Roundup
Equestrianism
Fund-raising and hunting dominate the local scene BY JULIA DUNGWORTH
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ocal rider Bruce Langley-Mckim has been doing a sterling job of raising money recently with the local Irish Draught stallion Cos Me Is Black. You may remember that last month Bruce infamously rode the stallion sidesaddle at Great Gidding; well this month has taken him to Lloyds Bank in Corby to raise money for Children in Need collecting with a bucket. Thorpeley Stud has also donated a covering fee of the stallion and given away two sidesaddle lessons. The stud has helped to raise £2,541 for various charities over the last three weeks. The late Hannah Francis has been awarded the Helen Rollason Award for inspiration at The Sunday Times Sports Women of the Year Awards. Hannah ’s Willberry Wonderpony ‘kickingcancersbutt’ charity has been set up primarily to raise funds for bone cancer research and to grant equine wishes to the seriously ill. Local equestrians Amy Gill and Andrew
Pridding saw Hannah riding at Tattersalls earlier this year and were so inspired by her story that they are helping to raise funds and awareness by running a Willberry Wonderpony Ball at Normanton Park Hotel on February 4. Tickets cost £40 each and include a three-course dinner. If you would like tickets or would like to donate an auction prize don’t hesitate to contact Andrew on andrewgregpridding@icloud.com. Hunting is in full swing, which means the hunt rides have started. Hunt rides are such a great sight to behold and definitely worth a visit. They normally start at noon. Dominic Gwyn-Jones has made a formidable start by winning the Yeomanry Hunt race; he won by a massive 29 lengths riding his horse Puzzle. Dom suffered a badly broken leg a year ago and is enjoying being back to full competitive fitness. The Melton Hunt ride is the real one to watch around here; this year it’s the turn of the Quorn and will be held at Great Dalby on February 19.
Event rider Richard Skelt from Folksworth has even bought a steed especially for the occasion. It’s been something he’s always dreamed of doing, even though I have to admit when I saw him watching last year I thought he was joking when he said he was going to do it. Nevertheless, he is busy out hunting him at the moment and has already started taking him to the gallops to get him fit for the gruelling three-and-a-half mile ride. His horse is a whopping 18hh and Richard is fully aware of how tough it can be, especially when he’s so big. Richard is hoping that all this work will pay off and that he will be able to event Swing next year. You may have seen in the news recently that hunting yet again has found itself having somewhat undeserved negative press. Christmas and new year meets are always very popular for the public and the hounds are usually all out on show in a town local to you, so this year, more than ever, please do go and support your local hunt.
Show your support for local sport... Email advertise@theactivemag.com 6 6 JA N UA RY 2017 ///
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14/12/2016 10:52