IN THE SADDLE
Sara Gibb sees members of Chipping Pony Club diving into the New Year with enthusiasm, high hopes and a good set of thermal base layers! Photography: Diane Marsden & Rebecca Higham
Chipping Pony Club began their training sessions in earnest as they undertook the WL dressage competition at Bold Heath in Cheshire. It was a very early start, but those thermals kept members warm and toasty despite the cold, dark, and blustery January weather.
The day began with little Francesca (pictured) and her pony Chuckles, attempting their first ever dressage test on the lead rein. Beautifully turned out, Francesca performed possibly the cutest dressage test ever. The free walk on a long rein was so professional and Francesca took second place! What a result and well done!
Taking part in Grassroots, Chipping saw Immy with her pony Nell and Kaitlin with Bobby perform for the first time. Both conquered their nerves and steered winter-fresh ponies through the dressage with good results. You did the club proud!
Amy rode her mum’s horse Seal and Lola was riding her own, Bobalong, who took second place out of 25 competitors. She was delighted!
In the Dengie Novice, Megan tactfully rode a speedy Flukey through the test and Erin, 11, attempted her first Novice test. A big step up but she executed it well with a very respectable score.
Next came Round 3 of the Winter League Show Jumping. Chipping Eagles – Rose and Breeze, Amy and Rosie, Lola and Bob and Erin and Binc, got through to the jump off, with Erin and Binc taking individual sixth place out of 83 competitors and the team taking fifth place out of 22 teams. Rose and Erin finished with triple clears.
Chipping Hawks – Miles with Lottie and Olivia with Roy, jumped brilliant rounds. Olivia rode a fantastic jump-off – they are a promising combination. Well done to all competitors. It was a long day but great fun.
The thermals were back on again on another cold evening which saw Chipping’s new Senior Team secure a very credible second place.
The two ‘old timers’ Miles and Oliver were helped by Ruby, Immy and Olly on what was an adrenalin fuelled night of mounted games! Chipping then saw the Juniors – Francesca, Ellie, Lucy and Grace having lots of fun mastering some tricky and very cheeky ponies.
A big thank you to Charlotte the team trainer plus the PC Branches who organise the Winter League competitions!
Rounding off their hectic January schedule members celebrated at Longridge Golf Club with Chipping’s Annual Presentation Evening. The evening began with Jo, Chipping’s District Commissioner, thanking all members, their ponies, their long-suffering parents – better known as grooms – and the food providers, transport coordinators and many more for their continued support. And, of course, all the volunteers who give so much time to the club – without them there would be no Pony Club!
The presentation of prizes was carried out by Ros Slinger the Area 4 Representative. A happy evening was had by all – there was a super atmosphere and it is always a privilege to be part of this friendly branch, which has another exciting 12 months ahead!
Anyone with a love of horses can have a taster day at any of Chipping’s rallies or just go along and watch
Contact Chipping’s DC Jo Conlon 07739 687972 for more details
www.pcuk.org
