Blairfield Dispersal Sale
Do not miss out on your chance to bid for:
* Youngstock with fabulous potential - including off-spring of The Do-Ron, Lougherne Connaught and Caspian, mare in foal to The Do-Ron
* Foaling/breeding equipment
* Nissan Navarra pick up truck with canopy - 04 plate, 35,000 miles
* Farm equipment - including ride on John Deere lawnmower, tractor attachments including haybob, aerator, leveller, spike, quad bike, hot water power washer
* Tack, rugs, etc
* Ifor Williams 510 horse trailer - almost new
* Showjumps - plastic wings and fillers, wooden poles, etc
* Large vintage steel double gates
* and many other essential farming and equestrian items
* horse handling stocks
* solarium
which all must go.
Saturday 14th June, 1030 am
at Blairfield Farm, Stewarton
(on B778 between Stewarton and Fenwick; 5 minutes from Rowallan Activity Centre)
Contact auctioneer, Lawrie and Symington 07774124361 if wishing to register an interest in any items
For serious buyers wishing to view beforehand, contact Urmila Pottie 07747466478
Prospective and Seasoned Fence Judges
The 2008 eventing season is under way with the Scottish events playing a huge part in the British Eventing calender. Locally, we have Eglinton, Auchinleck and Turnberry. These events are great for all including those competing and those that are spectating. These events require a huge volunteer base to run with fence judging being a major part in the running.
Vivienne McConechy is our local fence judge coordinator and has done this job for many years. Not only does Vivienne organise the British Eventing fencing judging, she also organises all the fence judges for the local Pony Club and Riding Club events. At this stage in the season, Vivienne is calling out for people who can help out at the above events. Click here to find out more.
Golden Jubilee Polo Shirts
Ayr Riding Club is 50 years old this year. To celebrate we've had some lovely Golden Jubilee Polo Shirts made, with the logo above. Each shirt sold will include a donation to a local charity.
Sizes Small, Medium, Large and X-Large.
To buy please send a cheque for £17 (£15 + £2 postage) to Kirsteen Watson, Lomond View, Gatehead Farm, Kilmarnock, KA1 5JP. Stating size required
Committee Meeting
Ayr Riding Club Committee meetings are held at regular intervals throughout the year - and our next one is on Wednesday 23 January 2008.
If you have any suggestions of the points for the agenda please contact us by email or speak to a Committee member.
Dressage at Ingliston - 2 March 08
Kilmacolm hosted the BRC new Winter Novice Dressage Qualifier on the 1st of March 2008 at Ingliston Equestrian Centre. Ayr sent one team at the very last minute which was made up of Alison Morrisey and Louise McDonald doing the prelim tests and Fiona Rawson and Elana Chilton doing the Novice tests. It was a lovely March day and the weather was as you would imagine appauling but the ladies all made their way along to do their qualifier tests OUTDOORS!!! They all put on a great show with poor Alison having a cone blown in her direction giving poor Frits a bit of a fright. Overall the Ayr team came 7th only missing out by 1.40% which was a great result considering the weather and the lateness of our entry. Well done ladies for braving the weather and congratulations on a very honorable placing.
Equine Extravaganza
BRC are holding an Equine Extravaganza at SNEC, Oatridge on 15/16 March. For more details see events.
Chairpersons Report
Kirsteen Watson became the new chairperson for Ayr RC after Cathy Rawson stood down at the AGM.
Cathy did a huge amount for the club in the years that she was on the committee and was chairperson. We are hugely grateful.
Cathy has not disappeared from our lives totally, however, as she will be taking over the organisation of the Golden Jubillee celebrations for the Club. Ayr Riding Club is fifty years young this year (2008).
Kirsteen has put together a wee welcoming report. To the report view click here.
AGM News
The AGM was held at Gailles Lodge, Irvine in November 2007.
The prize winners for 2007 were....
Showjumping: Romy Chassels,
Dressage: Elana Chilton (Willow)
Novice CBT: Caroline Vance,
Int CBT: Thelma Black,
Open CBT: Elana (Oakey)
Most improved: Kirsten Cowling,
Claire Nichol Trophy (done ,most for club): Cathy Rawson
There are four new committee members for 2008. Kathryne Ogilvie, Caroline Quarm, Marion Garland and Lynda Cochrane were all voted on at the AGM. These ladies will bring huge experience to the committee.
To reward volunteers who help out at events, training etc the committee decided that a points system should run. Every time you help for an hour you will get a point. Before the AGM the points will be added up and we will give out prizes to the 4 people with the highest points. We will run this competition every year from 1 October to 30 September. £100, £75, £50 or £25 can be yours!! Helpers do not need to be a member of the riding club to get points.
This year the points system ran from 1 June to 30 September. The top (non committee) helpers were:
1 Stephen McGregor
2 Kevin Watson
3 Eric Hepburn
4 Frankie McInnes
Many thanks to these four and all the others that helped during the year, including: Sheila McKechnie, Vicky Dalrymple, Serena Sykes, Robin Dalrymple, Pat Kennedy, Nicky Biggart, Mary Fulton, Lorna Alexander, Lilias McKirdy, Kirstine Bissett, Kathy Ogilvie, Jane Hepburn, Heather Galbraith, Fiona Murphy, Caroline Vance, Anjuli Hunter, John Cartner, Hazel McDonald, Robert McKay, Pamela Rutherford, Julia Kerr, Fiona Rawson, Lynda Cochrane, Thelma Black, Susan Clark, Sheena Glen, Lauren Jarvis, Kirstine Fyfe and AinslieThomson.
Open Dressage Team News
**MOST UP TO DATE** - Unfortunately, the team could not go to Lincoln. We were all rather disappointed especially with all the bad luck closer to the event making life very difficult and stressful for all team members. Kim's horse is on the mend but was never going to be fit enough for the trip south. Michele'e horse also had health problems. The horses welfare was our major concern. Michele's horse was very much better at the end of the week, but the long journey would not have been ideal and we didnt want Charlie to go downhill again. Elana had just completed Blair 1* and Oakey was having time off after an intense week of competition whihc was very much deserved for both horse and rider.
It was not to be. We faced many hurdles in the rundown to the event - no transport, lame and ill horses and extended work commitments. We had all trained regulary with Adam Murdin and everyone had shown great progress. We are all disappointed that we had to withdraw but horse welfare was our priority especially with a long journey ahead of us.
Michele had secured some sponsorship from the University of Paisley which would have been very useful to fund some of the trip. Well done Michele for using your powers of persuasion.
We will aim again for next year as there are obviously some very smart horses out there belonging to Ayr RC members.
Many thanks for all the emails of luck that members sent to the team. It was greatly appreciated. And many thanks to Kim, Michele, Elana, Kathy (Ogilvie) and Fiona for being part of the team at one stage or another.
**UPDATE** - We have been seeking a stand in for Kim's horse Lordy. He sadly hurt himself at the beach last weekend and will have to have an extended break. Poor Lordy and Kim. They had been focussing on the Champs since Rozelle and were working very well with some good progress in the lessons they were having with Adam Murdin. Kim and Lordy are aiming to etablish themselves in teh ring doing Advanced Medium and Advanced this winter but all will be dependant on the recovery from his leg injury.
The Open Dressage team are counting down to the trip south to Lincoln. Michele, Elana, Kara and Kim all qualified at Rozelle in June by pipping Peebles to first place by only 1 mark. It was a grand performance from all members with Elana and Kim having individual success in their classes also.
We have one reserve for the trip, namely Fiona Alexander and her little mare Misty Daze. They have been competing regualrly in the affiliated dressage competitions at Rowallan and with some success. The pair recently qualified in a Novice test for a winter finals with over 68%. Well done Fi and Daisy!
Adam Murdin has been training Michele, Kara and Kim for the last 2 years and all the combinations have improved significantly. Kara and Ned won both their Novice and Elementary classes at Rowallan in August with over 62% in both tests. Fiona also goes to Adam and Daisy is starting to develop her lateral work. Kim and Lordy are working at Advanced Medium and coming on in leaps and bounds. It makes us all sick when we watch her doing canter pirouettes and canter half pass especially as she can only ride at the weekends!
The entries are away and the plan is to head down on Friday 7 September after our lessons with Adam on the Thursday and Friday morning. We are planning to travel in two vehicles with Kim's Mum as headgroom. Tents and trailers will be our accomodation for the weekend.
Fingers crossed for the coming weeks prior to the trip. A team meeting is being organised in the next week to work out how many bottles of wine will be required to get us through the weekend......oh, and I guess we will be discussing other important things like travel arrangements and who is in charge of the disposable BBQ!
Eglinton and Auchinleck Horse Trials
In July Eglinton and Auchinleck will be running Intro classes under British Eventing (BE) Rules. If you are not a BE member you can apply for a day ticket and compete at these exciting events. Eglinton is on 6/7 July and Auchinleck is on 21/22 July.
If you want more details follow link to the event's BE schedule. It is well worth considering competing at these.
Eglinton has a special prize, The Minstrel Trophy, kindly donated by Vicky Dalrymple. This trophy is awarded to the highest place Ayr Riding Club member over the competition.
If you cant compete why not volunteer to help out at the events. This is a perfect opportunity to watch some fantastic professional riders and their horses comete up to Advanced level. Jump judging, stewarding, dressage writing are examples of jobs that must be done to make these events run smoothly.
Volunteer Reward System
To reward volunteers who help out at events, training etc we are running a points system starting from now. Every time you help for an hour you will get a point. Before the AGM the poins will be added up and we will give out prizes to the 4 people with the highest points. £100, £75, £50 or £25 can be yours!! Helpers do not need to be a member of the riding club to get points. We will run this competition every year from 1st October to 30th september. This year the points will start from 1st June.
To get the competition started we are looking for volunteers to help out at Rozelle. This year Rozelle is going to include the area dressage qualifiers, the style jumping qualifier, and the Blair qualifier for Working Hunter. As you can guess we will need lots of helpers to make the day go smoothly.
S.E.A. Seminar at Scottish National Equestrian Centre
A one-day seminar for all those involved with competition horses - owners, riders, coaches, vets, physiotherapists and farriers – competing from riding club through to international levels in dressage, eventing and show jumping. Click here for details.
Horseball have-a-go-day
Follow link to find out more details of this event which will be run in County Durham. Sounds like fun!
Chairperson's Report - Winter/Spring 06/07
Chairperson's report following the winter Ayr RC competition schedule. Cathy talks about what has happened and what we are looking ahead to this summer. Click here to view the report.
Beach Ride Report
Congratulations to our excellent Coastguard Service – they predicted no rain would fall on the righteous on Sunday at Irvine Beach – and they were right. The ten members and their children had 2 good hours of riding. Lentil and tomato and red pepper soup was on hand to heat them up on arrival back. Followed by hot mince pies and mulled wine. Everybody went home with a lucky dip prize for being brave enough to turn out. Hope to see more of you again next year.
2006 Out 2007 In.
Chairperson's message at the end of the year - click here
Beijing Olympics
For any interested members: applications are now being taken for volunteers for 2008 Beijing Equestrian Olympics see www.bef.co.uk, volunteers also get ticket priority.
Horse theft - especially coloureds
Recently appeared in the papers: click for details
AGM - 2006
Held at Gailes Lodge Hotel, Irvine - there was a good turnout from Ayr RC members.
Sadly the presentation on developments at Oatridge had to be cancelled as the presenter had the flu.
Much was discussed - focusing a number of points including where members want events to be run and what type of events they wanted to see.
Also our annual Prize Giving took place - prizes listed bellow:
- The Dressage Trophy was won by Thelma Black
- The Show Jumping Trophy was won by Gwen Cochrane.
- The Open CBT was won by Fiona Alexander, second was Elana Chilton.
- The Intermediate CBT was won by Thelma Black who also took second place.
- The Novice CBT was won by Sharon Urquhart, Robert Wilson was second. Female achiever was Margo Hendrie. Male achiever was Adam Pawson.
- Volunteer of the year was Vivian McConechy for her great work organising fence judges at two of our events this year.
- Star of the Future was Holly Rivett.
- Click to view a copy of the Chairperson's report from the meeting.
- Click here to view photos of prize winners.
Welfare News - new Welfare Scotland Act
The British Horse Society - Welfare: News
BHS Instructor Award
Nominate your favourite instructor: Click here for details
Towing Weights/Lengths Information
This may be useful to some of you - click here to see details
SAC Equine Education
Click here for details of these local courses
Summer News 2006
Well that’s the Area Qualifiers over for another year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the team co-ordinators and members who have given their time to support the Club. Particular mention to members who had not competed for us before, I hope you enjoyed the experience and will be back again. I personally want to thank members of Ayr Riding Club who so kindly helped me in my role as Area Chairperson at the Showjumping qualifier at Eglinton Park. Special mention to Caroline and Stephen McGregor, Kevin and Kirsty Watson, Adam Pawson, Amanda Fergusson and Lorraine Young. Also all the members and friends who helped dismantle the Arenas after the event. That’s what makes this Club special – team work.
The 2007 season starts off with the Hunter Trials at Titwood Farm on Sunday 15th October followed in November by the Novice Indoor SJ at Ingleston.
Your Committee are taking a well earned break over July and August for holidays and competitions but the plans are already on the press starting in September.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a successful and happy summertime.
Cheers see you after the break.
Cathy Rawson
Reply to Letter 10/06/06 - RE: Working Hunter
Click here to see letter & reply
Blue Grass Training Competition
Blue Grass Horse Feeds and the Riding Clubs in Scotland have joined forces to find a Scottish riding club member who shows passion, dedication to their sport and who has the will to win.
You could be in with a chance of winning the first ever Blue Grass Training Award
- for full details click here to see the poster.
Outdoor Life & Access Info
People who live in and visit South Ayrshire are being asked for their views on outdoor access for walking, cycling, horse riding and canoeing.
Members of the public wishing to express their views can attend one of the following events at any time: Tarbolton Community Centre Tues. 25th April, 2-8pm Maybole Town Hall Wed. 26th April, 2-8pm Prestwick Community Centre Thurs. 27th April, 2-8pm Ayr Citadel Sports Centre Tues. 2nd May 2-7pm Coylton Community Centre Thurs. 4th May 2-8pm and Troon Town Hall Mon. 8th May 2-8pm.
Vicki Dalrymple represents the Riding Club on the Core Path Planning Group in South Ayrshire and Pat Sommerville is the Access Officer for BHSS. Please contact either of these if you have somewhere in mind but are not sure, please do not aggrieve landowners. Always take your dung home, or remove from walking areas, horse manure soiling on public pathways and roads could damage our reputation as responsible owners.
Contact: Vicki on 01292 541789 or Pat on 01294 270891 or P.Somerville@bhs.org.uk
Click here for some information on Access issues that are important to horses riders with reference to some local Ayrshire information.
Equine Passports
The BHS reminds horse owners of importance of equine passports - click here
Ayr Rallies @ Ayrshire Equitation
We apologise for the change in venues of some rallies. An unknown person has phoned Ayrshire Equitation Centre and cancelled our bookings. AEC have been asked not to accept cancellations by phone.
British Eventing Offer for Riding Club Members
Now there will no longer be any PC or RC sections at British Eventing competitions - if you want to try affiliated eventing you can participate in British Eventing's Day Ticket scheme.
A day ticket allows you to compete at a competition without the expense of registering. As a BRC member you can purchase day tickets at £10 instead of the usual £15 for rider plus £15 for a horse day ticket.
Note: these are an alternative to membership, so competitors must still pay entry fees.
Our 4 closest events are: Auchinleck, Culzean, Eglinton (Barskimming) and Houston and news for this year is that Auchinleck & Culzean are both planning to run an Intro level event.
Members will be able to purchase up to four day tickets.
Day tickets allow you to compete at Intro, Pre-Novice, Novice or Intermediate Novice events.
Click here for a form (2006) to apply for day tickets or visit www.britisheventing.com
Winter Beach Ride - Dec 4th 2005
The beach ride was a great success with around 30 riders, walkers and dogs enjoying the fresh air then coming together for soup and mince pies and mulled wine! Thanks to Brenda for the lovely soup. This is now an annual winter fixture!!
Lugsy
Sadly Jane Belding had to have her horse Lugsy put down on Monday (19th Dec). Jane and Lugsy were an intregal part of many Ayr Riding Club teams over the years. The Committee and members would like to send Jane condolences at this sad time.
Chairperson's Report 2005
For anyone not at the AGM here is a copy of the report Cathy gave on the year.
Ayr Riding Club Points Winners/Club Awards 2005
(Given out at the AGM)
Dressage Trophy - Fiona Rawson
Jumping Trophy - Fiona Rawson
Novice Combined Training
1st Jill Offer
2nd= Mugs Montgomerie
2nd= Kirstine Bissett
Open Combined Training
1st Fiona Rawson
2nd Jane Kennedy
3rd= Frankie McInness
3rd= Elana Chilton
Volunteer of the Year - Brenda Craig
Best Improved Male Rider - Stephen MacGregor
Best Improved Female Rider - Caroline Cameron
Best Young Member - Rachel Rodman
Clair Nicol Trophy - Adam Pawson and Kerrie Chalmers
Team SJ at Ingleston
Ayr riding club had 2 teams competing on what was a very wet dreary day - click here to find out how they got on!
Welcome Back Cathy!!
Cathy Rawson has returned to her position of chairperson to take over from Tina who had temporarily stepped into the void left by Cathy when she had to step down for health reasons.
It is great to see Cathy back - she was re-elected to her post at a Committee meeting on the 3rd October, and will be heading the AGM in November.
Caledonian Championships 2005
The Scottish Riding Clubs Caledonian Championships
Saturday and Sunday 24 & 25 September 2005 At Scone Palace, Perth
Show Jumping on the Saturday, Dressage on Sunday - Click here for latest news and reports
Susan and Jane
Susan Ward and Jane Kennedy, long standing members of Ayr RC, travelled to the National Championships at the Lincolnshire Showground to compete in the Pairs Dressage on the 10-11th September.
Susan and Jane qualified at Rozelle in June. Susan has concentrated mostly on jumping in the past while Jane has been successful in both the show ring and dressage arena. They only started to concentrate on dressage and in particular the pairs discipline this year. A great deal of training and practice has been put in this summer to perfect their performance and they have shown good promise.
Lincoln was rather wet adn rather exciting for some. Aspen (Susan's mare) who was commented to be a very 'cheerful grey horse' decided to give her mum a hard time trying some more advanced moves during the test. These were not at all nescessary but at least she was enjoying herself! The duo were 11th at the end of the day, just missing a placing. This is a great result with some steep competition leading the way. The pair returned home after drying out and having learned a great deal about the discipline along the way. Lets hope that they continue with the dressage lark throughout the winter and give it a go again next year.
Well done!
JumpCross - Thrills Without The Spills
Report: Kirstine describes her experience of JumpCross
Training days and competitions are held at Greenfields - check their website www.greenfieldsofavon.com.
BRC update - New for 2006
Intermediate Horse Trials Championship. Final will be a two day event with roads and tracks and steeplechase. Maximum height showjumping will be 1.05m and 1m on the cross-country. Horses not to have any BE points. 2005 Rule change
Novice Show Jumping Competitions - from 1st October 2005 horses must not have been placed 1st - 6th in BE pre-novice competitions.
Area Horse Trials Report
Thanks to Lorna Anexander for this report - and well done to everyone, especially Alison!
Quest-X: Elana at Windsor
Ayr Riding Club was represented by Elana Chilton at the brand new 2005 Quest-X competition at Windsor Horse Trials. Click here to see how she got on.
Area SJ Results
Ayr had 3 teams competing at Eglinton Park on May 5th. Click here for results and a report on the day by Kerrie Chalmers.
BHS Scotland withdraws from the SEA
Please follow the links below to view the BHS press release 18/4/05 advising BHS and BRC (SRC) withdrawal from Scottish Equestrian Association Ltd. (SEA) and a press release from Scottish Riding Clubs and a third from SEA
Beach Ride - December 2004
Click here to see pictures taken on the day (courteous of Lillias)
BRC Quadrille - Addington Manor, Buckinghamshire
The "Amazing Greys" had been planning since January for this competition, which was a qualifier for Olympia - click here to find out how they got on
Nicola Jamieson - National Novice Dressage Champion '04!
Nicola Jamieson and The Roustabout (Jason) won the Novice Dressage to become the British Riding Clubs National Champion at Lincoln this year. Please click here for a full report and picture of Nicola on the trip to Lincoln. Our congratulations to Nicki and Jason they did a terrific test and ended on a score that was miles in front of their nearest competitor.
Ayr RC - Ride out above Fairlie
On a warm and sunny day we set out from the farmers market car park adjacent to the Fencebay Fisheries restaurant - click here for the full story and pictures!
Medical Armbands for Riding Club
All Riding Club members competing at Area level in Horse Trials and Cross-country will have to wear a medical armband. If you wish one then send £3.99 plus a. A4 size S.A.E. to:
British Riding Clubs,
Stoneleigh Deer Park,
Stoneleigh,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire,
CV8 2XZ.
The armbands are being sold at cost price to members and have been introduced following advice from trauma specialists.