IN THE SADDLE
Chipping Pony Club reflect on their achievements and experiences at the Winter Championships and are delighted to be invited to the prestigious Bramham International Horse Trials, writes Paula Kopydlowski. Photography: Diane Marsden and the Kopydlowski family
The Winter Triathlon National Championships saw Chipping Pony Club members Erin and Oliver travel to Milton Keynes. They had both done brilliantly to qualify for the finals and were competing against some of the country’s finest elite competitors.
These young people are GB’s future Pentathlon Olympic talent and both Erin and Oliver had a fantastic experience, both achieving personal bests in their runs. It was a superb opportunity, which saw them taking away inspiration to further train and practice their swimming, running and shooting for future events. This really was an experience of a lifetime. No podium finishes on this occasion but very respectable placings by both competitors.
The Dengie Winter Finals at Addington Manor, Buckinghamshire, took place over a weekend in April, attracting top young riders from the Pony Club at a national level. Megan riding Fluky, Evie riding Ted and Joel riding Earl made the long journey to represent Chipping in dressage (Megan) and show jumping (Megan, Evie and Joel). Chipping PC is delighted to report that Megan took 14th place in the Dengie Novice Dressage and Joel took 11th in the Dengie Novice Show Jumping. A great performance by all and an exceptional display of professional horsemanship at such a high level from Chipping.
The younger members of Chipping Pony Club were lucky enough to be visited by the Easter Bunny and took part in an Easter egg hunt. They also learnt about wildlife and caring for pets, which earned them mini achievement badges.
The mounted games training builds up momentum as riders approach the area competition in May. Meeting twice a week, teams are honing their skills at a fast pace, vaulting on their ponies at speed and consistently seeking to improve, under the watchful eye of their coaches.
Chipping Pony Club is also excited to announce that they will be sending a team to the prestigious Bramham International Horse Trials Pony Club Show Jumping, which takes place in June. The team selected are Lauren Barrett, Evie Barton, Mia Dickinson and Joel Higham. By invitation only, it is truly an honour to ride at this event and the club wishes members the very best of luck.
Seven members of Chipping are preparing for Pony Racing at Haydock Park so you will hear all about that in the next issue!
If you are interested in joining as a riding or non-riding member, please contact Chipping’s District Commissioner Joanne Conlon
07739 687972 or email: chipping@pcuk.org
