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BSJA Area 36 News

Area 36 News from Heather Jenkins

I have recently taken over as Area Representative from Helen Evans, and would like to take this opportunity in thanking her for her extremely hard work and dedication to Area 36. Helen was Area Rep for 4 years but had been on the Area Committee for 30 years. Helen is known through out Wales and much of GB for her many successes in the jumping ring.

Over the years, Helen has taught hundreds of children to jump, encouraging them to take part in jumping competitions and allowing them to enjoy the sport- win or lose. Through her, a great number of these youngsters have joined the B.S.J.A, represented Wales and Great Britain , and by doing this, has put Area 36 on the map. As many of us know, Helen is not one to be argued with, especially as one poor steward found out when he received a right hook from Helen at last years Bridgend Show!!! Please remember this when she takes up her role as judge at the B.S.J.A shows. Once again Helen - a big thank you.

Having had the printout of all members, owners, judges and show secretaries, I can probably account for knowing around 80% of you. Those I don't know, or don't know me, I would be very grateful if you could come up and say hello so that I can put a face to a name.

Since January, a new committee has been formed, and I would like to say a big thank you to the committee members that have left and would like to welcome the new committee membe

Sarah Thomas is the Deputy Area Representative as well as Secretary. Nia Lewis has taken on the role of Junior Representative and I would like junior members and their parents to contact Nia for any suggestions of classes etc. As the Area is extremely low in junior members, we are having an uphill struggle in keeping the junior classes at our local shows. There are so many juniors who jump at unaffiliated shows and are well capable of competing at affiliated classes. Please get out there and encourage them to join! Nia is willing to help anyone who is interested in joining and has managed to get 20 tickets to ride from the B.S.J.A.

Diane Evans has taken on the post of Training Organiser and as you will see from the newsletter, two training days have already been organised. Sarah, Diane, Nia and I were invited to attend a meeting recently with Area 35 and Corrine Bracken's representative Sally. The meeting was concerning the possibility of both areas setting up a separate Junior Academy Training. A grant of £2,000 is available from the B.S.J.A to set it up. The academy is open to any one and of any standard. The academy aims to provide progressive coaching rather than one off training sessions, using experienced BSJA Accredited Coaches to significantly improve riding skills and horse knowledge. The academy involves areas such as jumping, days with physiotherapists, nutritionists, course walking, lunging, studding etc. I would like to hear any comments from riders under the age of 21 years and their families, because we cannot do this without your help and support. Please ring Diane or myself as soon as possible as this will be discussed at both our committee meeting and when we visit Stoneleigh in April.

Alice Viles is the Under 25 Representative and Press Correspondent. We are trying to introduce Young Rider classes at most shows in the area and have been asked to run them under the age of 21 and at a height of 1m 05. Alice is an the middle of negotiating press coverage with 4 main local newspapers, the Welsh Rider and Anwen Francis who covers the Western Mail and S4C. Anyone who has any news please ring Alice or Sarah, or E-Mail Jane on our website. We need show jumping coverage in these newspapers.

Other members of the committee are Julia Rowarth who has taken on the post of treasurer, Charles Morgan (newsletter), Eurig Eynon and Paul Evans (senior riders).

We are here to help you, so please get in touch. Without you telling us what you want, we won't know!!!!

Up to date news:

The committee have already applied to the BSJA for two winter shows - senior show on October 25 th and a mixed show on November 29 th . We are waiting confirmation.

Vaughan Williams has applied for a new set of jumps from John Dooney. There might be a possibility of the old set being for sale. Please give Vaughan a ring.

Each Area receives a grant to hold 3 training days with accredited trainers. The Area will make sure that they take full advantage of this opportunity, and every member will have the opportunity to take part.

We have arranged a meeting with all heads of different departments at the BSJA office on the 30 th of April. If anyone has any points to be raised at this meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please remember that the secretaries and the judges give their time voluntarily. We are extremely grateful because without them there would be no shows. Finally I would like to wish everyone the best of luck for the coming season and look forward to seeing you all.

Heather Jenkins

Area 36 Representative