Well done to Mari Durward-Akhurst & Michael Murphy who took part in the Junior International held at Millfield School, Street on 3rd & 4th July 2008. See news for latest results.

Well done to Michael Murphy, Mari Durward- Akhurst, Katie Yanitan, Sally Forster, Stuart Henson, Louise Wilmott & Abbie Waller who have all qualified for the RDA National Dressage Championships 2008. These will take place 11th - 13th July at Hartpury College, Gloucester.  If you are a volunteer and ouwld like to either come with us to help or stay at home to help do the yard please contact a member of staff at the centre.

ALL RIDERS GOING TO THE REGIONAL COMPETITION TOOK PART IN A TEST RIDING TRAINING SESSION ON WEDNESDAY 30TH APRIL.

Waveney Luke came to Penniwells to watch our riders go through their tests and then followed up with about 20mins training to help them improve certain parts of it. All riders found this hugely beneficial and will take on board what they have discussed and learnt to improve their own scores on the day.

Adiel Krieger Award.

(In memory of Adiel - A rider at Penniwells RDA Centre)

Every year we give this award of achievement to the rider most improved or who has shown great courage and determination in learning to ride.

Year 2007 it was awarded to Rachel O'Dell - Rachel has ridden at Pennwiells for as long as it has been on the Elstree site. She has recently enjoyed taking part in the Regional dressage and National RDA Championships. We awarded it to Rachel for 2007 as for the first time she leant her test and was able to ride it iff by heart without prompting. This was a huge achievement for Rachel.  Sadly she missed out on taking part in the Regional competition due to things gonig wrong at home on the morning she was due to go. I am sure if she had gone she would have ridden her very best.

Well Done Rachel!

Saturday 22nd March 2008 : BD PARA WINTER DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS held at Vale View EC.

Mari and Michael both competed at the winter championships this weekend - Working in was done in a blizzard and strong winds! The ponies were both very well behaved and really didn't seem to mind the weather! Even though the rest of us were freezing cold and looking forward to a warm cup of tea!

Michael rode his own pony, Brokholmn Royal Vagabond and Mari again borrowed Cream of the Irish from Lizzie Wooderson.

Michael won the Grade 1a short test and finished 2nd in the championship of grades 1a & b combined.

Mari also won the Grade 3 short test and finshed 2nd in the championship of Grade 3 riders.

This was a huge achievement for them both - they have put alot of hard work in to their training this year to improve both scores and placings - it really is now starting to pay off and we look forward to many more successes along the way!

Michael Murphy riding Alfie at the British Dressage Para Talent Spotting Finals 2008.

Michael won the section for 10-15yrs and 16-25yr olds with 86.6%.

He went on to finish 2nd overall of 3 sections - Including over 25yr olds.

Mari Durward-Akhurst riding Cream of the Irish at British Dressage Para Talent Spotting Finals 2008.

Mari finished in 5th place in 10-15yr olds section with 75.5%

Both these riders have qualified for the BD Para Winter Championships in March 2008 and Millfield Junior International July 2008.

In 2007 9 riders competed at the Regional Dressage qualifiers - All 9 went on to qualify for the National Championships. We took 7 riders and 5 ponies. All of them finished in the top 5 of every class entered. A fantastic achievement for all.

 Stacey Moody leading Flossy for the turn out competition

Paul Thurgood riding Louis at Regional Qualifiers 2007 at Diamond Centre - He went on to ride at RDA National Championships in the 'Ride in the Country' section.