WEST KENT HUNT (MEOPHAM) BRANCH OF THE PONY CLUB
NEWSLETTER SPRING/SUMMER 2017
WEBSITE: http:/branches.pcuk.org/westkentmeopham/
EMAIL: [email protected]
Contact List
Presidents Mrs Helen Walliker & Mrs Jill Webb
Vice-President Mrs Catherine French
District Commissioner Mrs Jane Scott
Assistant District Commissioner Mrs Sara Houghton Committee:
District Commissioner Mrs Jane Scott 01474 873254 07818 418796 Assistant District Commissioner Mrs Sara Houghton 01474 823565 07956 909786 Treasurer Mrs Sally Ferrers 01474 813302 07474 426642 Secretary Mrs Shirley Johnson 01474 822066 07818 425556 Chief Instructor, A & B Tests Mrs Kay Jenman 01634 221514 07725 819388 C & C+ Tests Mrs Sarah Waller 01634 252505 07947 361984 D & D+ Tests Mrs Jane Scott 01474 873254 07818 418796 Road Safety Tests Mrs Sara Houghton 01474 823565 07956 909786 Tetrathlon Mrs Carolyn French 01474 814570 07834 621029 Eventing Mrs Meg Henderson 01474 814245 07963 447223 Showjumping Mrs Lisa Smith 01474 814009 07719 905247 Mrs Sally Witts 01732 850346 07789 383814 Mrs Bev Saville 01474 322552 07791 458621 Silver Cup & MGames Mrs Paula Higgins 01732 824619 07526 405111 Mounted Games Mrs Stacie Matarazzo 01634 220740 07472 631307 Dressage Mrs Suzy Cleary 01474 823698 07595 426323 Mrs Sarah Abbott 01634 254817 07801947603 Senior Camp Co-ordinator Mrs Annie Huxtable 01634 243418 07970 087750 Junior Camp Co-ordinators Mrs Julie Dinnis 01959 522015 07980 726938 Mrs Sam Gifford-Brown 07951 011518 Mini Camp Co-ordinator Mrs Beverley Saville 01474 322552 07791 458621 Health & Safety Mrs Yvonne Tisson 01732 822838 07790 604891 Website, Newsletter Mrs Suzanne Baron 01732 823397 07506 517169 & Social Media
Addresses: ***************************************
District Commissioner Mrs Jane Scott, Ash Place Farm, Ash, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7HD email: [email protected] Assistant DC Mrs Sara Houghton, Green Farm, Green Farm Lane, Lower Shorne DA12 3HL email: [email protected] Treasurer Mrs Sally Ferrers, Nurstead Court, Nurstead Church Lane, Meopham DA13 9AD Secretary Mrs Shirley Johnson, Sunningdale, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent DA12 3JJ email: [email protected] Newsletter Mrs Suzanne Baron email: [email protected]
Dear Members
Welcome to our Spring and Summer Newsletter where you will find lots of plans for all the things we hope you will enjoy this year. A big welcome to new members and their parents and please don't hesitate to ask any of the committee anything at all to help you get the most out of our branch.
We are very excited to be offering a 3 Day Clinic at Nurstead Court for members 12 and over instead of a live in camp. We will have excellent facilities there and lots of fun activities as well and Annie Huxtable will be organising those and the food while Sarah Waller will be in charge of all the instruction. Please get your names down ASAP and for Mini and Junior Camps and all our rallies too.
Other plans are a trip to Newmarket in April which should be a really fun day out, lots of rallies of all kinds, Combined Training, a Hunter Trial, Shows and competitions. We look forward to seeing you all and hope everyone has fun, makes new friends and has a great summer of riding.
Jane Scott
COMMITTEE
Committee Changes
We were very sad that, due to ill health, Jill Webb has retired as our much loved D.C. after 29 years but she will become our Joint President with Helen Walliker.
Sally Witts has also resigned from the committee after many years. Her contribution has been invaluable and we would like to thank her and her family for all she has done for Meopham.
JILL WEBB D.C. of WKMPC from 1987 - 2016
Jill’s Pony Club career began as a child when she became a keen member of the West Kent Hunt Branch as it was then. From a well known Plaxtol hunting and point to pointing farming family, Jill became involved with Meopham Branch when she and Peter moved to Stansted with their young family.
She served on the committee for several years, becoming DC. in 1987 when Helen Walliker, founder of Meopham Branch, retired.
Jill was passionate about Mounted Games and was on the National Committee for many years. With Sheila and Alan Peck she ran a Junior Mounted Games competition at Eaglesfield , the first of its kind, which attracted teams from all over England. Meopham enjoyed many successes with Jill's twin sons Matthew and Barnaby the mainstay of many teams. Jill and Peter hosted foreign teams and travelled abroad with Games children all over the world.
Polocrosse and Polo were new disciplines for our branch and Jill was on the Polocrosse Committee at Headquarters too for many years. Lots of members of the 1980's and 1990's will look back fondly on the days when our Polo teams went all over the country on the summer Polo circuit and indeed, Matthew and Barnaby went on to become professional Polo players.
In 2007, under June Long's direction, Jill organised the immensely successful musical ride - Military in Miniature. The 30 or so children involved performed at Ardingly, Kent County, Stoneleigh and Windsor to great acclaim.
Jill has always encouraged children to try every discipline;lending ponies when necessary and helping everyone to enjoy their riding. Her enthusiasm and gift for delegation have been inspiring to so many. The Pony Club has been her life and we are so lucky to have had her as our D.C.
Jane Scott
HUNTING
Hunting
We had a fun day Autumn Hunting at Ash with lots of members out and several people have had a number of days since, particularly on the Drag day at Christmas. As I write the February meets have not yet taken place but we hope they will have encouraged younger members to come and others who haven't been before. It is such a great help to your Cross Country riding and such fun for your pony and you and I hope we'll have even more of you out next season.
Jane Scott
C and C+ Tests
If you are interested in taking either of these tests, please contact me. PC TESTS We will hold a test training day on Monday 14th August (time to be confirmed) at Smith's Farm, Shorne. The test will be on Tuesday 29th August, also at Smith's Farm. We will try to fit some more training sessions in that will be arranged to fit in with everyone prior to the test.
Please contact me ASAP as examiners need to be booked.
Thank you
Sarah Waller
SHOW JUMPING
Show Jumping
We are very keen to promote showjumping from the very grassroots level to intermediate. During the year we will be running showjumping training/rallies to suit all abilities, along with interbranch showjumping competitions. Please make sure you look at the website where I will post the dates and all the information.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch my details in the front of the news letter.
Lisa Smith
ROAD SAFETY
Road Safety
Roadrider Badge
This is now an optional test for member 12 years and over and you can proceed through the Efficiency Tests without it. However we feel it is a really important part of riding and management of your pony on the road so we will be running two training sessions followed by a short test at Queens Farm, Shorne with Julia Buckle in the Spring/early summer which we really encourage you to attend.
You will get so much advice on making the road safer for yourself and your pony and also it helps with driving when you start!
So if you are interested please do call me or email me and we will get a group together and arrange some dates.
Sara Houghton 07956909786. Email - [email protected]
Sara Houghton
HUNTER TRIALS
Hunter Trials
HUNTER TRIALS -date for your diary
We are running our own Hunter Trials at Lodge Farm, Matfield on Saturday 20th May which we very much hope you will enter.
The schedule is now on our website for you to download. If you are not competing we would love some help either with setting up or on the day. Please call Sara Houghton or Sarah Waller if you can help in any way.
Sara Houghton
DRESSAGE
DRESSAGE
Well done to all who continue to attend the regular training sessions with June. Everyone is improving so much which is highlighted by the many combinations who have already qualified for the Dengie this year. Good luck at Merrist Wood to you all.
Training will continue and we welcome all members.
We hope to hold an improve your dressage competition and will advise shortly (keep looking on webpage).
We look forward to seeing you all soon, and wish to thank June Long for her continued guidance and training.
Suzy and Sarah.
NEWMARKET TRIP
Trip to Newmarket—Monday 10 April 2017
We are planning to take a coach from Meopham at 9am arriving at the National Stud at 11am and we will have a tour until 12.30pm. There should be plenty of foals to see by then. We will take packed lunches which we may be allowed to have on the Heath and then go to the Heritage centre. At 2.30pm we will be at the arena to watch the Retraining of the Racehorses which are now stabled there and afterward you'll be free to go round the new Horseracing Museum which is fascinating and you may be able to go on the simulator and try sitting on a racehorse. Then home to Meopham.
The total cost for the day is £40 and we are asking that you book in with Lisa Smith 01474 814009 or 07719 905247 and she will take a £20 deposit.
All are welcome; they do not need to be PC members and it is suitable for all ages.
Sam Gifford-Brown Professional Equine Sports massage therapist
Equine massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to a horse. All horses can benefit from equine massage treat- ment from a loved family pony to competition horse or pony.
Massage can benefit the well-being of the equine as it releases tension and aids mental relaxation.
Sam Gifford-Brown has been riding since the age of 4 and then became a qualified riding instructor for over 20 years working with adults and children, and has been running Pony Club Camp for West Kent Meopham for many years. Sam has 2 horses of her own Percy and Pablo and a share in a pony called Diesel, Percy’s best friend and a cat called Boots.
Sam is fully qualified member of ESMA – The Equine Sports Massage Association.
Contact Details:
Sam Gifford-Brown 07951 011518 [email protected] http://www.sgbequinemassage.co.uk/
How can I help your horse?
Sam will take do a full static assess- ment and a dynamic gait analysis and may need to see the horse lunged or ridden if necessary. Treat- ment is the beginning of the healing process and a aftercare plan will be given to maximise the benefit of the treatment.
EVENTING
Eventing & XC Training
Eventing 60cm-1.10m
There will be two xc rallies held in the Easter holidays in order to help you brush up your xc skills or to get an introduction to eventing if you have never done it before. The first will be for all levels at Bonfleur, nr Maidstone on Friday 7th April and is the perfect course for a first timer or old hand alike with loads of different height fences covering everything you would meet on a xc course. Indeed the PC Area one day event will again be held there - on Sunday 25th June - so if you are considering putting your name down for the Area (80cm, 90cm and 1m) you need to come to this,
The second is on Thursday 13th April for 70, 80, 90 cm and 1m at Matfield. This is also an ideal opportunity to try out their new fences in preparation for our hunter trials we are running on Saturday 20th May. To book your place at either of these rallies please send a £10 deposit (separate cheques if wanting to do both) to Meg Henderson, Kingsway House, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0AU
There will also be a training and selection day for Area hopefuls on Thursday 1st June so keep the day free if you are wanting to compete at the Area.
If you have any questions regarding eventing, or if you want to let me know you wish to be considered for the Area, my e-mail is [email protected].
Meg Henderson
TETRATHLON
Tetrathlon News
We have had our first Triathlon of the year already with 5 of our WKM members taking part, all getting great results, please see below. A particularly big well done to Pollyanna for her win, managing to come first in the swim and run disciplines too. Brilliant result Pollyanna.
Triathlons (shoot/ swim/ run) are a great introduction to tetrathlons for both beginners and for established tetrathletes at the start of the season. They are generally a very relaxed competition, based mainly inside during cold months. We have at least two more triathlons and a training day coming up before the full tetrathlon season gets started, so please take advantage of these opportunities to hone your skills. Then some XC schooling before the tets start and you are ready to go.
Anyone interested in taking part in triathlons/ tetrathlons, or simply just finding out more, please get in touch. Jake Scott kindly runs shoot sessions for us whenever possible, and we have pistols for use to get you started. You do not have to excel at any discipline so if you enjoy swimming and running then why not give tetrathlons a go??
Please see below for recent results and all comp/ training dates published so far.
Carolyn 07834 621029 [email protected]
Carolyn French
TETRATHLON
RESULTS
DATES 2017: (further comps/dates TBC)
8th/ 9th April Ashford Valley Tetrathlon 23rd April Mid Surrey Tetrathlon 28th May Eridge Tetrathlon 23rd July Area 11 Tetrathlon (Qualifier for National Tetrathlon)
JUNIOR CAMP
Junior Camp will be taking place again this year at Filston Farm, Shoreham on Monday 24th July to Friday 28th July 2017.
It’s going to be a fun week and we hope you will be able to join us.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries regarding camp on 07910 949640.
Lizzie Carter-Griffiths
MINI CAMP
A fantastic camp was had by all that came last year. I think most members remember the Jake’s nerf gun challenge as the best part of camp.
Whilst the instructors will all probably agree that Ed and has tea making skills were the best part! The cakes were delicious and a much needed break to the riding and stable management. All mini campers enjoyed riding cross country, jumping lessons and flat work, they also had a brief introduction to fencing! It was so lovely for the children and ponies to enjoy a splash in the river after a long hard day of exercise, although not all agreed!
With mini camp for 2017 approaching quickly please let me know if you are interested in going as soon as possible, we look forward to seeing you there!
Bev Saville WEST KENT MEOPHAM PONY CLUB CAMP 2016 – JUNIOR/MINI CAMP
Filston Farm, Filston Lane, Shoreham, Kent, TN14 5JU
Junior Camp – Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July 2017 £230 Mini Camp – Saturday 29 July to Monday 31 July 2017 £140
Which camp will your child be attending: Junior (8 – 12 years old)/ Mini 4 + years
Child’s name: ………………………………………………………………….
Age at 1.1.2017 ……………………………..
Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Tel (home):…………………………….
(Mobile) …………………………..
Email address …………………………………………………….
Pony’s name: ……………………………… Pony’s height: ……………………
Vaccination Date ………………………………
Child’s ability with pony:
Riding Instructor’s name and telephone number:
………………………………………………………………
Pony Club Tests held: ……………………………………………………. Stabling requirements and allergies: (eg – soaked hay, next to a friend, etc)
I have enclosed: A deposit of £50 (made payable to West Kent Meopham Pony Club (mandatory) Copies of pony’s passport and vaccination details* A completed and signed copy of the Consent Form* *if you do not include these now, they must be brought to the pre-camp meeting on 13th June 2017 Please send Mini Camp forms to: Bev Saville, 56 Gordon Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 9JW (Mobile 07791 458621) and Junior Camp forms to: Lizzie Carter-Griffiths, Meadow Fields, Anthony Lane, Swanley Village, Kent, BR8 7ND (07910 949640)
PLEASE BOOK EARLY – DEADLINE 15TH MAY 2017
JUNIOR PONY CLUB CAMP
Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July 2017 & MINI PONY CLUB CAMP Saturday 29 July to Monday 31 July 2017
Filston Farm, Filston Lane, Shoreham, Kent, TN14 5JU
EMERGENCY CONSENT FORM
I give permission for ……………………………………… to participate in the activities organised at Pony Club Camp.
Should an emergency situation arise during the course of camp, I can be contacted on:
Tel No ………………………………………………………..
Mobile No ……………………………………………………
I agree that the Pony Club Instructors at the camp have my permission to act in loco parentis in the case of any medical emergency that might arise.
If my child needs any medication during the week, it will be supplied with a letter indicating dosage and by signing this form I agree to it being ad- ministered.
Signed ……………………………………………………………………..
Date ......
3 DAY CLINIC
Senior Camp 2017
This year’s senior camp will be in the form of a 3 day clinic at Nurstead Court, Meopham, 7 – 9 August. (non residential)
Our instructors will have full use of the facilities on offer for flat work, show jumping and cross country and lunch will be provided each day.
Unfortunately there will be no camping however I’m sure we will include our usual fun activities, demonstrations, games and of course camp water fight on the final day.
The cost will be £150
If you are interested please contact :
Annie Huxtable 07970087750 or Sarah Waller 07528652591
FRIDAY NIGHT RALLIES
Friday night rallies
Personally I look forward to Friday night rallies that are held through the spring and summer months, they give me something to look forward to after a busy week at school.
Rallies last for an hour and you are put into groups depending on your age and abili- ties. They are very relaxed and a great chance to catch up with the other Pony Club friends.
Suzanne organises the Harvel rallies and these are jumping rallies. Suzanne has a great variety of coloured show jumps to practise over and we jump in a big open field, she also takes pictures to go on the Facebook page. The less experienced members are in a roped off arena. Cloud, my pony loves Harvel rallies as he loves the open space and jumps.
Pinewood Farm rallies are run by my friend Lily’s mum Julia who teaches us as well at most of the rallies. Julia has a fantastic new all-weather are- na. The train line runs close by but the ponies don’t seem to mind.
At Ash rallies we ride in Jane Scott’s lovely big fields. These are flatwork rallies. Jane also has an all-weather school for the younger mem- bers. I have very fond memories of Ash rallies when I first started pony club 7 years ago, with my pony Robin being taught by Ali with Ellie on Pete the Pony, Eleanor with Bubbles and Emily and Patra. Ali used to give us sweets and polos on our last lesson and play games which made the rallies even more fun.
Katie Smith PC CLOTHING
WKMPC Clothing may be purchased from Meg Henderson. Please contact her to order and arrange collection on 01474 814245 after 6pm. All sizes available.
Sweatshirts £20 T-shirts £10
Note: if you are representing WKM at an interbranch one day event or tetrathlon you must wear your WKM sweatshirt for the XC phase . RALLIES
Mounted Rallies
Please book with the organiser at least one week in advance. You will need to attend at least 3 working rallies to be considered to compete at Area Competitions. Please wear your WKMPC red sweatshirt or t-shirt at all rallies. Don't forget to allow plenty of time to tack up and warm up.
MEMBERSHIP Membership Renewal 2017
Pony Club Membership expired on 31st January 2017. Unless you renew the membership you will not be able to take part in any Pony Club activities or be cov- ered by the Pony Club insurance from 1st February 2017.
Renewal forms will soon be available to download from our website and the WKMPC Facebook page.
If you have not already done so, please complete a renewal form and send this, and your payment, to Shirley Johnson, Sunningdale, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3JJ.
Shirley Johnson, Branch Secretary MOUNTED GAMES
Mounted Games Update 2017
The Junior and senior team competed in their first competition of the year at Bodium on Sunday 5th February, the Junior team team was made up of Daisy, Francesca, Ella, Daphne and Libby. This was the first time the children rode as a team on borrowed ponies and came 3rd which was a great result. The senior team was made up of Bella, Florence, Jessica and Francesca who also rode together for the first time.
Training has started for the season and is on a Saturday at 3pm - 4pm at Eaglesfield equestrian centre we will also be holding some training outside over the next few months to get ready for the area competition. We had lots of new members taking part in Mounted Games practice last year but we would really like to see more coming through , If you like Gymkhana Games and want to have lots of fun, then you and your pony will love Pony Club Mounted Games you ride as a team and get to play lots of fun and imaginative games. Is it a great opportunity for children to gain confidence and improve their riding by just having fun. Games are open to children aged under 15 on 1st January 2017, Ponies not to exceed 14.2hh ,Seniors are under 15 years , Juniors are under 11 years and Mini are assisted or lead rein.
The object of mounted games is to ‘encourage a higher standard of riding throughout The Pony Club and to stimulate among the future generation a greater interest in riding as a sport and as a recreation’. It is designed for teams of ‘ordinary children on ordinary ponies’. At all levels, children learn team work, courage, determination and all -round riding ability. They improve their balance and confidence without even realise they are learning. Most of all we have a lot of fun.
Thank you once again to our trainers Shelia Peck and Paula and Abbie Higgins and all the parents for your endless support and assistance, we really couldn’t do it without you.
If anyone is interested in coming to practice, please get in touch or see the website or Facebook for more details. Games give the children lots of confidence and teach them the value of team work and great resilience while having a lot of fun. Best of all they love it.
Please contact me on 07472 631307 [email protected]
Stacie MOUNTED GAMES
Races for this season are:-
Senior Area Games Junior Area Games
1.Bending 1.Bending 2.Old Sock 2.Old Sock (J) 3.Ball & Flag 3.Bottle (J) 4.Pyramid 4.Quoits & Cone (J) 5.Bottle 5.2 Mug 6.5 Mug 6.Tyre 7.Tyre 7.4 Flag 8.5 Flag Spare - 2 Flag Spare - 2 Flag
Practice dates: Every Saturday 3 pm to 4 pm Eaglesfield Cost: £5 per session to be paid at the session Competition dates: TBC
What is mounted games? If you like Gymkhana Games and want to have lots of fun, then you and your pony will love The Pony Club Mounted Games where you and your team will get to play lots of fun and imaginative games. Is it a great opportunity for children to gain confidence and improve their riding by just having fun. They compete in a team.
Ages: Games are open to children aged under 15 on 1 January 2016, Ponies not to exceed 14.2hh. Seniors are under 15 years Juniors are under 11 years Mini assisted or lead rein
Tack: Come as you are, (competitions might need tack adjustments)
Questions: Any questions, please call Stacie 07472 631307
SPRING & SUMMER DIARY DATES
APRIL 7 April XC rally, Bonfleur (Georgina Harwood) 10 April Newmarket Trip (Lisa Smith) 13 April XC rally, Lodge Farm (Meg Henderson) 28 April Ash/Cliffe Rallies (Jane Scott/Sarah Waller)
MAY 5 May Offham Rally, Pinewood Farm (Julia Buckle) 12 May Shorne Rally, Smiths Farm (Kay Jenman) 19 May Harvel Rally, Dean Mead (Suzanne Baron) 20 May Hunter Trials, Lodge Farm (Sara Houghton) 26 May Filston/Cliffe rallies (Julie Dinnis/Sarah Waller)
JUNE 1 June ODE training (Meg Henderson) 2 June Ash Rally, Ash Manor (Jane Scott) 9 June Shorne Rally, Smiths Farm (Kay Jenman) 10 June Combined Training (Kay Jenman/Sarah Waller) 16 June Filston Rally (Julie Dinnis) 23 June Harvel Rally, Dean Mead (Suzanne Baron) 30 June Cliffe/Offham Rallies (Sarah Waller/Julia Buckle)
JULY 7 July Ash Rally, Ash Manor (Jane Scott) 14 July Offham/Shorne Rallies (Julia Buckle/Kay Jenman) 21 July Harvel Rally, Dean Mead (Suzanne Baron) * 24-28 July Junior Camp (Lizzie Carter-Griffiths) * 29-31 July Mini Camp (Bev Saville)
AUGUST * 7-9 August Senior 3 day clinic, Nurstead Court (Annie Huxtable) 12 August Rose Bowl, Charrington Cup & Silver Cup, Ash Manor (Paula Higgins) 12 August WKM v WKS friendly SJ comp, Ash Manor (Bev Saville & Lisa Smith) 15 August C, C+ and B test preparation day (Sarah Waller) 19 August 12 & Under Show, Ash Manor (Jane Scott) 29 August C, C+ and B test day (Sarah Waller)
* All Friday Night Rallies are working Rallies *
All contact telephone numbers can be found on the inside front cover of this newsletter and on the website.
Please check the website for additional dates and updates.
* working rallies needed to compete on a team