Thanks to all who came along to the A.G.M and put forward some valuable and useful points. A new (and somewhat familiar) committee has been voted in with a couple of welcome additions. The first meeting is in early December so if there are any points you want brought up, please let a committee member know or email westofscot@hotmail.co.uk.
It has been a disappointing year in respect to the members' uptake of lessons with quite a few having to be cancelled and the Members' show being poorly attended. With this in mind, it was decided not to hold an Open show of any description.
For this coming year, we are hopeful that the attendance will pick up again. We appreciate that times are difficult, especially when it snows and the feed bills rocket!! The committee is trying to keep lessons value for money, however as with everything, costs are increasing, but for the moment, there are no plans to increase the cost of a lesson.
During the winter, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get indoor lessons at Sandyflat, however other venues such as Ingliston and Kingsbarn are too expensive and others in the district have their own problems e.g poor parking and lightning. Any suggestions are welcome and also for alternative instructors.
We would also like to hold a Showing show in late spring/early summer and a dressage show during the summer. If there are enough volunteers, a Showjumping event would be considered but Liz and the committee cannot and will not man-handle the jumps by themselves.
Presentation of the trophys
During the year, a few members have been out and about at the lessons and various competitions, and have in turn filled in their Points card, notching up a fair number of points.
The June Craig Shield for the most successful competitor in any disipline. Only one point seperated the top two, with Karen Young being the runner up to Gillian Sleight and Cobbler's Dream.
The Club Members' Trophy for the member who gained the most points by attending lessons and volunteering at WofS events. Runner up is Gillian Sleight and the winner is Lorna Watson.
The Aileen Sweeney Cup for Most Improved Rider is Lorna Watson with Ceilidh.
We have already started the 2011 season with a bang by hosting the Riding Club Area 1 Winter Team Dressage Qualifier. The WofS team comprising of Lorna Watson and Ceilidh, Karen Young and Allys Blue Skye, Moira Watson and Copper Berry, and Gillian Sleight and Cobbler's Dream didn't get a place this year but congratulations go to Karen for getting 4th in her arena.
Unfortunately, plans to send a team to the Winter Showjumping fell through due to 2 members being ineligible having been successful in British Eventing, and others not having valid Flu vaccinations. However, hopefully if there is the same interest again, we shall enter teams for summer competitions. If you are interested in being a team member, contact Liz who will pass on your name to Marie, who is our Chef d'Equipe, and either will explain about the general criteria for competing at Area level. A form will accompany your next newsletter explaining in detail.
Hoping to see you at lessons during the Christmas holidays. Your new membership card will be sent to you as soon as Stoneleigh send them out (past members have the same number apart from the 2nd digit, which now becomes a '1'). Those of you who wish a Points card for 2011, please let Liz know and remember it started on 1st October 2010
Meanwhile, can the committee wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
