Apologies to anyone who didn’t receive last week’s weekly update: my email provider apparently thought I was spamming! Fred and I have been working hard on this new template, which will hopefully resolve this and cut down our workload.

Something to add to next week’s update? Email it before 4pm on Tuesday 25th March.

Try B4U Buy

The Try B4U Buy is going ahead at Maelor Equestrian Centre, Hope on Sat 12th April. 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm.

It is £10 to enter a Horse or Pony.

They will be put into groups according to height and ridden/shown by their owners in the Indoor school. They will be asked to walk. trot, canter on both reins and maybe pop a pole or two. The groups will then move to the outside school where you can then approach the owners and ask more about their horses/ponies and try them out in a safe environment, providing the owner is happy for you to do so.

This gives people a chance to see them ridden in a group and how they behave away from home.  They also know that they travel OK as they have been transported to the venue.

All riders have a number so you can read their details on the list.

If you have a horse or pony you would like to enter, please complete the attached form and return to Iona Pierce garethion@hotmail.com

Llandyrnog District SJ Competition

Llandyrnog District are running a SJ competition at Ystrad on Saturday 29th March, 10.30 am start. This is a chance for members to ride a full course of SJ over coloured poles and practice their skills.

  • Class 1: Lead Rein. Very small cross poles.
  • Class 2 : Just Off Lead Rein. Max 12″  or 30 cms
  • Class 3 : 18″ or 45 cms
  • Class 4 : 2′ or 60 cms
  • Class 5 : 2′ 6″ or 75 cms

Entry is £3 a class or 2 classes for £5. Please let me know if you would like to enter and which classes please, so that I can work out the times for starting times for each class. Thanks Iona garethion@hotmail.com

Flatwork Rallies with Tess Chew

Places available on the next 2 flatwork rallies with Tess Chew – Saturday 22nd March and Saturday 12 April (9am – 1pm) at Ty Mawr Farm, Bodelwyddan.  £5.00 per rider  – max 4 riders per group. Contact Lois Roberts to book by email: lois_roberts_511@hotmail.co.uk or text 07874042495.

Message from Katy Powell-Jones

Dear Members, Parents and Committee,

I wanted to thank you all very much for the Vouchers and card that I have been given recently by the Branch.

I have been Chief Instructor at F and D for over 15 years and I have enjoyed every single moment, from training winning teams for the branch to being well and truly troughed one year at camp!!

Flint and Denbigh is one of the most successful, friendly well run Branches in the country and I am very proud and grateful to have been a part of it.

I am handing over the reins to Helen Amor, and I know she will do a fantastic job for the Branch and the members.  She will appreciate the same help and support that you have all given to me over the years.

Good luck and thank you.  Katy x

Plaiting Badge

Llanasa have a Main Plaiting Badge coming up on Saturday 5th April 10am-2pm – ideal for forthcoming season (including delicious homemade cakes) names to Jude Bennett (judeb69@gmail.com) or Caroline Williams (williams134@btinternet.com).

Competition Badges

Congratulations to the first F&D members to gain Competition Badges.

Tetrathlon:

  • Intro: Scarlett Owen
  • Main: Ben Read

Mounted Games:

  • Intro: Jac Cernyw, Rhys Cernyw, Daniel Evans, Lisa Jones, Twm Cernyw, Carys Roberts, Orlagh Toner, Ellie Richardson, Jacob Edghill
  • Main: Alys Williams, Alex Major
  • And congratulations to Katie Davies who gained both the Intro and Main Mounted Games badges on the same day!

Winter League SJ – Final Competition of the Season

WLSJ Somerford

The last competition of the season was at Somerford on Saturday, and whilst it was cold, it was dry and the sun shone on the Flint & Denbigh competitors once again.

An early start for class 1, and we had 2 teams, with the WL team finishing on 4 points, and placed 5th, and the non-WL team riding clear, and ending 3rd.  Our WL team had already secured their League win, as they were 10 points in the lead previous to this competition, and came home with lovely rosettes and a lovely cup to keep for the year. Beatrice Blockley also had an individual 2nd on Saturday for her great performance!

Class 2, and there were only 3 points in it, so all WL team riders were focused on riding safe but speedy clears, as there were many teams on clears. They all rode lovely double clears, a credit to us, and gained 1st place, 1st in the season’s league, and Sali Wyn-Wheway gaining individual 1st, with Jac Cernyw gaining individual 5th.

Class 3, and having missed a few competitions due to exam commitments, the team rode well, adding points to the league table. They had 3rd rosettes on Saturday, and built up their score to come a very well deserved 2nd on the league board.

Class 4, and again there have not been teams at all the competitions, but an excellent result with 3rd rosettes in the league, and Brier Leahy having a super ride and gaining individual 1st at the competition.

There were a few that had qualified for the Dengie, and Heidi O’Brien & Johnson came home 5th out of a strong class on Saturday.

I would like to thank all parents and riders for a special season, you have all been beautifully turned out, and polite at all times. Things have run smoothly (most of the time) and you have all flown the flag high for Flint & Denbigh Hunt Branch. I do hope all riders have gained confidence and enjoyment from these competitions, as at the end of the day that is what it is all about.

For those of you who are really keen, dates already out for next season are: 5th Oct EC, 26th Oct WWW, Nov 8th B&D and Tan, 30th Nov Dwyfor, 6th Dec BCF, 25th Jan 15 Aberconwy.

If anyone has any photos, please send to Fred, as he is ready to put them on the site!!

Many thanks Aloma, Chris & Kathi