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Although the weather this year has been inconsistent it is the case that all of our big riding club events have been delivered in excellent weather, and so it was for our second orienteering outing of 2011.

Eight teams gathered in the car park of the cricket ground in Albury to negotiate their ways around a nine mile route that was set by our Secretary, Claire Valvona. As well as successful navigation the aim was to answer questions about features along the route, to collect 'treasure' and to be as near to the mystery 'bogey' time as possible.

Before we were set off at six minute intervals, Claire handed our instruction sheets, and straight away there was a murmur of puzzlement as several people wondered what an oak apple was? Those true countrymen among us did their best to educate the townies, and presently the first team set out, with others following at six minute intervals. 

The route took around 2 hours to complete and it was in the most glorious Surrey countryside, beautiful views and sandy tracks. Once we had eventually found our oak apple, my team mate Fiona Stuart and I relaxed and started to enjoy the trek. It was an intricate route and you did need to follow the instructions closely, but as we neared the end it was a surprise to find a worried looking Claire who told us that although we were the fourth team out we were the first back. We had only passed one other team and so...where were the others?

But with horses to hose down and sausage rolls to be eaten, we left anxious Claire and headed for the finish line.

The good news was that all teams returned unharmed; true, it took some people longer than others, but they were lucky as they got to see more of the countryside than we did.

Presently the results were declared to the puzzlement of some, Vanessa Hunt and Paul Dixon came first. Puzzlement, due to the fact that they ended the route from the opposite direction.

But I would not wish to be considered unsporting, and I expect there is a good reason why they won and I am sure it is all above board. Coming second is never good, and although Fiona and I are proud of our super new style rosettes, I did feel a smirk later in the day when I heard that my rival Paul Dixon locked his only set of keys in his car boot.

He who has the last laugh...

Another great riding club event thanks to Claire, Bob and Liane for making it happen.

Pictured above: Long course winners, Paul Dixon and Vanessa Hunt

Pictured below: Long course runners up,  James Parker and Fiona Stuart

Happily Chobham bucked the trend and Langshot was positively heaving with participants on Bank Holiday Monday, and feedback suggests a good time was had! 

The new facilities at Langshot meant an upgrade for Sally and Liane, our Show Secretaries, who set up in the splendid new Club house. Our new rosettes proved a hit too, and after recent rains the going was great and everyone seemed to enjoy the day. Here is some of the feedback emailed to us: 

Click to view results           (pictured: Left Bob Deacon, show organiser and CDRC Vice-Chairman. Right, champion Pony)

Another day of great competition for the Riding Club orienteering was held on Sunday May 8^th, starting from Choham Chasers, by kind permission of Mrs Diane Beach. This allowed us to use another part of Chobham Common which many of us don’t have the opportunity to do very often.

The short course kept people thinking, looking where they were going and frequently doubling back on themselves when they hadn’t read the questions in time!  The drop of rain made the going on the lovely loop round Stanners Hill absolutely perfect for a nice canter – shame they were only at walking pace!

The long course took in most of Chobham, nearly as far as Valley End. Some tricky questions had the competitors thinking and  a tight time of 2h 3m to complete the course made the time the key element for the course. Great improvisation to keep moving was seen with answers written up the arm, and great recollection also when one team lost pen, hat cover and riding crop all in a short distance – meaning the team members had to remember the answers and write them down on return to camp. 

Thank you to Joe Brown and Bob Deacon who did a great job of sending people off, photography and nearly having to pick up pieces – when the most unexpected horse spun at an early stage – Shogun!  Thanks to Sally, as always, for the excellent flap jacks and cakes.  Roll on September!  Where shall we go next time?

Pictured: Long course winners James Parker and Fiona Stuart

Long course results

Short course results