miler and she was full of confidence  that, based on previous rides, both rider and the horse were well prepared and would have no problem doing a 40.....(more)

Drumtochty 2004 Ride Report

(This was sent to your editor from a member of Tayside Branch)....(more)

Grampian Rider To “Go The Distance” For Scotland

The profile of Endurance Riding has been raised considerably recently as a local member of Grampian Branch of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club has succeeded in being selected to represent Scotland in October 2004.....(more)

75 Miles at Cirencester (76 actually)

Cirencester Park, is part of the 14,000 acre Gloucestershire estate owned by Lord Bathurst. It is home to the Cirencester Park Polo Club but on the 18^th of June it hosted a 75mile and 100mile FEI ride run under the auspices of Endurance GB....(more)

A Short Ride in the Hills by Simon Jacyna

The West Highland Pony Camp is an innocuous title for one of the most unusual and demanding challenges in Scottish riding. Started in the 70s by Teddy Gray of the Garry Gualach Outdoor Centre the challenge is simple – organise a horseback expedition in the Scottish Highlands covering at least 35 miles with one night away to finish at a given destination on the first Friday in June. .....(more)

And Finally, Some Thoughts From Rob Winmill

A Small Drama Turns Up Some Interesting Information By Elaine Wafer

If you are thinking of starting the 2004 ride season with a new riding hat you may find the following story of interest.

My preferred model of hat is the Advanced Tech Helmet made by International Riding Helmets who are an American company.....(more)

Afraid! Be Very Afraid (Riding on the roads)

For once the sun was shining and there was just a gentle breeze as I got ready to ride, the usual saga of white hat and fluorescent tabard and almost white horse surely I was visible.  So off we went hoping for a pleasurable couple of hours.....(more)

Horse and Pony Cremation

Disposing of the body of your best friend after the fateful day finally comes is not easy.  This service, offered by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), may be of interest to many Scottish horse owners now that on-farm burial of livestock is banned....(more)