10 minute read
Riding Jane Paterson
Multi-use pathways mean just that!
THEREis an occasional hint of spring in the air at last and it’s great. The days are lengthening, making it possible for some riders to have a quick hack out after work without flashing lights and torches. What welcome news then that the Highway Code has now officially declared that cars must With JANE pass horses at no more than 10mph and at a PATERSON distance of no less than two metres away. There are some neat little hat cams around now so that riders who wish to, can discreetly film front and rear views, and batteries last long enough to collect plenty of footage.
It’s encouraging that road safety for horses and riders is being taken seriously. Let’s just hope that drivers and cyclists take note. There is surely room for everyone as long as there is tolerance and cooperation.
Better still, new off-road recreational paths are continuing to be expanded. Both Chew Valley Lake and Shepton Mallet areas have ongoing campaigns to consider horses and riders on their multi-use pathways.
Parliament declared ten years ago that multi-use means just that. Walkers both disabled and able bodied together with cyclists and riders, should all have equal access to enjoy safe passage along these trails. It’s not acceptable for horses to be excluded just because some people don’t like them!
The MBBA (Mendip Byways and Bridleways Association) and The Trails Trust do so much work to fight for riders’ rights, and the cause is well supported by the BHS (British Horse Society). I would urge everyone to support these organisations, because it’s their unsung heroes who are working away often in a voluntary capacity, to try to ensure that all riders have a better experience off-road, in safety.
I am hoping to walk the Chew Valley Lake trail to see the difficulties which one elderly rider who contacted me, has encountered.
WHILEI was spectating at arena eventing recently, I met a photographer who set up her business last year in the Mendip area. Martha Morgan specialises in equestrian, agricultural and countryside photography and is passionate about her subject.
The love of capturing the moment, creating memories, and getting to the character of her subjects is what she is all about. Martha will travel to your venue of choice, whether it be your yard, livery, favourite spot, or show, and take as many photos as necessary until she gets your perfect shot.
She will even travel at very short notice for an end-of-life situation if the dreaded happens. We all know that our fourlegged friends are only lent to us and that saying goodbye is something that most of us have to face at some time or another, horrid though it is.
Martha is very sensitive to the need to preserve a precious memory. It’s something I hadn’t really thought about before, but I can see a place for it. Super enthusiastic, Martha is a registered member of the Guild of Photographers which offers ongoing training and support and makes it easier to keep updated in an ever changing digital world.
Cameras are so high-tech these days and each one seems to have so many options and programmes to choose from, leading to certain confusion for the amateur who just wants to take a snap! She is also building up relationships with other equestrian photographers to make it easier to photograph multiple fences at events, clinics, pony club, and will cover any requests if at all possible.
If you want a photo shoot, Martha is kindly offering Mendip Times readers a hefty 40% discount on any photoshoot booked before the end of June. A fantastic present for someone, or simply an indulgence for yourself and a chance to have a lasting memory of your favourite animal or place. Email: contact@marthamorganphotography.co.uk and mention this article from the Mendip Times.
Photo from Martha's portfolio
Martha and her partner Jon run a small farm, as well as an agricultural contracting business which keeps Jon busy. His family is steeped in farming and goes back generations to include a farrier who served in WWI.
He has small machinery available to use for pony paddocks and small acreages AND he will do fencing, groundworks and empty the overflowing muck heap that has been needing to be done for ever, as well as the chain harrowing and rolling which is going to need doing very soon.
We can’t all accommodate the very large tractors and implements that hurtle round the countryside, so Jon’s smaller but just as effective machinery might be just what the small yard is looking for.
Lastly, don’t forget to support the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point at Ston Easton on March 20th. Fingers crossed for fine weather and good going!
Rescue charity launches appeal
RESCUEcharity, HorseWorld, at Whitchurch has launched an appeal following the rescue of three emaciated mares in Bristol and the successful treatment of two of their foals afterwards. The third mare died.
The expectant mothers were discovered standing in a filthy barn, hock deep in soiled bedding. They were riddled with lice and suffering from rain scald due to exposure to prolonged wet weather.
All had over-grown feet and were desperately trying to cope with being malnourished and heavily pregnant. One of the foals was so small at birth the team had to buy him a dog coat to help keep him warm.
It cost £5,588.67 in vets’ fees to nurse these mares back to health and the intensive care required for their foals to survive.
HorseWorld’s fundraising and engagement coordinator, Amy Williams, said: “Every penny donated will make a difference to Ginny, Thor, their mothers and other horses, ponies and donkeys who have, through no fault of their own, found themselves in need of help.”
Details: www.horseworld.org.uk/love
Freddie was a dreamer –no longer
ASa keen pony club rider, Freddie Gingell used to dream about riding his first winner under rules – but not anymore.
The 16-year-old grandson of Gold Cup-winning trainer Colin Tizzard, tasted success at Wincanton Racecourse, riding the Tizzard-trained West Approach to victory in the Colin Lewis Memorial Open Hunters' Chase opener, beating his only rival, the Paul Nicholls’ trained Alcala, by 21 lengths.
Freddie was a regular winner at pony club races at events such as the Mendip Farmers’ Point-to-Point, under the guidance of his late mother, Kim and only recently began riding in point-to-points himself.
Freddie told Racing TV: “This means so much, I lost mum two years ago and she's up there looking down. She'll be up there crying as well, probably.”
He added: “I just want to try to get as many rides as I can and get a few under rules as well then maybe, next season, get my conditional licence.”
Freddie and connections including grandfather and trainer Colin Tizzard Freddie Gingell
Clearing the final fence
Divoky Riding School is thriving
DIVOKYRiding School is celebrating its 12th anniversary since relocating to Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, from Glastonbury with the news that it has received yet another 5* inspection rating from Mendip District Council.
The riding school industry is still struggling to survive after the pandemic with one Mendip stable taking the decision to move from a riding school to livery yard – but Divoky is continuing to thrive with innovations such as “quiet hacks” and a return to riding scheme as well as working with young riders of all abilities.
Having trained several jockeys and grooms who have progressed into the racing industry, Divoky, based at Manor Farm, has decided to sponsor this year’s Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point to demonstrate its continued support for the racing world.
Divoky proprietor Pat Bishop said: “The British Horse Society is working hard to encourage new coaches into the industry so this couldn't be a better time to get BHS stages qualifications, there are bursaries and other support currently available.
“We are also keen to encourage more mature people to come into equestrian coaching bringing with them their life skills and passion for horses so if you are considering a change of a career give us a call.”
Learning the parts of a pony – youngsters having fun at Divoky
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 H Adult group lessons H Quiet Hacks 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
Springtime checks for horses It’s time to go racing
SPRING is coming and the restrictions of Covid are finally relaxing to allow us all to get back out there competing or just enjoying our horses in company again.
As the evenings draw out and riding after work becomes a reality, it’s time to go through a mental check list before launching back into a higher level of work. Are there any soundness or medical issues that have been put on the back boiler through the quiet winter months?
Stables Equine Practice is ready to address your queries and problems. We’re offering significantly discounted examinations and treatments at regular clinics in the practice including dentistry and gastroscopy days. We will of course continue our popular “Three go Free” free visits for three or more horses, which are particularly suited to this time of year as everybody is getting their horses checked and prepared for the year ahead.
If your thoughts are turning to breeding why not give one of our vets a call to find out what is involved, it’s all part of our friendly personal approach? We are always happy to discuss your horse’s needs on the phone, but starting with the Mendip Point to Point we will be in attendance at numerous shows and events throughout the year, so why not come talk to us in person?
Nicko Robertson, Stables Equine Practice
MARCH sees the return of point-to-point horseracing at both Ston Easton and Charlton Horethorne after an absence of two years due to Covid.
The Blackmore and Sparkford Vale meeting takes place at Charlton Horethorne (near Sherborne) on Sunday, March 6th with pony racing at midday followed by six races, including the £1,000 Mixed Open sponsored by Ineos Grenadier.
The BSV pony races are sponsored by Bradley Head Shoot together with Tizzard Racing and Richard Prince. The jockeys of the future have started their journey here such as Harry Cobden, Sam Twiston Davies, Lorcan Williams and Bryony Frost.
More recently this season, Olive Nicholls and Freddie Gingell have progressed from ponies onto point to pointers, both with great success, with Freddie winning his first race under rules at Wincanton at the beginning of February.
The Mendip Farmers meeting takes place on Sunday, March 20th with the first race due off at 12.30pm. Pony racing takes place at the end of the main races. As with the BSV meeting, it offers a great family day out with plenty of trade stands selling hot and cold food and also a variety of clothing and country goods.
There will be a big screen at both to watch all the action with licensed bar and bookmakers. The screen at Ston Easton is being sponsored by Divoky Riding School at Downhead.
SUNDAY MARCH 6th (Pony racing from midday, followed by six point to point races from 1pm) BLACKMORE & SPARKFORD VALE POINT-TO-POINT
Admission: £10 (advance) from pointingwessex.co.uk or £12.50 on the gate. Race cards £3
SUNDAY MARCH 20th (1st race 12.30pm followed by pony racing) MENDIP FARMERS’ POINT-TO-POINT
