So you think showing isn't for you?

So you think showing isn't for you? Well we're determined to prove you wrong. Join the team at Leigh and District Horse and Pony Club—where there is something for everyone.

I’ve never done it before. Horseowners of all abilities are welcome at Leigh and District. Younger riders who are not as confident can try lead rein classes, first year first ridden or capabil-ity ridden. Older riders who are new to showing can try our novice classes.

My horse isn’t a registered breed. We have classes for every type of horse, from mini cobs and veterans to retired racehorses. Why not try a riding club horse or pony class where your horse will pop a small fence, or family pony if you have that rarest of creatures, a true all-rounder. Equitation classes are open to all breeds and our showjumping starts at 40cm.

I prefer dressage. We have an open style and per-formance class which would be perfect for those aspiring to wear top hat and tails. The show in-cludes a three or four loop serpentine, lengthened trot and extended canter across the diagonal. We also have both in hand and ridden classes for sport/competition/dressage horses.

My child just can’t stay clean for long enough to make it into the ring. That’s why we have the Thelwell pony and rider class!

We have shows throughout the summer, visit our website for more information

Tell us on Twitter (@leighridingclub) why you love showing - use the hashtag #showingisforme

PRESEASON SHOW SUNDAY, MARCH 18TH

Championship news and dressage is back!

Hello all!

Sorry it's been so long, it's been incredibly busy over at L&D towers. However we're thrilled to report that last weekend we won the Osbaldeston Classics showing championships by a whopping 60 point margin. We're really pleased and would like to thanks everyone that came along and represented us. This weekend is the team showjumping event, so let's hope we can dominate that, too!

Here's Darren and Ann with our trophies...



In other news, Leigh and District's winter dressage series has returned for its third year, giving horse owners in the North West the chance to brush up their dressage skills from next month riding their tests in the shelter of our indoor school.
Once again, we're offering separate classes for beginner riders and green horses aged six and under, plus a choice of two prelim and two novice tests.
For those who become dressage members there is the chance to compete for an end-of-season trophy, while the test schedule has been co-ordinated to help horses and riders improve over the course of the season.
Leigh and District's dressage committee pride themselves on being the friendliest in the area and are always happy to answer questions from newbies and provide advice on everything from tack and togs to how to interpret the judge's comments.
The first competition will take place on Sunday, October 9th, at Landlords Farm Equestrian Centre, on Dicconson Lane in Aspull, Lancashire.
For more information, test schedule, membership and entry forms, email leighanddistrict@yahoo.co.uk.

Show clinics and dressage

There are no more places left for the January clinic with Julie Templetone. If you have paid for a place but haven't heard about what time your slot is yet, please email leighanddistrict@yahoo.co.uk

Places for the February clinic are also going fast! You can download a booking form from the Leigh and District website but if you are an M&M owner I would recommend texting first to check there are spaces available. Absolutely no calls before 6pm on weekdays please!

We are also now taking entries for the next dressage competition on February 13. Again, you can find more details from the Leigh and District website. It's a great chance to come and try your hand at dressage, and we have classes for everyone, from beginners to elementary.

For the March competition and the dressage day in July (details yet to be announced) I am considering holding a VHS dressage champs qualifier if enough people are interested. Please comment below to let me know your thoughts.

I am also thinking of organising two one-hour clinics at the July event if there is enough interest - again, comments below please!

Julie Templeton places going fast!

Just a quick note to say that places on the Julie Templeton clinics are going fast. The clinics will take place on Sunday January 31st and Sunday February 28th. Booking forms are available from our website and cheques should be made out to Leigh and District Horse & Pony Club.

Julie Templeton showing clinics

Top show rider Julie Templeton will be holding two showing clinics at Leigh and District next year to help people prepare for the new season.
Julie’s impressive list of wins and placings includes HOYS, the BSPS champs and the RIHS.
A gift voucher for a session would make the perfect Christmas present for any horse-mad friends or family who want to be in the ribbons next season.
The clinics will take place at Landlords’ Farm Equestrian Centre, Dicconson Lane, Aspull, on Sunday January 24th and Sunday February 28th.
Sessions will last an hour and each session will be divided into types, so it is relevant to each participant's needs. There will be no more than six horses in each class.
Each session costs £25 per horse.
For more information, ring Kat on 07833 523295 or visit www.leighanddistrict.co.uk