Sunshine all the way at Anslow

 It was sunshine all the way at Anslow for Midlands Carriagedriving’s first ODE of the
season on 11 May. From small ponies to horse pairs, all categories were catered for
at this lovely venue with its panoramic views across the Derbyshire countryside.

During the winter organiser Paul Hart had been hard at work, revamping and building
new obstacles, which were well received. Twelve competitors took advantage of the
opportunity to have a go at their first event, buff up some training or just get back into
the swing of things. It was good to see Maryjane and Frank Campbell taking part
with their pony and horse pair respectively and persuading them that the water
splash really wasn’t as scary as they thought – though Frank’s pair did manage a
hasty exit up the bank at the first attempt.

Newcomers Matt Rees and Aaron Kelly both had good rounds in Novice Pony with
Matt overtaking Aaron after dressage to take the class. Megan Wheeldon (Open
Pony) and Jon White (Novice Horse) were the only ones to notch up double clears in
the cones though Matt almost made it with just three time penalties. Linda Wiggin,
driving in the Intermediate Pony class, produced the best dressage of the day, 52.40,
while Sandra White drove a zippy marathon to overtake Margaret Wharmby and win
the Small Pony class.

Further dates for the ODEs at Anslow in 2025 will be Sunday’s 22 June, 13 July, 17
August and 14 September while Midlands hosts a Training Day at Bennington
Carriages, near Newark in Nottinghamshire, on Friday 16 May. Open from 2.00pm
until 7.00pm, this is another opportunity to practice any or all three phases with
assistance and/or feedback if requested. Pre-entry (£30) is required.

Don’t forget to put the club’s Two-Day Event at Onley Grounds in Warwickshire in
your diary. Held from 26 to 27 July Onley will host a Two-Day National alongside the
Junior Championships and Club classes. The dressage and cones arenas are on
lovely flat ground while the premises boast permanent toilets and showers as well as
a café. All entries for training and competitions can be made via the MC website at
www.midlandscarriagedriving.co.uk

                                                                Margaret Warmby

Julie Down

Megan Wheeldon

Elizabeth Greensmith

Matt Rees

Aaron Kelly

Sandra White

Frank Campbell

Miriam Parker

Linda Wiggin

Jon White

Mary Jane Campbell























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