IN THE SADDLE
Chipping Pony Club members enjoyed the sunny weather taking part in a working rally and the Vale of Lune Hunt Show, reports Sarah Gibb and hunt chairman Wayne Burrow. Photography: Diane Marsden
Chipping branch of the Pony Club certainly made the best of the glorious sunshine. With their boots polished, ponies bathed, shirts and ties on, then off to Wrightington to enjoy a day of fun, a working rally including cross country jumping, river splashing and picnics for both ponies and riders – a full day of riding, tuition and lots of smiles!
Huge congratulations to three of the youngest members who took their E & D tests. They are now the proud recipients of their first coloured felt to be worn behind their Pony Club badges – the first step in the fabulous Efficiency Tests. The Efficiency Tests begin at E and progress up to A.
The Pony Club training structure encourages members to take the tests, which enables them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding. The tests are taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain objectives in mind, to help members become practical and knowledgeable riders, proficient in caring for horses and ponies.
The sun was still shining brightly for the annual Vale of Lune Hunt Show on Bank Holiday Monday at Myerscough International Arena.
Record entries competed for over £1250 worth of rosettes, sashes and prize money with an array of ridden, in-hand and jumping classes, culminating in an evening performance to rival any national show.
Organiser Carolyn Charlesworth and her team of volunteers from the hunt, ensured the day ran like clockwork with competitors from all over the county commenting on the friendliness and professionalism of the show.
Spectators were also treated to an ensemble of homemade cakes and biscuits courtesy of the hunt supporters.
This annual event is a major fundraiser in the hunt calendar and hunt chairman Wayne Burrow was delighted with the event saying: “It is heart-warming and indeed incredibly gratifying to see so many people supporting this show and of course the hunt. Mrs Charlesworth and her team have worked tirelessly to facilitate the needs of all the competitors and spectators turning it from a once very ordinary show into the success we now see today.”
Anyone with a love of riding and horses can visit and have a taster day at any of Chipping’s rallies, either mounted or on foot, or just go along and watch members in action.
Contact Chipping’s DC Jo Conlon 07739687972 for more details.
www.pcuk.org
