IN THE SADDLE
The chill of January can often be down heartening, but not for the members of Chipping Pony Club, writes Jo Conlon. Photography: Diane Marsden and Stuart Dean
The year kicked off with a super side-saddle demonstration followed by a lesson at Wrea Green Equitation Centre, which was enjoyed by the members and everyone got the hang of the unusually shaped saddles quite quickly.
This was quickly followed by a cold but successful day competing at the Inter-Branch Winter League Dressage Competition. Chipping Pony Club came away very proud having had Anya and Megan qualifying for the next round in the Dengie Novice Individual Competition with Anya impressively winning her class!
Another freeze-in-your-boots day followed at the Inter-Branch Team Show Jumping at Osbaldeston Riding Centre. The teams were beautifully turned out and the ponies jumped magnificently, but in spite of this Chipping just missed out on the rosettes. However, this was made up for at the Mounted Games Pairs Competition when six members raced with triumphant enthusiasm achieving two second places and one third!
Quiz and Horse & Pony Care teams continue to pore over textbook after textbook for the competitions in the Isle of Man next month. Chipping is sending over three teams to compete and do us proud.
But Pony Club isn’t all about competitions and coldness so on a Saturday night at Longridge Golf Club riding hats were stored away and exchanged for smart, sassy and smiley members! It was hard to recognise some of the cleaned-up people who waltzed through the door for the annual presentation evening. Everyone enjoyed looking fondly back on 2017 and the presentation of rosettes and trophies, which were awarded for attendance, tack and turnout, progress and other excellent achievements. Mrs Hilary Wakefield the Area 4 Pony Club training co-ordinator, awarded the prizes and gave an inspirational short speech. This was followed by much-needed food and a disco which was the cherry on the top of a wonderful evening!
We took this opportunity to thank someone very important to the branch. Can you imagine someone who is bubbly, kind, well-dressed, charming and a mum to everyone? It sounds nearly impossible but that is exactly what Sarah Gibb is! After slaving tirelessly over responsibilities for the club, Sarah has stepped down from her position as District Commissioner (DC) after an amazing four years and many years on the committee. We welcomed in a new DC in the form of Joanne Conlon who is relishing the challenge!
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
