The year is drawing to a close. Alison Drew and I have been busy collating all the paperwork to go out ahead of the AGM on 13 December 2025, to be held at The Chequers on the Green, High Halden. We hope that you will join us for both the AGM and the meal.
The outdoor season for WHC has concluded and although the Club did not run quite as many competitive events or training sessions as anticipated, it was good to see so many participants at those run at Bethersden, Bluemans Farm and Lamb’s Farm. The indoor season has already started and many club members are already travelling to events in Kent, Surrey and beyond. I hope to offer indoor training sessions after Christmas and will publish dates when available. P&P, cones and obstacle training will be offered: I just need to confirm the venue. Later, Course Building, Back Stepping and Groom role training will be offered.
On a personal level I am pleased to announce that British Carriagedriving has promoted me from List 3 to List 2 as a Dressage Judge. I am already in demand at 3 National events in 2026. I continue to undertake Pace judging at the Kent indoor events. I will be visiting Merrist Wood over the winter as one of my horses is taking part at the competitions with 2 separate drivers.
I am delighted that WHC has 4 young drivers within the membership, three of whom have been taking part in the British Young Drivers (BYD) training programme this year attending clinics at Stow on the Wold, Onley and Moreton Morrell. The fourth member will join them at the next camp in January 2026. It would be tremendous if these young people can meet the grade to be selected to represent Team GB in 2026 and beyond. I will do my utmost to support each of them at the camps and at Indoor and Outdoor events showcasing their ability and skills.
I am putting together potential dates for WHC events in 2026. We will continue to use venues at Bethersden, Westfield, Paddock Wood. These, however, rely on good weather re ground conditions and/or hay crops having been harvested. It is the Club’s intention to put on more World Cup style events, afternoon training sessions, and another 2-day training camp ahead of a One Day Event, provisionally 16-18 July 2026. Personally, I would like to see a return to more traditional ODE with formal wear for dressage and cones, rather than just marathon attire. In compromise, carriage widths may be permitted at marathon widths. Watch out for the schedule.
Regarding event Schedules – these are very important as they set out the rules and class structures for an event, ranging from the dressage arena size to the number of classes on offer. WHC has class structure and progression on the website. British Carriagedrivng has quite a fulsome section for all competitors from Gateway Newcomers through to Advanced, BYD, VSE and Small Equines. Structure and progression out of one class to the next can be complicated or, perhaps, intimidating but this is not the intention.
I remain grateful to my Committee and all stewards, judges, helpers and friends who have aided the putting on of events for the Club. Without you, nothing could be run. I am looking forward to 2026 and hope, myself to be out competing with my horses, plus running events. I do this in conjunction with being self-employed and running businesses from home. Please consider joining our Committee as fresh insight and ideas are always welcome. Complete the Nomination Form if you wish to join us. You do not have to be an active carriage driver, merely someone with some time and interest.
Here’s hoping you had a great 2025 summer season, do well over the Winter at the Indoor events and you join us in 2026 for events, training and social get togethers.
Jane Lamb, Chair