Laurel View event goes virtual

Life doesn’t come to a halt just because we’re in lockdown! Therefore, Laurel View are mixing things up and taking their annual Charity Dressage competition online.
Zara  Davis discussing plans with her horse Cindy!Zara  Davis discussing plans with her horse Cindy!
Zara Davis discussing plans with her horse Cindy!

All funds raised will be going to support the incredible charity Aware NI as they deliver crucial support for those suffering from Depression and Bipolar disorder through a range of initiatives. For more information check out their website, https://www.aware-ni.org/

No horse? No problem! The charity dressage this year has something for everyone, from the more typical ridden dressage tests to something a little different for those unable to ride during the current situation! 
The ridden classes available for entry are LV Intro, LV Prelim and LV Novice, copies of these tests are available to download from www.laurelview.co.uk

The special edition classes are “On Foot Freestyle” perfect for anyone missing their equine partner or not riding at present to have a well-deserved laugh, whilst keeping fit and having some fun at home. Participants just need to record a routine (60 – 90 seconds duration) in which they incorporate at least four of the movements demonstrated on the instructional video viewable on the Laurel Facebook page.

Then there is the TikTok challenge (£5 entry). For many lockdown has resulted in an unexpected obsession with TikTok. So why not make use of the endless hours scrolling through these short videos to make your own equine inspired TikToks by sending in videos of you or your offspring doing one of the TikTok dances incorporating your horse or pony or substitute horse and using #laurelviewxhomeandaware.
Entries opened on 24th May and remain open for two weeks, until the 7th June, giving everyone plenty of time to pick, practice and film their entries before sending them to organisers to be judged by the experienced judges. 
Suggested entry contributions are a minimum £10 per entry or even better two entries for £15.

While the special TikTok class entries are only £5. Donations are to be made through the Laurel View Just Giving page so that the money raised goes directly to Aware NI.

Competitors can choose to wear full show attire, normal clothes, fancy dress, or pyjamas (if you just want to roll straight out of bed to get it filmed, we certainly won’t judge!)

However, all competitors will be expected to wear protective riding gear properly i.e. hats and boots. For those who opt to go with Fancy Dress, prizes will be awarded to the three fancy dress participants who catches the judges eye. 
Remember, this event is all about doing the things we love (maybe in a way a little different from before) and having some fun during these difficult times! Laurel View are aiming to fulfil Aware’s new #HomeAndAware initiative. Which aims to bring people together while staying apart at home, to improve your mood and feeling of well-being, whilst also helping to raise awareness about mental health; a cause extremely important to all at Laurel View.

Some sponsors have already agreed to support this virtual venture and presently we would like to extend thanks to Doagh Equestrian, Emma Hobson (Dressage at Home and International) and NAF.
Keep up to date with all the who, what, where, why and how details on www.laurelview.co.uk or on the Laural View social media channels. Looking forward to “seeing” you take part in this virtual charity venture.

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