Riding Jane Paterson

A winter refuge –and point to point

MANYof 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 wet and muddy, and 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 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 evening!

Weekends are usually kept for British Dressage or British Show Jumping. One local family now has its third generation rider competing regularly there, young Phoebe Crossman. Phoebe, aged ten, is doing very well and is one to watch. Utterly fearless, this tiny person rides with a skill way above her years, and loves a challenge.

Badgworth has a huge area for parking your lorry, trailer, or car. All hard standing, the parking area overlooks a superb outdoor warm-up arena, floodlit when needed, and just a few strides away from the indoor arena where the winter competitions take 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 Mendip Farmers Point to Point meeting

With JANE PATERSON

at Ston Easton on March 20th.

Races usually start at about 12 midday, but gates open well beforehand to allow a look at the course, see what trade stands there are, and socialise over a drink or an early lunch. There’s no dress code, but warm coats and strong boots are a must.

The horses all parade before the races, so you can select your winner and place a bet if you have a horse in mind. It’s an exciting spectator sport, and everyone can get right up close to the action. There’s one entry fee for all so try it and have a great day out. I’ll see you there!

Jane Vosper Phoebe Crossman, age ten Picnic in the trailer park

Army training for apprentices

THREE young people who are working at Divoky Riding School at Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, are honing their horsemanship skills with the help of the Royal Artillery. Divoky proprietor Pat Bishop has arranged for Leading by example: Pat Bishop (left) with Denny (an Irish Cob), Tommy Lee-Smith, Lucy Durston and Olivia Lord to Tommy, Lucy and Olivia, with take part in an online course Monty, another Irish Cob organised by the Royal Artillery Centre for Personal Development.

Originally established to offer military personnel the opportunity to gain new qualifications, the courses are now available to civilians. The Equine Groom Level Two course covers everything from yard and field routines to horse handling, care and appearance.

Pat said: “We had tried various other apprenticeship schemes and realised they weren’t for us. The Royal Artillery course has been a revelation and I’m certain we’re going to be able to boast some really high quality members of the team here at the end of the course.”

An award-winning riding school in the heart of Mendip

Return to riding in 2022!

We all know it can be a bit of a challenge to get back in the saddle if you’ve not ridden for a while – but we have the answers! H Ride and coffee mornings –Wednesdays, 10am H Adult group lessons –ursdays, 5.30-6.30pm Call or email us for more details

Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG www.divoky.co.uk • Email: info@divoky.co.uk T: 01749 880233 • M: 07971 207037

A date for every jump racing fan’s diary

AS one of the sharpest tests in the country, Wincanton Racecourse certainly lends itself well to the quicker horses, so it probably comes as no surprise that its feature race – the Kingwell Hurdle – is widely recognised as a trial for the Unibet Champion Hurdle during the Cheltenham Festival.

Several horses have managed to win them both over the years including Bula, Lanzarote, Kribensis, Alderbrook, Hors La Loi III and Katchit, while Desert Orchid, Azertyiuop, Inglis Drever and Binocular all boast Kingwell victories on their racing CVs.

This year’s renewal is taking place on Saturday, February 19th and. as we inch ever closer towards spring, Kingwell Hurdle Day should be in every Jump racing fan’s diary.

An exciting seven-race card is complemented by plenty to keep fans occupied off the track with The Hipcats playing jazz music throughout the day and a warm Wincanton welcome guaranteed. l Tickets start from £17 and it is a day no racing fan will want to miss!