IN THE SADDLE
Chipping Pony Club members have had a busy month embarking on dressage tests, mounted games and a day at Aintree, writes Sarah Gibb. Photography: Paula Kopydlowski
Chipping Pony Club members were spoilt for choice at the half term with a wealth of activities to join in. The club began the half term seeing some of the younger members wrap up and head to Bold Heath to perform some outstanding dressage tests in the Area 4 Winter League Dressage Series. Chipping came home with not only lots of rosettes but qualifications to the finals too! Chipping’s Erin won the Grassroots Competition against over 30 other competitors!
While the dressage divas were put through their paces, the mounted games gang enjoyed an afternoon of fun with their ponies before more practice in preparation for the WL Mounted Games Competition at Myerscough International Arena.
So who has the most PC badges? From Chipping PC’s new tiny tots through to the older members, they all turned out to Chipping’s badge afternoon which featured lorinery, the feeding rules for your pony, how to keep a pony at grass and many more fabulous badges. They were all competing for an arm-full of achievement badges. Mums and grannies stand by – there is a whole lot of sewing coming your way!
Chipping PC also has jockeys in the making – members Lola and Erin took part in a race training day at Aintree race course, learning how to ride jockey style, taking part in agility courses and team building, racing one another on the equicizer, before taking their ponies on the hallowed turf of Aintree for a real-life race. What an experience!
All this happened before Chipping’s working rally with top class instruction. Each group was taught the correct ways of riding both on the flat and of course jumping, not just the ponies and riders but some mums, who were leading, were treated to a jumping course too. Who needs a gym after chasing a pony round 10 fences? It definitely warms you up on a cold winter afternoon!
It is not just equestrian skills that make the Pony Club such a unique organisation, its core values of sportsmanship, loyalty, respect for others and self-discipline are equally valuable.
Recently Chipping saw one of its new members Kaitlyn representing the branch in the first of the Winter League Show Jumping Series held at Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre. Kaitlyn and her pony were beautifully turned out – the club was extremely proud of them!
Check out Chipping PC’s website branches.pcuk.org/chipping or the branch’s Facebook page for up to the minute news.
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
