Ripley Riders Club Presentation Evening 26th November 2011

After a heart-breaking start to the season with travellers deciding to use the show ground as a campsite, we finally managed to get in a full season of shows even though the ground became for once, rather hard. I suppose it was a change from it being too soft. Over 200 members and their families/friends attend the annual Presentation Evening at the Post Mill Community Centre. Julia Watson, a local dressage rider, came along to present the prizes and the committee were most grateful for her support.

This year the Most Points prize was awarded to Olivia Leishman who has so ably taken over the ride on Swinpark Mary Poppins. This is not ‘Poppy’s’ first time winning this accolade as she also managed it with her previous rider Charlotte Swindells who was as delighted with the win as Olivia. When Julia asked about Poppy, I told her she was ‘practically perfect in every way’.

Reserve Supreme was a truly well deserved Sarah Rumball with Meadowview’s Sam. Sarah is one of several members who hack over on show mornings, compete throughout the day and then hack back home, proving that you don’t have to have all the extra’s like your own transport to win. I have to admit to having a soft spot for Sam even though I know from my chats with Sarah that he is not entirely squeaky clean and often gets into mischief!

The Lead Rein Championship was won by Liam Morgan riding Clearly Smirnoff. This was all the more remarkable as Liam was very poorly in the middle of the season and had to miss some shows, but managed to get to the later ones and improve his chances. Reserve went to Kelis Rawson on Penny Black – another ‘re-cycled’ pony competing with us again with a new rider. I love to see ponies do well with different riders; it shows how good they really are. The lead rein classes were very well supported throughout the season so Liam and Kelis can feel truly proud of their achievements.

The Razzamatazz Memorial Trophy for the Most Improved Horse in Jumping was presented to Isabelle England with Penwood's Rosada, a rider who won a lot with her previous pony and is making a brilliant beginning with this, her new ride. We wish her all the best for the new season. Sometimes the most difficult trophy to award is for the Most Improved Rider simply because they ride so ‘quietly’ that they go relatively unnoticed – but the award this year went to Megan Brothwell who has improved steadily throughout the season and I am sure the improvement will continue next year.

Our Youngest Young Handler went again this year to Mia Beardall with Bonny, while the Youngest Rider accolade went to Isabelle Rowan who got a huge ‘aaah’ from the members when she walked up with her mum to collect her prize.

Julia was impressed with the number of boys/young men winning prizes and I was proud to tell her that they are all good riders who put up with a lot of ‘stick’ from us girls. Lesser men would crumble under the pressure so well done all of you.

There are too many prize-winners to mention here but a full list of prize-winners is attached, or they can be viewed on our website at www.ripleyriders.org.uk . Each and every one of you gets my whole-hearted congratulations and thanks for supporting our little show throughout the season.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the raffle – over £100 was raised for the Air Ambulance – I hope no one has to call on them over winter!

 Thank you to Trudy Trafford Photography who came along and took some lovely photo’s of the prize-winners and also Savi Catering who once again put on a lovely spread to keep us all going throughout the evening.

Finally I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the committee and helpers who have worked extremely hard throughout the season to put the shows on and of course to all our members who supported us. Judges always graciously give their time to come and offer their views and for this I offer them the thanks of the committee and members. Thanks go to Tasty Treats for providing the catering at shows and thank you to Knighton’s Mobile Toilets without whom I wouldn’t survive the day. Showstoppers provide the rosettes throughout the season and for our Presentation. The trophy table always looks brilliant and I would like to thank them for all their hard work on Presentation day and throughout the season. I would also like to thank them for their patience when having to deal with a rather distraught secretary when I am chasing trophies!

We all look forward to seeing you again in the New Year and don’t forget the AGM meeting on 31st January 2012 at the Three Horse Shoes, Leabrooks at 8.00 pm. Although there shouldn’t be any changes on the website for a while please have a quick look from time to time just in case we have anything to tell you. We are also on Facebook which we try to use for communication as well (but I’m not as good on it as the kids!)

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Ann Kitson Secretary