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We hosted the Petplan National Riding Festival Open Day (North West region) on Monday 27th August 2007, and what a fantastic day we had!
The turnout on the day was marvellous, with over 350 people attending! There were plenty of activities to choose from, in the form of both 'hands-on' with the horses and displays to watch.
Jacob, Trio, Puzzle, Bryn and Tuppence were all superstars, giving horse and pony rides as well as being groomed by those who wanted to have a go.
All five were extremely well behaved, and made lots of new friends. For those who weren't quite ready for a real horse there was a chance to have a ride on 'Trigger' the mechanical one, and he also proved to be very popular!
In the indoor school there were displays running all afternoon. Members of our Pony Club performed a musical drill ride, with all their hard work and practising paying off in great style. The ride was made up of Claire Walsh on Cameron, Kayleigh Marsh on Sporran,
Philip Walsh on Jet, Ashleigh Buchanan on Fergal, Lydia Boyle-Chambers on Rosie, Emily Norris on Prince, Louisa Zolkiewski on Buster and Jamie Duffill on Patch. All the ponies rose to the occasion, with Patch giving his own interpetation of the music during the pinwheel movement!
Jeanette Dixon and Shirley Oultram gave a wonderful sidesaddle display both in modern and period dress, and there was a chance to find out more about sidesaddle at their stall outside as well, including a saddle to have a go on. Jo Graham from Dressage Horse International brought her highly trained dressage horse
DHI Kinda Magic and gave a demonstration and talk to the audience as well as answering any questions they had afterwards. The day was concluded with a breathtaking display to music from the Lauderdale Vaulting Group, who impressed everyone so much with their skills that we all want to have a try!
Outside there was also lots to see. Our Pony Club Mounted Games team put on their own demo for the crowds throughout the afternoon, with everyone cheering on their favourite ponies. The boys team just pipped the girls team to those red rosettes, but well done to all our riders: Mike Hodgson, Richard Hodgson, George Duffill, Darrah Swift, Ellie Maddock and Amelia Beresford.
Alex Scott from the Ashbrook Equine Hospital gave some very interesting and informative talks on veterinary care for your horse, and the ILPH brought a stall along with 'Hoof It Harry' their mascot. Volunteers from the Mid Cheshire Riding for the Disabled group helped to man the refreshments and competitions stall, and Grace Howell was also present to sell her lovely handmade jewellry. For those who were
thinking of a career with horses there was a chance to speak to Total People, who run equestrian courses and work placements in the local area.
Sarah, Anna and Emma would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day run so smoothly. An event such as this is not possible without helpers, and all our volunteers did a fantastic job. Many thanks are also due to our excellent team of staff and horses, who were a credit to us on the day. We are very proud of you all!
All profits from the day were donated to Mid Cheshire Riding for the Disabled, so watch this space for the final figure!
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