Thurrock Riding Club

Well the end of yet another successful year for Thurrock. The attached Treasurers end of year figures show that we go from strength to strength, we are becoming a popular club. Our schedules which are still lovely do draw in competitors from far affield, and these new faces are surprised at how well run the shows are and always thank us for their day.

We managed to hold every show this year, rain did not stop play. The cross country shows were better attended this year and still everyone had a great time, especially the horses and ponies.

Dressage has picked up and was well attended this year. We have a Team Challenge Trophy that was given at our tournament it was won back by Thurrock last time and we still hold it. Perhaps we can have a tournament on one of our shows that includes dressage. Can be other clubs or teams amongst our members, would be nice to see the the trophy given again at the moment it is in a box

(not on my mantlepiece) such a waste.

Each year we check through the schedule and take out classes that were not attended, and try to add other classes so that every equine is covered so if you have any ideas for new classes please let me know anything will be considered. Jumping is again well attended the little ring seems to be popular. Every horse or pony should try and do each discipline i.e. jumping, dressage, showing and cross country. If you have a bash at all you can go forward to the Club Championship and remember that the more shows you attend the points do add up, even if you are not in the top two if you do every class you can your points may outstrip the winners who may not attend all the shows.

The committee is always available to help you decide what classes you can do if you are not sure, we really do want to help everyone attain their pottential. Why not the great jumpers do the working hunter classes, great value for money, two classes in one. The rules will tell you what to wear and what the horses or ponies should wear. There is talk maybe of re introducing workers at the Orsett Show, always in the past our members won, ask Bev Dove.

I am pleased to say that with our nagging, there were no dissapointed members this year where trophies were concerned, all turned up to work parties. We must thank you for your help and this rule will stay in place, but I think that you all have the hang of it now. Peter Rice who has kindly agreeed to come onto the committee was above and beyond our favorite member he was at every work party in all weathers slogging away, thank you Peter.

We lost two committee members last year who did an awful lot of administration for us and are sadly missed, but are pleased to say that we have members who are coming onto the committee they are Sam Argent, Alex Donnelly, Peter Rice, Megan Brown and Tracey Potton we are really looking forward to working with them. There are plenty of offices up for grabs so I can go into semi retirement (not).

Well it only remains to say thank you to all our members for supporting the club this year and wish us all an easier winter than last, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you all again next season.

CHAIRMAN