IN THE SADDLE
The many and varied advantages of being a Pony Club member became evident at the annual conference, which was attended by Chipping members, writes Sarah Lou Gibb. Photography: Diane Marsden
The Pony Club annual conference held at Edgbaston cricket ground was an exciting day for Chipping Pony Club’s committee members and ‘Working Together to Grow’ was the theme for the day.
The question which members are often asked, ‘Why join the Pony Club?’ is always answered with, ‘Why wouldn’t you?’ as it is such a wonderful, worldwide organisation and this was reinforced throughout the conference.
The Pony Club Patron HRH the Princess Royal, was present and spoke about her own time in the Pony Club and the fabulous and diverse opportunities it gives to any child or young adult.
This was evident in Chipping’s own Victoria Hargreaves, who was interviewed by sports presented Ali Valance, a former Pony Club member. Victoria spoke about her fabulous exchange trip to Canada as part of the British Pony Club team. The Princess Royal was extremely complimentary about the team when she took to the podium later.
She also mentioned that being part of the Pony Club promotes wellbeing as well as encouraging core values, teamwork, responsibility, the ability to be a ‘good loser’ yet to strive for success, but more than anything the friendships, often lifelong, that are forged and, of course, the tremendous amount of fun!
This theme continued with speakers from non-equestrian sports admiring what the Pony Club instils and how many successful sports personalities of today have started their journey as a member, enjoying not only the teaching of the best care and welfare of horses and ponies, but taking part in events and competitions that promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship, discipline and responsibility – all necessary life skills. Rory Bremner, entertained and amused with his tales of being a PC dad – the light heartedness much needed, as he followed the most inspirational of speakers, Mrs Clare Lomas, an active sportswoman who had a life changing freak accident, leaving her paralysed from the chest down.
She spoke of some of the hurdles she has overcome to enable her to complete several marathons raising money for her charity – so inspirational – and she too was a Pony Club member!
Easter saw Chipping Pony Club organising egg hunts for its young members and this month has also seen Winter League inter-branch show jumping for the older members, a committee/instructor first aid training day, a Winter League dressage held in Cheshire on one of the coldest and snowiest of days and so much more!
For more information about Chipping Pony Club please go to our website or contact Mrs Joanne Conlon using chipping@pcuk.org.
Chipping Branch of the Pony Club
www.pcuk.org
