Bicester and Warden Hill Hunt Branch
December 2017 Newsletter
“As a member of the Pony Club, I stand for the best in sportsmanship as well as horsemanship. I shall compete for the enjoyment of the game well played and take winning or losing in my stride, remembering that without good manners and good temper, sport loses its cause for being. I shall endeavour to treat my horse with consideration”. ------
In this issue…
2 ‘From your District Commissioner’ 15 FORTHCOMING 3 List of Rallies and Events RALLIES and EVENTS ------REPORTS - Showjumping Team Training - Dressage Rallies 5 - Awards Party and AGM Show Jumping Rallies 7 - Charlie Clarke – Pony Racing Star! - Mini + Younger Junior Rally, - Rafe & Jonty ‘Strictly Come Prancing’ Culworth Grounds 8 - NSEA Grassroots Championships Results - Cross Country Rallies - Christmas Rally with Music 9 - Inter Branch Showjumping, Bury Farm ------11 - Rider of the Month – Harry Corkett - Christmas Mini 13 - Hannah Bowman: PC Art Competition Showjumping 14 - Hunting Competition 15 - Membership Renewal ------C+ and Beyond Training - Tetrathlon Swimming - Olympia Coach Trip ------
23 Other Events – list of horsey events taking place locally 24 Contacts List – print out and keep!
From your District Commissioner
My first year as the District Commissioner for Bicester Pony Club is drawing to an end and I can honestly say it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be!! I’m absolutely certain that this is because I’ve been surrounded by a hugely competent and supportive committee, wonderful parents and an amazing group of children!!
I’m very sorry to lose Sue Leach from the committee but she assures me that she is still very much around and happy to help!
Alexia Lewis is stepping down from organising our fence judges and having done such a great job for many years she will be hugely missed.
While December is a fairly quiet month for Pony Club, don’t forget to book onto the Olympia Trip on 18th December and the working rally / mini jumping is sure to be great fun! Merry Christmas to you all and I look forward to seeing you in January. Kirstie Wakelin
BRANCH COMPETITION DATES 2018
Sun 18 March Showjumping + Dressage Show, Addington Manor (inc. Dengie Area Final) Sat 14 April Bignell Hunter Trials, Chesterton Sun10 June Marsh Gibbon Pony Show Sun 17 June One Day Event, Gawcott Sun 16 September Blenheim Fun Ride
AREA COMPETITION DATES 2018
24 Feb Horse and Pony Care, Marsworth 4 March Area Quiz 19 May Mounted Games, Knebworth 9 June Hyde Heath Inter Branch (inc. Regional Qualifier (80/85 cm) 23 June Showjumping (Novice, Intermediate, Open), Addington Manor 1 July Dressage (Prix Caprilli, Regional, Novice, Intermediate, Open) Hyde Heath 14/14 July Tetrathlon 22 July Eventing (Regional, Novice, Intermediate, Open), Offchurch Bury
December’s Advice from Chief Instructor, Emma Dyer
Keep on top of your ponies as the days are at their shortest by riding and leading, or lunging, or even giving them a loose school if you are lucky enough to have a school. It saves any naughty pony moments when you attend your next rally.
RALLIES AND EVENTS 2017 THESE ALSO APPEAR ON THE WEBSITE To book a rally: 1. Scroll down this newsletter to ‘Forthcoming Rallies’ (after News and Reports) where you will find information about venue, time, cost and full details about the rally. If you’re booking a rally put this info in your diary for future reference! 2. Then book on line http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/online-events-system/ 3. A few days before the rally look on the Branch website under ‘Rally Times’ http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/rally-times-2/ to see which ride you are in. Date Event Venue Organiser
Sat 9 Dec Show Jumping Rally – Rhian Logg Farm Heidi Smith
Sun 10 Dec Minis and Younger Juniors Rally Culworth Grounds Theresa Harper
Sun 17 Dec Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White
Mon 18 Dec Olympia Coach Trip Olympia Hayleigh Ash
Wed 20 Dec C+ and Beyond Training Grange Farm Wendy Kerr
Sat 23 Dec Christmas Working Rally to Music Quainton Stud Wendy Kerr
Sat 23 Dec Mini Show Jumping Show Quainton Stud Theresa Harper
Thu 28 Dec Children’s Meet TBC Bicester Hunt
Sat 6 Jan Showjumping Rally – Rhian Jones Logg Farm Heidi Smith
Sun 7 Jan Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White
Sat 13 Jan Arena XC Rally Cherwell C Centre Sue Pryce
Sun 14 Jan Julia Catling Pool Farm Katharine White
Sat 20 Jan C+ and Beyond Training Grange Farm Wendy Kerr
Sun 21 Jan Showjumping Team Training Durrants Farm Bernadette Evans
Sun 4 Feb Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White
Sun 11 Feb Showjumping Team Training Durrants Farm Bernadette Evans
Tue 13 Feb C+ and Beyond Grange Farm Wendy Kerr
Sat 17 Feb Showjumping Rally – Rhian Jones Logg Farm Heidi Smith
Sun 18 Feb Dressage Rally – Serena Gordon Pool Farm Katharine White
Sat 24 Feb XC Rally Swalcliffe Park Sue Pryce
Sat 3 Mar Showjumping Rally – Rhian Jones Logg Farm Heidi Smith
Sun 4 Mar Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White Sun 11 Mar Showjumping Team Training Quainton Stud Bernadette Evans
Sun 18 Mar SJ and Dressage Show Addington Kirstie Wakelin
Sun 25 Mar Dressage Rally – Demelza Hawes Pool Farm Katharine White
Sun 8 Apr Dressage Rally – Demelza Hawes Pool Farm Katharine White
Sat 14 Apr Bignell Hunter Trials Chesterton
Sun 15 Apr Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White
Sun 10 Jun Marsh Gibbon Pony Show Marsh Gibbon Sharron Whittingham/ Pippa Brown
Sun 17 Jun One Day Event Gawcott Deborah Gregory
NEWS AND REPORTS
Hats and Stirrups – please read Your hat needs to be tagged with a white Pony Club tag before you take part in any PC rally or event. This can be done by your District Commissioner (Kirstie Wakelin), Assistant District Commissioner (Wendy Kerr) or Clare Davis (Area Teams Manager). Contact details are at the end of this newsletter. Please can you also check your child’s stirrups (this is so important) and ensure that there is at least a ¼ inch gap (the thickness of a biro) between their boot and the stirrup (especially if you’ve recently bought them new boots). This is to prevent their foot being caught in the stirrup should they fall off. For Cross-Country riding (over fences 0.80cm high and above), including Eventing, Tetrathlon, and Horse Trials (also Pony Racing) whether it be tests, rallies, competitions or training and Mounted Games competitions, a jockey skull cap of an even round or elliptical shape, with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions, no noticeable protuberances above the eyes to the front, not greater than 5mm, smooth or rounded in nature are permitted. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used if required. It is strongly recommended that a jockey skull cap is worn for cross country riding over lower fences.
FROM 2018 NEW PONY CLUB HAT TAGS WILL BE MINT GREEN (replacing the current white with purple ones). THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT BE AND BRC ARE ALSO ISSUING MINT GREEN HAT TAGS SO YOU CAN USE YOUR PC TAG AT OTHER EVENTS (and vice versa). THERE WILL BE A NEW HAT STANDARD ACCEPTED IN 2018 – THE EN1384 2018 (it must have the date next to it). THERE WILL ALSO BE A NEW BODY PROTECTOR STANDARD INTRODUCED IN 2018 – but the current 2009 one will be allowable until 2020.
Awards Party and AGM
AREA 12 SHOWJUMPING
Grass Roots – Helena Pryce, Izzy Partridge, Mimi Price, Sofia Wright, Nancy Simpson, Megan Churchill, Susie Dolan, Keeley North Novice - 2nd: Katie Robinson, Saskia Mohan, Isabella Smith, Iris Petrillo. 3rd: Clara Petrillo, Lucie Oakey, Annie Simpson and Gracie Catling Intermediate - Katie Leach, Zoe Kerr, Ella Baskerville and Eloise Burden (1st individual) Open – Individual: Connie
AREA 12 DRESSAGE
Prix Caprilli - Tabitha Stork, Charlotte Laurie (9th), Lizzie Laurie (10th) Jonty Gordon (3rd and Best Boy) Grass roots - Megan Churchill, Charlotte Rudge, Nancy Simpson(9th) Rafe Gordon (3rd)
Novice – Team 1st. Izzy Partridge (1st Ind), Katie Robinson (1st Ind), Annie Simpson (4th Ind), Sophia Smith Novice Individuals - Emily Vaille, April King Intermediate – Team 4th. Zoe Kerr (1st Ind), Eloise Edgar Gibson(4th Ind), Connie Adams
AREA 12 EVENTING
Grass roots - Team 6th and qualified Megan Churchill, Helena Pryce (5th), Nancy (8th )Lucie Oakey Novice – Team 3rd. Annie Simpson (1st and qualified), Izzy Partridge, Katie Leach, Clara Petrillo Novice – Saskia Mohan, Rosie Olver, Isabella Smith Intermediate – Connie Adams (3rd Individual) Open – Zoe Kerr (2nd and qualified)
PONY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE, CHESHIRE
Novice Showjumping: Katie Robinson, Iris Petrillo, Saskia Mohan and Isabella Smith Novice Dressage: Katie Robinson, Annie Simpson (10th), Izzy Partridge Novice Eventing: Annie Simpson Intermediate Showjumping: Eloise Burden
MEMBERS AWARDS Charlotte Whittingham for improvement William Hodges for improvement and success Jonty Gordon, Tabi Storke, Charlotte and Lizzie Laurie for wonderful attitude towards the Prix Caprilli training and competition Eloise Edgar Gibson for riding such a mature test at Intermediate Areas and just missing out on the Championships Lucie Oakey for huge improvement, representing the Bicester on many teams Isabella Smith still a consistent team member despite stepping up to her brother’s horse and doing a wonderful job with her young pony Sophia Smith always helpful and volunteering at all our events and suffering the disappointment of not going to the Championships in such a mature way Bridget and Bonnie Harper for being so helpful at Mini Camp Hannah Bowman for qualifying for the art competition final
TROPHIES Showjumping Saskia Mohan Eventing Helena Pryce Dressage Rafe Gordon Tetrathlon Harriet Bartell Mounted Games Melissa Loggin Rally Cup Millie Baker Hunting Cup Keeley North Janet Cropley Memorial Katie Robinson DC’s Cup Katie Leach GET YOUR FARRIER EVERY 4 – 6 WEEKS! Even if you’re not doing much with your pony in the winter it’s still important to get his feet trimmed every 4 – 6 weeks. Untrimmed feet are more likely to get an abscess in the wet. There will also be strain on the legs if the hooves are not the correct length which can cause soundness issues and the possibility of your pony tripping.
Charlie Clarke – 2nd place in Pony Club UK points
We were thrilled to hear that Bicester Branch member, Charlie Clarke, has had had another successful year pony racing. He is ranked second in the UK in the Pony Club 138 Pony Racing points for 2017, representing our branch. He and his pony, Temmas Diamonds Forever, have been racing all over the country including at Lingfield, Haydock Park, Cheltenham and Wolverhampton. He’s now moved into the Opens and is looking forward to next season.
Charlie Clarke We can only imagine how much work will have gone into achieving this truly amazing result – having his pony at peak fitness and winning against what will have been the best pony racing jockeys and ponies in the UK. We are so pleased for you Charlie. Very well done indeed from us all. If any of you are interested in following in Charlie’s footsteps there are lots of Pony Club Racing Days coming up (we’ll publicise them in this Newsletter). Helen Day is our Pony Racing Manager and she will be able to give advice ([email protected]). ------Strictly Come Prancing – Rafe and Jonty Gordon competed in Quainton Stud their first Dressage to Music at Quainton Stud. Rafe was dressed as James Bond and rode to the tune of Skyfall by Adele whilst Noah was decorated with 007 ‘Licence to Prance’! Jonty was dressed as a Spaceman and rode a hugely ambitious test including canter leg yield to the tune of ‘A Spaceman came travelling’ by Chris de Burgh. Barney was from another galaxy covered in shooting stars. Both boys rode really well and combined their musical ear and riding Jonty Gordon to ensure the horses steps matched the Rafe Gordon (with James Bond musical rhythm. mask!)
Bury Farm NSEA Grass Roots Championships – 18 November
Lots of our younger members competed at Bury Farm for their schools at the NSEA Grass Roots Championships. The results show that we have some talented up and coming riders in our Branch – what a haul of rosettes! Well done to you all on a very successful day. Everyone looks very smartly turned out in the photos – sparkly ponies and excellent plaiting!
Millie Brown, Jonty Gordon, William Naylor
RESULTS Beachborough 40cm Team 1st - Beachborough (Charlotte Hopkins on MJ, Harriet Bartell on Gabby, and Bridget Harper on Millie.) Team 5th – Beachborough (Grace Browne on Milly, Penny Harper on Honey Bunny, Violet Hawkins on Benji and William Hodges on Bubbles.) Individual 1st - Charlotte Hopkins on MJ
50cm Team 1st - Beachborough (Millie Brown on Oliver, Jonty Gordon on Barney, William Naylor on Buddy) Team 3rd - Beachborough (Tom Harper on George, William Hodges on Bubbles, Charlotte Hopkins on MJ, Bridget Harper on Millie) Individual 1st - Jonty Gordon on Barney Individual 2nd - William Hodges on Bubbles
60cm Team 2nd - Beachborough (Tom Harper on George, William Naylor on Buddy, William Hodges on Bubbles and Oscar Hawkins on Elliot) Team 4th – Beachborough (Jonty Gordon on Barney, Millie Brown on Oliver, ) Individual 6th - William Naylor on Buddy
70cm Team 1st - Beachborough (Toby Bursnall on Freddie and Oscar Hawkins on Benji)
Thornton College 60cm & 70cm. Individual 1st - Zara Rawding on Sunny Bay 60cm Team 1st – Thornton. (Zara Rawding and Anna Stokes) 70cm Team 3rd - Thornton. (Zara Rawding and Anna Stokes.) 70cm Team 6th – Thornton. (Charlotte and Lizzie Laurie) Ashfold 40cm Team 2nd – Ashfold. Teddy Mott on Tony Pony 50cm Team 4th – Ashfold. Teddy Mott on Tony Pony
Smartly turned-out competitors at the NSEA Grassroots Championships ------Inter Branch Show Jumping at Bury Farm
A fun day was had by all at Bury Farm on 19 November at the Inter Branch Show Jumping. Some of our members had more than one ride – well done to the parents for the quick turn-around as the running order had them very close together. We had some great results – particularly in the 80 cm where Nancy and Gracie had stylish clears.
Shakira, Nancy and Susie
RESULTS 70 cm 1st Shakira Polden Team 2nd Nancy Simpson, Shakira Polden, Susie Dolan 80 cm 1st Gracie Catling (Betty Boo) 6th Gracie Catling (Rocker) Team 3rd Gracie Catling, Saskia Mohan, Katie Robinson, Nancy Simpson 90 cm 2nd Christina Rawding 5th Betsy Cronk Team 3rd Saskia Mohan, Annie Simpson, Isabella Smith, Gracie Catling 1m 05 1st Christina Rawding
DENGIE DEBUT (80-85 cm) QUALIFIERS TO DATE: Mimi Price, Katie Robinson, Isabella Smith (two ponies), Helena Pryce, Gracie Catling.
DENGIE (90-95 cm) QUALIFIERS TO DATE:
Katie Robinson, Christina Rawding.
For more Dengie qualifier dates see the Show Jumping Team Training section further on in the Newsletter. ------Polocrosse Training
If any of you would like to have a go at Polocrosse, this training session is open to all branches. Do go along and report back. Why not phone round some other members and organise for a group of you to go? We’ve recently started training in our branch for Polo, Tetrathlon and Mounted Games so why not Polocrosse too!
7th January and 4th February.
At Bryerley Springs, Gallery Lane, Great Brickhill. MK17 9AA.
Start 1.30 pm £10 UKCC Coach Iain Heaton
Any questions and booking to Deirdre Glover. 01234 381757 [email protected]
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Get Out Hacking!
Your pony is very likely to become stale if you only exercise him in an arena. There are lots of bridleways in Oxfordshire to get out and about on and it’s good for your pony’s fitness. A particularly good one is the Jubilee Ride (there’s a website for this showing the route) which is in and around the Tusmore Estate. Here’s a link to a map of Oxfordshire bridleways: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countrysidemap/
It’s not the best quality map but it gives a good idea of where to go. For more precise information the Explorer Ordnance Survey maps (orange covers) are very good - even marking the hedge lines.
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Volunteers Volunteering is a prerequisite of membership and the more members who can help, the lighter the load for those members past and present who always do volunteer and the more events we can offer our members. There will be at least four events in 2018 which we will need your help with. You need to volunteer for either a full day or two half days. Bridget Evans (our Volunteers Co-ordinator) will be in touch nearer the time ([email protected]). Helping at Camp does not count towards your volunteering quota (sorry!). Most of our Committee members work full time and four of them don’t even have a child in Pony Club so please do what you can to help and don’t always leave it to others. THOSE PARENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO VOLUNTEER (OR SEND SOMEONE IN THEIR PLACE) WILL NEED TO PAY A CHARGE OF £30 WHICH WE WILL USE TO PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT. THIS DOESN’T APPLY TO THOSE ON HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIPS (ALTHOUGH WE’D LOVE IT IF YOU COULD ALSO VOLUNTEER AS WE’RE ALWAYS SHORT!)
Thank you to all those who have volunteered in 2017. Addington Show Jumping and Dressage, Bignell Hunter Trials, Marsh Gibbon Pony Show and Gawcott ODE have all been really successful this year, bringing in funds for our Branch with which we are subsidising Camps (to the tune of £2K) and rallies to make Pony Club more affordable for all. We couldn’t do it without our band of volunteers. ------
Weston on the Green, Nr Bicester 01869 350816 SPECIALIST HORSE FEED ADVICE FROM THE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE PAUL SCOTT!
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Rider of the Month – Harry Corkett
I have been in the Pony Club all my life, since a very When I was 9-10 years old, I started doing more and young age, and I must say it's been intrinsic to my more dressage, originally to improve my new pony’s progression as a rider to date. I always remember loving strength for the jumping aspects. I kind of got obsessed jumping. It was the best thing as a younger lad. I used to in improving it, working on roundness, and I started look forward to doing the jump lessons and pushing watching Carl Hester master classes and Edward Gal myself, especially at pony club camps. Over the years, and Hans Peter Minderhoud dressage tests. If you are many PC instructors have improved my riding and I interested in watching some amazing dressage, watch believe made me confident and fundamentally good any of these. These guys are my idols, along with my from a young age. Without these building blocks, I trainer who remains a strong figure in my life, helping wouldn't be the rider I am now. A fond memory of me with life skills and situations as well as horses. Mark mine is when I did a pony club camp at aged 10 and I has trained me through all my dressage career, managed to jump over a metre on my little 13.2 hand originally alongside Pony Club instructors, as at the pony! Hard to believe bit its true! Over the ten years I beginning I wanted to be a show jumper. Since the age have been a member of the pony club, I have been given of 12 I have gone to Mark Forrest's and Darren Mattia's the opportunities to try my hand at almost everything, yard near Ross on Wye, to work and train, learning the from hunting to Polo Crosse. real way of working with horses, and it definitely strengthened my love and passion for dressage. With it as only 25 riders U25 get selected for across the whole being such hard work, you have to really enjoy it do of the UK. It is a massive achievement for me and has want to work on a yard like this, with 25+ brood been vital to my fast progression. In the last year. I mares, and 18 riding horses. What really carries me moved from Elementary last winter, to competing through this hard yet fun work is my general Advanced Medium (Juniors) at the Sheepgate U25 horsemanship I have gained through the Pony Club, and National Championship this summer. This is one of my I am currently working towards my B test. Knowing all biggest achievements to date as I competed at a hard of this, that I had learned at a young age, has really new level, against the international riders and still came enabled me to then further my understanding on this 6th out of 14. one discipline. Moving forward with my career in dressage, I would I have always been very tall for my age, and I therefore love to put my tails on a do a PSG on Tegro before he had to change ponies and then to horses often and from retires. We currently train at this level, but are not yet a young age. Through much hard work, I have good enough to compete, as I'm still a very green rider competed three horses previous to my current so I am working very hard to gain the knowledge in competition horse, competing at regional level from the order to achieve my goals. I also have a very exciting 5 age of 12. I currently compete a 18 year old gelding by year old prospect that is being trained at the moment. Negro. He's hard to miss as a vibrant chestnut colour, He is very talented and will hopefully take me all the and he has been the making of me as I've wanted to do way to the top. After I leave school, I would love to go harder levels, against better riders. He can be very tense to Germany or Holland to train and work before setting and very tricky in the hand, so for me to do well at the up my own dressage yard, competing and training top level, I must be on top form. This is so important to horse me in my career as I move forward. I have also been s in “I believe if you have a dream, selected for the BYRDS High Performance training two dress you should work very hard to years running now on Tegro of which I am very proud age. achieve it.”
Harry Corkett
Bad ges, Sta ble Ma nag em
ent and Theory
We are hoping to really raise the profile of this element of Pony Club over the coming year by running more Stable Management sessions – some of which may lead to your child earning themselves a Pony Club badge. The main priority of this initiative is to ensure that children are confident when they come to taking any tests over the summer. One of the changes that we make will be to take some of the tests out of camp – allowing more time for tuition and ensuring that everyone can access the testing process – should they want to!! As ever there is more information on our website, the main Pony Club website (pcuk.org) or by getting in touch with Wendy or Emma!!! Please encourage your children to be aware of the test they have already achieved and look at the syllabus for the next one – referring of course to the Bible of Pony Club – the Manual!!! Any ideas please do get in touch!!
Wendy Kerr ------
Pony Club Art Competition Well done to Hannah Bowman who is through to the finals of the National Pony Club ‘John King Artist Competition’. This competition will be taking place again in 2018 – information will be in the Newsletter so if there are any other artists out
------there then get painting!
------Visit Your Pony Club Shop! There’s no denying it now ... the festive season is definitely on its way! As your thoughts turn to ‘whatever am I going to buy my little angels this year?’ ... don’t forget the Bicester & Warden Hill Hunt Pony Club Shop (near Stratton Audley)!
For Christmas present ideas, we’ve got oodles of fabulous branded items for sale, including all season blouson jackets, sweatshirts, long sleeved T shirts and cosy fleeces. There are also many second hand bargains to be snapped up, such as show jackets, jodhpurs and boots! We’d love to welcome you for a browse, just drop me a text or an email ... am happy to be flexible with opening times, on both weekdays and at weekends. Hope to see you soon! Penny [email protected] 07919 002132
PS - Don’t forget to bring along your pre-loved equestrian clothing for re-sale. In particular we’re always on the lookout for tweed jackets and jodhpurs. Please note though that we can only accept items that are really clean and in a good condition!
Hunting
Our Branch is within the hunting country of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase (the two hunts merged some years ago but the Pony
Club Branches remained separate: Bicester and Warden Hill Hunt Branch and Whaddon Chase Branch). Our Branch’s boundaries reach as far north as Aston le Walls/Priors Marston and as far south as Shabbington https://bicesterhunt.co.uk/
Your PC Hunting contacts are: Belinda Naylor (07831 519483) and Emma Dyer (emma@equine- careers.co.uk) if you have any questions.
------HUNTING CERTIFICATE If you would like to take your Hunting Certificate this season please get in touch with Belinda Naylor or Emma Dyer who are organising sessions out hunting and at the Kennels. Members wanting to take their Hunting Certificate are required to attend the following:
One session at the Hunt Kennels, to include a talk from either the Huntsman, Whipper-in or Master with a tour of the kennels and stables. One mounted practical session at either the Kennels or other suitable place - to include opening and shutting gates and hunting conduct. One morning hunting (preferably more) accompanied by a suitable (nominated by the Branch of The Pony Club) adult.
THERE WILL BE AN ASSESSMENT AT THE CHILDREN’S MEET ON THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER. You can now register your interest online via the Branch website.
If are taking your hunting certificate this season – please can you tie a purple ribbon (Pony Club colour) in your pony’s tail. This way the Masters can keep an eye on you, ask you to help, and help you out if you need it!!! Don’t forget to tell Belinda/Emma every time you go out (Hunting Cert. people).
There is some new hunting information on the Branch website http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/hunting-information/ which includes guidelines on chaperoning – please have a read of it if you are planning on coming hunting. Please note – you now need to plait for hunting from the Opening Meet onwards.
Just a reminder to all children out hunting. If one of the masters, field master, chairman, whip, huntsman etc is approaching a closed gate (without the intention of jumping it!!) then children are expected to open the gate – without being asked. Ditto all children should help by closing gates and assisting in other ways where necessary.
Bicester Hunt Dates for Your Diary
Wednesday 20 December – Hunt Carol Service, St Mary and Edburga Church, Stratton Audley – 7.30 pm Thursday 28 December – Children’s Meet (assessment for Hunting Certificate)
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Pony Club Membership
New Members and Renewals – Due February 2018
If you want to be really organised you can renew your child’s membership right now!!!! Saves forgetting it in the Christmas rush. It will run until January 2019.
Membership forms are available on the website http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/membership-renewal/
1. Download form, fill it out and post it to Wendy (address on form) 2. Then, make payment online via the Branch website (no cheques this year please)
Any queries contact Wendy Kerr [email protected] ------
FORTHCOMING RALLIES AND EVENTS
Online Entries & Payments
Please remember that we can only process refunds requested AT LEAST 7 days before the event! Any problems with online payments of entries please contact Wendy Kerr [email protected] rather than event organiser.
“Praise often, praise the smallest try. A touch, a walk, a break, a gallop, a long rein. A word filled with friendship and pride. Nothing builds confidence in horses like the acknowledgement of their good will and efforts to please”.
Manolo Mendez (dressage rider) via Caroline Hunt (Bicester PC Dressage Instructor). Show Jumping Team Training Rallies
Sunday 21 January, Sunday 11 February - Durrants Farm, Radclive Road, Gawcott, MK18 4BL. Sunday 11 March – Quainton Stud
For those aiming for Area Show Jumping or Eventing Teams in 2018. Durrants Farm in the afternoon, Quainton Stud in the morning. Open to all members who are confidently jumping 75 cm plus (with a view to jumping 85 cm by Easter 2018). Instructor: British Show Jumping Coach, Mandy McGlynn. These rallies are for those who would like to be considered for Area Showjumping or Eventing Teams (see heights below) in 2018.
Please book in on line. Entries will close one week before the rally date. No refunds after that. Ride times will be published six days before the rally date. Once they’re The practice ring is about published there will be no changes. We try hard to put riders in the staying relaxed and appropriate ride but sometimes due to timings/mixed abilities you may warming up muscles. It’s find you are not in the ride you had hoped for but Mandy is excellent at not about testing scope. coping with all abilities and will raise or lower the jumps for individuals Scott Brash as necessary – so don’t worry! I will do my best to accommodate time requests but it won’t always be possible.
Organiser: Bernadette Evans ([email protected]) Cost: £30
We usually field teams for the inter branch show jumping show at Rockingham Horse Trials in May, the inter branch show at Hyde Heath (which also has a smaller class – 70/75 cm) in early June and of course the Areas which are in mid-June. Meanwhile there are plenty of inter branch shows to enter. The first one is in October half term:
Dengie Qualifier Dates:
28 December Flamstead Pony Club, Bury Farm 28 December Grafton Hunt PC, MKEC 14 February Grafton Hunt PC, Addington 25 February SOH(S), Berkshire College of Agriculture
AREA SHOW JUMPING HEIGHTS
Regionals: 80/85 cm Novice: 90/95 cm Intermediate: 1 m/1m.05 Open: 1m.10/1m.15
These are the heights in the Area qualifiers. If you are lucky enough to qualify for the National Championships the jumps will be around 5 cm higher and the widths will be wider than the Grand Canyon – so please bear this in mind when considering which level you are aiming for.
Rhian Jones is instructing at our monthly show jumping rallies at Logg Farm. Rhian is an exceptional instructor (who comes all the way up from the Beaufort Pony Club) and also provides invaluable training for those hoping to make the teams.
If you wish to be considered for Teams next year, you must attend three rallies from 1st July 2017. Camp counts as one rally. Please attend as many of the show jumping rallies as possible, either with Mandy or Rhian.
------‘C+ and Beyond’ Training
Wednesday 20 December Mounted and Dismounted sessions from 10 am onwards. Includes mince pies!
Sunday 20 January, Tuesday 13 February Mounted sessions Fabulous brand new arena at Grange Farm, Grange Farm, Godington, OX27 9AF Godington! Has your child taken their C or C+ test? Or Is your child 13 years or older?
If the answer to either of these questions is YES then please consider bringing them along to the 'C+ and Beyond' Training sessions. These sessions are with an exceptional external instructor (Claire Holt) who we have asked to work with our older children on a monthly basis.
If you would like to know more about what this entails please do contact me.
Organiser: Wendy Kerr ([email protected]) Time: 11 am onwards Cost: £25 (20 December), £20 (20 January and 13 February) ------
Christmas Tree Farm Stone Court Barn, West Street, Steeple Claydon, MK18 2LJ
Christmas Trees Pop Up Café – hot and cold food Santa’s Grotto (16/17 Dec – 11 to 2.30 pm) Pedal Tractor and Nativity Corner Ingrid Hodges’ Christmas Tree Farm Reindeer calf Gift Shop
www.claydonchristmastreefarm.co.uk
Dressage Rallies at Pool Farm, Stratton Audley, OX27 9AJ
POOL FARM RALLIES ARE ON A SURFACE – ‘NO MUD, NO STUDS!’ AND THERE IS LOTS HARD STANDING TRAILER/LORRY PARKING
AS PROMISED IN OUR PLANS FOR OUR 2018 DRESSAGE PROGRAMME, WE HAVE INVITED GUEST INSTRUCTORS IN FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL AND HOPE YOU WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF STARTING OR EXTENDING YOUR DRESSAGE EXPERIENCE WITH THEM AND ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS OF THEIR WISDOM AND EXPERTISE.
Tom Graham
Sundays 17 December, 7 January, 4 February, 4 March, 15 April - mornings
Come and work on your problem areas, things you want to improve on eg riding the perfect circle, smooth transitions, keeping a straight line, improving balance and outline, addressing the comments you keep getting in your dressage tests. Expect to work hard, get hot but feel you have really achieved something at the end of the session! Tom's sessions can make all the difference to you and your pony's way of going, so BOOK IN SOON! Maximum of two riders per session.
Tom Graham now qualified UKCC Level 4 instructor
UKCC Level 4 coaches will be visionary and knowledgeable decision makers who display exceptional skills, behaviours and the highest professional and ethical standards. They will advance their own and others' development; lead cutting-edge programmes, or a specialist part of a programme; and make a positive impact on sport performance and behaviour.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TOM! Tom Graham
Organiser: Katharine White ([email protected]) Cost £25
Julia Catling
Sunday 14 January - afternoons
Julia is a friendly and knowledgeable instructor who has coached our Prix Caprilli and Grassroots teams with great results, a dressage judge and a regular competitor and a PC mum! So, nothing to fear and everything to gain! Maximum of four per session.
Organiser: Katharine White ([email protected]) Cost £15
Serena Gordon (Guest Instructor)
Sunday 18 February – afternoon
Serena Gordon is a Grand Prix dressage rider, BD Group 2, UKCC qualified coach and herself trains regularly with Serena Pincus and Carl Hester. She has also enjoyed success in BS and BE and has extensive experience producing young horses for competition in all disciplines. She has a sympathetic and friendly approach and is happy to instruct ALL AGES AND ABILITIES and help you address your goals and ambitions.
Max 4 per group, depending on age, ability and size of horse.
Organiser: Katharine White ([email protected]) Cost £15
Demelza Hawes (Guest Instructor)
Sundays 25 March, 8 April - afternoons
Demelza Hawes introduces herself as a 'Classical Dressage Trainer' and promotes the importance of a good seat and balance in her coaching. She has trained with Irish Grand Prix rider Alison Davies, has worked and trained in Germany and trained at the prestigious Cadre Noir in France, gaining an internationally recognised and respected training qualification. In addition, she is a trained yoga instructor and encourages body awareness and correct body use in her training. Demelza has also been a dressage judge at our very own ODE at Gawcott and so understands what many of you do as part of your own competitive dressage riding. http://www.demelzahawes.com/home.html
Max 3 per group
Organiser: Katharine White ([email protected]) Cost £25
WELL SEASONED GOOD QUALITY LOGS FREE DELIVERY IN NORTH OXFORDSHIRE SOURCED FROM OUR OWN FARM OR NEARBY FROM SUSTAINABLE MANAGED WOODLAND Order and pay online at DELIVERED HARDWOOD LOGS www.farmfirewood.co.uk IN BULK BAGS OR SACKS
Dressage is the basis. If there’s something off here, there will be something off with the jumping George Morris (team member in eight winning American Nations Cups)
------Show Jumping Rallies – Logg Farm, Oddington, OX5
Saturdays 9 December, 6 January, 17 February, 3 March
Show Jumping rallies are open to all members, from those just starting out over fences (even cross poles of 45 cm – you just need to be off the lead rein) to regular competitors and those jumping over 1m. They are held monthly, indoors in winter and outside at other times. Rides are of three or four people. We are lucky to have the very experienced Rhian Jones as our regular instructor. She is known for her energy, enthusiasm and how quickly she is able to improve your riding and your horse/pony. Those who are able to attend her sessions regularly benefit immensely from her consistent approach, and learn to train their pony/horse for competition success. Every session begins with a warm up appropriate to your riding level, younger members being guided to improve themselves Rhian is such a good instructor and senior members expected to concentrate on improving and really helps the children to their horse’s way of going and think about warm up exercises understand what they should to use in competition. Each lesson then goes on to link fences work on, and importantly, why. together into full courses of jumps so by the end of your hour lesson you will have jumped several different courses. For the younger members this can be an achievement in itself. More Lots of progress within the experienced members are expected to do much more than just lesson, and homework to do! ‘get round’, they are taught to concentrate on helping their horse by keeping them balanced at all times, recovering quickly Penny Stephens from errors and the correct riding of different fences and combinations.
Organiser: Heidi Smith ([email protected]) Cost: £15.
Body Protectors for Cross Country and Pony Racing For cross country (at all heights for rallies and competing) and for pony racing (including training and rallies) you will need to have a body protector which meets BETA 2009 Level 3 standards (purple label). You will also need a hat without a peak.
Minis and Younger Juniors Working Rally
Sunday 10 December
Culworth Grounds, Thorpe Mandeville, Oxon, OX17 2HW
INCLUDES A BADGE
First ride: 10 am. Following on from the success of our previous rally at glorious Culworth Grounds, Theresa has organised another one hot on its heels. This is a fun rally for Minis and Younger/Less Experienced Juniors. It’s on a surface and it it’s rainy we can use the indoor school. By kind invitation of Sophie Buckley. The instructor is the fabulous Sarah Abernethy.
Organiser: Theresa Harper ([email protected] ) Cost £8 ------Christmas Working Rally to Music (Minis, Juniors and Seniors)
Saturday 23 December – Quainton Stud, HP22 4AG
Rides from 10 am onwards
This will be on a surface at the lovely Quainton Stud. Fun Christmas Rally with Stable Management session (with chocolate and a badge!) afterwards (ride first, then Stable Management). Come and have a post-school / pre-Christmas blast on your ponies!
We are also holding a Mini Show Jumping Competition in the other arena at the same time (see below) – if you are a Mini and would rather not jump (although the smallest course is poles on the ground and you can be assisted) then book into this rally instead.
Organiser: Wendy Kerr ([email protected]) Cost: £15 ------
Minis Show Jumping Show
Saturday 23 December – 10 am Quainton Stud Minis and Younger Juniors Showjumping Show. Schedule attached to the December Newsletter covering email. Bicester members only.
Organiser: theresa.harper@graphics- direct.co.uk
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Christmas Clear Round Jumping
This will be after the above show jumping competition – time tbc nearer the time depending on the number of entries (very likely late morning/midday/lunchtime – we will publish on the website). It’s entries on the day and £5 a round (includes a Christmas treat!). This is only for those who have attended either the Christmas Working Rally to Music or the Mini Showjumping.
------Cross Country Rallies
Saturday 13 January – Cherwell Competition Centre, Marston, Oxford, OX3 9AE
10 am and 11.15 am Arena cross country rally 70 cm plus. No mud no studs! Instructor is Laura Jackson Directions: https://cherwellcompetition.com/where-we-are/
Organiser: Sue Pryce ([email protected]) Cost: £30
Saturday 24 February – Swalcliffe Park, nr Banbury
10.30 am onwards for an hour and a half. Swalcliffe is situated on ground which stays remarkably dry in the winter and this rally will go ahead unless the weather is really awful. Jumps 80 cm plus. Instructor is Laura Jackson. Directions: http://www.swalcliffeparkequestrian.co.uk/cp4.php Swalcliffe Park can be tricky to find so have a look on the map before you set off!
Organiser: Sue Pryce ([email protected]) Cost: £35
------Tetrathlon Swimming Swim Training Stowe School - please book in online. Swimming for all at Stowe School swimming pool continues on Thursday evenings 7 pm to 8 pm - starts 7th September for seven weeks, suits all ages and abilities, parents can swim too. Bookings on line, weekly or slightly cheaper for block bookings next seven sessions for price of six.
Organiser: Deborah Gregory Cost £8 (with tuition)
Deborah Gregory ([email protected]) ------
Olympia Trip
Monday 18 December to include return coach trip (subisided by our Branch)
Block booking so tickets are less expensive than if you book them yourself.
There are lots of shopping stalls to visit in the morning and then all the fun of the horse show in the afternoon. This is for children and parents. Some children won’t have broken up by then but I would say it would be worth a day off school (shhh!). Park your car at Horwell Farm, Baynards Green where the coach will pick us up. Bookings now being taken on line.
Organiser: Hayleigh Ash Cost: £42 (subsidised)
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THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN BOOKING RALLIES:
Book in at least a week before the rally Times will available on the website under Rally Times. Members should be properly turned out for all rallies – hairnets, plain jodphurs, shirt & tie or polo shirt, sweatshirt or rugby shirts. No hoodies or earrings for riding. Body protectors must be worn for cross country and pony racing. Neckstraps to be worn for rallies. Remember to thank your instructor. Please don’t coach your children from the sidelines. This is the job of the instructor. No dogs at all at rallies and siblings should be with an adult at all times and not allowed to Otherplay Eventselsewhere. Rallies are often held on working farms which can be dangerous.
Other Events:
2 Dec Clear Round SJ, Quainton Stud 9 Dec Unafilliated SJ, Quainton Stud
10 Dec Bloxham School Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 21 Dec BSJA Academy Show Jumping, Quainton Stud. Open to all (you don’t have to be a member of BS) 7 Jan Bloxham School Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 13/14 Jan Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 13 + 14 Jan Super Arena Eventing, Dallas Burston Polo Club (www.landseventing.co.uk) 27 + 28 Jan Arena Eventing, Moreton Morrell (www.landseventing.co.uk) 28 Jan Bloxham School Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 10 + 11 Feb Super Arena Eventing, Dallas Burston Polo Club (www.landseventing.co.uk) 11 Feb Bloxham School Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 14 Feb Grafton Hunt Pony Club, Showjumping and Dressage Show, Addington 17/18 Feb Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 24 + 25 Feb Arena Eventing, Moreton Morrell (www.landseventing.co.uk) 2 Apr Grafton Hunt Pony Club Hunter Trials, Plum Park 17/18 March Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 7 +8 Apr ODE Calmsden (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 7/8 Apr Grafton Hunt Pony Club Senior ODE, Aston le Walls 28 + 29 Apr ODE Swalcliffe (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 29 Apr Tackley Show 19 + 20 May ODE Elmwood, Bampton (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 2 June Grafton Hunt Pony Club, Mini and Novice ODE, Foxhill 2 June SOH(S) PC, Hambleden ODE (90 cm+) 23 + 24 June ODE, Broadway (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 14 + 15 July ODE Crown Farm, Ascott under Wychwood (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 15 July Grafton Hunt Pony Club Summer Show, Tiffield, Towcester 26 Aug ODE, Elmwood, Bampton (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 29 + 30 Sep ODE Swalcliffe (www.horse-events.co.uk )
Also see websites for Quainton Stud and Cherwell Competition Centre who have lots of competitions going on all winter on a surface.
CONTACTS LIST FOR BICESTER & WARDEN HILL HUNT BRANCH OF THE PONY CLUB
KIRSTIE WAKELIN District Commissioner & Health and Safety Officer Tel. 01869 320134 / 07710 653994 [email protected]
WENDY KERR Assistant District Commissioner, Membership Secretary & Website Manager 01869 277567 / 07979 861652 [email protected]
BERNADETTE EVANS Branch Secretary, Show Jumping Team Manager Tel. 01608 811203 / 0771 457 5032 [email protected]
CHRISTINA McCULLAGH Branch Treasurer 01869 277576 /07867 515207 [email protected]
CLARE DAVIS Branch Rep to Area 12, Teams Co-ordinator Tel.01869 277038 / 07866 493212 [email protected]
EMMA DYER Chief Instructor/Hunting Rep [email protected] 07789 873957
HEIDI SMITH Child Protection Officer, Show Jumping Rallies 01865 331180 / 07557 040244 [email protected]
SARAH LLOYD Junior EventingTeam Manager and Working Rally Organiser 07545 067756 [email protected]
CLAIRE ADAMS Senior Area Eventing Team Manager [email protected] 07801 861100
THERESA HARPER Mini Camp Organiser 01869 345821 / 07703 548154 [email protected]
BELINDA NAYLOR Bignell Secretary & Hunting Rep 07831 519483 [email protected]
HARRIET WEST Mini Bignell Organiser [email protected] 07739 567544
BRIDGET EVANS Volunteers Co-ordinator, Gawcott Secretary, Riding + Road Safety, C+ Test 01869 246857 / 07798 793104 [email protected]
JEREMY ADAMS Course Building Technical Advice & Risk Assessments 01869 277471 [email protected]
KATHARINE WHITE Dressage Team Manager & Rally Organiser 01869 278049 / 07814 185779 [email protected]
JULIE GORDON Junior Dressage Team Manager [email protected]
SHARRON WHITTINGHAM Marsh Gibbon Pony Show, Dismounted Badges, Fence Judges 01869 354055 / 07761 216672 [email protected]
PHILIPPA BROWN + JANE HARPER Marsh Gibbon Pony Show
HAYLEIGH ASH Junior Show Jumping Team Manager, Blenheim Fun Ride 07843 158969 [email protected]
HELEN DAY Pony Racing Manager and Junior Camp Organiser 01865 331521 [email protected]
PENNY OAKEY New and Second Hand Clothing 01869 277226 / 07919 002132 [email protected]
CLAIRE MINETT Mounted Games [email protected] 01869 346343 / 07788 391805
SUE PRYCE XC Rally Organiser 01869 327806 / 07584 569418 [email protected]
DEBORAH GREGORY Tetrathlon & Gawcott ODE [email protected] 07956 809971