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MENDIP TIMES
A winter refuge – and point to point
MANY of us have been so grateful for Badgworth Arena this winter and will continue to be so as spring approaches. The ground has generally been so With JANE wet and muddy, and PATERSON riding out in the persistent rain is not the best way to enjoy the sport, especially as the days have been so dark and gloomy. December 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of Jane Vosper and her family moving into Badgworth Equine Centre. It has seen some changes during that time and has now become an established venue offering a very friendly and regular programme of activities, both affiliated and unaffiliated, to suit all ages and all levels of rider. Nearly every Wednesday evening is busy with unaffiliated show jumping, which attracts a good number of entries from local riders as well as some from further afield. Higher classes one week, lower the next. It means that it is possible to do afterschool jumping for the youngsters, who are delighted not only to be doing a
Jane Vosper
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different sort of homework, but also if they are lucky, to be getting their supper from the excellent catering provided by Jane’s mother and sister. There’s nothing like cheesy chips or a burger to finish off the Phoebe Crossman, age ten evening! Weekends are usually kept for British at Ston Easton on March 20th. Dressage or British Show Jumping. One Races usually start at about 12 local family now has its third midday, but gates open well beforehand generation rider competing regularly to allow a look at the course, see what there, young Phoebe Crossman. Phoebe, trade stands there are, and socialise aged ten, is doing very well and is one over a drink or an early lunch. There’s to watch. Utterly fearless, this tiny no dress code, but warm coats and person rides with a skill way above her strong boots are a must. years, and loves a challenge. The horses all parade before the Badgworth has a huge area for races, so you can select your winner parking your lorry, trailer, or car. All and place a bet if you have a horse in hard standing, the parking area mind. It’s an exciting spectator sport, overlooks a superb outdoor warm-up and everyone can get right up close to arena, floodlit when needed, and just a the action. There’s one entry fee for all few strides away from the indoor arena so try it and have a great day out. I’ll where the winter competitions take see you there! place. For those who don’t wish to compete at all, the indoor arena can be hired for a very reasonable rate, to include jumps, lights, use of the viewing areas, and oh joy, indoor loos. Shared between a few friends, this can be an affordable treat in school holidays, which will fill a few hours and can be rounded off with a trailer-ramp picnic afterwards. No screens, no phones, just good physical activity and lots of fun. Jane also takes liveries at Badgworth where there are stables and plenty of turnout when weather permits. All fixtures for events are on Facebook, and there is great signposting from the A38 at Lower Weare. Meanwhile the Point to Point season is well under way and is a wonderful day out to share with friends or family. The fixture list is available online, but an important date for the diary is the Picnic in the trailer park Mendip Farmers Point to Point meeting
