IN THE SADDLE
Chipping Pony Club has recently seen a whirlwind of activity, an endless fountain of opportunity and a fresh dose of team spirit – not lacking in competitiveness of course! Sarah Gibb reports. Photography: Diane Marsden
Chipping Pony Club participated in the Horse and Pony Care National Championships at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire. In this competition two teams of three members aged from 10 to 22, were situated at various stations which each highlighted a different aspect of caring for a horse or pony. Working intensely for around two hours, showing off their extensive knowledge, the senior team completed the competition in seventh place at national level!
After an exciting weekend at the Pony Club Championships, more members travelled to Derbyshire for yet another major competition as Amy Fishwick reports: “As a team, we had qualified for the Regional Dressage Championships so myself, Lola and Erin, travelled to Eland Lodge, Ashbourne. It was great fun and we loved the experience! The atmosphere was amazing as everyone supported one another. We had to stay overnight as it was a long way from Chipping, the horses were in pop up stables and for us, it was camping.
“On competition day we groomed our ponies, polished our boots and plaited manes and tails. We all performed our dressage tests in separate arenas. Would we remember the test, would our ponies behave? We were so focused! Although it was a team event we were also scored individually and Erin came eighth in her arena – an amazing result especially when you are only 11 years old. Different branches of the Pony Club had come from all over Northern England and it gave us a chance to get to know Pony Club members. Altogether we had a great weekend, and we are striving to qualify next year!”
Having got the dressage team safely home it was time to send two of our members to Eland Lodge for the Regional Eventing Championships. This consisted of three phases – pristine dressage, precise show jumping and fast-paced cross country, all of which were executed with outstanding agility. This led to a ninth-place rosette promptly being handed to one of our members, Libby, who finished on her dressage score!
Back at home and a break from competing, Chipping members all attended a super-fun rally for everybody! These rallies are frequently held over the year and it is an excellent opportunity to see everyone’s progress. Members had the privilege of being allowed to use Longridge Show Ground which was the perfect facility. At the event were some of Chipping’s most experienced riders as well as younger ones – the youngest rider was just three years old!
Chipping was also able to welcome some new faces who came on a taster session to see if they would like to join. Everybody left the event smiling after a jam-packed day of outstanding tuition.
So, now it’s back to school/work, and the nights are drawing in but Chipping Pony Club never slows down. Lots of training sessions, mini rallies, badge days and winter league competitions are lined up over the next few months.
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.
Contact Chipping’s DC Jo Conlon 07739 687972 for more details
www.pcuk.org
