Committee - Linda Penman
Currently Chairman and Training Rep, I have been a member of Almond RC for over 20years and most of them on the committee in one role or another.
I have ridden since I was 8yo but mostly looked after other people’s family ponies, horses, hunters and BSJA horses. It was only when I moved out to West Lothian in 1984 while I was working in the Bank IT department that I realised I could keep a horse of my own.
So he arrived – 16.2 hh steel grey 5yo CB x TB - Benjamin -and we joined Almond RC! He was beautiful but green. You never knew what you were going to get out of the lorry - could be good - could be pretty bad. After a few years’ hacking – some leisurely, some white knuckle ones -and doing a bit of everything-(his name should be on a few of the old club trophies)- disaster struck ! Navicular – it seemed like the end of the world – no more jumping and forced into dressage! Elis Knight, founder member of the Almond RC, introduced us both to dressage boards and dressage trainer and Grand Prix rider Bill Noble. We were soon bitten by the dressage bug and competed up to Advanced Medium. Unfortunately she also introduced me to the committee and I started my duties as treasurer! Benjamin died at home only 3 years ago a few days before his 30th birthday.
Another very special pony in my life was Shane,-aka Hoi Polloi, a 15.1hh welsh cob X. After a riding accident on -(not off !) a youngster where I broke my breast bone and a year of recovery, I was reluctant to get back on any horse. Shane had been bought a few years earlier from Tower Farm Riding School -by one of my clients and dear friend Moira -to learn to ride on!
Shane not only got me back to riding but started to turn his hoof to all the more advanced work. He trained up to Grand Prix and competed at advanced level for 5years. He was an amazing competitor - he loved a good party. When the judges bell rang he just took you by the hand and skipped his way down that centre line. The rider just had to hang on.
Shane also earned a place on the able bodied Scottish National team ridden by one of my pupils – International -para equestrian rider Katy Matthews. Together they were double GB National Champions - with an 83% in music which has still never been beaten; they won GB talent spotting and attended Para Olympic squad trials. This was such an exciting time watching him do so well with Katy on board. It was both a privilege and humbling experience to work amongst these riders.
Sadly Shane died very suddenly one morning from a heart attack -just 5 days before the club Xmas show in 2007. He was 22yo and still enjoyed his work and would do all his tricks even with my 11yo daughter riding him. We miss him every day - he was definitely a once in a lifetime horse.
I have a passion for training horses and especially enjoy working with vet referrals, rehabilitating horses and improving their movement. I have been a full time freelance trainer and coach for 15 years now. I am a regional and BYRDS trainer with British Dressage and also a BD and RDA judge. Pupils currently compete up to Prix St George level. Also being an SEA EFI coach and a coach educator for the BEF keeps me busy running clinics and workshops for riders, coaches and trainee judges.
I have had a 2 year break from any riding while I’ve had my hips replaced. Have been groom for my daughter for the last few years who has stepped into the dressage arena recently - I know my place ! But am hoping to get back to riding and competing myself. My goal for 2010 is to get out to do a Prelim test by the end of the year!
‘Every journey of a thousand miles begins with one step !’
I owe everything I now do to these 2 very special horses, inspiring trainers who gave me the tools to open the door to the fascinating world of training horses and to early days’ committees of Almond RC who selflessly gave up days on end of their time to allow horse riders of West Lothian to train and compete.
As chairman my aim is to ensure Almond RC remains one of the leading riding clubs in Scotland, continuing to provide the highest levels of training, competitions and fun events for club members riding at all levels and in all disciplines.
Hopefully I will see you around at competitions or training sometime - I am either the one sitting behind the judge’s desk or picking up the poo at the end of the competition !
Hoi Polloi competing in Inter 2 at the Necarne International Dressage Festival,
N Ireland
Ronja competing Advanced Med at Necarne Dressage Festival.
Oldenburg mare now in foal to Hemmingway
Katy and Hoi Polloi , Lee with Blue Circle Boy at para trials at Beaverhall, Stoke.
Wonderful times!