WITHERIDGE RIDING CLUB – Quadrille Wizards Qualify for Olympia

Witheridge Riding Club is very proud that once again their Quadrille team have qualified for one of the biggest events in the equine showing calendar, as they will be competing at London’s International Horse Show at Olympia in December. Their 2014 theme is The Wonderful Witheridge Wizards.  For their routine the four horses and riders are kitted out in flowing costumes, complete with long white beards (riders only!) as they perform a 10 minute sequence of flowing moves in walk, trot and canter, to the music of Harry Potter.

The enterprising team is made up of local girls Cheryl Munday riding Mabel, Sharon Routley on Holly, Carol Luxton on Foxy and Carolyn Day with Rowan, with Sally Watts on Nibbles as reserve. 

The Wonderful Witheridge Wizards, along with three other riding club teams, beat off strong opposition at Bury Farm, near Leighton Buzzard to qualify for Olympia. They came a close second to Saffron Waldron Riding Club with their Seven Dwarfs theme, beating Witheridge by only a tiny 2% margin; both of these were well ahead of the teams awarded third and fourth place.

Ros Fisher-Smith, Membership Secretary of Witheridge Riding Club said:

“We are absolutely delighted that our hard working Quadrille team have qualified again for this major event.  This result is well deserved and follows many months of hard work by the riders and their supporters. The planning started very early in 2014 in a local pub, and gradually progressed to dressage on foot in Molland Village Hall! Since the spring they have made a regular weekly commitment to ridden practice sessions, not to mention plenty of sewing and other forms of costume making. We will all be waiting with bated breath as they ride in the final, on the morning of Sunday December 21st. “

Quadrille team member Sharon Routely said:

“We are very excited about going to Olympia, and want to thank our Ground Crew and everyone else that has help and supported us in anyway.  We couldn’t have done this without them.  Whatever happens on the day, it is an honour to ride there and as it is a Christmas event, there is always a brilliant, fun atmosphere so we are determined to enjoy every minute!”

As there are considerable costs attached to competing at Olympia The Wizards will be holding fundraising events, including a quiz at The Sportsman Inn, Sandyway near North Molton on 22nd November. 

This is always a great value night out, with a delicious roast meal and a team quiz event for just £10 per person; something sociable to do on a Winter’s night!  Teams can be 4-6 people.  They will also be holding a Christmas Draw and a Come Dine type supper, both dates to be confirmed.  For further details please see the Witheridge Riding Club website www.witheridgerc.org.  Sponsorship offers would also be welcomed.  Please ring Sharon Routley on 01398 341932 or Carol Luxton on 07799 587117 for quiz tickets, or further information regarding any of the above.