AREA 22 2010

KIM BARCLAY IS AGAIN THE CHEF D' EQUIPE

MOBILE NO:  07738815400

EMAIL:           kim.barclay@homecall.co.uk

MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

COME BACK SHORTLY

AREA 22 2009

AND NOW A FEW WORDS ON LINCOLN NATIONAL SHOW

I WAS THERE AND MY SMALL BIT ABOUT IT IS IT TOOK MEGA ORGANISING, AND A LOT OF MONEY!!

BUT THIS IS A REPORT FROM SELENA WHO REPRESENTED LADYLEYS AND WHOM IT WAS LOVELY TO MEET THERE WITH OF COURSE GORDON BARBOUR AND HIS LOVELY WIFE AND OF COURSE THE GORGEOUS MARBLE

See more in the Gallery!

Finally the big day had come-we were off to the National Riding Club Championships at Lincoln. We had hoped to leave at 6.00am on the Thursday morning but were delayed a bit when my husband Davie had to go the Post Office sorting office at Turriff to collect my new leather riding boots.(It wasn't worth it in the end as they didn't fit!!) Anyway we got away at 7.30 and headed off to Ellon to fuel up the lorry and set off on our 10 hour journey!
We reached Penrith and stopped for a bite to eat and then set off again, next stop the stables we were staying at on the Thursday night (since we weren't allowed access to the showground until Friday) they were only 12 miles from the showground so wasn't far at all.
Before I knew it I spotted a sign saying Lincoln! GOD! Couldn't believe we had almost arrived, the journey didn't seem that long at all.

We arrived at the yard and Marble had travelled extremely well-I think the constant supply of carrots and polos throughout the journey had helped! We got Marble stabled he was really quiet (anyone who knows Marble and stable doors knows what I mean!!) which isn't like him. I'm sure he thought he had been sold as doesn't often go anywhere on his own.

We had a lovely supper OUTSIDE with t shirts on! before watching some soaps on tv then bed!

We headed off to the showground first thing on Friday morning. Marble was even more confused! We arrived and I was totally shell shocked with the size of the place as I  have never competed at anything of this scale before.
I was determined to just enjoy the whole (one off) experience.
We got Marble checked in and into his stable and had the rest of the day to check out the place and chill! We had all taken our bikes-an absolute necessity! so had a good look round everything.
We finished off the day with a takeaway, drinks and a natter!

Saturday was here! I was remarkably calm as I got dressed into my show gear (including new leather boots which Davie had bought me down there!) to walk the course. The arena was something else what a size!! We had 12 jumps and the only one that concerned me was the multi coloured treble. There were over 100 competitors in my class too so that was another slight concern!!
We got Marble tacked up and went to the collecting ring, it was buzzing! Horses everywhere! Marble was totally chilled which isn't like him at all especially after being stabled for 2 days! I even had to give him a wee slap to wake him up!
He was jumping fab and before long it was our turn!

I took a deep breath and entered the arena and listened carefully to hear MY bell-very confusing given there are lots of bells all going off for other arenas!
We were away! We jumped the first 5 perfectly I was enjoying the whole experience until we got to the double. Marble decided to put in an extra wee stride meaning that I had thought he was jumping when he should have so was in position and half way up hs neck! So by the time we jumped the 2nd  I was off! I did try and hang on for dear life but very difficult with a hogged cob! So unfortunately we were eliminated. Marbles face was a picture, he was looking at me as if to say "what happened mum?!" Luckily I wasn't hurt which is the main thing. I was quite upset afterwards but everyone said there was no one to blame, nothing I could have done and just one of those things. Maybe if it had been a single jump then I could have got myself back on board but whatwith it being a double.

We put Marble back to his stable and had another walk round the shops etc. I bought a lovely commeratitive T shirt where all the horses that were competing were listed on the back-a superb souvenir to have and a lasting memory. I also got 2 rosettes for taking part which is also something great to have and look back on. We also got some great photos-just glad I made it far enough round the course to get!

We had a truly fantastic few days away and I don't think anyone should under estimate the quality or quantity of competitors at this event. I don't think me or Marble disgraced ourselves or Ladyleys ( although I think Marble banging his stable door for two days might have!) as we did the best we could.

The whole experience has given me a real buzz to TRY and qualify again next year but not only in the show jumping in EVERYTHING!!

We ended the weekend by doing a really good deed. There was an announcement to say that a competitor had broken down and had had a real traumatic time but was managing to get to the show but could anyone help out. Gordon went and explained we had a tent they could sleep in etc. The family arrived and had managed to take a few bits and pieces with them but not much so we all clubbed together and managed to give her a loan of everything she required. The family from Blackpool were eternally grateful and like me had never competed at anything like this before and without us wouldn't have been able to! So a great ending!

I would like to thank all my family (this sounds like an awards ceremony now!!) my mum and Gordon for their constant help and support, my husband Davie-he isn't really horsey but again he's a great help and support to me. And my three kids Lauren Elle and Jamie they are the best! They never let me down when were away and manage to keep themselves amused when we are all busy with other things. Finally I couldn't have gone without the following generous donations from:




 
Lady Luck Equestrian Ltd
 
Quality Saddles.co.uk

And all the many other generous donations received at my mum and Gordon's recent barbecue.
 
 

Selena x

The Area 22 Meeting held in the Gallery at ladyleys Equestrian Centre on the evening of the 5th March was very successful with lots of positive feedback.  Our Chef d'Equipe Kim Barclay email kim.barclay@homecall.co.uk was press ganged into her role and is looking forward to the challenge.  All the names of interested competitors are currently being organised into their various disciplines and levels of their choice.  Once all competitors are organised into their various sections a training package will be designed to fit their needs if they so wish with Trainers Gordon Barbour, Steven Cruickshank and Niamh Meehan.

IT IS NOT TO LATE IF ANY OTHER COMPETITORS WISH TO COMPETE PLEASE COME FORWARD AN JOIN US 

AREA 22 IS RIDING CLUB COMPETITIONS WHICH ARE OPEN TO ALL RIDING CLUB MEMBERS JUNIOR AND SENIORS.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN AREA 22 COMPETITIONS 2009 PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH MORVEN ON 01651 872089 OR 07771751285 

ALL AGES & ABILITIES & DISCIPLINES ARE INVOLVED

HORSE TRIALS

DRESSAGE

SHOWJUMPING

CAN BE INDIVIDUALS OR TEAMS

QUALIFIERS USUALLY START IN MAY

THOSE THAT QUALIFY GO ONTO THE FINALS HELD IN LINCOLN IN SEPTEMBER 2009

THESE COMPETITIONS ARE BRILLIANT FUN AND FULL OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND STRONG TEAM SPIRIT.