We train all levels of riders to showjump, from minis riding over raised poles to our very successful Open Team jumping at 110cm and above. Showjumping rallies are held either on a weekend morning or after school. Riders are put in a group with others of a similar age and ability and there are opportunities to compete informally at all levels.
Instructors
Our team trainer is Julia Davis, supported by a number of other instructors including Ellie Gorton and Edward Chitty.
Our Mounted Games squads train once or twice a month during the spring and early summer. They compete at local friendly competitions during the spring and summer.
Eventing combines the three sports of dressage, showjumping and cross country riding. The Pony Club competitions are run during the summer months when we can ride on grass, and our training starts just before Easter. Competitions start from around 30cm and go up to 110cm, and you can qualify for Pony Club Championships at 70cm and above.
Instructors
Our team trainers are Julia Davis and Ellie Gorton
Lead rein riders are encourage to take part in our branch dressage shows to improve their riding. There is the opportunity to take part in the musical ride each summer at the championships . We encourage riders to have a go at Pairs to music and individual dressage to music. We offer the Dressage Sports Badges using an open learning programme assessed at rallies.
The dressage coaches are Julia Davis, Edward Chitty and Ali Berman
Throughout the year we are preparing our members for the range of Pony Club tests, starting with E test for our tiny riders through to the internationally recognised A test. Each month we run a Proficiency Test rally where members are taught by an external instructor to see who is ready to take their next test. There is no rush to move up the levels, “stage not age” is our motto. We also do a myriad of badges that help our riders learn the theory for their tests. Vale of Aylesbury sends teams to the Quiz competitions and to the Horse and Pony Care competitions in the summer.
All our instructors teach this! But a special thanks to Hayley Godwin for preparing our members for their efficiency tests and Carrie Gohl for training for the Quiz and Horse and Pony Care competitions.
A group of about 15 mini and junior riders meet once or twice a month at the weekend either for a ridden session, having a go at everything – dressage, mini jumping, or mounted games. In addition there are plenty unmounted rallies learning about horse and pony care, earning badges and having lots of fun.
Much excitement is had at Easter, Halloween and Christmas where riders and ponies dress up for the occasion.
All our instructors enjoy teaching this group, but a special mention to Marc Dought and Ellie Gorton
In the winter our members can do triathlons – running, swimming and shooting – and in the summer our members do tetrathlons which includes Cross Country riding as well as running, swimming and shooting. Competitions are judged according to age.
We run two summer camps each year.
Senior and Junior camp is a 4 day fun filled extravaganza held at our club field in Meadle.
“Boot Camp” is a 3 day residential camp for our post-GCSE riders, and those competing at 90+ and is held at Aston le Walls
Camp is a great experience combining a wide range of riding activities, training, pony care and social activities. Members are split into age and ability appropriate groups under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
A typical senior day is:
There is a competition and/or musical ride on the final day. We encourage riders of all ages to attend all four days, we do welcome lead rein riders and their programme will be tailored to their needs.
This is a new initiative designed for riders who are 12 and over, who feel more comfortable learning in a small group and in a quieter environment. Our confidence clinics offer 30 mins riding on the flat and/or 30 minutes jumping. Perfect for riders with new horses, or older riders who want to jump heights up to 60cm. Many of our neurodiverse members really value these sessions. Private one to one sessions are also available with our fabulous instructors.
All our instructors enjoy teaching these groups, but a special mention to Edward Chitty and Julia Davis