IN THE SADDLE
Sarah Gibb of Chipping Pony Club reflects on an extremely busy year during which members have enjoyed a whole host of activities. Photography: Sean Conlon
As Chipping Pony Club held their Christmas Rally at Osbaldeston, all they needed was some tinsel, reindeer antlers, bells – and a pony of course!
From three year olds on Shetland ponies to older members on their large mounts, a great deal of fun was had by all.
The younger members enjoyed mounted games and Simon Says whilst the older members enjoyed fabulous tuition on their show jumping techniques, before they all joined together in an exciting mini and major competition.
Each little person was paired with an older member and each embarked on a course of jumps (different sizes of course).
It was a wonderful way to reflect on the club’s past 12 months which can only be described as the best year yet!
Chipping has enjoyed a whole year of fun, frolics, camps, competitions, national championships and trips away – the highs have all been celebrated and the lows have seen members support each other. Now, as the club welcomes 2019, members are looking ahead with the greatest enthusiasm to a busy club programme.
While Chipping enjoyed the festivities, preparation is already underway behind the scenes for the continuation of training. There really is something for everyone at Chipping branch, from horse and pony care, dressage training, show jumping, mounted games, quiz practice and more – it’s a busy club!
The first big date this year will be Chipping’s glamorous presentation evening held at Longridge Golf Club, when four-legged mounts stay at home in their stables, while the club’s unpaid heroes and stalwarts, supporters and members shun their jodhpurs and muddy boots in favour of sparkle and style – no ‘Eau de Stable’ within sniffing distance! This is the evening where the club rewards members’ commitment, their devotion to their mounts. They dance, eat, reminisce and anticipate the coming months, in what will be another fantastic year for this fabulous branch!
Look on Chipping Pony Club’s website to find out more about all the fun you will have by becoming a member, the amazing tuition you will receive and the friendships you will form.
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 07739687972 for more details.
www.pcuk.org
