Now the nights are drawing in and time with our horses limited to stable chores and schooling it's time to use some of that 'spare' time to have activities that will raise funds to support our charities. Any ideas of fund raising activities are welcome; please pass them onto a member of the Committee or why not come to our monthly meeting and chat with us?
Carol has devised a 'Spot the Difference' competition to raise a few bob for our current charities. The entry fee is £3 and you are welcome to enter as many times as you like. The fantastic prizes have been donated by John Kaye, Builder, Ashby's fish and chip shop, Slaithwaite, Greenways Convenience Store, Golcar, TJ Garden Products, Linthwaite, Tack Shack, Milnsbridge and Neil Burrows Installations and come in the form of gift vouchers to spend on yourself and your horsey friend. Get you entries back to Carol by the 28th March to be in with a chance of winning, the address will be on the form and you can collect these from the AGM.

The calendars for 2010 are absolutely ace! Well done Maz for working so hard to get them ready. We are taking orders so if you'd like a calendar please call Nicola or email. They are £5 each and worth every penny!

The government would like to introduce an annual tax for each horse that we own. The cost may be as much as £100 for each horse or pony every year. The club does not think this is a fair tax and we consider it to be unnecessary. Please sign the online petition or write to your MP. This is an issue that we need to stick together on!

Is there something you'd really like to do? Do you have an idea for an event that you may need a hand organising? Pole Moor Riding Club is always seeking new ways to keep the club fresh and exciting. The committee welcome ideas and plans from all our members and want to hear yours. Do you have an interest in Le Trec? Or jumpcross? Maybe a quadrille excites your equestrian passion, or dressage is the discipline for you? Or could the speed of horseball be you thing? Contact any committee member with you ideas and we'll have a chat with you and advise you on organising your event, or give you a hand if you need us to.

The club now has a group page on Facebook, why not have a look? There is a discussion forum which enables members to discuss events and put forward ideas. There's a gallery for photos of our horses, friends and events which anyone can add to, great for those candid shots that our official photographer may not get! Archived club photos that will no longer be on the club site will be put on Facebook too, so they'll still be accessible for us to look at. Check it out and add your ideas, this is your club and your views are important!

In the current climate and the recent rise in numbers of horse thefts, Sharon has made a pro active stand to protect our beloved equines. A microchip would usually cost something in the region of £25 plus £30 call out fee. With PMRC and local vet Andy Jennings your horse can be chipped for £22 or less! All that is required is a herd of 10 horses (or more) all at the same place, on the same day. The provisional dates are the week before Christmas or we'll have to wait until spring. Please contact Sharon with your preferred time and the final arrangements can be made.

Sessions to recommence in the spring, contact Pat for details. If you'd like a taster session, call Pat. Use of horse provided.

West Yorkshire Police are supporting Horsewatch. Any one with horses, or without, if you're concerned about thieves, can go to Holmfirth police station and pick up a pack. It contains a sturdy plastic sign to deter 'have a go' thieves, stickers, car stickers and a registration form so that the force have a data base of horsewatchers. There is no cost for this. Pat has more details and a few packs, give her a call for more info, or go direct to the police.

Due to the increasing cost of maintaining the ménage at Greystones farm, it is with a heavy heart that Pat has made the decision to charge club members to use it for their individual lessons and schooling sessions. The cost will be £3 for half an hour and £5 for an hour, the booking method has not changed. The club still has Pat's permission to use the ménage for club activities, such as the points shows, free of charge. The club would like to thank Pat for the continued use of the ménage – THANK YOU!

Please encourage motorists to take care when passing horses by acknowledging them when they do. If you are on a narrow road with no room to pass safely, it is courteous to let motorists know you are aware of them by looking at them and nodding to them, if safe to do so, trot on to a safe place to pass which may be an opening or a wider section of the road where you can move your horse into the left. Once the vehicle has passed, thank the driver by nodding (and a smile would be nice!). The more courteous we are as riders, the more drivers are likely to show care and patience towards us, making the roads safer for all of us. A thank you doesn't cost anything, but can buy us lots!

The club has been kindly sponsored by The Jack o'Mitre for the 2009 season. They are subsidising some events as well as providing the venue for the annual show.

Low Fold Riding School in Lepton holds riding classes for the disabled on Monday and Tuesday evenings. They are struggling to get enough people to help lead the ponies and walk alongside them. If you would like to know more or help in any way contact Rachel for more details on 07727 086965. A CRB police check will be made on all helpers.

It was agreed that fast and slow rides to be organised separately to cater for all abilities and choices. eg: at the picnic ride we will have two separate rides and routes (fast and slow) and all meet up for the picnic. Also we welcome anyone who would like to organise a ride or event to say so at a meeting, you do not have to be a committee member.

We would like to remind all members that as we currently still have use of the Common can users please ride with care paying attention to the land conditions and ride only on the pathway.

Jenny Turner is keeping a scrap book of all news relating to our club. If anyone has any newspaper clips, old or new, please let Jenny have them.

A reminder that junior members under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all ridden events including shows. If this adult is not a member they must be on foot at members only events and will not be eligible for members discounts at other events. However they are welcome to join as Social Members, if non riders, at £6 per annum as are any other family members and friends. It may be necessary for parents to bring junior members to meetings. Whilst they are welcome to do so, they do not have speaking or voting rights unless they also become a member.

Have you got a favourite ride? How about sharing it with other members. Just decide a time and date and let Jane have the details for the newsletter. Remember to check that there are no other club events on that day and read the 'Guidelines for social rides' as agreed at the AGM. If you want to discuss further ring Pat on 07974 001221.