Tryouts 2013

What a busy, busy week for our Equestrian's! The start of the week beginning with our 2014 naked calendar shoot at Witham Villa with a very successful day for all and some very exciting photos to be revealed all in aid of Kimberley House RDA our nominated donor charity for the calendar proceeds. A promotion photo will be released very soon so keep an eye on all our pages for more info and calendars will be on sale as soon as they are ready for £5 each with half the proceeds going directly to our RDA group at Witham Villa.

The week came to head as the 2013 team tryouts were held on Wednesday 23rd of October with dressage and show jumping held in a BUCS competition style to put rider's to the ultimate test to see who would make it onto our DMU Equestrian A, B and C teams!

The dressage commenced at 9.30am (a very early start for everyone!) with rider's warming up to then go out and complete a 7 minute preliminary dressage test. The horses varied from 15hh cobs to 16.2 dutch warmbloods, a wide variety to suit all of our riders and test everyones ability to the max! Horses used included; Victor, Willow, Preston, Benji, Alice, Breeze and Holly B.The yard manager at Witham Villa, Verity Saul was the judge for the day and as a dressage expert was extremely pleased with the standard of riding displayed by all in the dressage phase of the competition.

The afternoon then started the show jumping round which consisted of 8 jumps varying from 90cm- 70cm in height depending on the team each rider was trying out for. The course had a double, spread, cross and straights with lots of corners and hard lines to ride with plenty of cantering also between fences ensuring a challenging ride for all involved. The horses used included; Harrison, Ben, Benji, Caesar and Breeze. Everyone excelled all expectations of both committee and yard staff as lots of clear rounds and high style marks were awarded across the board!

The day ended with Jenny Walker scoring highest in the dressage phase and Becky Shraga winning the jumping stage! After an exhausting day it was time for everyone to get their Troll hair sorted for our social in the evening at Bowstring, Marz Bar and the SU, with a good turnout from our team and social members. Looking forward to training commencing next week with the first B team competition just around the corner! A special thanks to Witham Villa for hosting our tryouts and giving us a fantastic day and Fidelity Group who have kindly sponsored our training this year. DMU Equestrian are hoping for some very promising results this year and are looking forward to the start of the season.

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Becky Shraga and Willow

Jenny Walker and Victor

Lorna Stahly and Alice

Clare Wilyman and Benji

Gabbi Berrill and Harrison

Gemma Elliott and Ben

DMU Equestrian Show Jumping Round

Gabbi Berrill & Harrison