Equestrian

n Alex Hua Tian at Nunney International Horse Trials by Brian Stubbs Stubbs captures classic equine beauty

It is little wonder this stunning photograph of event horse Alex Hua Tian at Nunney International Horse Trials taken by photographer Brian Stubbs achieved the maximum mark in Wincanton Camera Club’s very own competition. And the photograph has been accepted into the Royal Photographic Society’s Digital Imaging Group’s annual print exhibition. Judge John Tilsley, who cast his expert eye over the competition picures, said the standard of the club’s internal open themed competition was particularly high, with Paul Dyer with Mist Coming In, James Eastaugh with January Bloom and Kit Williams with Racehorse Waiting scoring 19 of the 20 marks available. Continuing the success story, photographs by Meyrick Griffith-Jones and Brian Stubbs have been accepted into International Salon exhibitions. Wincanton Camera Club host a number of talks every month. German animal portrait photographer, Elke Vogelsang will share her wonderful dog photography with members on March 24 at 7.30pm. In May, South African wildlife photographer, Will Goodlett will attend and Paul Mitchell FRPS will talk about woodland photography. For more information about the club, please visit wincantoncameraclub. co.uk. The talks can be booked by contacting treasurer Meyrick GriffithJones at Treasurer@WincantonCamera Club.co.uk. For information about the club email secretary@wincanton cameraclub.co.uk or 01747 840018.

n Racehourse waiting by Kit Williams

n Blonde and her Bay by Brian Stubbs

n Hodge Close Quarry by Meyrick Griffith-Jones

Equestrian Lockdown project raising cash for RDA

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A disabled rider from Dorset is raising funds for the Riding for the Disabled Association through the sales from her first children’s book, Horses can Roll but they can’t Roller Skate – a tale about her golden horse with a golden heart. First- time author Jade Leahy is spreading joy and raising

funds after writing her inclusive children’s story about her beloved Fjord Horse, Odin. “I have always had a great love of horses, but riding has always been challenging due to balance, pain and muscle weakness,” said Jade. “Having struggled to find the right horse who was understanding of my needs, I was lucky enough to find Odin. We were together for 16 years and I wrote our inclusive story during that time and set it aside, questioning: who was I to write a book?” Odin was Jade’s soul horse and her love for him lives on as she is giving 10 per cent of the profits from every copy sold to The Riding for The Disabled Association to give something back after receiving support from Dorset RDA instructor Sarah Lloyd Harris, who helped her to begin a new chapter with her cob, Rosie. Jade’s new book ‘Horses Can Roll but They Can’t Roller Skate’ tells the story of Molly, a little girl challenged by physical disability who yearns to roller skate with her peers. Molly meets Odin, a cheeky Fjord horse who longs to fit in with the rest of the herd and dreams of taking part in Pony Club games. Together they find fun, friendship and self-acceptance. Jade said: “I really hope my story will spread a little joy and create a positive attitude towards perceived limitations and a ‘can do’ attitude in children facing all sorts of challenges, as well as helping the RDA.” Soft toy ponies and rugs featuring the logo for the book are also available via Jade’s website and are also raising funds for the RDA. Jade is also developing activity sheets to accompany the book. She added: “During lockdown, I also wanted to find out about other inspiring equestrians and small businesses, so I developed my ‘Off The Lead Rein’ podcast and have been fortunate enough to chat to fellow equestrians, from stunt riders to Paralympians.” You can follow Jade’s journey via and purchase a copy of the book via website jadeleahy.co.uk or Amazon Instagram @jadeleahy_ book @adventures_molly_Odin.

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