Open Showjumping Team

Iveagh Pony Club have recently celebrated one of their most successful campaigns through the Area 17 Competitions, gaining 5 team and 10 individual qualifying spaces for the Pony Club UK Championships in August, hosted at Chomondely Castle in Cheshire.

The Area Competitions ran for 3 consecutive weeks, with the first being the Area Dressage at Ballyarnet Country Park in Londonderry run by the North Derry Branch. Dressage not usually being one of Iveagh’s best disciplines, the weekly training sessions from some of the area’s best coaches helped the riders come home with some of the best dressage results the club has ever had. The first class of the day was the Open Class, the team of Laura King, Roisin Muirhead & Ciara Muirhead secured first place and a qualifying envelope to enable them to compete at the UK Championship Competition. Laura King also secured first place individually overall. Not to be beaten, the Intermediate Team of Lynn Clarke Hearty, Erin Burns, Caitie Slater and Laoise O’Farrell also secured first place (and a qualifying envelope) with Lynn, Erin & Caitie all securing top 3 positions in their arena’s. Vicky Campbell & Daniel Kehoe also managed to pull off qualifying scores to see them both heading to Cheshire for Individual Positions. Lastly, Katie O’Hare in the Novice Section also managed to ride a superb test to also gain her qualifying envelope to compete at the Championships.

Novice Showjumping Team

The following week brought a massive number of riders to Meadows Equestrian Centre for the Area Show jumping Competition, run by the Tullylagan Branch usually our top discipline Iveagh won all three sections to secure qualifying envelopes for 3 teams as well as 3 Individual Positions. The first class of the day was the Open Show jumping, with the Iveagh Team of Casey Webb, Rachel Chapman, Charlotte Eakon and Abbey Morton being the only team to finish with a clear score sheet and gain their qualifying envelope. Rachel Chapman also finished 7th individually and secured an spot in the individual class.This was followed by the Intermediate Competition. The Iveagh Team of Hannah Agnew, Hollie Smith, Hannah Rafferty and Kathryn Morton won and Hannah Agnes also qualified as an Individual. Next competition of the day was the Novice Show jumping, with Jasmine Crothers, Sarah Clarke, Harry Haire and Shanie Murphy also being the only team with a clear sheet at the end of the competition to secure their trip to Cheshire! Eva Kerton also secured herself an individual position.

Intermediate Dressage Team with Area 17 Rep Liz Lowry, Iveaghs Rose DeCourcey Wheeler & Declan Cullen of Pegus Horse Feeds

The final week was the Area Eventing held at the excellent facilities of Cloncaw Equestrian run by the Seskinore Branch, non-stop rain left for very tricky conditions with the Cross Country Phase having a lot of problems. However, 4 of our members managed to negotiating the testing weather and secure themselves qualifying spaces in August. In the Open class both Casey Webb & Carla Troughton both rode double clear to secure their trip to Cheshire, whilst in the Intermediate Class Ciara Muirhead took first place and Kathy McGaffin third to also secure their spots. Kate Shields and Jasmine Crothers also qualified as Novice Individuals. Kiara Lane was first in her ring but unfortunately cannot make the Championships.

On top of the above qualifiers, Tabytha Bonar secured her spot in Endurance, whilst Rebecca Mackey and William Armstrong both make the trip over for Polocrosse.

Open Dressage Team of Roisin & Ciara Muirhead & Laura King who also lifted the individual cup

In total, 31 riders & horses will make the journey to Cheshire for a week of competition between the 19 Areas of the UK Pony Club. As expected, everyone has been working incredibly hard towards qualifying and the work now begins towards the Championships. Nothing would be possible without the backing of some incredible trainers throughout the disciplines and the extremely hard work of the Iveagh Committee who keep everyone on the right track.

85cm winners L-R
1st & 2nd Alex Finney – Master Roan
3rd Albert Lowry – Oh Dear
4th Aoife O’Farrell – Abigail’s Dream
5th Caira Malcomson – Tyrone Molly

Iveagh Branch of the Pony Club held their annual Spring Derby on Easter Tuesday, generously sponsored by Kehoe Kars of Newry. Following the wet weather of the previous week there was some concern regarding whether the ground would be dry and firm enough. However after a couple of dry days, Easter Tuesday arrived with lovely warm and sunny weather with good going underfoot.

There was a great turn out, with all the riders keen to tackle the challenging derby course, designed and built by Steven and Trevor Smith. Obstacles included the ever challenging devil’s dyke and bank.

70 cm winners L-R
1st Rory Osborne – Socky
2nd Emma Wright – Flash Pony
3rd Ella McCallister – Max
4th Finn Osborne – Double Daz
5th Daniel Moore – Flash
6th Julie Simpson – Annie’s Treasure

Thanks go to Dora Beacom for her commentary and scoring, to all the volunteers including fence judges, starter, arena party, catering, coursing building and those who helped in any way. Special thanks to our sponsor Mr John Kehoe of Kehoe Kars, whose four children are all active members of The Iveagh Branch, thanks also to Annie Chambers for organising the event.

The first class (85cm) saw 8 clear first rounds, followed by an exciting jump off which included one of the youngest riders Alex Finney, who finished 1st and 2nd on her two ponies, and  the eldest competitor Albert Lowry, who finished 3rd, on his faithful Oh Dear.

The Metre Class proved more difficult for those involved with no-one finishing the first round faultless. This meant the six combinations on 4 faults went through to a jump off, in which Steven Smith finished 1st and 2nd with the only two clear rounds on Eric and Charlie.

1.0M Prize winners L-R
1st & 2nd Stephen Smith – Eric
3rd Gary Hylands – Picanto
4th Conail Mcgrath – Easy Jet
6th Tabytha Bonar – Bella Bambino
5th Herbie Purce – Seapatrick Hamish

The day ended with a 70 cm class, again making all the riders work hard and with just three clear after the first round. Rory Osborne riding Socky had the fastest jump- off time to win the class.

Full results:

85cm

1st Alex Finney – Master Roan

2nd Alex Finney – Some Journey

3rd Albert Lowry – Oh Dear

4th Aoife O’Farrell – Abigail’s Dream

5th Caira Malcomson – Tyrone Molly

6th Ellie McElroy – Monochrome Boy

1m

1st Steven Smith – Eric

2nd Steven Smith – Charlie

3rd Gary Hylands – Picanto

4th Conail Mcgrath – Easy Jet

5th Herbie Purce – Seapatrick Hamish

6th Tabytha Bonar – Bella Bambino

70 cm

1st Rory Osborne – Socky

2nd Emma Wright – Flash Pony

3rd Ella McCallister – Max

4th Finn Osborne – Double Daz

5th Daniel Moore – Flash

6th Julie Simpson – Annie’s Treasure

There will be 3 classes consisting of 70cm, 85cm and 1m courses of approximately 20 fences, including a bank and a Devil’s Dyke, over two grass arenas.

Each class will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, and there will be a prize for the best junior in each class (under 14 on 1st January 2015),  and a prize for the best senior citizen of the day!

All primary schools and secondary schools are invited to attend and it is hoped that as many schools as possible will accept the invitation and send teams along to this fun and competitive day. In many instances it will be the last opportunity that Primary 7’s or leaving age students will get to represent their school.

There will be 6 classes on the day consisting of Primary School Teams (max height 70cms), Primary School Individual (max height 70cms), Intermediate Teams, (max height 85cms), Intermediate Individual, (max height 85cms), Senior Teams, (max height 1m), Senior Individual, (max height 1m). There will be a tack and turn out prize for each class also.

Pony Club will provide insurance for this event and it will be run under Pony Club rules. For full details including letter for school principals and entry forms please log on to or contact Áine Lavery 07859 919 795 aine.lavery@gmail.com

Steven Smith receiving his Cubitt Award from Area 17 Representative Liz Lowry

The Pony Club held their annual Cubitt Awards ceremony at Stratford Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire on Monday June 2nd. The annual awards are held in honour of volunteers who have given in excess of 20 years to The Pony Club, and take their name from the late Hon Guy Cubitt, who was Chairman of The Pony Club for 25 years and President from 1970 – 1979.

Iveagh Pony Club Members Presenting their work at The Annual Pony Club UK Conference

Members of the Iveagh Branch of the Pony Club have recently completed a hugely successful project to preserve the rich 50 year history their Branch. The project which was very generously funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund culminated in the production of a beautiful book and a fascinating, lively and fun film.

The book, packed with photographs tells the story of the club by interweaving the stories of past and present members with the writing of an editorial board, made up of members aged 10-24. Their fascinating film begins in the amazing summer of 2013 by following members’ fortunes as they prepare for Championship competitions, and along the way reveals the role the club has played in the success that former members have had at Olympic and World Championship level through all equestrian disciplines.

Iveagh Pony Club Members at The Annual Pony Club UK Conference

Such has been the success of the project that the Editorial Board were invited to present their work at the prestigious annual Pony Club Conference, which was held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on 5^thMarch 2014. Presenting at an event of this nature was a massively daunting task, as well as being a huge accolade for the Branch. The Conference was attended by well in advance of 500 delegates, including dignitaries such as Lady Lloyd-Webber, who is President of the Pony Club. She said that the children were wonderful and a credit to Area 17.

Iveagh Pony Club Members Presenting their work at The Annual Pony Club UK Conference

The Project Manager, Dr Sally Walmsley, introduced the project to the Conference, after which each member of the Editorial Board had a part to play in the presentation. The delegates were truly inspired by the members of Iveagh, and the project was unbelievably well received. Liz Lowry (Area 17 Rep) and Vanne Campbell (Iveagh DC) were both extremely proud of the members.

Books and DVD’s can be obtained by contacting any of the following:

Áine Lavery 07859 919795

Sally Walmsley 07084 448496

Vanne Campbell 07703 594759

Shirley McCombe 07825 141171

Or any Iveagh committee member

All primary schools and secondary schools are invited to attend and it is hoped that as many schools as possible will accept the invitation and send teams along to this fun and competitive day. In many instances it will be the last opportunity that Primary 7’s or leaving age students will get to represent their school.

There will be 6 classes on the day consisting of Primary School Teams (max height 70cms), Primary School Individual (max height 70cms), Intermediate Teams, (max height 85cms), Intermediate Individual, (max height 85cms), Senior Teams, (max height 1m), Senior Individual, (max height 1m). There will be a tack and turn out prize for each class also.

Pony Club will provide insurance for this event and it will be run under Pony Club rules. For full details including letter for school principals and entry forms please log on to http://branches.pcuk.org/iveagh/iveagh-schools-show-jumping-2014/or contact Áine Lavery 07859 919 795 aine.lavery@gmail.cm

Editorial Committee of the Iveagh Pony Club book and film.

Friday 7^th February 2014 saw the culmination of many, many months of hard work and determination pay dividends. It was a night for the glitz and glamour of the red carpet as the Iveagh Branch of the Pony Club premiered their film ‘The Pony Club Way – From Iveagh Playpen to World Stage’. A beautifully produced book, ‘The Pony Club Way – 50 Years of The Iveagh Branch of the Pony Club, was also launched at this event. The evening was attended by well in advance of 300 people at The Seagoe Hotel, who enjoyed a Champagne reception, film premier, book launch, supper and dancing.

(L – R) Lady Perita Blackwood, Vanne Campbell (District Commissioner), Liz Lowry (Area 17 Representative)

The book takes the reader from the beginnings of the Iveagh Branch of The Pony through to its success both in competitive riding and at the grass roots level for those who simply want to enjoy their pony in a more knowledgeable fashion by exploring key aspects of how the Iveagh pony club, a voluntary organisation, is run and maintained. It is packed with photographs and provides a comprehensive history of the branch.

Organiser of the launch of the Iveagh PC book and film (L – R) Aine Lavery, Sharon Lyle-Hall, Shirley McCombe, Vanne Campbell, Liz Lowry, Dr Sally Walmsely.

The film considers the 50 year history of the Iveagh pony club from a different perspective focussing on individual equine disciplines and showing how these start in the playpen with very young children and go via the activities of the Iveagh Branch of The Pony to the world stage. The book and film are collaborative pieces of work linking past members to current members and used the skills of an ethnographer and filmmaker (a past member) to bring all together in two final formats.

Former pony club member and international event rider Steven Smith and his wife Jenny.

The entire project was made possible by the very generous funding of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project was lead by Dr Sally Walmsley with the very active participation of an editorial board made up of current Branch members, aged from 10-24 years who learned interviewing skills with the help of Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland. Intergenerational Workshops were held over the summer of 2013, gathering memories, photographs and anecdotes from past parents, members and friends of the branch, this formed the basis for the film and book.

Editorial Committee of the Iveagh Pony Club book and film.

The conclusion of the project will see the editorial board present the project at The Annual Pony Club Conference which is to be held at Epsom in March, followed by a series of road shows around various Pony Club events this summer.

Sincere thanks to The Heritage Lottery Fund, Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland, Dr Sally Walmsley, The Editorial Board and all the parents, members and friends of the branch who contributed to the book and the project in any way.

Books and DVD’s can be obtained by contacting any of the following:

Áine Lavery 07859 919795

Sally Walmsley 07084 448496

Vanne Campbell 07703 594759

Shirley McCombe 07825 141171

Or any Iveagh committee member

Grace Lavery and Jenny winning the 1m class Photo by Sporting Images NI

Weather conditions were extremely trying at Tyrella for the Iveagh Spring Derby with the show jumping course in particular falling victim to the incredibly strong winds that prevailed in the morning.  However due the the abundance of hard work put in by an extremely hard working committee from Iveagh Pony Club the day was still an overwhelming success.

Over 150 competitors took on the cross country course with many achieving double clears and all enjoying the chance to finally get back to the popular Tyrella grass for a jump and gallop!

Thanks to all who contributed to make this event the success that it was, the competitors who turned out regardless of the weather and congratulations to all double clears on the day.

Photographs taken at the event can be found on Sporting Images NI website, or by clicking here.

More information on Iveagh Pony Club can be found by clicking here.

1M Class Clears

1st, Grace Lavery, Jenny

2nd = Justine Harding, My Gypsey Rose

2nd = Lynn Clarke Hearty, Mr Ballpark

2nd = Cara Norman, Two-Tone Ventura

Adam Haugh, Discovered

Jordan Ritchie-Smith, Crack N Touch

Justine Hardine, Winterfold Ivy

Terry Smith, Stand By Your Man

Katie Parker, Annie

Hannah Blakely, Rough Terraine

Vicky Clegg, Villa Imp

Elaine O’Connor, Tullymurry Holly

Paddy O’Rourke, Old Flames

Joe Haffrey, Hillhead Lad

Adam Haugh, Dalsaan King

Lauren Johnston, Thamesford

Class 2 – 85cm Clears

1st Junior, Alexandria Cleland, Whisper Grey Dove

1st Senior, Lynsey Robb, Orbie

2nd Senior, Natasha Kerr, Pepsi Max

3rd = Senior, Lesley-Ann Moore, Princess Frodo

3rd = Senior, Lee Money, Realta

3rd = Senior, Michael Graham, A Matter of Fact

Erin Gabbie, Catalina Rascal

Jim Newsam, Lenny

Hannah Rafferty, Cor Rambler

Ashleigh Rea, VSH Amadeus

Dee Battett-Davies, Keeford O’Reilly

Steven Trimble, Sky

Justine Harding, Lucy Bready

Carly Douglas, Baronscourt Boy

Elaine O’Connor, Eve

Vicky Clegg, Killaughey Belle

Sarah Sinton, Consider it Dun

Ruth Currie, Darcy

Albery Lowry, Oh Dear

Rachael Thompson, Apache

Helen Pannell, Rufus

Kiara Malcolmson, Tyrone Molly

Toni Quail, Ringfort Rua

Tara Bertholon, Va Va Voom

Jim Newsam, Lilly

Harriet Pele, Hubbley Bob

Clare Sinton, Rambo

Jade Herron, Buckaroo

John Kehoe, Killeshin George

Kerry Gilmore, Shannon

Darren McClory, My Tumble

Rachael Taylor, Carco Jack

Catie Slater, Colour Code Chinook

Grace Kehor, Park Crystal

Wendy Anderson, Arctic Poppy

Charlotte Eakin, Midnight Dancer

Ben R McCormick, Indiana Jones

Class 3 70cm Over 14

1st, Hester Kelly, Krizzey

2nd, Ashleigh Rea, Killaughey Bouncer

3rd, Margaret Liberante, Lorcan

Carol Moorehead, Roundthorn Excel

Mags Ross, Chester

Class 4 70cm Under 14

1st, Lucy Johnston, LJ Sparky

2nd, Conell McGrath, Banfield Boy

3rd, Alex McCourt, Biscuit

4th, Lara Kelly, Tootsie

5th, Thomas McDowell, Sugar

6th, Abby Cummiskey, Glanerch Purr

Sarah Topley, Tipp Jenn

Vicky Campbell, Dennis The Mennace

Hannah Agnew, Molly’s Holly

Diara Lane, Derrymattery Fudge

Zara Sharvin, Woodvale Classic Lady

Click here to download an entry form Entry Form 2014

Class 1                                     1m                                                                £22

Class 2                                      85cm                                                         £22

Class 3                                     70cm    (14 or over on 01.01.14)    £22

Class 4                                     70cm    (Under 14 on 01.01.14)      £22

RULES

1. The Competition will be run under the rules of The Pony Club.
2. Each class will be judged as a two phase competition with only the Show Jumping round being timed against the clock.
3. Rosettes and Prizes will be awarded for 1^st to 3^rd in each class along with Best Junior (Under 14) in Classes 1 & 2.
4. All Competitors must wear a protective helmet manufactured to the minimum specifications. (PAS015, BSEN1384, SNELL E2001)
5. Body protectors of a standard approved by BETA for Cross Country MUST be worn and ALL competitors must wear a medical armband.
6. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure that tack and equipment is safe and suitable.
7. The organisers reserve the right to refuse participation by any competitor.
8. No horse or pony may compete more than once.
9. Any competitor eliminated must leave the course at a walk.
10. Schooling after the competition is not allowed.
11. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
12. No refunds given, under any circumstances.

Please bring a number bib or one can be hired for a £10 refundable deposit.

Entry fee includes a £2 Ambulance contribution.

TIMES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON IVEAGH PC WEBSITE AFTER 6PM ON

FRIDAY 21^st FEBRUARY 2014 or 07825 408648

Entries close on Tuesday 18^th February 2014

Entry forms also available to download from:

http://branches.pcuk.org/iveagh or vaw71@hotmail.com