DRESSAGE
CLUB
Since its commencement
in January 2008 the Dressage Club has evolved into a social
club which comprises a number of livery owners and Riding
School Clients, all who have the same objective of wanting
to improve their riding skills and to compete at Dressage.
The members meet to discuss their riding and horses and to
organise or attend events with a view to furthering their
aims and objectives.
Through the Club's
committee, the members have input into any demonstrations
or the competitions that are organised by the Riding School
and the Riding School in turn supports the Clubs objectives
by organising regular Dressage competitions. This is usually
on the first Friday of every other month and are open to both
the members of the Club and to any other riding school Clients
or liveries. The Dressage competitions themselves usually
consist of a No Canter test and at least 1 preliminary level
test. Other tests such as Novice or specific preliminary level
tests may also be held if there is demand and the Riding School
will try to organise any demonstrations or lectures that are
requested.
The next Dressage
competition is on 06/03/09 and consists of Introductory B
and Preliminary 18.
There are Junior
members of the Club and these can also take part in the main
competitions shown above.
The next Junior Competition will be during the Easter Holidays
on Friday 17th April at 2.00pm and will consist of Introductory
B and preliminary 7.
Entry Forms must
be in by the Friday preceding the Competition and Competitors
need to ring Julie at specified times on the Wednesday evening
during the week of the competition in order to get their times.
In the three or
four weeks leading up to these events practice
dressage sessions are held on Friday evening at a charge of
£5 per person. Specific group dressage lessons are also
available during the weeks leading up to the competitions
or private lessons can be booked to practice if preferred.
The Group lessons are for 1 hour for up to 6 riders (for less
than 6 riders the lesson duration will be shorter) and will
take the format of a 10 minute warm up and instruction, followed
by each rider riding the test through and receiving verbal
comments for all to hear from the Instructor. The cost of
these lessons will be £23 for members and £28
for non-members. Please speak to the Instructors if you wish
to book these lessons.
Tasks at the competitions
are carried out by Aldersbrook Riding School staff but volunteers
from the Dressage Club are also sought and the Riding School
has been extremely grateful for their help to date as it is
recognised that it would be a struggle to run a competition
effectively without their help. It is therefore hoped that
this situation will continue.
Whilst the Dressage
group do have their own Club Treasurer and Secretary, riders
wishing to join should contact Julie Baker in the first instance
to ensure that they are eligible.
