IN THE SADDLE
Chipping Pony Club members have been busier than usual over the past month ensuring they made the most of the fabulous summer heatwave, writes Sarah Gibb. Photography: Sarah Gibb and Paula Kopydlowsi
The Area competition season began with Area 4 Dressage with Megan Conlon winning the grassroots event and Libby Dean coming fourth – both qualifying for the regional Championships held in August at Elland Lodge in Derbyshire. What a fabulous start!
Next saw the Area Show Jumping held at Westmorland showground hosted by Oxenholme branch of the Pony Club.
It was a scorching day and made for a perfect competition, but with sadly no wins for our Branch. However we did get a fabulous fifth place for Libby Dean in the intermediate category. It was a day of superb riding sportsmanship and above all fun. The children all received a congratulatory note from their District Commissioner, who wrote: “I just had to write to say well done to you all for such a great weekend at Area Dressage and Area Show Jumping. You all were immaculately turned out and rode brilliantly. All the hard work you have all put in has paid off and I know that every one of you rode your very best and it showed. You are all so polite and an absolute pleasure to be with.
Thank you to all parents for their tireless commitment. I am so proud of you and it is an utter pleasure to be your DC! Big hugs to you all and big hugs to your brilliant ponies!”
Six days later the club turned out for the Cheshire Shield held at Somerford Park Farm in Cheshire.
Eventing gives Pony Club members a competition which needs courage, determination and all-round riding ability, combined with the careful and systematic training of the horse. Riders gain a deeper understanding of the different disciplines open to them.
Sometimes referred to as an equestrian triathlon, it involves working with your pony/horse both on the flat and over jumps. Today, the sport is most known for its cross-country phase where horse and rider gallop over an outside course of solid obstacles which the horse has never seen before.
Eventing is split into three phases – dressage involving precision, smoothness and complete obedience to show off the horse’s gymnastic development.
Show jumping, which takes place in the show jumping arena over coloured knock-down fences and cross country, which is designed to test the horse and rider’s ability over a variety of fixed fences and undulating ground.
Happily we saw another win from our grassroots entrants Megan Conlon and a fourth place for Libby Dean.
After all of these exhausting yet exhilarating competitions, we all joined together at Laund Farm by kind invitation of the Stott family to ride through the beautiful Trough of Bowland to take in the beauty the wonderful countryside and enjoy a lovely picnic. Last month will certainly take some beating!
Anyone with a love of riding and horses can visit and have a taster day at any of Chipping’s rallies or just go along and watch members in action.
For more details contact Chipping’s DC Jo Conlon 07739 687972
Chipping Branch of the Pony Club
www.pcuk.org
