Reaseheath College’s Equestrian Centre has come up with a novel way to keep horse riders happy during coronavirus restrictions.
The Nantwich, Cheshire, college is offering online dressage and showing competitions to replace its regular events, which have been cancelled until further notice.
Riders can choose their classes, perform their dressage test or show at home and upload a video for judging. The performances are scored by a listed British Dressage judge or experienced showing judge and score sheets and rosettes are delivered by post.
The unaffiliated dressage classes on offer are (Juniors) Intro A, Prelim 1, Novice 24 and (Seniors) Intro B, Prelim 14 and Novice 28. The online showing classes are in-hand and ridden and feature a champion and reserve champion in both sections.
Entries are open now via EQUO, the online entry system powered by Horse and Hound, and close on Friday April 17 (dressage) and Thursday April 30 (showing).
Videos should be sent to Reaseheath’s Equine Event Co-Ordinator at equineevents@reaseheath.ac.uk. The competitions are open to both members and non members of Reaseheath’s Riding Club.
Explained Phoebe: “By putting competitions online we are enabling our many regular competitors to compete while staying safe at their own home or yard. There’s no travelling or spectators and riders can choose to do their test or show when it suits them, so it’s completely stress free.
“It’s a fantastic way of competing and we’re hoping that it will give our riding community a way to continue enjoying their horses while restrictions last. Although it has been disappointing to cancel our events it is the responsible and right thing to do and our priority will continue to be the health and safety of our staff and visitors.
“We will be rolling over entries and bookings to future competitions and events and will be in touch with all our competitors once these can be re-arranged.”
For further information, rules and to enter click the links below:
Reaseheath’s equestrian events team has also launched an online photographic competition in conjunction with professional photographer Emma Wilding of SkyLimit Photography. Emma, who regularly photographs competitors at Reaseheath’s competitions, will judge the photos and give feedback to all who enter.
There are eight classes, rosettes to sixth place and the overall winner will receive a photoshoot with SkyLimit Photography worth £200.
Entries and details are again via EQUO here and images should be sent to equineevents@reaseheath.ac.uk. Entries close Thursday 30 April.
