The final fixture of the Champion Headwear Pony Club Pony Racing series, held at Lingfield Park Racecourse on October 26^th 2015, saw sunshine and a special visit from The Pony Club’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. 

As a great turnout of over 400 Pony Club Members, supporters and family poured in through the gates ahead of the pony racing action there was the opportunity to visit the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) andcareersinracing to have a go on the equicisors, try on real racing silks, get top tips and find out more about Racing as a sport and a career. Over in the paddock, the National Hunt racehorse Sire de Grugy was in fine form for visitors to admire, before taking to the course for a gallop!

As the day’s pony racing got underway, there was a bumper entry of near 100 Pony Club Members, competing for one of the Champion Headwear race titles at Novice and Open level over four, six or eight furlongs. The special ‘*Area 11 Training Stakes’ race title went to **Centre Member Sophie Manners (14), from London based Pony Club Centre, Park Lane Stables riding Derwent Dream Dancer who also won the tack and turnout for the class!

“The day has been such a great opportunity for our Members to get a feel for what it would be like to be a jockey” said Natalie O’Rourke, Proprietor of Park Lane Stables. “We must thank the Eridge Branch and The Pony Club for the opportunity to meet HRH the Princess Royal – coupled with our winner we have had the best day ever!”

With the occasion also marking the 80^th anniversary of the organising Eridge Hunt Branch of The Pony Club, HRH the Princess Royal met current Members from the Branch aged four upwards to find out more about them and their ponies, before kindly cutting into an amazing commemorative chocolate cake to be enjoyed by everyone.

“What an amazing day we had at Lingfield Park Racecourse today for The Pony Club Race Day!” said Joanna Tindall, Eridge Hunt District Commissioner. “A huge thank you to all those who helped us from Lingfield Park and the many others from other Pony Club Branches within Area 11. Everyone made it such a special day and one we will all remember for a long time”.

There was an additional surprise for Joanna, alongside Cherry Michell the former Pony Club Chairman,  as they were presented with their Cubitt Awards by HRH the Princess Royal, to honour their individuals commitment of over 20 years voluntary service to The Pony Club.

Before heading home HRH the Princess Royal was able to watch some of the pony racing action before stopping by at the prize giving for Race 5 to present the winners and receive a bouquet from Eridge Hunt Member, Theo Boyle.

“It was wonderful to have HRH the Princess Royal with us for our final pony racing fixture of the year” commented Pip Kirkby, Chief Executive of The Pony Club. “The day was such a great display of what The Pony Club is doing at grassroots level with racing as a sport, as well what our amazing volunteers achieve on our behalf”.

Andrew Perkins, Executive Director of Lingfield Park Racecourse, echoed the success of the day saying “Hosting the annual Eridge Hunt Pony Club pony racing event at Lingfield Park has always been a pleasure and it was great to see the occasion made even more special this year with the attendance of HRH the Princess Royal”.

The Pony Club is full steam ahead towards Olympia, The London International Horse Show, with an enhanced presence at the show for 2014, 

including all the usual Pony Club merchandise, running the Olympia Shopping Drop Off, launching the next level of the e learning site ‘PonyPrep Plus’ and some great action in the Mini Major show jumping competition!

• Charley Hamilton (aged 12) riding Bee Bop A Lula – Aberdeenshire Branch
• Lily Freeman-Attwood (12) riding Kitty – Tantatside Hunt
• Ella Quigley (11) riding Hot Chilli Pepper – Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s Hunt
• Francesca Young (11) riding Pussy Cat Doll – Old Berkshire Hunt
• Hannah Bishop (12) riding Green Gem Coco – Banwell
• Anabelle Heffron (11) riding Miss Elegant – Iveagh
• Niall McEvoy (12) riding Sparkling Majestic Caesar – Seskinore Harriers
• Megan Morris (11) riding Brown Sugar III – Edinburgh

The Pony Club Open Eventing League, generously sponsored by Likit

The winner of the Likit Open Eventing League for 2014 is Katherine Mason, from the West Norfolk Branch of The Pony Club.  Katherine, aged 15, amassed a total of 24 points with her horse Fernhill By Design (Buzz) and will benefit from the top prize of a day’s training with successful event rider John-Paul Sheffield and a very smart rug courtesy of Likit!

“I was over the moon when I found out I had won, it just shows that all the hard work pays off!” comments Catherine. “Buzz and I have been in partnership for a couple of years, I got him with the hope of reaching Pony Club Open level and he has guided me through and taught me so much over the past two seasons. I would also like to say a big well done to everyone else in the Likit Open Eventing League; especially to my fellow team mate Annabel Lyles for finishing second, go West Norfolk!”

Winners down the line to 10^th place will also receive training bursary amounts, from £200 for second place down to £50 for tenth place, and also a smart rug. A presentation day has been arranged at 4* event rider Francis Whittington’s yard, where winners will enjoy a yard tour and lecture demo from Francis before receiving their Likit Open Eventing League prizes.

Pony Club Branches whose events include an Open (1.10m) Class, are eligible to register for the League with entrants gaining points for places and double clear rounds. The horse and rider combination with the highest number of points at the end of the season wins, with further placings being awarded to 10th place.

“Since it started the aim of the Likit Open Eventing League has been to encourage as many Members as possible to compete at Open Level events, whether organised by their own Branch or by others” comments Liz Lyle, Chairman of Pony Club Eventing.  “It continues to achieve this and promotes some great healthy competition along the way!”

Based in Scotland, Open League sponsor Likit manufacture a wide range of stable toys and treats. Brand Manager, Lindsay Gall comments “This is our third year supporting this amazing competition and we are so proud of all the competitors and their horses and ponies that have entered this year.  The courses are challenging both mentally and physically so just getting round the courses, never mind achieving a place in the top ten, is a fantastic achievement.  The Pony Club remains at the forefront of young rider development and we are delighted to continue to support such a worthwhile organisation”.

A full set of results can be found HERE

Olympic riders, British Eventing Accredited Coaches, British Horse Society Fellows and the British Eventing team’s Performance Manager Yogi Breisner FBHS all gathered to take part in an interactive CPD evening, which saw lively discussion and debate. British Showjumping Accredited Coach and Coach Educator Corinne Bracken lead on proceedings, offering plenty of useful tips and thought provoking exercises to encourage coaches to adapt to new teaching methods and compare their existing techniques.

As well as leading some of the exercises, Yogi Breisner also received his first Pony Club Coaching Log Book presented by Mary Tuckett, Chairman of The Pony Club; Coaching Log Books, as well as being listed on The Pony Club instructor database, are a requirement for all Pony Club coaches to provide a record of their completed CPD.

The evening was created and hosted by Pony Club Area 9 Representative Pleasance Jewitt, who felt that an interactive coaching CPD session would be beneficial to complement the lecture-demo style more common with such events. As well as enlisting the elite coaches, Pleasance also brought in some young talent to receive training from the 28 coaches. These riders included some of Pony Club rising stars; including Tintin Belsham (VWH Branch) an individual winner of the 2013 Pony Club Open Eventing Championships and long-list rider for this year’s Junior European Eventing Championships. Thomas Tulloch (Sir W.W Wynn’s Branch) who has recently added the Charles Owen British Pony Championship title to his list of wins, Thea Godding (Cotswold Hunt Branch) and Sapphire Graham (VWH Pony Club Branch), both of whom are based at Rectory Farm.

“We wanted to improve how these types of courses had been run previously, and create something more interactive with no one sitting down” commented Pleasance. “We definitely achieved this with Corinne’s input of how to make the most of the evening, and Yogi especially went away full of ideas on how he could run the next course!”

For further information about requirements for Pony Club Coaches visit http://www.pcuk.org/training or contact Jenny Yates 02476 698305

The Pony Club Championships draw a crowd of over 5000 spectators and competitors each year, and act as the pinnacle of achievement for many Pony Club Members. The four days of hotly contested competition incorporate the finals for the disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Mounted Games, Polocrosse and Endurance.

Alongside the main sporting disciplines, there are also highlights that include the Musical Ride competition, with teams of up to 12 displaying their riding skill to music whilst dressed in costume, the Centre Equitation competition, which gives those who ride at a Pony Club linked Riding School the chance to experience a Championship event and the Horse and Pony Care Competition for those who excel in horse care and welfare.

“We are so pleased to announce that Weatherbys Private Banking have come on board as title sponsor for The Pony Club Championships” comments Chief Executive for The Pony Club, Judy Edwards. “The Championships are such a special occasion for our Members, and so securing support such as this means we can continue to enhance and develop the experience for all involved”.

Weatherbys Bank, one of Britain’s few remaining family-owned private banks, has been linked with horseracing ever since James Weatherby became the official stakeholder in 1770, a role it has since expanded to sit at the heart of British horseracing administration.

Unlike publicly quoted banks, it doesn’t face huge pressures from shareholders to perform in the short-term. Instead, its position within a 7th generation family company allows it to take a long-term view providing security and stability. The family-owned firm is currently headed up by CEO Roger Weatherby and his brother Johnny, the bank’s chairman. A fully accredited bank, they offer all the services you would associate with a modern financial institution; yet with the attention to detail you might expect of a traditional family business. A strong focus on personal service has seen the bank reject call centres so its clients can always talk to the same dedicated bank manager – all of whom spend much of their time visiting clients. In fact, most new clients come to Weatherbys through word-of-mouth recommendations, looking for a better banking service.

Roger Weatherby, Chief Executive of Weatherbys Bank, comments “Weatherbys Private Banking are really excited to be involved with The Pony Club Championships.  The Bank’s offering is focused on integrity, longevity, efficiency and accuracy – the same qualities that are needed in top class event horses.”  “Our Banking division already have one foot in the eventing world with our support of The Cholmondeley Castle Horse Trials, and we feel our support of The Pony Club Championships will raise our profile and deepen our connection with those who share our interest in the world of eventing. Many of the bank’s clients are themselves racehorse owners and we are fully attuned to the needs and interests of all of those who are actively involved in horse and pony ownership.”

Naturally both East Antrim members were absolutely thrilled with their achievement. To have two members make it through this selection process is a very positive reflection on the dedicated training and encouragement offered by the club, parents and supporters.

Commenting on her daughter’s selection, Rachelle Harding commented “Justine is very dedicated rider who loves eventing and learning. ” She continued, “Justine is really excited to step up her education in the sport.”

28 talented Pony Club Members from all corners of the country made their way to Rider Development Pathway (RDP) Camp at Somerford
Park in Cheshire, June 14-15^th for a weekend of top class coaching in their chosen discipline of Dressage, Show Jumping or Eventing

Launched in spring 2014, The Pony Club RDP is supported by the Sport England funded BEF Excel Talent Programme, developed to extend the rider talent pathway below the UK Sport funded World Class Programme, and to help riders develop to be the best they can be in their chosen discipline. Members attending the camp, who were selected at one of the nine Regional Training and Assessment days held in April, benefitted from coaching not just in their chosen discipline, but also on a holistic level to help them improve all aspects of their performance.

Ridden coaching was delivered by Maria Eilberg (Dressage), Gary Parsonage (Eventing) and Philippa McKeever-Curry (Show Jumping), with the additional opportunity for members to be filmed riding a jump round or a dressage test, as though they were competing; they were then able to review this footage with a coach to see how they could improve their competition technique

Ridden coaching was backed up by one to one mentoring on goal setting with Pat Crann, as well as balance and position work to analyse position and technique with Hilary Wakefield.

“The balance lessons were incredibly interesting and helped everything make sense, and the goal setting was also really useful” commented Chloe Dawes from the Berkeley Hunt Branch.

There were also one to one consultations on feeding, for each of the riders’ horses and an evening lecture on equine nutrition as a whole featuring the ever popular ‘Harry the gut’, courtesy of Dengie Horse Feeds nutritionist Claire Akers.

“Thank you very much for the amazing opportunity!” trilled Olivia Skinner from the Garth Hunt, at the end of the camp. “It was a fantastic venue, with great coaching, I met some lovely people and I have learnt a lot”.

“The RDP camp had a real buzz to it” commented William Blane, Chairman of Pony Club Training. “Riders not only had the opportunity to develop their skills with the coaches, but also to make friends and develop friendships with other members from across the country”.

The close of the camp also marked the final selection of the seven riders, who will now form the inaugural Pony Club Rider Development Squad and receive further training and support.

Selected riders are as follows:

“Due to the standard of all the riders, selection for the Rider Development squad was extremely difficult” commented William Blane. “The RDP has shown The Pony Club is still, as it has always been, producing talented riders of the future”

Going forwards, those selected for the Rider Development Squad will work with an experienced mentor who will continue to develop their progression and training within their discipline. All riders who attended the RDP will be encouraged to attend further training, national and international competitions with further input from selected coaches.

The teams were tested on various aspects of equestrian and non-equestrian topics across the following eight rounds:

Round 1 – The Pony Club

Round 2 – The Stable Yard and Tack Room

Round 3 – Mountains, Rivers and Lakes

Round 4 – Missing Words

Round 5 – Practical Round

Round 6 – Grooming, Clipping and Trimming

Round 7 – Picture Round

Round 8 – War Horses in History

After being victorious for the past two years, Hampshire Hunt were favourites to repeat their success in the Branch competition, but it was the Chipping Branch who held the lead at the halfway stage; with just four points separating the top four teams, however, there was still all to play for. In the Centre competition there was a clear leader early on, with defending champions Lavant House Stables forging a ten point lead over their closest rivals from Talygarn Equestrian Centre.

The afternoon session saw teams split up for the individual practical rounds, and despite strong competition from the Llangeinor Hunt and Cheshire Hunt North Branches, the Chipping Branch managed to hold onto their lead and seal the title in the Branch competition. The Chipping Branch team of Victoria Hargreaves (17), Jack Mellin (14), Vanessa Lace (11) and Charlotte Gibb (11), finished on a final score of 244 to give them a 9.5 advantage over Llangeinor Hunt in 2nd place.

With such a commanding lead in the first half, the Lavant House team of Helena Bissex (20), Livvy Linares (15), Phoebe Goodale (13), and Lydia McKimm (10) could have relaxed, but they were determined not to let their lead slip and finished on an impressive 241 points, well ahead of Talygarn Equestrian Centre in 2nd place (226 points) and Friars Hill Stables in 3rd (208.5 points).

“It was very special returning to the Quiz Final with Livvy, Phoebe and Lydia to defend our title as National Quiz Centre champions” commented Lavant House team member Helena Bissex, “we have also had such a great time over the last few months preparing for the National Quiz and spending time together.”

The mascot competition also proved as popular as ever, with the theme this year being “the best homemade display or collage representing the Branch/Centre”. After a difficult judging process, Pennant Park Riding Centre were chosen as the winners, with the Vale of Taf Branch claiming 2nd place.

“Blanche Surman, Affinity Marketing Executive from NFU Mutual, commented “the day was thoroughly enjoyable, well done to the winners and all those that qualified to take part in the final!”

The annual awards take their name from the late Hon Guy Cubitt, who was the Chairman of The Pony Club for 25 years and President from 1970 – 1979, and are held in honour of volunteers who have given in excess of 20 years to The Pony Club. 60 awardees were nominated for 2013, proving their incredible worth to The Pony Club with over 1200 years of combined voluntary service between them!

Among the awardees for 2013 were husband and wife combination Mr and Mrs Passum, for the Meynell Hunt Branch, who have amassed over 60 years volunteering service between them. Mr Geoff Thomas, from the Worcestershire Hunt, and Mrs Carol Muddiman, from the Grafton Hunt, were also particularly notable with 40 years’ service each; meaning they received not only the Cubitt Award but also their 40 year Cubitt Bar.

Following lunch, which provided a great opportunity for Pony Club officials to meet the awardees and hear their many Pony Club stories, the ceremony was opened by Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club. A citation for each of the Cubitt Award attendees was then given, and the individual awardees made their way to the stage to be presented by current President of The Pony Club, Lady Lloyd Webber.

“These outstanding volunteers have played a huge part in making The Pony Club the great organisation it is today” commented Cherry Michell. “I always enjoy the Cubitt Awards ceremony as it is our chance to say ‘thank you’ in person to these amazing volunteers, and hear some of the wonderful stories that they have picked on their Pony Club journey”.

The Pony Club staff and volunteers were on hand to introduce visitors to everything that’s fun about horse care and riding across the three areas of The Pony Club Centre, The Pony Club Stables and The Pony Club Show featuring Dressage and Show Jumping on foot.

The Pony Club Centre was place to find out more about what being a Pony Club member is all about, as well as learning and having fun in the virtual world of www.PonyPrep.org, before having a go at real horse riding on the mechanical horses in conjunction with Hoof; the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy campaign which aims to encourage more people to take up horse riding. The mechanical horses proved incredibly popular with visitors of all ages, and all abilities, queuing for the chance to have a go on the larger horse ‘Queenie’ or pony ‘Herbert’.

Once bitten by the riding bug, visitors flocked to the Stables area to meet ponies Sally and Rosie or Trigger and Roger courtesy of local Pony Club Centres Mount Mascal Stables and Park Lane Stables, before learning about the basics of horse care such as handling, grooming and feed types or simply just enjoying the experience of giving a pat and a treat!

Over in The Pony Club Show area the fun was none stop as young visitors learned more about Dressage and Show Jumping. Mounting their hobby horse steeds, young riders followed basic Dressage movements marked on the floor, before progressing to their show jumping round courtesy of MiniJumps; those who were clear received a certificate and rosette sticker!

“The aim of London Pet Show was to introduce this new audience, primarily from London and the South East, to riding and horse care at the most basic level, and show the fun that is to be had even if you don’t own a pony” comments Clare Walkeden who has been part of the organisation for The Pony Club areas. “We were thrilled with how well the weekend’s activities went, and the mechanical horses in particular welcomed 300 riders, many of whom were enjoying their first equestrian experience. To see those of all ages having their first experience with a real pony, and gaining such enjoyment from it, was just wonderful!”.