The Devon & Somerset Branch of the Pony Club
Newsletter October/November 2016
News
It has been a very busy summer. The last newsletter, sent out in July, seems a very long time ago.
We all made it to Cheshire for the Pony Club Championships – unfortunately Daisy had a nasty fall from her bike on the first evening and was taken to hospital. This rather put a cloud over the Novice team who were competing the next day. However, they did well, jumping at the end of the first round in very slippery conditions , resulting in two poles down which may not have happened with better going. The second round was in the main arena. There was only one team with three double clears. Out of 50 teams only 16 individuals had a double clear, Kitty was one of them – Well done Kitty and Tally.
The next day, Saturday, Eliza was placed in the Open Dressage. She also won the prestigious Horsemanship award in the Open Showjumping. She was presented with a rose bowl, a cup and a rug by the Chairman of Showjumping. You may have seen a report and photos in the West Somerset Free Press on 2nd September.
Eve Thomas Everard won the U14 class at Bagley Hunter Trials on her new pony Rooks Nestor, She was also placed 5th in the Open Pairs with Rosalie Sanders. Well done Eve, good results for a very new partnership.
Ella Varney did a double clear on the lovely Buddy at the Grassroots Championships at Bicton on 4th September. The team was Ella, Cary, Imogen and Grey. Four faults in each round meant that they weren't placed but they did well to qualify in such fine style. It was a big competition with PC teams from all over the West Country.
If you have any news or results please send them to me. If I have left out anything I apologise. It has been an especially hectic time recently.
Sue
What's on. Autumn Programme.
Mounted rallies
Sat 8th Oct 10.30am Vellow Wood Farm. CONTACT Nicky. Mini/Junior
Sun 16th Oct 10.30am Stolford Farm. CONTACT Claire. All ages
Sun 23rd Oct 10.30am Stolford Farm. CONTACT Claire. All ages Fri 28th Oct. SJ/XC rally at Pontispool. 10am. £25. Seniors. CONTACT Joanna/ Sharon
Sat 12th Nov 10.30am Vellow Wood Farm. Mini/Junior CONTACT Nicky
Tuesday 20th December 10am SJ Rally at Brewers Water Farm, Juniors/Seniors CONTACT Sarah
Musical Ride taster session. Thurs 27th October.
'We are aiming to set up a Musical Ride group to work towards possible displays at Dunster Country Fair and Exford Show next year. Gwenda Bassett has lots of expertise in this area. We are holding a fun taster session, 11-1pm, Thursday 27th October, Brewers Water Farm. If you don't know what a musical ride is, go onto YouTube and search 'pony club musical ride'! Riders should be able to at least walk and trot off the lead rein, but preferably canter too. It is great fun choosing the music and also the costumes! CONTACT Joanna.
Christmas Fun Rally at Conquest Equestrian
We have booked the indoor arena at Conquest, just outside Taunton, 10- 4pm, Thursday 29th December. We usually have a fun day for our younger members – with mounted and unmounted activities ranging from mini showjumping, fancy dress, badges, Christmas themed gymkhana races, space hopper races etc. WE NEED SOME PARENTS OF YOUNGER MEMBERS TO VOLUNTEER TO ORGANISE THIS – three or four of you would be good! If you feel able to help, please contact Joanna. It is a lovely venue, with good facilities including a café.
Unmounted rallies at The Green, Brompton Ralph.
Sun 6th Nov 10.30am. Badges and cakes. CONTACT Sue
Sun 4th Dec 10.30am. Badges and cakes. CONTACT Sue
Hunting
There is a joint meet of the DSSH and West Somerset Foxhounds, at Copplelham Cottage, Winsford TA24 7AF, 11am. For further information contact the Secretary of either Hunt (or Joanna). Julia Thomas Everard has also kindly offered to give advice/help on parking etc.
Triathlon.
The triathlon season is starting this month so lets follow our wonderful triathlon and tetrathlon at Vellow Wood Farm with some more D&S successes this winter.
Shooting practice
Mon 7th Nov 6pm at Chapple farm, Skilgate. CONTACT John Fisher
Mon 5th Dec 6pm at Chapple farm
Running and shooting practice rally
Sat 10th Dec 10.30 am at Vellow Wood Farm. CONTACT Nicky
Swimming practice
Tues in term time, 6 - 7pm at Queens College, Taunton. CONTACT Charlotte [email protected]
Sun 30th October. B & SV Triathlon at Hazlegrove School. CONTACT John
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Masquerade Spectacular Ball
Saturday 5th November Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster Arrival drinks 8pm, Carriages 1am
This is for 12 and over and their parents, organised by the Seavington Branch. Black tie. Tables of 10. £20 Contact Sue if you want to make up a table and I will send the 'entry form' This will be fun if enough members go. We did lots like this when I was in Pony Club – a highlight! ______
Visit to the Royal Mews at Windsor, organised by Cindy.
This can take place on either Mon or Tues in Half term, for unaccompanied children aged 10+. We are waiting to hear about numbers. This has been 'on the cards' for a year so we are delighted with this result. Will send further details asap.
Competitions
Equine Fair at Westpoint, Sun 4th December.
Horse and Hound SJ style Competition for 12 and under. Ponies 13.2 and under. Four riders needed and four runners with dogs who can jump a course. ( this can be the same members if necessary). We are one of four branches selected to do this so please support it. CONTACT Rachel.
Wednesday 26th October, Polden Hills Pony Club showjumping, KSEC – we would like to make some teams up for this competition. Please contact Sarah.
Sunday 16th October, East Devon Hunt Pony Club hunter trial at Bicton (inc mini course)
Sunday 16th October Taunton Vale Harriers Pony Club hunter trial Pontispool (inc mini Course)
30th October Tiverton Foxhounds hunter trial, Pontispool, no mini class but a 13 years and under section in the 2'3 -2'6 class.
Dates for 2017 ( Please save these dates) Sun 8th January D&S Triathlon at Wellington Sports Centre Thurs/Fri 13/14th April Two day Camp at Stockland Lovell, 8+ Sun 23rd July Area Eventing.
Pony Club vacancy
I need an assistant DC. I am in London now each week from Mon – Wed so have fewer hours to devote to PC matters. If you would like to help with this please ring me. You do not have to be a committee member already just have an interest in and commitment to the Pony Club and to our branch. Pony Club Tests. C and D+ training will take place at the Vellow and Stolford rallies. C test Sun 23rd Oct at Stolford. D+ Sat 12th Nov at Vellow Wood farm. Recent test passes. Well done to the following members: B test Ellen Cowling Riding and HC Eliza Chapple Riding C+ test Molly Rucklidge, Millie Bartlett and Georgie Evans C test Millie Salway, Lara Chapple and Freddie Clayton D+ test Tamara King.
CONTACTS Sue McCanlis [email protected] 07790 101333 01643 862708 Joanna Chapple [email protected] 07810317159 Jo Clayton [email protected] Claire Cook [email protected]
Cindy Cowling [email protected]
Karen Evans [email protected]
John Fisher [email protected]
Rachel Barnes [email protected] Nicky Gostling [email protected] Sarah Rundell [email protected] Karen Stevens [email protected] Richard Webster [email protected]