Gatcombe Valley Equitation

31/10/2024

The Valley wars were in full rage when we returned. People climbed through hedges the planning enforcer was visiting one property or anoter on an almost daily basis.

There was fisticuffs with someone just being restrained from hitting a policemen after another neighbour made a complaint. Goodness me I thought this beats Ambridge and we were very glad that we were not involved.

Next was the cockrels which were the result of a hatch of hen's eggs. It was inevitable that some of the eggs would be male and when they grew up they were pretty competitive. Every time a fox badger passed the security lights at night they would set off a crowing. They took to crowing all day and it certainly disturbed some people. As these souls were considered responsible for the endless arrival of planning enforcement the cockerels stayed for some time until eventually the fox caught them.

You may not be surprised to know more day olds arrived.........

30/10/2024

nNeighbours OMG this Valley makes Ambridge look tame. Today has almost finished David off. He cannot believe how low people who he has often helped in the past can stoop.

Back in the early naughties long before we returned the seeds were sown. A local farmer applied for planning on a redundant barn. There was apparently talk of raising rooves to give height and whether that is true or not is now lost in the mists of time as the protagonists are no more. However it led to an unholy alliance which was made reneged on and then resurrected in another form. One of them being an obsessive and just had to own land another having an eye for the main chance. A recipe for a good tale.

Elsewhere in the valley various new people had moved in. The original NIMBYs jealously guarded the view that they felt entitled to. Except that is where they wanted a new garage, new garden etc. So much dog in the manger stuff and we returned to convalesce to war among these incomers.

Such fun More tomorrow

04/09/2023

What a wonderful time we had at the GB Special Olympics Equestrian in Sheffield recently Picture here of the Southwest equestrian team (just right of centre (in Green) who all achieved a gold medal and huge support to each other and other competitors. The whole ethos of the Specials is fantastic and huge thanks for Margery and Sheila for organising and Sarah of Parklands equestrian for the lovely horses. It was fantastic to see everyone remembering last year's competitors. The team spirit and the atmosphere of support while still being competitive. Rather like Rupert Bear we returned home 'tired but happy'. It is so good to see these young people develop so many skills.

26/07/2023

SOGB were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street last week to launch the initiative to increase Special Needs Sport. It was a super occasion and great to meet up with all the GB team again (and chance to wear those medals again!). Team spirit to the fore when Chris lent a medal to Lauren who left hers at home. So the official photo will show them all wearing one at least!

It was good to catch up with Phillip who hadn't made the Nationals. Not long to SOGB Sheffield.

26/07/2023

26/07/2023

July 2023
RDA National Championships welcomes hundreds of entries

The world’s largest disability equestrian event is set to welcome 327 competitors, and hundreds of horses from across the UK to Hartpury University and College, Gloucester from July 14th to 16th.
Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA) National Championships is a celebration of all that RDA stands for - demonstrating the positive benefits of the human horse partnership; showcasing the achievements of disabled riders, carriage drivers and vaulters, and reuniting the RDA community over three days of competition. This one of a kind event is only possible through the support and commitment of an army of volunteers, family, friends and sponsors.

05/07/2023

Tears all round when these medals were won. Owner Jess in tears when we gave her a GB pin. Parents in tears watching these two receive their medals for dressage, English equitation and Trail Rides.

05/07/2023

What an amazing time we have had in Berlin at the Special Olympics. !90 countries, 7,000 athletes 40,000 attending the opening ceremony. The friendliness, the comradeship, the laughter. Everyone supporting each other. This the 16th running of the World Games, held every 4 years was such a special occasion. For us the culmination of the last 15 years here. While maybe not the same riders from the first each has given something to the whole and contributed to overall knowledge and development of us all and the horses and ponies. One has been here for 12 years. Both riders in Berlin having trained on her.