A big welcome to the Dorset Area website

The Dorset committee wanted to create a web presence so that members can look and see what's available and who they may speak to about any issues they may have.

Please, if you have any suggestions on how we may improve this site or change it in any way, make contact with Hugo James and he will try his best!

Dorset Area AGM - 25.02.13

The Dorset Area AGM was held at the Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum, seeing a return to its former venue after many years. The meeting at this more central location was very well attended.

Area Representative, Robin Longland, welcomed Kirsty Pearce and Paul Urch from Somerset who now represent the region on the newly formed sporting council. They gave a talk on their new roles, how the council will work, and how members can now contact them to discuss and put forward new ideas or changes for consideration.

The shows for 2012 were badly affected by extremely wet weather, the wettest year on record for England. The Dorset Showground lost a total of six days and on one occasion the river Stour burst its banks flooding the rings to a depth of 2 feet. Gillingham & Shaftesbury underwent a huge downpour which washed out the afternoon events, with Melplash, on their well draining surface fairing a little better. The County Show at Dorchester in September was the most successful event. Entries were up and it did not rain! Show Director, Paul Thomas, announced that after a long absence the 6 bar event will return to the main arena.

Training - This is now being carried out by the Dorset Academy under the tutorage of Rosie Moss and co-ordinator Rachael Andrews, with the help of Helen Newman. I have had good feedback from those who attend so well done to all involved.


Sadly 2012 saw the death of Rear Admiral John Bellamy at the age of 98. He and his wife Jo moved to Dorset in the 70’s. Soon after they became joint area representatives and between them organised numerous shows and put Dorset firmly on the show jumping map. They finally resigned in 1999 and were made honorary life members of the BSJA in appreciation of the service they had unstintingly given over many years. Although John was not active in his last few years, he enjoyed visiting the Dorset Showground for lunch and watching the jumping which he hoped to still be doing when he was 100. Sadly this was not to be.

The area was stunned by the death of Ella Pallister who died following a tragic accident at a Kingston Maurward show this January. Ella who was only 17 years old, was an up and coming young rider and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

A minute's silence was held in memory of Ella and John.


Dorset Awards

The meeting culminated in the Awards Ceremony for the leading Dorset riders for 2012. For the first time there were two sections for the juniors and an award for the overall leading Dorset rider.

Kate Ellison, winner of the leading lady rider for the last three years, was the overall winner leaving a change in the ladies category with Lucy Pinney securing first place with Yasmin Davis as runner up. Yasmin is at present training in Holland. The gentleman’s award once again going to Sam Best with a rather surprised semi retired Andy Brake taking the second spot. Andy is currently spending less time competing and concentrating on other aspects of his business.

Tegan Jones, who until last year competed on ponies only, retained her position as leading junior for the third consecutive year with an excellent season with her two ponies and promising new horse. Congratulations go to Tillie Newman who was runner up following a great season with her horses. The category for leading junior riding ponies only went to 14 yo Alexa Palmer with her pony Euro Timex. They enjoyed many wins including a good class at Bicton. Alexa also has two novice ponies for 2013 and her ambition is to compete in 1.20m classes.

Isabella Foot came 2nd again. She with her pony Mountain Prince won many classes at Bicton and was 6th in the 1.20m Jubilee Grade Prix at Scope. This combination also competed in the Scottish & Welsh Pony Internationals. 2013 will be Isabella’s last year in juniors and her ambitions are to qualify again for Scope with Mountain Prince and also qualify her new ride for British Novice and Discovery at the same venue.

The Area Representatives special award for achievement went to 10yr old Perdita Digby. Perdi a pupil at Leweston Prep became a member in June and competes on her JA pony Homer Delight and 2 JC ponies Strider III & Kayliegh’s Star, and sometimes she is allowed to compete on her little sister’s pony Rollo IV. Perdi is trained by Isabella’s mother Wendy and Emma Fisher. She has competed at many events in the south west and is now looking forward to attending bigger shows.

Congratulations to all the above riders and best wishes to all members for a successful 2013.

Sally Waters

2013 Summer Qualifiers >

Scope Festival Qualifiers >