In The Saddle
Chipping Pony Club sent best wishes on social media to their President and Branch Secretary, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary, writes Paula Kopydlowski. Photography: Tina Johnson Photography, Joanne Conlon and Zoe Draper
Gordon and Daphne Garment, President and Branch Secretary respectively, became involved with Chipping Pony Club 43 years ago and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
Gordon and Daphne have been the glue that has held together the Chipping Branch of the Pony Club which was formed in 1977. They have worked with 11 District Commissioners in that time, and celebrated many wonderful accolades that members have secured for the club under their guidance, including National Quiz Championship title in 2009, Tamsin Griffiths and her pony Briar winning the Pony Club Individual Novice Show Jumping title in 2017, and Chipping’s teams winning the Senior Horse and Pony Care in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Gordon and Daphne are advocates of instilling quality coaching, discipline, consistency and pride in yourself and your pony, which in turn reflects in all aspects of members’ day to day lives.
More recently, current members enjoyed a working rally which was well attended and held at Osbaldeston Riding Centre. Three full rides were coached brilliantly by Jeanette Powell and Charlotte Kenyon for 90 minutes each, divided between flatwork and show jumping. Everyone was happy to be meeting up together again with their ponies and having some fun. A good time was had by all with lots to work on. New members were also welcomed.
Two of Chipping’s junior members attended the Spring Festival qualifiers (formerly known as Winter League Series) in the discipline of dressage. Held at Warren Farm in Formby, Lucianna, who is just five years old, took on Area 4 with her pony in the lead-rein walk-trot test, gaining a wonderful score of 78.33 per cent and taking fourth place. Grace competed in the assisted walk-trot test with her pony.
It was a superb opportunity to gain competition experience in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, albeit very quiet, as the government coronavirus guidelines are adhered to. Chipping Pony Club offers training in the run up to all the qualifiers to help members learn the rules and skills, and practice under expert instruction.
One of the main sporting events in the Pony club calendar will be the Pony Club Spring Festival which has evolved from the Winter League Series to include dressage, show jumping and now arena eventing, riders will compete over the winter to qualify for the Spring Festival Championships. For 2020/2021 the Spring Festival will be split into two regions with two separate finals, the England and Wales final being held at Arena UK in Lincolnshire on 9th, 10th and 11th April 2021. Something for everyone to look forward to!
If you are interested in joining, please contact Chipping’s District Commissioner Joanne Conlon 07739 687972 or email: chipping@pcuk.org
