TDRC Newsletter January 2024

By now you will have already received information relating to the AGM at Bishops Hull Hub. Please take the time to let us know if you are able to come so that Colleen can cater accordingly. To those who attended last year you will remember how amazing the food was, don’t miss out!

As not much has happened since the start of the year, we will focus on a few of the up-and-coming events and changes. I know we are all waiting for the weather to improve so that we can get back out and about on our horses. We have an exciting few months ahead with competitions and rallies.

Our first Dressage competition of the year is to be held at Heazle Horse Riding Centre on 25.02.24. Enter at Unaffiliated dressage (equoevents.co.uk)

A message from Jane:

The TDRC Dressage Championship Show
All dressage riders who gain a 64% or higher score  in any TDRC dressage competition throughout 2024, will be eligible to enter the Championship Dressage competition at Stockland Lovell on Sunday 1st December and stand a chance of winning £50.
There will be an intro class (open to any beginner/novice horse or rider), a prelim class, a novice class and an elementary class and in each class the chance of qualifying for the Championships and winning a £50 prize. This is open to TDRC members and non members.
So what are you waiting for? You could be £50 better off by the end of the year! 
Book now on Equoevents.co.uk and start honing your dressage skills.
The first TDRC dressage competition for 2024 is on Sunday 25th February, with the next on Sunday 12th May. More dates to follow.
Good luck everyone and look forward to seeing you soon. 

Some of you may also be aware that new BD tests will be coming into operation from 1 July 2024. These have already been published and are available to download to BD members. They are free for the first six months, this will expire on 31 May 2024. The number of tests  has been consolidated with four at Introductory, six at Preliminary to Medium, and five at Advanced Medium (plus two at Advanced). The new BD tests will be numbered from one to six, one reflecting the entry test at each level, progressing through to six the most advanced. Each test has a video on youtube, for example:

Intro 1 – 2024 test (youtube.com)

Back Protectors

A body protector is mandatory in all cross-country competitions/training (where fixed fences are used).
A BETA Level 3 displaying a Blue 2018 Label must be worn where a body protector is mandatory. From 1 Jan 2024, the BETA 2009 Purple Label will no longer be accepted. The ONLY exception to this requirement is that the Exo Body Cages will continue to be accepted, provided they have a BETA Level 3 Purple 2000 Label.
If a rider chooses to wear an airbag style body protector for cross-country it must be worn over a BETA Level 3 2018 Blue Label body protector. Hybrid Air-jackets and air jackets incorporated into a blouson style jacket are permitted.
Where body protectors are not mandatory i.e. dressage/show jumping the rider may wear any level/standard body protector.

Membership

The new membership platform has arrived. If you have not joined then I will attach a link. Existing Members – Welcome back, you will have received an email form British Riding Clubs powered by Sport:80.
Taunton District Riding Club | The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk)

Volunteers
We are a busy club and run lots of events. We are looking for Volunteers to help. In particular at the One Day Event, TDRC are running the Dressage and Showjumping. We are looking for our members to help for either a full or half day. We will be offering money off a lesson for half a day’s help or a full lesson for free for those who help all day. Volunteering at these events is a fun and enjoyable experience and a great help to our club. Let any of the committee know if you are interested.

And finally……..

Up and coming Events (so far)
3rd February – TDRC A12 Intermediate Winter Dressage – King Sedgemoor Equestrian
9th February – Friday Night Dressage Training – Conquest Centre
10 February – TDRC Annual Awards Evening & AGM
11 February – TDRC Jump Training Stockland Lovell (instructor to be confirmed)
18 February – TDRC A12 Winter Showjumping King Sedgemoor Equestrian
24 February – Training with Andrew Lovell (Venue to be confirmed)
25 February – Open Dressage Competition Heazle Horse Riding

2 March – Jump Training with Jayne Smart Stockland Lovell
17 March – Social Through the Levels Dressage Demo Cordings Farm
23 March – Training with Andrew Lovell Comeytrowe Equestrian
24 March – A12 Combined Training Qualifiers Chard Equestrian

5 May – A12 Combined Challenge Qualifiers Mendip Plains Equestrian

2 June – A12 Eventing Qualifiers Mendip Plains Equestrian

Have a good month.

Gemma and PB