WES in Devon

Our Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 newsletter contains information about all of the events planned for the winter of 2012 and for 2013. We're very excited about these events and really hope that you'll come along to join in the fun. To download the newsletter click here.

Our programme is designed to have something for everyone. It includes training events and also social events. Our intention is that we help every member to access the full range of benefits that WES offers, and get maximum value from their membership fee.

We also want to encourage western enthusiasts who are not yet WES members to come and join us, so spectators are always welcome to any event. Some events will attract a small spectator fee which will contribute to event costs, but we'll also be running a range of social events such as free video evenings. These provide a great opportunity to get to know each other and learn even more about our sport.

Our events are always very popular and fill up very quickly - we usually have to run a waiting list so it really is important to book your places early. We'd hate you to miss out, if you want to come along to an event please do get in touch with the nominated contact as soon as you can.

We believe in having fun, but we also know that to become better at our sport we have to make an effort to learn. When it comes to learning about western riding there are, unfortunately, some people out there who claim they know a lot more than they really do. As the sport becomes more popular, a lot of "experts" suddenly appear and offer to help you, sometimes free of charge and with the best of intentions!

That's why, as members of the Western Equestrian Society, we only organise events using trainers approved by the Society, or with an equivalent qualification. First and foremost this is an important safeguard on quality, but there are also very practical reasons why we do this. For example, all WES Approved Instructors are required to have in place appropriate insurance and first aid certification, and are also CRB approved.

Before she was appointed as Devon County Representative Judith wrote a manifesto setting out her ideas of how the job could be done. It sets out a vision for WES in Devon that we hope will convince WES members and potential members that WES really is a great Society to be part of. Click here to download the document. After you've read it please let us know how we could make things even better. And tell us about what you're getting from your own membership. If you have a good news story we'd love to hear it and tell everyone else too!

Don't forget that there's plenty going on around us too! Information about events in Area 3, including Devon, are set out on the Area 3 website which you can access by clicking on the Area 3 logo (to the right).