Big thanks to Helen for giving yet another successful flatwork clinic on 14 March, especially as she had only recently broken some ribs and was in considerable pain when she arrived!  Hope you are on the mend now!  All those having lessons were very pleased with the progress they made and have asked if we can arrange another date for Helen to return.  Watch this space for further information.

Banwell Equestrian Centre hosted its first Pony Camp on 27 and 28 August with 10 youngsters enjoying 2 days of fun and adventure.  Ages ranging from 8-14 years.   Both children and ponies alike were very well behaved and there was a good atmosphere of fun and frolic.  The Wednesday morning saw everyone arrive at 9am with the first classes of flatwork and showjumping and stable management starting at 9.30am.  A break at 11am with plenty of mum's homemade lemon drizzle cake went down a treat (especially by Aaron).  The groups then swapped over.  After lunch came the fancy dress dressage to music competition.  Everyone had made a supreme effort with their costumes and we had Spiderman, Moulan Warrior, Supergirl, Catwoman, ScoobyDoo & Daphne, Storm & other superheros!  After the evening bbq we played some unmounted games and the evening was rounded off with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

A few bright sparks were up at 6am on Thursday, ready and raring to go.  After breakfast we had two groups off doing the Find & Build Treasure Hunt and one group off on the cross-country course.  After a mid-morning break the groups swapped over.  Lunch was followed by prize giving with everyone receiving a certificate of attendance and others receiving certificates for best fancy dress, best show, quickest team on the Find & Build, most improved in the flatwork & showjumping lessons, and others.

Big thanks to my mum for all her hard work behind the scenes cooking and providing for us all, Sam for teaching the flatwork and showjumping classes and also to Sharon for instructing the younger ones Wednesday morning and for the judging in the afternoon.  Also thanks to our helpers, Bec and Hannah - without you all it wouldn't have been the success it was. x

Fun was definitely had by all and we look forward to seeing all the kids again at our next Funday!  Stay tuned on the website for forthcoming events!

Banwell Equestrian Centre hosted its first Summer Show on 27 July 2008.  We had dressage and showing classes in the morning and working hunter and showjumping classes in the afternoon. 

What a glorious day, it must have been the hottest day of the year by far!  We had lots of competitors and lots of horses and ponies all superbly turned out for the day's events.  Most people hacked here from the local area and some people travelled from as far as Shepton Mallet!  The day ran very smoothly and Madge's Big Bap Cafe came through with great food and refreshments to keep everyone well fed and watered - thanks Madge! 

Big thanks to all our judges, especially Celia Lewis who took time out from her own busy competing schedule to judge the dressage classes and also to our old pals Lea and Julie who came all the way from Salisbury to judge the showing classes.  Thanks to all that helped make the day the success it was and of course to all those that competed - we hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did. Hope to see you all again, same time next year!

If anyone would like to make any suggestions as to what events they would like us to hold here at B.E.C. then please drop me an email.

A very windy day dawned upon us and the attendees of the March Medley.  However, we battled forward against the tempest and the groups put their horses through their paces in the flatwork lesson followed up with some flash jumping.  Considering some of the ladies hadn't  jumped for some time, they all did fantastically well! 

After a spot of lunch (including my mums famous lemon drizzle cake), the teasure hunt commenced.  The group was split into 2 teams which headed off in different directions in search of clues.   To continue with the Easter theme, the idea was to find clues which held a hidden number and these numbers could be traded for items to make an Easter Bonnet.  The winning bonnet had to be worn without any of its adornments falling off which was quite a tricky task when you had to fix mini eggs to a straw hat!!  We had our own special Easter Bunny hop in to judge the winning team - thanks Sharon!!

Please see all the corresponding photos of the day in the Gallery and keep an eye on the events section for up and coming events.