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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Equestrian ticket info for London 2012

It might still be a whole year away but with the recent announcement that tickets for London 2012 will go on sale on the 15th March it's best to start making plans as early as possible!

Concentrating on the equestrian events in particular, which are to be housed in Greenwich Park East London, the key figures are as follows:

-    23,000 Capacity
-    253,000 Tickets
-    11 Competition Stages
-    75,000 Tickets for Cross-Country day.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has issued advice for ticket applicants, stating that all applications will be considered equally, regardless of when people apply.  If demand exceeds supply tickets will be allocated by random selection for each ticket price band.  Joanna Manning-Cooper from the LOCOG said: “We urge buyers to consider their budget very carefully when applying for tickets.  They cannot cancel, change or return them once they are allocated.”

Tickets are on sale for 6 weeks from the 15th March – 26th April and people will find out if they have been successful in May or June.

http://www.tickets.london2012.com/

Friday, February 11, 2011

Dickens Retires After 15 Years of Service

Dickens, the longest serving police horse in Greater Manchester, has been forced to hang up his horse boots and retire after developing arthritis. Throughout his time with the police, the 21 year old chestnut Irish thoroughbred-cross has patrolled crime hotspots and carried out crowd control.

“Dickens is one of our toughest and bravest horses,” said Mima Manning, the stable manager for Greater Manchester Police. “He has a cheerful temperament and always goes to work with a smile on his face. He has given a lot to Greater Manchester."

Also retiring with Dickens is Warwick, the force’s eight-year-old 17hh skewbald gelding. Warwick worked for the Greater Manchester police for a period of four years, unfortunately he is retiring due to a problem with his joints which means he is unable to carry out his duties.

Both horses will be moved to their new home at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire on the 14th February, where they will remain for the rest of their lives, hopefully in comfortable and happy surroundings.

“We are glad that we are able to thank them for their loyal service by offering them sanctuary and a peaceful place to pass the last years of their lives,” said The Horse Trust’s Jeanette Allen.

“Dickens and Warwick have carried out vital police work in their time with Greater Manchester Police, helping preserve public order and reduce crime.”

Dickens and Warwick, we thank you and wish you well in your retirement.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Here We Come…

Well it has been literally a decade since I last wore some canary breeches and a tweed jacket, and now that I am the proud owner of a New Forest pony I think it is about time I got back onto the showing ground and bought some new riding clothing!

Although in the last paragraph I said I owned a New Forest Pony, I actually have a rather hairy and fat monster. He even has a full grown beard! The dark mornings and evenings put a brick wall in front of any riding outside work hours, so at the moment I’m exercising him at the weekends.

Somehow he manages to transform from this grubby, looking like he is ‘in foal’ oaf into a smart well built pony as soon as I put my foot in the stirrup. He is great for those magical moments where onlookers think you are an amazing rider, but actually you’re really not!

We’re hoping to head off to the New Forest Show and the South of England Show this year. I think there is going to be a lot of work for the both of us as I’m not sure who is the most unfit! I shall keep you updated with our venture into the unknown…

Wish me luck!