10 Jun 09: RVC lecture - Lameness and imaging

'Brief lecture on lameness assessment' - David Bolt
'Practical on gait analysis' - Thilo Pfau
'Demo of the diagnostic imaging centre' - Renate Weller

This lecture will involve discussion of traditional lameness examination, the lameness exam of the future and demonstration of all the technology in our state of the art diagnostic imaging centre.

Tickets must be booked in advance, so please register first - they cost £10. Tel: 01707 666865 or email: cpd@rvc.ac.uk.

15 Nov 08: BHS Hertfordshire Quiz Night

In November, more than 100 people attended a sell out Quiz and Supper evening at Bayford Memorial Hall. The winning team, Smarty Pants, are pictured below. A raffle was also held durng the evening with the donation of some fantastic prizes including a riding lesson with Grand Prix dressage rider, Daniel Sheriiff. All the money raised will be used for welfare and bridleways projects in Hertfordshire.

The winning team are presented with their prizes by committee member and quiz organiser Dawn Grocock (left) who is also BHS district representative for County Hall and East Herts.

TREC Training (19 Oct 08) and Competition (26 Oct 08) at Chesfield Equestrian Centre, near Stevenage

Jocelyn Drummond, Chairman of BHS Hertfordshire, writes,

I am delighted to report that both the Trec training day and competition the following week were very well attended and extremely successful.As a complete newcomer to Trec I had great fun, met lots of nice enthusiastic people and lovely and very varied horses and ponies.I would like to thank all the hardworking people who enabled the two days to take place,especially our Trec expert Anita Thomas and her friends from East Anglia Trec.

There has already been interest expressed for further training sessions,including one for junior riders and for a repeat of the competition next year.Do let me know your ideas and comments.

The results of the Kelly Marks classes should be on the main BHS website soon.

15 Apr 08 - Carpenders Park - path recorded

Our work with the Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust and the Bushey and District Footpaths Association to record paths in Watford Rural parish (Carpenders Park) is paying off!

In the mid 1990s, we applied for a path alongside the railway line on the basis that some riders had used it and it seemed to be heavily used by walkers and cyclists. The path has been recorded as Restricted Byway 32 Watford Rural.

After being turned down by the county council, we appealed to the Secretary of State, who directed that an order be made. Now, the order is confirmed and the period for any legal challenge has passed. A plan of the route can be seen on the PGBT web site by visiting www.pgbt.org.uk and selecting 'Latest path safeguarded'.

Our Hertsmere access officer gave a talk at the BADFA AGM this year on the recording of this path. There was a good discussion, and it appears that there are various additional paths yet to be recorded in Watford Rural parish (as bridleways as well as footpaths). We will be working with BADFA and PGBT to collect the evidence needed.

Hertfordshire Highways have consulted about the conversion of Watford Rural 4 (footpath) to cycle track. We objected to this designation as it would exclude horses, whereas bridleway status would allow walkers, cycles and riders. This route is also part of the planned H25, and is part of the last remaining section in Hertfordshire to be created. If you cycle or ride near this area, or live locally and would like to help the bridleway designation take place please get in touch by following the link below.

15 Nov 07 - BHS honours an exceptional trainer: Sue Payne

The British Horse Society today (Thursday, 15 November 2007) showed its appreciation to the individuals and organisations who have supported the leading equestrian charity's work - at an awards ceremony in London. The BHS presented 26 awards to individuals or organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to the BHS's work, at the event at Saddlers' Hall in the City of London.

In presenting the Trainers Award to Sue Payne of Shenley, Hertfordshire, Desi Dillingham, BHS President, said:

"Sue Payne FBHS is a dedicated trainer of the highest quality who shows that she can empathise with her pupils. She is renowned for her excellent work with exam candidates, and regularly trains and mentors candidates for their BHSI and Fellowship Exam.

Sue has trained many eventers at different levels, and supports them at competitions whenever she can. She also trained Anna Ross Davies, a key member of the GB dressage team.

Sue has been a Where to Train Inspector since 1994, and was instrumental in the development of the high standards required for Where to Train inspection. She is a very thorough and an utterly reliable Inspector.

A life member of the Society, Sue has been training for a considerable number of years. She passed her Fellowship examination in 1987, and is now one of only a handful of Fellows who examine for the Fellowship."

18 Oct 07 - BHS congratulates Croxley Green Campaigners

The British Horse Society today congratulated the 'Keep Croxley Green Group' for their success in their application to record land at Croxley Green as a village green.

17 Oct 07 - BHS Hertfordshire Annual Meeting and talk by Gary Davis on 'Equine Rambling'

Dozens of members and supporters came to the 2007 BHS Hertfordshire Annual Meeting. The commitee were re-elected, although it was noted that there is a vacancy for a new chairman, and for a district representative for Broxbourne.

After the formal business, Gary Davis gave an interesting and humorous talk on his introduction to equine rambling, including his ride to Wales, and the first half of his ride to The Wash. Those that missed the talk can read a synopsis.

24 Jul 07: A1(M) bridleroute crossing recorded - a boost for the H251 project and local riders

The bridge over the A1(M) near Swanland Road has now been recorded as a restricted byway, following our application supported by evidence collected by the Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust and North Mymms Riding Club. This bridge marks the start of the H251 North London Bridleroute, and is adjacent to the junction of the H251 with the H25 London Orbital Bridleroute. Photographs and more information are published by the Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust, the local BHS-affiliated bridleways group.

8 Aug 06: A41 bridleroute crossing opens - a boost for the H25 project and local riders

The new underpass of the A41, constructed by the Highways Agency, had its official opening on Tuesday 8 Aug 06. This crosing enables riders in Bushey to reach the bridleways in Aldenham without having to cross the A41 on the level. Anyone who has driven down the A41 would know how awful that used to be! Now, there is purpose built route passing under the A41, by using some of the verge of the M1 motorway where it also goes under the former trunk road. Photographs and more information are published by the Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust, the local BHS-affiliated bridleways group.

20 May 06: Canter into BHS Access Week - We need your help in Creating A Network To Encourage Riding in Hertfordshire

On Saturday 27 May 06, the British Horse Society in Hertfordshire will launch the first of a number of network projects at the County Show. Our initial project is to complete the Stevenage Horse and Pony Route, as part of the national BHS Access Week (20 - 29 May 06). This year’s theme is CANTER - Creating a Network to Encourage Riding.