Banwell Equestrian Centre

Everyone started to gather at just after 9am, eyes deliberately avoiding looking up at the ever darkening clouds! The troops were split into groups according to ability and Sam took one group for flatwork and a jumping lesson whilst Sharon took the two ‘littluns’ for some windmill and plane practice to help improve their balance and stability in the saddle. Ruth took the remainder of the attendees into the barn for some stable management and a pony quiz.

After an hour, we stopped for a quick drink and mid morning snack (thanks to Ruth’s mum and her homemade lemon drizzle cake which was a real hit!). Then the groups swapped around; the second lot not being so lucky with the skies deciding to give them a quick soaking.

Lunch followed and we all sat together for hotdogs, pizza and marmite sandwiches (specifically provided for Aaron who as a taste for the ‘orrible brown stuff!!)

Whilst we ate and consumed vast amounts of hot chocolate, the clouds above opened and the rain hammered down on the roof. After some deliberation and a small lull in the downpour, we decided the show would go on and Ruth, Steve, Bec and Sharon set about making up the gymkhana games.

The guys split into 2 teams and all attacked each game with great enthusiasm. We played the bending relay game, walk/trot/canter game and games with fish, socks, mugs, cups, etc. As we were steadily getting soaked to the skin we decided to end the day with the dressing up game which meant each of the 4 team members had to get to the other end of the arena, dismount, put on an item of clothing, mount up and get back to tag the next to go. The winning team was the one which had one person dressed up in all the clothes gathered by their other team members. Much hilarity was had by all and after rosette and prize giving we swam back up to the barn for a warm cup of tea and of course, more cake!”

Thanks to everyone for coming, and to those that helped run the day. We hope to hold another Fun day during the February half term. Keep an eye on the website for more details.

A bright day welcomed us and although we only had a few people join us from off the yard, everyone enjoyed a relaxing few hours of going round a course of jumps at their leisure.
We hope to hold a regular Jump & Go day every month to give people the opportunity to practice their jumping skills.

We had a fantastic Sunday Funday. We were joined by our long standing friends Anne and Dave from up the lane and they brought with them a couple of ponies and Anne’s son Nick , wife Julie and their son. Both Nick and Julie did themselves proud and got themselves back in the saddle after what will be politely put as a ‘long break’. Julie particularly surprising herself by coming first in the minimus class! We also had Breeze and Billie come down with their ponies from a neighbouring yard and they also went home laden down with rosettes.

And of course, our own residents participated and did us proud with Char winning the 2ft 3″ class and Taylor winning the Chase-Me-Charlie (even though she ended up competing against herself!). Rachel with Henry also did well as this was Henry’s first attempt at a course of jumps for some time, well ridden Rach, Henry’s coming on a treat!

Well done to everyone who took part and a big thank you to all our friends and family on and off the yard for helping out with the course building, cafe, etc.

And of course, we must also thank Jayne for putting on the superb hot food in the house, her big baps are becoming a legend!

The day was a good test run for our next Funday which will be in a few months time! Keep an eye on our website for forthcoming events.

Cheers all – Ruth!

Another successful evening!

The masses started to arrive at 7.15pm, just as we’d finished ‘testing’ the superb mulled wine made by resident “Moonshine Madge”. Celia and Sadie from Equicraft rolled up with a van full of goodies for display and Penny Gunter, Equine Sports Therapist arrived and prepared to work her magic on Star.

Penny gave a demonstration of how careful manipulation of the horses’ body can ease pain and tension. Star, who can be difficult to handle at the best of times, was a perfect patient and soon succombed to Penny’s healing hands. We all found Penny’s demo very interesting, it was great to see the before and after affects on Star. A big thanks to Penny for agreeing to come down and show us how she works. Following Penny’s talk we all tucked into a fine chilli and garlic bread and of course more mulled wine.

Thanks to Equicraft and everyone involved with setting up the evening and making it a success!

We plan to have further talks in the near future so keep an eye on our website for details.

Best wishes, Ruth