Georgie Prow rides Westside Miracle over the first part of a double fence at Les Bordages. (Pictures by Steve Sarre, 0605558)
THE Guernsey Riding and Hunt Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the only way it knows how – by having fun. The club was formed in 1933 and is still going strong, catering for members of any age. The membership is currently around 280.
‘The 75 years has seen us purchase our own property, develop the land to as it is today to produce fantastic showgrounds,’ said GR&HC president Jan Coomer. Their Les Bordages headquarters, which are maintained by Len Bourgaize, hosted two packed days of jumping at the weekend as part of the club’s annual show, which saw Investec-sponsored showing classes held a week earlier.
The grounds were a riot of colour with new jumps adding vitality to the arena and many of the riders got in on the act with some bright attire. Some of the rounds lived up to the occasion as well because, although the emphasis is on fun at Les Bordages, there were many high quality clear rounds jumped and in quick times over the courses built by club vice-president Mike Wright.
Among the big winners on the first day of jumping were Catherine Gaudion and Laura Breban, who both won two classes on their respective mounts The Hale Viola and Caughley Krakerjak.
The club president also claimed a victory in the morning on her horse Ortonrigg and as the day drew to a close, juniors Sarah Jackson, Tiffany Gervaise-Brazier, Leanne Gallienne and Melanie Round claimed trophies.
It is the performances of such juniors that give club officials the most pleasure.
Coomer explained that they see themselves as part of the progression from children starting at the Pony Club and moving their way up to BSJA Guernsey.
‘We sort of fit in the middle,’ she said.
‘We encourage them and teach them how to get around a course in a non-pressurised environment.
‘We see them come up through the ranks and the sport teaches them to persevere and to establish a rapport with their pony.
‘What it is all about for us is seeing them as beginners when they may go through eliminations early on and then go on to win classes as they improve.’
Coomer emphasised that there were lots of ups and down in equestrian riding with horses one day looking unbeatable and the next not willing to jump.
That is part of the learning curve for riders.
‘I think this sport is not like anything else. It is good for children to teach them responsibility in looking after the horses and discipline and many other skills that will hold them in good stead.
‘That is why many of us [adults] look to help the youngsters. After all, if we do not look after the kids, we have got no future,’ she said.
Article posted on 14th July, 2008 - 2.29pm
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