BECOME PART OF THE PINETREES TEAM
... AND GAIN ABRS HELPER´S QUALIFICATIONS PLUS FREE RIDES
This Spring Pinetrees is introducing Helper´s Tests designed for riders who wish to help out with lessons at the stables and earn free rides.
Unlike the ABRS Progressive Rider Tests in Equitation and Stable Management, the tests are based on a Log Booksystem and will be tested in-house by a member of staff over a period of time. There is no time limit for completion soyou can do them bit by bit when you are out on holiday.
The contents of the Log Books are designed to encourage young helpers to develop increasing competence in assisting before, during and after lessons, and a growing awareness of Health & Safety around the yard.
There are three levels of Tests:
Entry minimum age 12
Intermediate minimum age 12
Senior minimum age 14
How does it work?
Helpers pay €50 for ongoing training and preparation by members of the Pintrees staff who will assess them and sign off each log book. This can be done over various sessions and different holiday periods throughout the year. The fee also includes an ABRS diploma (which it will send to you direct) and your Pinetrees badge.
Once you have received your ABRS diploma, you will be entitled to 1 hour´s riding for each 5 hours of leading. You will be given a card on to record your riding ´credits´.
Applicants need to apply to Pinetrees Riding Centre for acceptance as a suitable candidate, being a responsible person and physically fit. Candidates must have reached Pinetrees ´Blue Level´ riding and be a minimum of 12 years old, maximum 70. While doing this course and while leading, candidates will be covered by Pinetrees´ accident insurance.
This diploma is ideal for persons wanting physical activity, a chance to help other in the community or to put towards their CV achievements. You could also gain some ´free´rides! This ABRS diploma is recognised at other riding establishments around the world.
For further information, contact Bev at Pinetrees.
EASTER
ANTICS AT
PINETREES
On Good Friday many young holiday riders had the highlight of their trip to the Algarve when they came to win rosettes and enjoy in the fun at Pinetrees Riding Centre in Almancil, while helping to raise funds for Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve. Despite the early morning rain, the event drew riders from not only other stables in the Algarve but from around the globe ... England, Ireland, Germany, USA and Holland.
The day began with Equitation Classes of varying levels, from beginners to the more advanced, under the watchful eye of judge Pru Clayton Mead who came down from her own centre, Equusorique. Winners of the Classes were awarded rosettes, with extra special Prizes for the highest places of scrumptious chocolate bunnies.
Laura Doherty, riding Alinta, was the first winner of the day performing an excellent walk and trot on the lead rein. Sammy Shaw, again on Alinta, was joint first in the walk and trot off the rein class with Beatrice, riding Warden from Lucy Cabrita´s yard. Franceska Hoffmann, came top of the walk, trot and canter class, riding Bonaparte.
In the advanced class, which also included an individual display by the horse and rider of jumping two small jumps or making a figure of eight in canter, it was Astral Whitfield on Bombita who was awarded the red rosette first prize and a chocolate bunny. Bombita does love to show off!
During the lunch break, with snacks provided by volunteers from the RDA, there was an Easter Parade with fancy dress and Easter bonnets. Young Lola Shaw, dressed as a ladybird won the hearts of the judges and was awarded the top prize in the fancy dress, with Franceska Hoffmann winning for the best Easter Bonnet.
The day continued after lunch with a Clear Round Jumping event at which many of the riders excelled. The younger riders took turns in riding over Invisible Jumps and Cross Poles while the more advanced rode over a course of higher jumps. All competitors were awarded a rosette for a clear round.
Not only did everyone enjoy the event but it raised some €130 for Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve. All participants received discount vouchers specially preapraed for Pinetrees clients from Teresa´s Louart Pottery, Dolce Deluxe Spa and Ekiloulé Tack Shop.
Winners
|
CLASS 1 – Lead Rein |
HORSE |
|
|
Laura Doherty |
|
1st |
|
Beatrice |
|
2nd |
|
Olivia |
|
3rd |
|
Maisie |
|
4th |
|
|
|
|
CLASS 2 – Walk & Trot A |
|
|
|
Beatrice |
Warden |
1st |
|
Louise Ridsdale |
Teddy |
2nd |
|
Laura Doherty |
Alinta |
3rd= |
|
Emma |
Daisy |
3rd= |
|
|
|
|
Class 2 – Walk & Trot B |
|
|
|
Sammy Shaw |
Alinta |
1st |
|
Miguel |
Warden |
2nd |
|
Jasmine |
Goya |
3rd |
|
|
|
|
CLASS 3 – Walk, Trot & Canter |
|
|
|
Franceska Hoffmann |
Bonaparte |
1st |
|
|
|
|
CLASS 4 – Advanced Class with Jump |
|
|
|
Astral Whitfield |
Bombita |
1st |
|
Christian Rathbone |
Mara |
2nd |
|
Alice Gonçalves |
Segredo |
3rd |
|
Jasmine |
Boneco |
4th |
Easter Parade at Pinetrees
Celebrating
the life
of John
Browning
As
many of
you know,
John
Browning
died on 4
April and
we
celebrated
his life
on Tuesday
19 April
on the
terrace at
Pinetrees,
where he
had
enjoyed
his 70th
birthday
just last
October.
The
morning
had been
dull and
wet and I
was a bit
concerned
about
having
over 60
people for
lunch
inside the
house but,
would you
believe
it,
someone
had
influence
in high
places and
the sun
came out
at around
midday and
shone down
the whole
afternoon.
Dawn,
John´s
sister,
and
members of
his family
came from
the UK
and, these
were
joined by
the many
friends he
made in
the
Algarve.
In keeping
with
John´s
love of
food, a
wonderful
spread was
prepared
with help
and
contributions
from many
of those
attending
... there
were even
some
superb
Lincolnshire
sausages
made by
his nephew
Chris, a
butcher,
who came
over
specially
for the
do.
After
John´s
second
wife, Sue,
died in
2003, his
neighbour
Pat
Hopkins,
gave him
the
necessary
encouragement
to change
course and
brought
him down
to help
with the
RDA
Algarve,
which, if
she had
not done
so I would
not have
met such a
special
man whose
influence
changed my
life.
For him
John´s
life was
rejuvenated;
more
physical
activity,
meeting
new
people,
making new
friends,
entertaining
our house
guests,
helping
Isabel on
Saturdays
with
Hippotherapy
and
travelling
off on
adventures
with me to
the
Azores,
Germany,
Paris and
the UK,
and
eventually
moving in
to
Pinetrees.
This old
picture of
John
(right)
shows him
dressed up
for his
first
ride. You
should
have seen
the horror
on the
yard
girls´faces
as he
asked them
to bring
out his
horse ...
they knew
he had
never
ridden
before and
he was
well over
our weight
limit (as
he knew
too!) ...
but he
managed to
keep a
straight
face and
they
really did
not know
what to
do!!!!
Luckily
for the
horse, he
could not
keep the
straight
face for
too long
and
everyone
broke out
into
giggles.
My
relationship
with John
started 6
years ago
and I have
to say he
was a
wonderful
man. Being
the 3rd
wife in
his life I
do not
know how
he will
cope when
we all get
up there
with him!
Many
lovely
e-mails
and cards
have come
in, all
describing
his
qualities
so well.
Our thanks
to
everyone
and for
the lovely
flowers,
messages
and
contributions
to the
party. His
ashes were
sprinkled
on the
rose
garden
which he
had made
and also
at his
house in
Monprolé,
Loulé.
Introducing
New
Members Of
The
Pinetrees
Team
Neide Rodrigues and Christian Rathbone joined the Pinetrees team in April, having completed a trial studentship during February and March.
They will be assisting Beverley with Christian taking care of the running of the yard and Niede taking out rides and teaching in the arenas.
Both are bilingual, Portuguese and English, and are already proving to be great assets to the team with their many talents.
As for out students, Laura Jacobsen is coming to the end of her work experience here in Portugal. She has improved immensely during her stay, both in her confidence and riding ability. She is now returning to Holland to
enroll in a College course in order to gain professional qualifications.
Isa Konrad leaves at the end of June. Isa is a Kindergarten teaching and has been studying our work in therapeutic riding and has proved to be a great member of the team.
We wish both girls every success for the future.
As for the summer, some of our past students are coming back for more ... look out for Alex, Charlotte, Ruth and Jill who will be part of our summer team.
NEWS ON
HORSES
Falcão is now up to his proper body weight, well muscled and looking great. He has benefited from a lot of work with the Nelson Pessao lunging equipment which has helped to build up correct mucsle and outline – although her you see him giving you a silly grin!
Charlie too is much improved and now well muscled. He has settled in well and integrated with his team members and is now giving much pleasure to many of our younger riders.
And, what´s more Bombita celebrated his 28th birthday earlier this year... and is still looking great.
We are looking forward to seeing you all again this summer, do look out for our May Half Term and Summer programmes and other news on our website at
www.pinetreesridingcentre.com
Bev and ALL THE TEAM AT PINETREES
