BYRDS NW NEWSLETTER - British Dressage

I n t h i s
i s s u e :
� The Camp Experience
� High Performance Camps
� New Initiatives
� NW Championships
� Getting involved
� Comments from the NW
Chairperson
C o n t e n t s :
2012 Into the New Year
Moira Lafferty
BYRDS
An Introduction
April Camp
Hebbe Williamson
National High Performance
Camps
Emily Watts
National High Performance
Camps
Chloe Whitney
Getting involved in BYRDS
NW
Sarah Brooks
Devan Bellis
NW Championship
Show
Maddie Whelan
Laura Bennett
Ruth Kennerley
Lauren Wilson
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
BYRDS NW Team Spirit 11
Guide to teams 2012 12
BYRDS NW AWARDS
2012
13
Training Award Details 14
Comments from the
NW Chair
Judith Harris
15
Off the Wall 17
BYRDS NW
NEWSLETTER
The NW BYRDS Newsletter is published 3 times a year
Summer (August/Sept), Winter (December) and Spring
Welcome everyone to the
Spring / Summer BYRDS NW
Newsletter. We have had loads
of positive feedback about the
Christmas edition and inside this
one you will find lots of interesting
articles about BYRDS written
by our members.
I am still looking for more
BYRDS members to volunteer to
be part of the Newsletter Editorial
Team so if you fancy a career
in journalism, enjoy writing articles
or just want to help out
please let me know.
We are also looking for more
S P R I N G / S U M M E R E D I T I O N M A Y 2 0 1 2
Your news, by
you, for you!
(April/May)
people to join our volunteers list so
if you can spare time to help one
of the best BYRDS regions just
drop me an email.
If you are already a BYRDS NW
member then read on and relive
through your friends the events of
the last couple of months. If your
new to BYRDS or fancy attending
camp then read the camp reviews!
There are new initiatives a foot for
2012 and it’s your chance to get
involved and be part of one of the
best BYRDS regions so don’t delay,
remember to update your contact
details forms to-day!
Contacting your BYRDS Rep Dr. Moira Lafferty
To contact me either send me an email to moira.lafferty@o2.co.uk
or ring on 07808 924695.
SUPPORTING
BYRDS NORTH WEST

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to our first newsletter
of 2012, and I hope
this finds you all well and
enjoying the sunshine
(which means by the time
you read this the wind and
rain will have returned,
sorry in advance).
We began the year with
our usual monthly training
clinics and twelve of our
top A and B squad riders
were selected to attend
the National High Performance
Camps which ran
from January to March.
This is a new National initiative
and I would urge anyone
who fulfils the criteria
to apply for selection this
year, watch out for the adverts,
if you want to know
more about them read our
riders reviews.
April arrived and it was our
first camp of the year at
Somerford Park. We are so
lucky to have access to
such a brilliant facility and
having learnt from last
time we turned the cooker
and showers on with no
problems. Our Friday
evening get together set
the tone for the weekend
and it was great to see
how all our riders developed
their skills and made
new friends over the two
days. Saturday saw everyone
training, test riding
and taking part in a Pilates
workshop taken by Kathy
Flinn. Our gym ball supply
has now grown and at one
point it seemed that they
were going to take over
the canteen. Thanks to
everyone who came to the
rescue inflating balls!
On Saturday afternoon rid-
2012 A new year! —The
BYRDS Rep Review
ers and parents were treated
to a most informative talk from
World Class Farrier Ian
Hughes. We are so lucky that
so many experts continue to
give up their time to help us,
and help you, develop your
equestrian knowledge.
Saturday evening concluded
with our usual team building
activities with plenty of sparkle
and bling as riders became
fashion designers as to what
the 2012 rider should be wearing.
Special thanks must go to
compere extraordinaire Toni
Jennings who provided a running
commentary as each
model took to the catwalk.
We moved from Camp into our
NW Championship show and
we survived what can only be
described as appalling weather
which tested our famous team
spirit to the max. However, as
always we did control what we
did and you all rode amazingly,
with lots of laughter and smiles
despite the weather. This
event would not happen without
the huge input and support
of Jane Whitney our Secretary,
Jill Watts as chief scorer and
prize and rosette coordinator
and of course the one person
who keeps the whole show going
Geoff Simpson. Most important
of all though is all our
sponsors who provide amazing
prizes, so thank you everyone
especially Annie at Albion for
the super Fledgling Chick prizes.
To everyone involved thank
you so much, I am sure we will
be talking about the ups and
downs of the day for a while to
come but there are one or two
special stories, so read on to
find out more.
P a g e 2
May arrived and just as we
think we can all take a
breather it was all hands on
deck at the Premier League
where BYRDS NW members
strutted their stuff down the
centre line of the catwalk
modelling equestrian fashion
as part of the Charity / Fundraising
evening. It was a brilliant
event and well done to
Lottie Flinn and Debbie
Halstead for organising and
coordinating the BYRDS input
from models through to the
all important Pimms! They
even managed to display the
Home International Team
Trophy as a mint pot holder,
patriotically decorated in red,
white and blue!
So everyone, a whirl wind
review of BYRDS NW year so
far, as I write this we are
gearing up to the first team
competition of the year the
Inter Regionals and remember
to keep your progress
charts up to date as we will
be putting out a call for updates
prior to final selection
for teams for Sheepgate BD
Under 25 National Championships
Teams and for the
Home International, details
inside.
Take care everyone, ride
well, and most of all have fun
over the coming months.
Moira and
Doodle.

The British Young Rider Dressage Scheme (BYRDS) is open to all young riders aged between 6-25 years of age. It
was set up in 1989 by Egon von Greyerz and Dane Rawlins and since then it has developed into an active part of
British Dressage, providing activities for all young riders across the country through regional and national training
events and competitions. All training is taken by highly qualified and experienced trainers so to get involved just
check out our Diary of Events on the NW pages of the BD website (click on the BYRDS link).
Squads and Squadding
The BYRDS Rider Squad tests are designed to focus on rider development. Fledglings ride
a specific Fledgling Test and once you move from Fledglings you can begin to move
through the squad levels from C to A. It is important to remember that the squad tests
are not pure dressage tests and are judged on rider position, influence, way of going and
accuracy.
P a g e 3
If you don’t know which squad you should be on ask your trainer at your next BYRDS Clinic or at Camp. All our train-
ers are also assessors and know the system really well, each training clinic covers all levels as sessions are individu-
ally tailored to each rider. Remember the system is all about development and progression, so keep practising so
you can move onto the next level.
BYRDS AN INTRODUCTION &
GENERAL INFORMATION
The BYRDS Camp Experience
BYRDS NW Camps are open to everyone (8 -25 years), and details of October Camp
have been released and you can also email Moira for information. It's a great opportuni-
ty to learn about dressage, meet like minded people and have a fun packed dressage
orientated weekend.
We have a limited number of places for people to attend unmounted, that way you can
come and meet everyone, be part of camp and take part in all the workshops. Email
Moira for details.
BYRDS Clinics are open to everyone. All our trainers cater for all age groups (6 -25) and all levels,
booking a place at one of the clinics is easy just contact the Clinic organiser (details are in the Diary
of Events), email me or check out the website. Come along, have fun and learn more about dres-
sage and the correct way of going.
http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/your_regions/
north_west_region#BYRDS
Having fun at Camp!

Unseasonal weather, galloping
farm rides, silver foil and
cling film were amongst the
challenges that we faced at
Somerford Park BYRDS
camp, in April 2012. After
travelling by car, boat and
box we finally arrived on Friday
13 th. We unpacked and
unloaded everything, settled
the horses before registration,
welcome and an introduction
by Moira.
On the first day we all had
our pairs lessons and recorded
squad tests. I was paired
Will Blackshaw and we were
taught by Patsy Bartram.
One of the most challenging
parts of our lesson was making
our reluctant horses walk
to the bottom of the arena
that was adjacent to the
farm ride gallops. Both of
our horses seemed to find
the sight of 15 Norwegian
ford ponies galloping past
them absolutely terrifying.
We discovered that, my
horse, Ulysses has a remarkable
talent for piaffe and
that Will’s horse could pirouette.
Patsy remained very
calm and encouraging and assured
us that the next lesson
would be much better. Later on
that day, we did our squad text
which Ulysses remained composed
for. I
was happy to be ranked as a B
squad rider. That evening after a
delicious home
cooked dinner, we partook in
one of Moira’s infamous ‘team
building sessions’
which involved the silver foil,
cling film and numerous other
Team Building BYRDS NW Style!
household items.
This entertained us and our parents.
On day two, I had a great pairs
lesson with Hannah Grummett
and taught again by Patsy. This
time round, Ulysses was more
willing as I had put on my rowels
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE REGIONALS SEE PAGE 11
P a g e 4
Camp April 2012
and there was a lack of galloping
ponies to distract him.
Patsy helped me with my half
-pass and shoulder in. After
lunch, the judge gave
me my video feed back on
my squad test, which looked
better than it felt which
was reassuring.
During the course of the
two days there was pilates
and a very informa- “ A great
tive talk, about laminitis weekend”
by one of the leading
farriers in the UK which By
was very interesting.
There was also a pairs Hebbe
ride but unfortunately Williamson
my partner, Rebekah
Wintle fell ill so we didn’t
take part. Over the
course of the two days, I enjoyed
myself and learnt
a lot about my horse. I would
like to thank Moira for organising
the camp and
the ladies in the kitchen for
producing some amazing
food.
DRESS CODE FOR TRAINING & CAMPS
Please remember that for all BYRDS training events you must wear a 3 point harness hat
and gloves. Shirts and tops must have sleeves in them.

I was fortunate enough
to be selected for a
BYRDS new initiative of
National High Performance
camps held in
the North and South.
With our region being
North West we were
sent up to sunny Hull
(in our case windy) for
3 weekends of intense
training with Dan Sheriff,
Daryl Thickitt, Andrew
Gould (much to
the mothers delight -
especially Ruth's!),
Becky Moody and Judy
Harvey.
The first and second
camp I had Dan as my
trainer, he was very
complimentary about
mine and Rio's partnership
even though in
Andrew Gould's words
she’s a 'gypsy pony'
(don't worry, we
didn't take it to heart.)
What was even more
positive was the fact
that Dan didn't tell me
anything our NW
trainer Patsy already
hadn't so I found
Rio's work went from
strength to strength
over the lessons,
getting some really
clean changes and
flowing half passes.
I also found the fitness
testing very
P a g e 5
National High Performance Camps
By Emily Watts
useful -
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My
legs still ache from the
wall sit, but the individually
tailored fitness
plans emailed to us are
really good and so is
the sports psychology
support we have been
given. We all got to pick
a championship test to
ride, so this was a good
chance for myself and
Chloe also to attempt
our first ever Medium
tests!! To my surprise it
did not go down too
badly as I read through
my sheet during the
judge feedback we also
had. Rio seemed to really
enjoy a slightly
harder test and got her
best marks for her half
passes - oh - and the
halt at the end which as
Chloe says so I should
as I don't have to do
anything!
I have found these
camps really inspiring
and a good confidence
boost to know my
training is along the
right lines and my gypsy
pony isn't all that
bad :). It was also a
great time
to make new friends
and catch up with all
North Westers who
were there and see
how well everyone's
horses and ponies
were going.
I urge anyone who
fulfils the criteria to
apply you will certainly
not regret it.
My thanks goes to “ I hope I
Willerby Hill Eques-
get
trian Centre for being
so organised selected
with stabling etc, this year!”
but especially Moira
giving up Rugby at
the last camp to
make it so so good
and for all her ideas
to make each camp
different, individual and
interesting. I hope i am
lucky enough to
get selected again
next year.
HPC Information
will be available on
the BD website!

At the beginning of this
year I was fortunate
enough to be selected
for the high performance
camps at Willerby
Equestrian Centre.
The three camps in
January, February and
March were great
preparation for the
season ahead and really
helped to develop
my knowledge as a rider.
The trainers that
we had were fantastic
and it was brilliant to
have a fresh pair of
P a g e 6
National High Performance Camps
by Chloe Whitney
eyes looking at you and
your horse. I had Dan
Sherriff for the first two
camps and for the final
one I had Becky Moody,
this was especially good
as I was able to continue
what I had learnt with
Dan to the next camp.
The continuity of the
three camps was one of
the best things about it
as you were able review
your progress every time
and develop on what you
had learnt from the previous
camp.
The structure of the
camps was quite similar
to what we have in our
North West camps but
they were designed to
be more specific to you
as an individual. Our
individual sports psychology
sessions and
the fitness sessions
were very helpful as it “ The
focused more on you
trainers
and how your fitness
and mental attitude were
can make a difference fantastic!”
to your horse’s way of
going. The video feedback
was one of the
best things about the
camps as you had the
opportunity to ride a
test at the level you
were competition at and
gained valuable feedback
from the judge.
BYRDS HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMP CRITERIA—You can apply for selection for
the National High Performance Camps if you are: Aged 14 and over, B squad level
or above, achieving 65% regularly at elementary. All details will go on the BD web-
site.
Sport Psychology HPC
Video Feedback
WELL DONE TO ALL BYRDS NW MEMBERS
SELECTED FOR THE HPC CAMPS 2012!
REPRESENTING THE NW IN 2012
Remember if you want to be considered for selection to represent the NW in
2012 you must have done 3 training sessions since August 2011. Camp counts
as 2 sessions.

My story starts in January, I was
extremely lucky to be given the opportunity
to ride a young dressage
horse owned by some friends.
The first time I saw her I was overwhelmed
and very excited, I immediately
fell in love and could not believe
this was actually happening.
The first time I rode her I felt this
was a true partnership and that we
could achieve great things.
I took part in a few affiliated competitions
and it was suggested to me
that I should enquire about joining
BYRDS NW.
I contacted Moira Lafferty who was
very friendly and helpful and she advised
me how to become involved.
Moira provided me with all the relevant
information to enable me to
book a place on the BYRDS NW
Camp to be held at Somerford Park
Having fun at BYRDS Camp
This year I got a new pony called
Gejser. After 2 months of getting
used to Gejser I started BYRDS North
West and we went to our first clinic
at Richard Currathers with Janet
Horswill who made me feel very welcome
and she introduced me to some
other members.
My mum found out that they had a
camp so she signed me up. I had no
and I spent the next fortnight driving
everybody mad about it as I was
very excited.
Once there I found everyone to be
very friendly and I had a wonderful
weekend and I found the training
very beneficial. Having being put into
Squad B I competed at the BYRDS
NW Summer Championship Show.
The weather conditions were far from
ideal but I enjoyed the experience
and had lots of fun.
I am now looking forward to future
events with BYRDS and I am very
pleased that I decided to join.
P a g e 7
Getting Involved in BYRDS NW
Stable Yard at Somerford
idea what to expect on this trip.
On the first day of camp I made
friends with Charlotte who had a stable
opposite me .On the second day
we got put in pairs for training I was
with Maddie and we became friends
too. I was very sad when camp finished
as I made really good friends
with people and learnt a lot.
I went to the BYRDS championships
show and met up again with my mates
which was really nice. I came
second in the C squad that day and
have now been picked to go to
Keysoe inter regional Championships
so I will be able to see all my friends
again and am looking forward competing
in the team for the first time.
“Loads of
fun!”
By Sarah
Brooks
“ I was
sad when
camp
finished”
By Devan
Bellis

P a g e 8
BYRDS NW CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
This was my first ever BYRDS NW
Championships and due to the windy
weather on the motorway we
nearly didn’t get there.
I’m very glad mum made the
journey though as we all had
a great day, despite the bad
weather. It was really nice to
see all the friends that I
made at camp two weeks before.
We warmed up in the wind
and rain but thankfully the
weather was better during my tests.
My favourite bit of the day was the
prize giving. I brought with me my
The day dawned very wet and very
windy with mum in two minds as to
whether we should go or not, especially
as we were in a borrowed
trailer. However we
decided to set off with layers
of waterproofs. Fortunately,
the rain did stop
whilst I was warming up for
my first test.
After having gone well in
the warm up, we did not
have high expectations of
my results as I wasn’t convinced
I had ridden my best
test and the standards of
other competitors was so
high. Although, I still came out of the
arena with a big smile on my face
which, as several of the judges know
in the past has not always been this
way as my previous horse would often
dump me in my tests. I then put the
two new puppies and all of my
friends had cuddles with them……
including Moira!
Everyone was lovely when I
won the Fledgling Championship
and I will always remember
the large amount
of prizes I was given!!
Even though the weather
was awful everyone kept
smiling and had fun! Thank
you Moira for a great day
out and I look forward to
the next one!
waterproofs back on and waited to
do my second test, which followed
shortly.
Tom relaxed enough to
perform a lovely second
test for me. This was
quickly followed by untacking
and getting warm and
dry. We then indulged in
the hot drinks and extremely
tasty cakes in the
café.
Before doing some retail
therapy, we thought we
would have a look at the
scores so far. To my surprise
and amazement I was in the
lead with only a few more competitors
to go. We then had an agonising,
nail biting wait until 3 o’clock to
see the final result.
By
Maddie
Whelan
Fledgling
Champion
By
C Squad
Champion
Laura
Bennett

Once again the BYRDS NW Championship
Show reflected how well
BYRDS NW work as a team and was a
credit to all those helped to organise
the event.
Despite the atrocious weather, the
turnout to the show was as busy as
expected and a good day was had by
all. A bit of a hiccup occurred when 2
classes were due to be run in the
same arena and there was an expected
delay of up to 30 minutes.
However, I was prepared to get wet
and bought lots of spare
clothes and waterproofs and
rugs for my horse, Rio. I
used the delay to my advantage
and made sure that
Rio was completely calm
and relaxed with his surroundings
and I think this
paid off!
When I was completing my
test, the weather took a
turn for the worst with the
some of the arena boards blowing into
the arena with me! My test had to
stop so that the boards could be put
back and I continued with Rio who
despite the situation behaved impeccably
so I was delighted! It was an
extremely close call in the B Squad
competition as to who would take the
title of champion and I was stunned
to receive it. I am proud of everyone
who competed that day as to ride
with a smile on your face in such conditions
deserves a pat on the back.
Somerford Park Farm which is where
the BYRDS NW show is held is a fabulous
venue and I think we are very lucky to be
able to ride and compete there. I think everybody
appreciated the indoor viewing area
especially given the weather conditions!
A massive thank you should be given to
everyone who helped out at the competition
however big or small their role was. Without
their help the show would not be able to run
so I take this opportunity to send them a
massive thank you from all competitors!
One thing which BYRDS provides which
I urge anyone to take part in if
they can is the BYRDS High
Performance camps as the
knowledge, understanding and
the training which I have received
from them has been
remarkable.
I think we are very lucky to
have BYRDS as it an organisation
that runs many events, talks and
the training opportunities are incredible
with some of the most outstanding
trainers made available to us.
BYRDS NW is a friendly region that I think
every young rider in the area should get involved
with and it always provides a great
atmosphere to ride in and a reliable support
network.
P a g e 9
NW Championship Show Reports cont..
B SQUAD PRIZE WINNERS
Don’t forget to keep your progress chart up to date!
Ruth
Kennerley
B Squad
Champion

P a g e 10
NW CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW REPORT
Cont...
Never in a million
years did I
think I had a
chance of winning
the A
squad championship,
mainly
because I
haven't ridden
a squad test
since I last
went to camp;
which is a couple
of years
ago now, and the fact that we probably
have the strongest riders of all
the regions! At first glance the test
looked horrific, it was looking likely
that I was going to get lost and require
a sat nav to get round it! But
actually it didn't ride that badly, and
at least all moveable objects stayed
firmly put; in the elementary test the
arena fence decided to join me in the
arena for my final salute! Needless to
say, Piper was not impressed. Despite
a couple of hiccups, getting absolutely
drenched whilst preparing,
and having managed to remember
both tests, we came 3rd in each
which gave us the overall championship.
Piper is so consistent, and fingers
crossed we can improve on our
performance for the inter regionals! The
main reason I absolutely love byrds
north west is because despite the rain,
it was still a fantastic show; our esteemed
steward (Geoff) was
even giving out cake! (Thanks Carol!)
Now where else would you get that kind
of service....! And despite a bit of a mix
up with times, no one complains and
everyone pulls together, and there
aren't many organisations which would
do the same! There was also some fantastic
prizes; I think I have enough garlic
to last me the next 20 years!
Good luck to everyone participating
in byrds this year, it was fantastic to
‘A Squad
see so many fledgling riders, and
Champion’
the standard was so high. Things are
Lauren
looking good, and if this year is as
Wilson
good as last year for north west,
then we have a lot to look forward
to!
A SQUAD PRIZE WINNERS
OCTOBER CAMP 2012
DETAILS & BOOKING FORM RELEASED IN
AUGUST—ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS & MUCH MORE!

BYRDS NW—TRUE TEAM SPIRIT
The weather for the competition was
truly awful and a few people had
problems getting to Somerford—
however Frankie Swallow’s journey
was more event than anyone else as
her mum explained to me in an email,
as it is such a special story we have
decided to share it with you as the
tale epitomises our BYRDS NW Spirit:
Hi Moira,
Saw you briefly on Sunday and how
busy you were so I didn't get the chance to
speak to you! However, I thought I must
drop you a quick note to make you aware
of how amazing the NW team spirit really
is.
In the horrendous conditions of Sunday
the wind got under the metal shell of one
side of our lorry and tore the side, like a
sardine can, back from the cab to the living.
We were stuck on the M5 in the pouring
rain and high winds with the side of
our lorry being buffeted by the metal. It
was absolutely terrifying.
Helen and Philip Needham heard of our
plight and, although they were further up the
M5 than us, they turned around and drove
miles back to help us pull off the motorway.
They then loaded up Frankie and her
horse with me, leaving my poor husband
to deal with the police and horse
lorry rescue, and took us up to Somer-
ford with them.
We arrived just in time for our class
and both girls did really well, especially
considering the upheaval and
rush. We would never have got there
without their help and, more importantly,
where we had had to stop was in such a precarious
place by escorting us off the motorway
they saved us from a potentially terrible
accident.
We are hugely grateful to them. I felt I must
share with you how, in my opinion, theirs is
a real example of truly unselfish team spirit!
With best wishes.
Jeanne Swallow
P a g e 11
A real
example of
team spirit!
We need your help, as a BYRDS NW member it is important and expected
that you put something back into BYRDS NW – your help is
needed at the NW Summer Regionals. Please contact Jane Whitney,
we provide all the judges lunches, sheet collect, and provide
tea and coffee for the judges.
Please email Jane - janewhitney@talktalk.net
The funds raised go towards all our training including
the team training, we support you so please
help and support us!

A Guide to Representational Teams 2012
BYRDS NORTH WEST ALWAYS NEEDS HELP AT EVENTS AND FUND
RAISING, SO GET INVOLVED BY DROPPING ME AN EMAIL.
P a g e 12
Selection for
teams in 2012
I will be putting out a second call for progress charts in the next few weeks so please make
sure we have your contact details. To be considered for any team you must have done 3 BD
training sessions in the previous 12 months. Remember Camp counts as 2 and for those on
National / Squad training this year these count as well.
For all competitions apart from Sheepgate and the Inter Regionals you need to be achieving
64% and above at affiliated competitions, for those of you wishing to be considered for the
Home International where you will wear the St. Georges Flag you need to be competing at
Novice level or above (up to medium).
The composition of each team varies from one com-
petition to the next and sometimes one year to an-
other. We have tried to outline below how teams for
each of the major competitions are constructed.
Whilst anyone can come to Regional training we
recommend that you become a BD training member
and to be considered for a team you must be a full
member on a registered horse.
Home International – In 2012 this is being run
by England and will be on the 20th-21st October at
Bishop Burton. We will be sending 3 teams, each
team is made up of four riders which is a combina-
tion of pony, junior and young riders (at least one
at each level), riding at novice, elementary and me-
dium (again at least one at each level). Riders se-
lected will be notified in July / August.
Sheepgate Under 25’s Championship - Is open
to BD members on registered horses and ponies.
We will be sending teams and the composition of
teams is different for 2012, we can send one team
of 4 riders at each level from prelim to medium /
Advanced.
For Sheepgate you can qualify and compete as an
individual by obtaining 2 score sheets at affiliated
competitions in the current year at the appropriate
percentage (Prelim. 62%, Novice 65%, Elem 65%,
Med 63%, Advanced Med 62%). Copies of score
sheets clearly stating date and venue must be for-
warded to Karen Ryder at the BD Office.
In line with the National Selection Policy riders can
usually only represent their Region twice in any year
so please indicate both your first and second choice
on the Progress Chart and make sure your contact
details are clear.

P a g e 13
BYRDS NORTH WEST AWARDS 2012
Do you enjoy being a BYRDS NW
member then why not become a
BYRDS NW Ambassador?
For those members who continue to help
out at all our BYRDS, regional and national
events we are introducing the Ambassador
award. To qualify as a BYRDS NW Ambassador
and earn your ambassador badge which
OLYMPICS COMES TO THE NW
Do you regularly attend monthly training
and camps would you like to work
towards a ‘training medal?’ then our
new award system could be for you.
In 2012 BYRDS NW is introducing the NW
Training Medal Scheme for fledgling, pony,
junior and young riders. The pathway is de-
can be worn on training tops and shell jackets
you need to help out at two regional
BYRDS events (BYRDS Camp, sheet collecting
at our Championship show, helping at a
training clinic welcoming new members) and
one regional/ national event (sheet collecting
at the Premier League, the Regionals,
Addington CDI Pony/Jnr/YR).
To get involved just download the Ambassador
Log from the web and start logging
when you help out. Remember to get it
signed off by either Moira or, the event organiser.
BYRDS members who achieve their
Ambassador Award will be honoured at our
Annual Presentation Evening.
TRAINING AWARD
SCHEME
velopmental and riders move through three
stages bronze, silver, and gold, at each level
you will receive a badge which can be worn
on your training tops/shell jackets. When
you achieve your gold award you can put
yourself forward for your Training Medal Assessment,
when you successfully complete
this you will be awarded with your Training
Medal at our Annual Presentation Evening.
To learn more about the structure and what
you have to do read on, details on the next
page.
CHECK THE WEB FOR TRAINING RECORDS!
Are you in the Pony Club? Have you told
your friends about BYRDS?
NEW
FOR
2012
NEW
FOR
2012

Earning Your Points:
At each training session you will be awarded
points (1-10) by your trainer in the following
areas:
1. Tack and turnout
2. Trainability (how much you listen, communicate
– ask questions, effort)
3. Improvement from the last session (how
much you have improved/ homework
worked on)
You will be responsible for bringing your
log to each session and your trainer will
complete the scoring. When you get the
required number of points / have completed
the necessary components at that level
you send your log to me (by post) and you
will receive your level badge and certificate.
You need to remember to always have
your log with you, trainers can only sign it
at the training session, and you can’t back
date or say I’ve forgotten it. You carry over
points so the system is progressive; when
you get your bronze award then you have
to get another 60 points for your silver for
example.
Bronze Training Badge
P a g e 14
TRAINING AWARD DETAILS 2012
60 points and attendance
at stable management
workshop (this can be
done at Camp).
Silver Training Badge
120 points, attendance at a
stable management workshop
(this cannot be carried
over from the bronze award), one
squad test sheet at your level.
Gold Training Badge
180 points, attendance at a
stable management/ workshop
(again a different one
from your silver award),
completion of proficiency certificate, two
squad test sheets at the appropriate level.
TRAINING MEDAL
When you have completed
your gold training
badge you can go forward
to your training
medal assessment. You
will go to an assessed
training session where
you will have to complete
a training session (including riding your
squad test) participate in a question and
answer session with the trainer and observe
another rider and give feedback to
the trainer on what you have observed,
you will need to have a good knowledge of
the scales of training and the way of going
for this part. The trainer will then ask you
some questions and based on your performance
through all parts you will if successful
qualify for your training medal.
NEW FOR 2012
Training
Award
Scheme
2012

Judith Harris North West Chair on
the Success of the BYRDS NW
Activities
Are you in the Pony Club? Have you told
your friends about BYRDS?
P a g e 15
After each of our events I email Judith and let her know what has happened and what we have been
up to. I thought you would all be interested in what she has to say about BYRDS and our successes
ABOUT OUR LAST NEWSLETTER…...
I am again very impressed with the content, the reviews by the riders, the training and all that
is going on. I think the medals for Olympic year are a brilliant idea. What a fantastic team of
trainers, judges and riders we have in the North West. I wish I was young enough to join
BYRDS!, such a lot of thought goes into the seasons programme. This is a wonderful and consuming
sport and to have access to such talented and committed people can only improve our
sport and produce world class riders.
ABOUT OUR NW CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW…..
what BRAVE BYRDS, parents, stewards, judges etc. etc. etc. What a shock to have the side of
the lorry blown off, thank goodness there was someone to help them. Riders and horse people
are made of such strong stuff and to go on and get placed is absolutely remarkable. Like the
bit about Abide with me and the Titanic, there must be a moral there somewhere. You got
blown about but didn't sink, I like it.
Coming up in the next issue:
Reports from the Inter Regionals, Sheepgate, competing for GB, and being a
BYRDS NW member
New initiatives
10 things you didn’t know about your trainers!

Albion Saddlers
Ashbrook Equine Hospital
Watts Transport
Corbett Feed Merchants
Knowsley Safari Park
Mrs. Toole
Patsy Bartram
Janet Horswill
Have we got your contact details?
If you have changed email addresses, or not updated your contact details in
the last 12 months then download and fill in the Contact Details Update form
on the BD NW website. You could be missing out on getting involved in our
activities!

Off the wall…… Some of your comments
We would just like to say Thank you and what a truely enjoyable
weekend both myself and Ruth had at camp, It has really
encouraged her to take part and stop doubting her abililty to
be a good rider. Everyone was very friendly and although we
did find it a bit daunting having not really met anyone
before, We were soon made to feel part of
Byrds. Thank you once again and we
would live to be part of the
October camp too.
The camp was fabulous. Megan got a huge amount from it
(secretly I also enjoyed the washing up in the kitchen!). I think
she was worried that she did not have a horse, at the right
level, to be part of Byrds but the camp really proved her wrong
on this point. She is now trying to steal my horse
as well once she completes her A
levels!
Thank you once
again to you
and all the support
troops.
P a g e 17
Hi Moira thank you for all your efforts this
weekend . It was our 1st camp and we all
had a great time, made new friends and
learnt a lot. Steph's lessons we felt were brilliant
and that she really improved the way
she was riding. Please pass on
our thanks to the ladies in the
canteen whome without their fab
food and friendly banter, our
I just wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you to you.
Appearing on the wall is easy just email
me and let me know what you think about
our BYRDS activities
weekend wouldn't have been
such a nice experience
We had a fantastic first trip to BYRDS Camp, Caitlan hasn't stopped talking
about what such a good time she had and she learnt this and that. So it
looks like you got the mix of fun and training just right. (Caitlan and Annette
Birley)
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making our first BYRDS camp a
fantastic experience!
Louise said that it was "the best weekend ever" and that she had gained a
great deal of knowledge, new friends and a lot of new found confidence both
in herself and her riding.
The welcome from everyone concerned was second to none and the friendly
team spirit created a platform to build upon at future camps - Louise will
certainly be a regular attendee.