Please note that this scheme is only available to Offa’s Dyke members and associate members.

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See at the bottom of the page for a list of current Buddies

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One of the things members have been asking for is for a ‘Buddy’ scheme, where they can ask for help and advice from more experienced Offa’s Dyke members. We have tried this sort of scheme in the past through the newsletter, but with limited success. Now we have the website, we feel there is more chance to keep the scheme up to date, as we change information regularly. It also avoids the need to publish people’s contact details, as we will put them in touch privately.

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What we need is for as many members as possible to volunteer to help and of course some to want a buddy. To be a buddy you don’t need to be an advanced rider. Even if you have only been doing endurance for a short time yourself, you can talk about how you got started and how you are getting on. If people get on well they may decide to ride out at home together or at a ride. It is actually very helpful to have volunteers who are riding their own horses at novice speed, as this is what new people need. An advanced horse & rider may opt to be an email / telephone buddy. Someone to ask questions is always useful. Even if you don’t have a horse to ride at the moment, you can be a buddy and it’s an excellent way to help our sport and make friends at the same time.

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To volunteer to be a buddy or to get in touch with a buddy please contact us. We will then put people in touch privately by email.

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Any member can be a Buddy or request the help of a Buddy.

This scheme is not limited to 'New Starters' as we have some very experienced riders who are only too willing to help anyone
wanting to progress to longer distances.

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Buddies:

Alyson Williams     

Senghenydd, Caerphilly. Mid Glamorgan     

Is offering: 

Telephone / email advice; Yes

Riding out from home; Yes

Accompanying at rides; Possibly

Other information: I have two horses, one that most people will know, he is called George! My other one is Eddie. We've just broken him in with hopes to do a pleasure ride later next year. I'm hoping to do a lot more rides next year, fingers crossed. 
I've only been doing this three years, so still new to the sport, but will try to help if I can.

 

Lesley Dunn   

Trellech    

Is offering: 

Telephone / email advice; Yes

Riding out from home; Yes

Accompanying at rides; No

Other information: I have been competing in Endurance for over 30 years at all levels. 
I completed my first 100 mile ride in 1986 on my stallion Bonanza.  I have also been EGB National Champion in 2003 and Supreme Champion in 2005 with Franzara. I have been on British Teams with Franzara and Chatanz.  I have also been breeding Arabian and part Arabian performance horses since 1975 at our stud Warrens Hill Arabians. www.wh-arabians.co.uk

 

Sue Rich  

Bristol   

Is offering: 

Telephone / email advice Yes

Riding out from home; No

Accompanying at rides; Possibly

Other information: I have competed in endurance since 1994 on my Stallion Czarus, previously with BHS! on my event horse, when it was the LDR group (Long time ago)!!!  Together with Louise my daughter we have produced many horses to Advanced and  International Level. We would both be very happy to help in anyway we can, it is so important to pass on the knowledge that you have gained over the years, and continue to learn from others.

 

Rachael Rogerson  

Forest of Dean   

Is offering: 

Telephone / email advice; Yes

Riding out from home; No

Accompanying at rides; Yes

Other information: I am an experience endurance rider who has been competing for 14 years. 
I have ridden at all levels from novice with my 13.1 pony to young rider European championships and 160km ERs. 
I would be more than happy to help people along the way as I know there is a lot to learn to begin with. I would be very happy to offer advice via email as well.

 

Ally Knight Coleford

Forest of Dean   

Is offering: 

Telephone / email advice; Yes

Riding out from home; No

Accompanying at rides; No

Other information: I have been doing Endurance for 19 years. Started on a Fell Pony doing rides up to 40 miles.  Now competing on her Arab/Fell daughter who is forward going and sensible.

 

Andrea Champ 

Golden Valley, Herefordshire  

Is offering: 

Telephone / email adviceYes

Riding out from homeYes

Accompanying at ridesPossibly

Other information: I have been involved in the sport since 2008 and am learning a huge amount. 
Luxor, my 9 year old Arabian and I have been lucky enough to compete abroad this year, doing our first 120k, as members of the WCSP Squad.

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Angharad Morgan 

Ponthir 

Is offering: 

Telephone / email adviceYes

Riding out from homePossibly

Accompanying at ridesPossibly

Other information:I have completed two endurance seasons with my Welsh Section D pony. 
We are currently at open level but are hoping to qualify for advanced next season. 
We partake in a wide range of disciplines and are not very conventional in endurance terms but we have enjoyed lots of low key success and trophies!!  I also have a young horse in the pipeline who will hopefully be starting her novice season in 2012 with my father and will prove to be an exciting prospect!

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Fenella Lloyd

Hereford / Golden Valley

Is offering: 

Telephone / email adviceYes

Riding out from homePossibly

Accompanying at ridesYes

Other information:Very inexperienced at Endurance but have been riding and competing (at a low level!) for many years.  
I have a youngster who I bought with the intention of competing in Endurance.  He's not old enough to compete yet so aiming at practising on pleasure rides. I am also hoping to compete (at a low level & only for fun and for much needed discipline) at Dressage. I am probably best contacted if you want to ask about my own experiences or need moral support rather than for tactical or technical advice! 

 

Chris Wray

Trelleck

Is offering: 

Telephone / email adviceYes

Riding out from homeYes

Accompanying at ridesPossibly

Other information:Normal training at weekends in the forestry around Trelleck, also travel early in the season for longer training rides.

 

Gina Harris

Nr Newent Gloucestershire

Is offering: 

email adviceYes

Riding out from homeYes

Accompanying at ridesNo

Other information:Horses: 2 advanced but now old; 1open but still green.  
I am experienced at all levels in endurance.    Available to meet at my yard for occasional riding and info on Endurance.  
Riding is lanes and some woods.

 

Rachel Williams

Ross-on-Wye

Is offering: 

Telephone / email adviceYes

Riding out from homeYes

Accompanying at ridesNo

Other information:I have been competing in endurance for 14 years. I have only competed in CRs, not ERs, but have clocked up 5200km on my native pony Midnight Star and won numerous awards. 
I do not intend to compete much in 2012 but willing to give phone / email support and can hack out together. 
I am qualified animal behaviourist and equine sports massage therapist.

 

Fiona Griffiths

Crickhowell

Is offering: 

Telephone / email adviceYes

Riding out from homeYes

Accompanying at ridesYes

Other information:I have 3 horses all advanced and I'm trying to do a 120k one day.
I enjoy riding in different places with different people and have made many friends and hope to continue to ride new rides each year.

 

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