silvershadow81
Well-Known Member
Hi All,
I am just trying to get the report I have written about our experiences in the build up to the open next week out as much as I can.... I cant believe we are a week away.
I pulled my back last week lugging shavings bales, so have been in immense pain since and to make matters worse, my girl pulled a shoe yesterday during practice and nose-dived, sending me flying... so my back is REALLY sore today
Anyhow, yesterdays report is as follows: (Would love to meet anyone planning to be there next week- please come and say Hi!)
_________________________________________________________________
The Final Countdown!
~ Team has last minute practice for National Talent Show The H Factor Finals ~
What is Roman, has 84 legs, 28 heads and 14 pairs of hands and dances to music? The Saffron Walden and District Riding Clubs Display Team!
Now only a week away until the big championships take place at the NEC, Birmingham ,we spent yesterday trying to get the horses used to audiences and clapping and making sure that everything is still on schedule to produce a hoof perfect display!
Many local people drove over to see us practice at Towerlands, Braintree ahead of the big event next week. All were asked to make as much noise as possible to ensure the horses became accustomed to people clapping and shouting- not something they have had to deal with in the past! (as the team is made up of xracers, teamchasers, eventers, showjumpers- just normal, everyday horses, so clapping was very exciting for them!!)
The horses were a little unsure at first as it was the first time the horses had seen us all dressed up.- see below for the photo!!
We had two break free in the lorry park, after seeing us all in costume as they didnt really know what was going on and if it was safe to let such an odd looking person near them!
The audience really helped us to get the horses used to clapping and general noise, and by the end of the practice, the horses had learnt to deal with the attention and we are so pleased at how they worked in the arena.
We are the only amateur team to make it this far in the competition. Whilst our team members compete in a wide range of riding disciplines, from mounted games to British Eventing, none of our horses are dressage specialists.
The other three finalist teams are all professional stunt or display groups; one of which has held displays in Europe, Dubai and Oman!
The team will set off next Monday (5th) to give the horses two days of settling in and practices in the big arena- including getting used to spotlights! Performance times are as follows:
Wednesday 7th April Morning display
Thursday 8th April- Evening display
Friday 9th April Afternoon display
Saturday 10th April Afternoon display and final!
Voting will be done by text and the lines will be open once all the acts have performed on Wednesday 7 April and will close after all the acts have performed on Saturday 10 April.
The act with the most votes will be declared the winning team.
http://www.swdrc.com/musicalride is the teams website, where the text details will be published on Wednesday 7th April.
We would love for all riders with everyday jobs/ normal horses to support us, we are doing this for all amatur teams out there and hope to give the pro's a run for their money!!
xxxxxxx
This is the team below.... in full costume, which we have spent many a night working on!
I am just trying to get the report I have written about our experiences in the build up to the open next week out as much as I can.... I cant believe we are a week away.
I pulled my back last week lugging shavings bales, so have been in immense pain since and to make matters worse, my girl pulled a shoe yesterday during practice and nose-dived, sending me flying... so my back is REALLY sore today
Anyhow, yesterdays report is as follows: (Would love to meet anyone planning to be there next week- please come and say Hi!)
_________________________________________________________________
The Final Countdown!
~ Team has last minute practice for National Talent Show The H Factor Finals ~
What is Roman, has 84 legs, 28 heads and 14 pairs of hands and dances to music? The Saffron Walden and District Riding Clubs Display Team!
Now only a week away until the big championships take place at the NEC, Birmingham ,we spent yesterday trying to get the horses used to audiences and clapping and making sure that everything is still on schedule to produce a hoof perfect display!
Many local people drove over to see us practice at Towerlands, Braintree ahead of the big event next week. All were asked to make as much noise as possible to ensure the horses became accustomed to people clapping and shouting- not something they have had to deal with in the past! (as the team is made up of xracers, teamchasers, eventers, showjumpers- just normal, everyday horses, so clapping was very exciting for them!!)
The horses were a little unsure at first as it was the first time the horses had seen us all dressed up.- see below for the photo!!
We had two break free in the lorry park, after seeing us all in costume as they didnt really know what was going on and if it was safe to let such an odd looking person near them!
The audience really helped us to get the horses used to clapping and general noise, and by the end of the practice, the horses had learnt to deal with the attention and we are so pleased at how they worked in the arena.
We are the only amateur team to make it this far in the competition. Whilst our team members compete in a wide range of riding disciplines, from mounted games to British Eventing, none of our horses are dressage specialists.
The other three finalist teams are all professional stunt or display groups; one of which has held displays in Europe, Dubai and Oman!
The team will set off next Monday (5th) to give the horses two days of settling in and practices in the big arena- including getting used to spotlights! Performance times are as follows:
Wednesday 7th April Morning display
Thursday 8th April- Evening display
Friday 9th April Afternoon display
Saturday 10th April Afternoon display and final!
Voting will be done by text and the lines will be open once all the acts have performed on Wednesday 7 April and will close after all the acts have performed on Saturday 10 April.
The act with the most votes will be declared the winning team.
http://www.swdrc.com/musicalride is the teams website, where the text details will be published on Wednesday 7th April.
We would love for all riders with everyday jobs/ normal horses to support us, we are doing this for all amatur teams out there and hope to give the pro's a run for their money!!
xxxxxxx
This is the team below.... in full costume, which we have spent many a night working on!