EVENTS


D. Francisco de Braganca ~ Breeder of Lusitano horses and Classical Dressage Trainer from Portugal ~ 30th September - 3rd October, 2008.

D. Francisco will be at Middlepart from 30th September until 3rd October, 2008. If you are interested in taking a lesson with D. Francisco, please phone Middlepart (01294 463531) or email : middlepartfarm@aol.com.


D. Francisco and Pascoa.

To find out more about D. Francisco and his approach to the training of horse and rider, click here to visit his website.


Dressage Clinics

We have now held eight Dressage Clinics. The emphasis is upon learning rather than competition. The format is three riders per group who, after a short warm-up lesson, each ride a 'test' of their choosing (from a choice of 2 or 3). This test is marked and the judge's comments are used as the basis for the group instruction that follows. Each rider then attempts their test again. This time they choose whether they wish to be remarked or 'taught' through the test by the instructor. In this way the tests are used as a way of focusing attention on particular schooling problems or difficulties for each horse/rider combination. No scores are posted so the only person you compete against is yourself!

The next event is scheduled for Check back for details of next event. If you are interested in taking part, please phone 01294 463531 for details of places available.


Dressage with Music

Our first "Dressage with Music" event took place on Tuesday 6th July. Everyone agreed that it was a fun event. We had two main competitions. The first competition demanded horse and rider to execute some set 'movements' to their chosen piece of music. The second competition produced displays from hula-hula girls, a drunk, a cowboy, a Portuguese rider and characters from Grease! The music was great and the weather was perfect. We hope to have another event like this in the near future, so watch here for further details.






Fun Jumping

We hold regular 'jumping nights' where the emphasis is upon "fun". We use simple courses that encourage horses and riders to jump safely and develop their confidence andd abilities. Points are mounting up so we'll see who's who on the leader board soon. (However, big points are definitely owed to Julie and Rico for managing beautifully controlled and rhythmic 'trotting poles' at a height of about 55cm! Robyn and Rosie also deserve some recognition for having the longest journey to the first jump!). The next 'fun jump' is scheduled for Thursday 31st March ~ starting at 7pm.



Photos from fun jump on Thursday 31st March.





Charity Fun Day ~ 7th August, 2004

Middlepart held its second charity fun day on Saturday 7th August, 2004. The weather was fantastic and participants tried their hand at three different equestrian activities. The first activity was barrel racing.

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing contestants compete for the fastest time in running a triangular, cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. The horse and rider are allowed a running start and time begins and ends upon crossing a visible starting line. The pattern can be started either from the left or right. Touching a barrel is permitted but attempts in which contestants knock over a barrel or go off the prescribed course are excluded.


The second activity was a mini cross-country course around the field with ten jumps including brush fences, haybales, a blue plastic sheeting 'water' jump, and logs.


The third activity, the 'Dressage Challenge' comprised ten 'obstacles' selected from the 'obstacle' stages of Le Trec and Working Equitation competitions. Other activities included a fancy dress, bareback barrel racing and a human cross country.


There were rosettes for 1st to 6th place in many different categories (i.e. age of horse, age of rider, size of horse), so most participants left with a rosette or two! The day's events, which included a raffle with prizes donated by friends and local businesses,raised £900 which was shared equally between the North Ayrshire Cancer Care, Diabetes UK - Ayrshire Voluntary Group, and The Brooke Hospital for Animals.


We thank everyone involved for their help, support and participation and look forward to next year's event!

Pictures of the day can be seen if you click here



Home Setting History Facilities Stud Events Approach Holidays Friends