IN THE SADDLE
Chipping Pony Club enjoyed a number of festive activities and celebrated the success of 2019 with a terrific presentation evening, writes Paula Kopydlowski. Photography: Paula Kopydlowski, Joanne Conlon and Diane Marsden
Chipping Pony Club is a charity and often holds events to raise money for the benefit of the members. They recently held a bric-a-brac sale and a wreath-making workshop at Chipping Village Hall, both of which were received well by the locals.
Mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas music were the perfect accompaniments to an afternoon learning how to make a wreath and getting creative juices flowing, under the guidance of organiser and committee member, Sarah Fishwick, who had selected a wide range of foliage, which had been sourced locally.
A celebration of the Pony Club year was held at Longridge Golf Club which gave an opportunity for members to dress up, have supper, dance, and celebrate the awards – leaving the ponies at home. A review of the year highlighted what a lot they have taken part in. They’ve certainly covered some road and sea miles, and had enormous success for such a small club.
Area 4 Pony Club representative Mrs Slinger and her husband were guests of honour. Mrs Slinger awarded the prizes and delivered a speech which reminded everybody how lucky they are to have ponies of their own, how they should be grateful and remember to thank their ponies, look after them to the best of their abilities and give them an extra cuddle, because without them, none of this is possible. Not a dry eye in the house!
The area show jumping and dressage is well underway and seeing many new faces taking part which is so encouraging. At the Winter League Show Jumping, Chipping member Erin Kopydlowski took individual first place, out of 104 competitors, with two seconds between first and second. It was a very exciting finish with some daring turns so a huge congratulations must go to Erin and her wonderful pony Binc.
Chipping’s Miles Kenyon also jumped three fantastic clear rounds to claim a place in the top 10. In the Winter League Dressage, Chipping have already received individual qualifications for the ride-offs in March, seeing Megan Conlon riding Fluky qualify in the Intermediate class and Erin Kopydlowski riding Binc win the Novice class on her debut, following a move up from Grassroots, also qualifying for the ride-offs.
Finally, a Christmas Fun Rally saw members and their ponies dress up for an hour of instruction and an hour of adrenaline fuelled fun with a mini-major show jumping competition finale, won by the speedy pair Ellie Stapeley riding Grace and Lola Kopydlowski riding Roo. Aside from rosettes, Christmas gifts of chocolate for all the members and ‘stud muffins’ for the ponies were much appreciated after a busy morning.
Chipping are excited for a brand new year of training, competitions and fun with friends. In the mean time, they would like to wish everyone a happy New Year!
If you are interested in joining, please contact Chipping’s District Commissioner Joanne Conlon 07739 687972 or email: chipping@pcuk.org
