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South West Branch of Endurance AGM

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The South West Branch of Endurance GB celebrated the end of a very successful season with their fourth AGM and Award Ceremony at Trethorne Leisure Farm, which was attended by over one hundred members.

The raffle organised by Val and Tony Crocker raised over £100 for the group. Contributions included items from the members and region's sponsors Woof Wear, Blue Chip Feed Balancer and Ariat.

Master of Ceremonies Mat Stanley got the awards ceremony underway with guest of honour Wendy Dunham, Chairman of Endurance GB awarding the Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Shields to Joy Savage, Carolyn Paget and Linda Clarke respectively. In addition, Carolyn's hardy Exmoor cross mare Midnight Mischief, better known to her friends as 'Shrimp' also picked up the Hairy Harry/Harriet award for the non-registered mare or gelding to receive the highest points in the region and Joy's mare Rowberton Raindance received the Laila's reward top mare perpetual trophy.

The Kernow and Devonian Awards were received by Ann Hawke and Christine Dean respectively. New comer to the sport of Endurance Ann from Herodsfoot and her outstanding Arabian mare Salsola were also awarded the runner up prize to Julie Marshall and her horse Gold Shaliffe in the 'Darkness Shield' when they achieved the highest points in rides with a registered Part/purebred Arabian.

Isobel Knott and her horse Campyer won the novice trophy for their achievement in their first endurance season. Isobel also received the new Blue Zephyr Memorial Trophy for their achievement as a junior rider within the region. The runner up was Tessa Chisholm whom the region hopes will follow in the hoof-prints of her mother Jo.

One of the regions most talented and consistent young riders Carri Ann Dark received the South West Junior Rider Trophy, with runner up going to ten year old Daniel Lethbridge, whose pony Poldice Domino also picked up the Heather trophy as the highest placed native pony in the South West.

The Young Riders Achievement award went to Rachel Bishop from St Austell and her amazing pony mare Scarlet. Scarlet also received the silver plated "Sheira Shoe" for the mare's amazing success this year in Endurance Rides (ERs) ranging from 80 - 120km in distance.

Judy White's talented part-bred Arabian gelding Bowdell Diplomat from Minions picked up the Prince Merlin Trophy and Answar Arabian Challenge following their success at the Golden Horseshoe and Cirencester Park Festival amongst other flagship competitions. Judy was also welcomed into the 'Ton-up Club' with Kay Bond, Jackie Whitely, who also won the 'Moluq Trophy' and World Equestrian Games hopefuls Catriona Moon and Ann Jobson following their successful completion of FEI 160km one-day events this season.

Val Crocker's Prince Ladem and Jane James's Steel Tobias were also amongst the winners being presented with the Glory Trophy and Jigsaw Puzzle Perpetual Trophy.

Ann Jobson's crew Pete was also nationally recognised when he was presented by Blue Chip Feed Balancers sponsored rider Rachael Claridge with the Borthwick Back-up trophy, which uncannily was won by the Claridge Team in 2004. Pete has supported Ann and Samson Hidalgo single handed this season in competitions ranging from 15km training rides to the 160km and 120km FEI one-day rides at Euston and Cirencester Park where the Cornish combination achieved first and second place.

Wendy Dunham concluded the proceedings with the most prestigious award of the evening the SW achievement Award. Previous winners of this trophy have included Jo Claridge, Ian Williams and Eric Jones. The 2005 winner was unveiled as Mrs Barbara Bullion who announced her retirement from affiliated endurance events earlier this year following years of involvement with the sport as a competitor and ride organiser. However, in jest she said "I'll be back". Her husband Dennis was also awarded with a gift from the SW committee for his commitment to the region.