What a great time we have had -  by Lee Jose

I can't believe how much I have done since the national show last year. 

A group of us from the New Forest area have got together and have had a winter training programme with Bob Mayhew. 

Anne Batley (team leader, she who must be obeyed) has taken over as WES Dorset rep and with great enthusiasm put massive effort and time in to arranging summer clinics with Bob, Scherie Dermody, Catherine Wright and Bruce Lawrence all of which were very successful. 

Anne has also arranged a winter programme with Bob at a venue within easy reach for all of us.  Stocks Farm is situated behind Bournemouth International Airport and next to football fields, the noise from which Bob has competed with well.  We have been really lucky and Bob has given one Saturday in every two sometimes three to come and teach us. 

Bob has made the lessons sometimes very hard but also such great fun, he has taken mine and Fancy's problem areas one at a time; taken them to pieces and put them back together making an incredible difference to horse and rider.  I feel so much more confident and relaxed now it makes a real difference and my enjoyment has also increased. 

Apparently, according to Bob, I was 'puking over my shoulder' when changing leads, which I admit I still do now and again. 

I have been 'off like a brides nighty' on my run downs which is now almost under control, and worst of all I have been accused of doing the 'wet knicker ride' which personally I find hilarious. 

When all said and done Bob has shown a great deal of patience, put up with my tantrums and rantings when I can't get it right and most of all given me much needed encouragement and support, THANK YOU BOB. 

Anyway our numbers have grown and what is more we have people now that are riding western for the first time which is really great. 

As a group I think we have become really quite close and never go home after our session, we always stay to give everyone our encouragement. 

I think everybody would agree it has been a great year and we are all looking forward to doing the same again as Bob has now agreed dates for this winter. 

I would really like to thank Audrey, Anne, Amanda, Gill, Joyce and Bob for their encouragement and support and true friendship. 

Thanks guys

Lee Jose