and Warden Hill Hunt Branch March 2018 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 Camp Information 3 Chief Instructor’s Advice 4 List of Rallies and Events – print out and keep! 6 Area Team Information 7 Bury Farm Dressage Report

9 Rider of the Month – Izzy Partridge

11 FORTHCOMING RALLIES

NEW!! After School Summer Training - Show Jumping (inc. Rockingham Training) - Dressage (Areas and Prix Caprilli) by invitation - C+ Test Training

PLUS Dressage Rallies with Tom Graham and Demelza Hawes * Show Jumping Rally with Rhian Jones * Working Rallies at Culworth and Godington * *Northbrook Fun Ride and Easter Egg Hunt * Stowe Fun Ride and Picnic * Cross Country Rallies at and Bignell * Mounted Games Rally * Tetrathlon Swimming * Friday Night Rallies * Road Rider Test Day (NEW!)

21 Other Events 22 Contacts List - print out and keep!

There is flexibility on the upper age limit for Mini Camp. If your child is in Year 3 but you would prefer that they attend Mini rather than Junior Camp this can be accommodated.

Camp 2018 Bookings Now Open (click below) http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/online-events-system/

There is lots of planning activity for this year’s camps going on behind the scenes and it is all shaping up really well. You’ll find all the information you need about the three camps (Senior, Junior and Mini) in our Camp Information document on the website and the bookings system is now live.

For Senior and Junior Camp this year, you will need to confirm your willingness to volunteer upfront at the time of booking, or alternatively for those that really can’t get the time off work or would find it difficult to help out you can opt to pay an additional non-volunteer fee. All of the details can be found on the information sheet on the website. We’re all really looking forward to another fantastic camp.

BOOKING DEADLINE FOR CAMPS IS 31 MARCH

March’s Advice from Chief Instructor, Emma Dyer (two pieces of advice this month!!)

1. Challenge yourself – when you next ride and you are lacking inspiration, try something you haven’t done for ages. How about practising your transitions with no stirrups, and working towards a consistent contact? Good luck.

2. Technically it’s now spring, although last week did not feel like it. The day time temperature has improved a little but the nights can still be cold. Be sure you are not over-rugging your horses or ponies in the day time. Start to reduce their rugs. Their skin cannot absorb Vitamin D through their rugs, so if you are spending time grooming why not tie them up outside with the rug off for half an hour if the sun is out.

Hats and Stirrups – please read Your hat needs to be tagged with a mint green 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.

BICESTER PONY CLUB HUNTER TRIALS AT BIGNELL PARK, near CHESTERTON SATURDAY 14 APRIL

Entries: www.myridinglife.com Website: http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/bicester-competitions/hunter-trials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205705936209104/

RALLIES AND EVENTS 2018 THESE ALSO APPEAR ON THE WEBSITE

GO TO PAGE 11 OF THIS NEWSLETTER FOR FULL INFORMATION ON THE RALLIES…VENUE, ORGANISER, COST, WHO IT’S SUITABLE FOR ETC. To book a rally:

1. Book on line http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/online-events-system/ 2. 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 17 Mar C+ and Beyond Godington Wendy Kerr

Sun 18 Mar SJ and Dressage Show Addington Kirstie Wakelin

Thu 22 Mar Swimming Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Sun 25 Mar Dressage Rally – Demelza Hawes Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 29 Mar Swimming Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Fri 30 Mar XC Rally (pre Bignell/Plum Park) Swalcliffe Park Sue Pryce

Wed 4 Apr Working Rally + Stable M’ment Godington Sarah Lloyd

Thu 5 Apr Show Jumping Rally – Rhian Jones Logg Farm Heidi Smith

Fri 6 Apr Fun Ride and Picnic at Stowe Stowe School Julie Bradshaw

Sun 8 Apr Dressage Rally – Demelza Hawes Pool Farm Katharine White

Mon 9 Apr Working Rally + Stable M’ment Culworth Grounds Theresa Harper

Tue 10 Apr C+ and Beyond - afternoon Godington Wendy Kerr

Tue 10 Apr Kennels Visit - morning Belinda Naylor

Wed 11 Apr Northbrook Ride/Easter Egg Hunt Bernadette Evans

Thu 12 Apr *Dressage Training – Areas + Prix Cap Pool Farm Katharine White

Sat 14 Apr Bignell Hunter Trials Chesterton Sue Pryce

Sun 15 Apr Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White

Sun 15 Apr Cross Country Rally Bignell Park Sue Pryce

Thu 19 Apr SJ Team Training Rally – 80 cm + Fox Covert Farm Bernadette Evans

Sun 22 Apr Mounted Games Rally Grange Fm, Godington Claire Minett

Tue 24 Apr *Dressage Training – Areas Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 3 May SJ Team Training Rally Fox Covert Farm Bernadette Evans

Tue 8 May *Dressage Training – Areas Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 10 May SJ Team Training Rally (+Rockingham) Fox Covert Farm Bernadette Evans Fri 11 May Friday Night Rally Godington Sarah Lloyd

Sat 12 May Riding and Road Safety Test Day Fox Covert Farm Wendy Kerr

Wed 16 May *Dressage Training – Prix Cap Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 17 May ST Team Training Rally (+Rockingham) Fox Covert Farm Bernadette Evans

Fri 18 May C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Bridget Evans

Fri 25 May Friday Night Rally Godington Sarah Lloyd

Thu 31 May *Dressage Training – Areas + Prix Cap Pool Farm Katharine White

Fri 1 June C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Kirstie Wakelin

Thu 7 Jun *SJ Team Training Rally (by invitation) Addington Manor Bernadette Evans

Fri 8 Jun Friday Night Rally Godington Sarah Lloyd

Wed 13 Jun *Dressage Training – Areas + Prix Cap Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 14 Jun *SJ Team Training Rally (by invitation) TBC Bernadette Evans

Fri 15 Jun C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Bridget Evans

Thu 21 Jun *SJ Team Training Rally (by invitation) TBC Bernadette Evans

Fri 22 Jun Friday Night Rally Godington Sarah Lloyd

Tue 26 Jun *Dressage Training – Areas Pool Farm Katharine White

Wed 27 Jun *Dressage Training – Prix Caprilli Pool Farm Katharine White

Fri 29 Jun C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Bridget Evans

Sun 10 Jun Marsh Gibbon Pony Show Marsh Gibbon Sharron Whittingham

Wed 13 Jun *Dressage Training – Areas + Prix Cap Pool Farm Katharine White

Sun 17 Jun One Day Event Gawcott Deborah Gregory

Tue 26 Jun * Dressage Training – Areas Pool Farm Katharine White

Wed 27 Jun * Dressage Training – Prix Caprilli Pool Farm Katharine White

Fri 6 July Friday Night Rally Godington Sarah Lloyd

Fri 13 July C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Bridget Evans

Fri 20 July C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Bridget Evans

Fri 27 July C+ Test Training Fox Covert Farm Bridget Evans

31Jul – 2 Aug Mini Camp Horwell Farm Theresa Harper

4 – 9 Aug Junior and Senior Camp Quainton Stud Julie Gordon/Helen Day

Wed 15 Aug C Test Date (out of Camp) TBC Wendy Kerr

Sun 9 Sep C Test Date (out of Camp) TBC Wendy Kerr *These rallies are training by invitation only. NEWS AND REPORTS

Area Teams

AREA COMPETITION DATES 2018

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

Team Managers:

Senior Eventing Team Manager: Claire Adams ([email protected]) Junior Eventing Team Manager: Sarah Lloyd ([email protected]) Senior Dressage Team Manager: Katharine White ([email protected]) Junior Dressage Team Manager: Julie Gordon ([email protected]) Senior Show Jumping Team Manager: Bernadette Evans ([email protected]) Junior Show Jumping Team Manager: Hayleigh Ash ([email protected])

Area Team Manager: Clare Davis ([email protected])

If you would like any more information about teams this summer contact the team Manager. ------

Code of Conduct for Parents

We are lucky in that we have lovely parents at our Branch, but please have a read of the Code of Conduct (click link below – it’s a safe link to the main PC website) to remind yourself of what’s expected.

Code of Conduct for Parents/ Guardians ------

Classified Advertisements on our Branch Website

There are a couple of new ponies for sale on our Branch website. Coming up to Easter is a great time to advertise or look for a new pony. If you’d like to advertise something on our website let Wendy Kerr know ([email protected]) and she’ll put it on for you. You can advertise anything horsey. Here’s the link to the Classified page: http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/classified/ ------

Pony Club HQ Updating Computer Systems

The Pony Club booking system and database mostly works well but it has the odd clunky moment when parents are finding it tricky to book onto rallies etc. Pony Club HQ in Stoneleigh recognise that it needs a bit of updating and are currently working on this. So please grin and bear it for a bit longer. We haven’t been given an idea of when it’s going to be updated but we’re hoping it’s sooner rather than later. ------

Bury Farm Dengie Dressage Show

Looking at the weather now, makes the half term dressage outing feel like summer time! But three of our members braved the sleet storms at Bury Farm to ride some fabulous dressage tests. April King got 8th in the Novice with Rafe Gordon 10th amongst a huge class with very high scores (which considering Rafe forgot his test half way through and got three sets of error points was pretty good!). Both rode really nice tests and looked lovely April King in the Dengie Intermediate Dressage horse/rider partnerships.

April also competed at Intermediate for the first time and achieved a fabulous 5th place just missing out on qualification. Well done – lots or promise to come. And at Grassroots level Jonty Gordon competed for the first time achieving a whopping 69.3% despite a full-on sleet storm during his test. He showed such determination and he still managed to smile at the halt! Again, it was a massive class with very high scores and only 1.5% between 1st and 9th but he managed to get placed 8th so a really promising start.

Julie Gordon Junior Dressage Team Manager ------

Thanks to Katie Strathdee

One of our Senior members, Katie Strathdee, took the photos at Junior and Senior Camp last year and very kindly donated £100 from her takings to the Branch. That’s so generous of you Katie. ------

Focus on the process, and the performance will come.

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 are at least four events in 2018 which we will need your help with. 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

You need to volunteer for either a full day or two half days. Contact Bridget Evans (our Volunteers Co-ordinator to let her know when you can help ([email protected]). Helping at Camp does not count towards your volunteering quota (sorry!). Those who have a half year membership (joining late in the middle of the year) will not have to volunteer (although if we’d be thrilled if you did!). 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

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 Horses, dogs, cats, chickens! Grooming and yard equipment FROM THE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE PAUL SCOTT!

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN BOOKING RALLIES:

• Book in at least a week before the rally. No refunds less than seven days beforehand (unless with a vet’s cert or doctor’s note). • 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. You are representing your Branch and being well turned out shows respect for your instructor and the venue owner. • 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 play elsewhere. Rallies are often held on working farms which can be dangerous

TWO FREE RALLIES for non-members

Our Branch offers Free Taster Rallies to anyone who is thinking about joining the Pony Club. Please do tell any friends who might be interested. Age 4+. The Working Rallies at Easter would be ideal to book for this. Contact Wendy Kerr for more information. [email protected] / 07979 861652.

Rider of the Month – Izzy Partridge

I love being in the Bicester Pony Club because I’ve made so many good friends over the time I’ve been a member and I love seeing them. The highlights for me were taking part in all the Area competitions and I hope to do that again this year!

I had a brilliant dressage lesson with Serena Gordon recently and hope to do the Mandy McGlynn show jumping training because it’s so helpful.

Over the winter months I’ve been riding for Helen Tredwell and this has made me focus on my show jumping.

Izzy Partridge

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). ------

Hunt Kennels Visit – Bicester Road, Stratton Audley, OX27 9BT

Tuesday 10 April – 10 am till approx. midday

This is for those taking their hunting certificate, PLUS anyone interested in hunting - especially those who might want to take their Hunting Certificate next season. Open to all – please do come along – parents are also very welcome. Come and see how the Kennels works, meet the hounds and have a tour of the stables, valet room and flesh room. Dismounted.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE TAKING THEIR HUNTING CERTIFICATE THIS SEASON THERE WILL BE A SHORT PRESENTATION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED, PLUS FEEDBACK FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL ON THIS OCCASION.

Organiser: Belinda Naylor Cost: £5

WELL SEASONED GOOD QUALITY LOGS FREE DELIVERY IN NORTH 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

Pony Club Tests This Summer

B Test

Training for this will continue over the summer. Contact Wendy Kerr ([email protected]) ------

C + Test Training – Fridays at Fox Covert Farm, OX27 OAQ 18 May 1, 15, 29 June 13, 20, 27 July 3 August

Each two hour session will incorporate an hour of Horse and Pony Care and an hour riding. There will be eight full sessions (16 hours). The test is planned for September.

As the weather warms up, Bicester Pony Club will again be organising a training schedule to prepare our members for the C+ Test. Eligibility – current members must have passed the C Test (green felt), they must have passed one of the following road safety tests - The Pony Club Road Rider Achievement Badge, The Pony Club Road Rider Test or The BHS Riding and Road Safety Test and they must be 13 or over. If you’re unsure if your child has taken any of these Road Safety Tests please contact me and I can check the database. Also, if your child is nearly 13 and you would like them to do the training in preparation for taking the test after their birthday, please let me know. The Pony Club tests are highly regarded and equally as important as The BHS Exams, and a more cost- effective approach with experienced trainers. They prepare children in both theory and practise with the skills and correctness of horsemanship, caring for and riding a pony on their own. The tests stand the children in great stead whether they wish to compete, work with horses in later life or simply be able to care for their own correctly at home. The tests are widely recognised and can be a great base for further training. The training sessions are held in with a relaxed and informative approach to build on their current level of experience and prepare them for the test later in the year. Please can you let me know via email [email protected] ASAP to confirm that your child is interested in taking the C+ and then we can make a plan. Any questions, please give Bridget a call on 07798 793104 or Emma on 07789 873957. Cost to be confirmed but it will be kept to a minimum. Bridget Evans and Emma Dyer

Road Rider Achievement Badge

Saturday 12 May – Fox Covert Farm, Marsh Gibbon, OX27 0AQ

• Compulsory before C test can be awarded • One day to include training and test • Mounted and dismounted sessions • 10 am - 3.30 pm • Lunch required • Not everyone needs a pony (tbc)

Organiser: Wendy Kerr ([email protected]) Cost: £15

C Test

Wednesday 15 August OR Sunday 9 September (test dates)

• Test to be taken out of camp this year • 2/3 days training (riding & theory) before the tests • Organiser [email protected]

D+, D and E tests

These will be taken during Camp.

IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHICH TESTS YOUR CHILD HAS TAKEN PLEASE CONTACT WENDY OR BRIDGET TO CLARIFY. THE SEQUENCE OF TESTS AND THE RECOMMENDED AGES ARE ON THE BRANCH WEBSITE.

------‘C+ and Beyond’ Training

Saturday 17 March Fabulous brand new Tuesday 10 April (afternoon) arena at Grange Farm, Mounted sessions Godington! Grange Farm, Godington, OX27 9AF

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 the very experienced external instructor (Claire Holt) who we have asked to work with our older children on a monthly Last two sessions basis. before C+ Training PROPER starts! IF YOU ARE HOPING TO TAKE YOUR C+ IN 2018 YOU NEED TO START TRAINING NOW AS IT’S A HUGE JUMP UP FROM C TEST. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT WORKING TOWARDS C+ AND B TEST PLEASE DO COME ALONG IF YOU’VE TAKEN YOUR C TEST (OR ARE AT THAT STANDARD) AS THE TRAINING IS EXCEPTIONAL.

Organiser: Wendy Kerr ([email protected]) Time: 11 am onwards Cost: £20 ------

Show Jumping Rallies – Logg Farm, Oddington, OX5 2QU

5 April (more dates to follow)

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.

Rhian’s rallies are also great for those who are hoping to try for the Regional (80/85 cm) and Area Teams (90 cm +) this year. Rhian also trains the Beaufort Pony Club Show Jumping team and they are very successful! 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.

Show Jumping Team Training Rallies

Sunday 11 March Quainton Stud (morning onwards) FULL Thursday 19 April Fox Covert Farm (5, 6 and 7 pm) - 80 cm+ £20 Thursday 3 May Fox Covert Farm (5, 6 and 7 pm) - 80 cm + £20 * Thursday 10 May Fox Covert Farm (5, 6 and 7 pm) - 75 cm + £20 ON GRASS * Thursday 17 May Fox Covert Farm (5, 6 and 7 pm) - 75 cm + £20 ON GRASS Thursday 7 June Addington Manor (5, 6 and 7 pm) By invitation £20 Thursday 14 June Venue TBC (5, 6 and 7 pm) By invitation £30 Thursday 21 June Venue TBC (5, 6 and 7 pm) By invitation £30

* These sessions will be on grass over a full course (subject to the weather/ground conditions) for everyone but also for those training for Rockingham (including the 70/75 cm teams for these two sessions). The other Fox Covert Farm sessions will either be in the arena or on grass – again depending on the weather/ground conditions.

Three in a ride at Fox Covert Farm rallies (occasionally there will be four).

For those aiming for Area Show Jumping or Eventing Teams. Open to all members who are confidently jumping 80 cm plus (with a view to jumping 85 cm by Easter – except sessions on 10 and 17 May which are for 70/75 cm team hopefuls too). Instructor: British Show Jumping Coach UKCC Level 3, Mandy McGlynn. These rallies are for

Nancy Simpson on Jimmy those who would like to be considered for Area and Regionals Show Jumping or Eventing Teams (see heights below).

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 published there will be no changes. We try hard to put riders in the appropriate ride but sometimes due to Megan Elphick on Bear timings/mixed abilities you may find you are not in the ride you had hoped for but Mandy is excellent at coping with all abilities and will raise or lower the jumps for individuals as necessary – so don’t worry! I will do my best to accommodate time requests but it won’t always be possible. Sorry for all the rules but it makes things run more smoothly!

Organiser: Bernadette Evans ([email protected])

Charlotte Rudge on Bosley

“It is not how you win We are fielding teams for Rockingham Horse Trials on 19 May (entries have gone in), the inter branch show at Hyde Heath on 9 that you are judged on, June (which also has a smaller class – 70/75 cm) in early June and but how you lose.” of course the Areas which are on 23 June at Addington Manor. If you’d like any more info about these – do ask. John Hindle

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 - please bear this in mind when considering which level you are aiming for. Some of jumps in the second round of the Novice Show Jumping at the Championships are around 1m.

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, 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.

------

Dressage Rallies at Pool Farm, Stratton Audley, OX27 9AJ

Competition Dates

18th Mar Dengie Winter League Area Dressage (run by Bicester Pony Club) at Addington 1st Jul Summer Area Dressage at Hyde Heath

The dates below are for those who have been long-listed for Dressage Training Sessions (Areas – Novice, Intermediate and Open) and Prix Caprilli Teams and are by invitation only. We are offering lots of dates so that parents can work round school/work commitments. Dressage rallies finish in April and team training takes over.

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN CONTACTED BY KATHARINE WHITE FOR AREA OR PRIX CAPRILLI TRAINING AND WOULD LIKE TO COME ALONG, LET HER KNOW. [email protected]

Areas and Prix Caprilli Evening Training Dates – by invitation only

ALL AT POOL FARM, STRATTON AUDLEY

Thursday 12 April – Areas (Tom Graham) and Prix Caprilli (Julia Catling) Tuesday 24 April – Areas (Tom Graham) Tuesday 8 May – Areas (Tom Graham) Wednesday 16 May – Areas (Tom Graham) and Prix Caprilli (Julia Catling) Thursday 31 May – Areas (Tom Graham) and Prix Caprilli (Julia Catling) Wednesday 13 June – Areas (Tom Graham and Prix Caprilli (Julia Catling) Tuesday 26 June – Areas (Tom Graham) Wednesday 27 June – Prix Caprilli (Julia Catling)

Tom Graham (UKCC Level 4 Trainer)

15 April - morning

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.

Rafe Gordon, age 13, riding at Novice/Intermediate level “Now that I am more confident and capable with my dressage, Tom is perfect to help me fix any problems I encounter, and to improve the harmony between Noah and me”.

Organiser: Katharine White ([email protected]) Cost £25

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

Clara Petrillo, age 15, riding at Novice level “Demelza has a slightly different approach from some other instructors. She really concentrates on the rider’s position as a way of making it easy for the horse. There will be lots of ‘lightbulb’ moments in your lesson and you will finish with your pony (and you) looking much better than when you started!”

Organiser: Katharine White ([email protected]) Cost £25

------

Working Rallies

Wednesday 4 April – Grange Farm, Godington, OX27 9AF

This is a fun rally for all – Minis, Juniors and Seniors. There is a fantastic new arena at Grange Farm! By kind invitation of Nigel and Penny Oakey. There will be a stable management session afterwards.

Organiser: Sarah Lloyd ([email protected]) Cost £10

Monday 9 April - Culworth Grounds, Thorpe Mandeville, Oxon, OX17 2HW

First ride – 10 am.

This is a fun rally for Minis and Juniors. Following on from the success of our previous rallies at glorious Culworth Grounds, Theresa has organised another one. It’s on a surface and it it’s rainy we can use the indoor school. By kind invitation of the Buckley family. There will be a stable management session afterwards.

Organiser: Theresa Harper ([email protected] ) Cost £10 ------

Cross Country Rallies

Friday 30 March – Swalcliffe Park, nr

Rides starting 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 70 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

Sunday 15 April – Bignell Park, Chesterton, OX26 1TD (don’t take drive to barns – entrance is next door)

This is for Minis, Juniors and Seniors. We will be using the courses from the hunter trials which will have taken place the day before. Morning onwards for an hour and a half.

Jumps from 50 cm (in an enclosed field) Cost: £10 Jumps from 70 – 90 cm (on the novice/open course) Cost: £15

Organiser: Sue Pryce ([email protected])

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.

Northbrook Ride and Easter Egg Hunt

Northbrook, Nr Kirtlington, OX5 3HY

Very many thanks to the Hales and Eeley families for hosting us and also to the Budgett and Tylor families for allowing us onto their land.

Wednesday 11 April

Come and ride round gorgeous Northbrook Farm and into Kirtlington Park (Juniors/Seniors). Bring a picnic for afterwards.

RIDE ONE - Minis/Juniors. Lead by Tasha Flowers Arrive at 11.30 am for an 11.45 am departure for a mounted (parents dismounted) Easter Egg Hunt. Length – around 45 minutes. Fairly gentle, walking and a bit of trotting. Parents – you will need to stay to lead your child if they’re on the lead rein and also accompany if your pony could be a bit wizzy.

RIDE TWO -Juniors/Seniors. Lead by Nicola Taylor Arrive at 11 am for a 11.15 am departure. Length – around an hour. For those off the lead rein who might find hurtling across Kirtlington Park at the gallop in a big group (see Ride Three!) a bit daunting but who want to do a bit more than walking and trotting. Speed will be dependent on who signs up but it will be in open spaces with the option (not compulsory!) to canter safely. Parents may also accompany on a well-behaved horse. RIDE THREE – Juniors/Seniors. Lead by Jeremy Adams and Sue Eeley Arrive at 10.30 am for 10.45 am departure. Members should be safe off the lead in groups and in open spaces. There will be fast cantering and maybe a few optional jumps (good Bignell practice)! The ride will be last for just under two hours. Parents may also accompany on a well-behaved horse. Members should wear body protectors and hats without peaks. We will then all meet back (hopefully at the same time!) for a picnic lunch (bring a picnic) in Ben and Jo Hales’ garden.

Organiser: Bernadette Evans ([email protected]) Cost: £5 (no cash on the day) ------

Minis and Younger Juniors Fun Ride and Picnic, Stowe, Nr Buckingham

Friday 6 April – New Inn Farm, Stowe, MK18 5EQ

10 am

Fun ride and picnic at the National Trust, Stowe for Minis and Younger Juniors. One hour long, all off road riding around the beautiful National Trust parkland. There will be an opportunity to have a canter round the fields afterwards. Fun activities and a picnic in the field at the end. Lots of room to run around – bring a picnic! Parents need to accompany on foot.

Go to National Trust car park, keep to the right. Go up a small hill on the right into the Bradshaw’s field where we are parking. It will be signposted with Pony Club signs.

Organiser: Julie Bradshaw ([email protected]) 07706 950270 Cost: £5 for anyone mounted (which will be donated to the National Trust) ------

Mounted Games Rally – Minis, Juniors and Seniors

Sunday 22 April – Grange Farm, Godington

First ride 10.30 am

With Emily Gresty and Claire Minett. These rallies are great fun for all (even on the lead rein). There will be mounted games at Tackley Show (29 April): this is the perfect opportunity to come and practice.

Organiser: Claire Minett ([email protected]) Cost £10 ------

Friday Night Rallies, Grange Farm, Godington, OX27 9AF

11 May 25 May 8 June 22 June 6 July 22 July (Pre-Camp Rally Juniors and Seniors)

Following on from the huge success of last summer’s Friday Night Rallies we are running another series this year. They will be at Grange Farm, Godington (very many thanks to Nigel and Penny Oakey for allowing us to use their lovely field) with rides at 6 pm and 7 pm and the emphasis being on fun.

Penny will be opening the Pony Club shop so it will also be a great chance to bring your second hand riding gear to sell or to buy Pony Club branded clothing (see info about the PC shop further on in this Newsletter). Book online early as they are often oversubscribed.

No need to cook supper as there will be sausage buns on sale as a

fundraiser to go towards subsidising Camp.

Minis and Juniors – 6 pm Juniors and Seniors – 7 pm (Juniors can choose either 6 pm or 7 pm)

Organiser: Sarah Lloyd ([email protected]) Cost: £8 ------

Tetrathlon

Swim Training Swimming for all at Stowe School swimming pool continues on Thursday evenings 7 pm to 8 pm - starts at the beginning of each half term. Suits all ages and abilities, parents can swim too. Bookings on line.

Shoot Practice On Sundays, late afternoon at Steeple Claydon. Please let Deborah know if you are interested.

Organiser: Deborah Gregory Cost £8 (with tuition)

Deborah Gregory ([email protected]) ------

Other Events

10 March Clear Round Show Jumping, Quainton Stud 31 March Combined Training, Quainton Stud 2 Apr Grafton Hunt Pony Club Hunter Trials, Plum Park 17/18 March Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 28 March OBH(C)PC Junior Show, near Trin 7 +8 Apr ODE Calmsden (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 7/8 Apr Grafton Hunt Pony Club Senior ODE, Aston le Walls 8 Apr Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase Point to Point, Edgcote, Banbury 15 Apr Warwickshire Hunt PC Hunter Trials, Swalcliffe Park 21 Apr Silver Spur Hunt Ride https://www.facebook.com/silverspur2016/ 28 + 29 Apr ODE Swalcliffe (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 28 Apr Farmers Bloodhounds Point to Point, Edgcote, Banbury 29 Apr Tackley Show 29 Apr Grafton Hunt Hunter Trials, Foxhill 29 Apr Woodland Hunt Pony Club Mini ODE 13 May VAHPC Eventer Challenge, Quainton Stud 19 + 20 May ODE Elmwood, Bampton (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 20 May Waddesdon Charity Sponsored Ride 2 June Grafton Hunt Pony Club, Mini and Novice ODE, Foxhill 2 June SOH(S) PC, Hambleden ODE (90 cm+) 9 + 10 June ODE, Crown Farm (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 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 ) 1 Sep Moreton Show, Moreton in Marsh 17 Sep World Horse Day www.worldhorsewelfare.org 29 + 30 Sep ODE Swalcliffe (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 29 Oct Crown RC Hunter Trials, Swalcliffe Park

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 Eventing Team 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, Senior Camp Organiser [email protected]

SHARRON WHITTINGHAM Marsh Gibbon Pony Show, Fence Judges 01869 354055 / 07761 216672 [email protected]

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