News....
Fancy a late holiday ????
Check out Flint and Denbigh Pony Club Holiday Service. Checks 1000's of late deals and earns F&D a small commission too!
Flint & Denbigh Hunt Supporters Club
- Summer Salad and Entertainment @ Speddyd
- By Kind Permission of Mr & Mrs M Owen
- Selection of Cold Meats, Salads & Deserts
- Free Glass of Wine
- Bar and Cocktail Bar
- Party Games
- Live Music with Superb Band “Luke”
- Speddyd Farm, Llandyrnog
- From 7-30pm
- 31st July 2010
- Tickets £10 from Ian Evans
Area 5 Show Jumping (Dyfnog) 2010 ... 13/07/2010
Results here .... and some photos here ...
Dear All,Thank you for all your help in making our Area Show Jumping competition such a success.
Thank you to all who turned up on the Weds evening, Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. The competition ran so smoothly and without any major problems.
The list of thank you's - for collecting ring stewards, arena parties, catering stewards, judges helpers, commentators, scorers, car parking stewards is endless.
Our members were excellent at being helpful, polite and friendly – so thank you!
Our day was perfect and to cap it all the Open team & Novice team qualified for the champs – CONGRATULATIONS. Well done to all the other teams to, as they also were placed and were a credit to our Branch.
The Newcomers team also won their class.
Chris Leahy deserves a special thank you for all her hard work organising the teams and for all the training that she organises through out the year.
Iona as always was organised and had everything to hand. She is now the expert on the Pony Club Show jumping Rules. Thank you.
I was amazed at how quickly everything was dismantled at the end of the day. There were many comments from the visiting branches at how friendly the competition was.
Good luck to those who will be going to the championships.
Best regards
Bethan (DC)
Area Dressage details ... 08/07/2010
Editor note: Please note the short closing date !!!
Please find attached the schedule for this year's Area Dressage to be held at Somerford park Farm on TUESDAY the 3rd AUGUST 2010.
You will note that this is a two stage entry system:
Stage 1: Preliminary entries to be submitted by Tuesday the 13th July. This stage only requires numbers of teams and individuals to be indicated together with the entry fee.
Stage 2: Which requires full details of each rider and horse, does not need to be submitted until Sunday the 25th July.
It is essential that we know exactly how many entries to expect since this is crucial to deciding the number of arenas and judges. Please therefore let us know numbers as a matter of urgency. If you are experiencing any difficulty - please let us know.
It is appreciated that the time is short and I apologise for that but if we are to make the necessary arrangements we do need full co-operation.
We look forward to hearing from you....
Members need to contact Sioned O’Conner if they intend entering ... BethanDC
Area 5 Show Jumping (Dyfnog) 2010 ... 06/07/2010
If you have been attending the show jumping training or been a Winter league competitor- this is an ideal time to give your branch some voluntary help. The branch has subsidised a great deal of the training throughout the year.
Please see the rota here for the duties for Sunday at Dyfnog.
Please note following points when doing your duty:
- Practice fence stewards- Competitors to jump in same direction, fence must not be higher than the jumps in the ring.
Collecting ring stewards:
- no more than 12 competitors in the collecting ring at once
- next competitor to be entering ring just as the previous one is finishing, as this saves time
Tack & turnout steward
- to get teams together for inspection
Arena party supervisors -
- ensure the safety of the children putting up poles
- children must not run in front of a horse or pony that is in the ring
If you are unable to carry out your duty please arrange to have someone else to stand in.
The competition will start at 10 am but tack & turn out will start at 9.30am. Please be punctual.
I still require parents to help organise the parking. This will only be for a couple of hours in the morning 8.45am - 10.45am. Ideally it would suit some of the fathers.
Please contact Bethan (DC) by email or mobile 07887722583 (before 9.00pm) if you can help!
AREA HORSE TRIALS ... 3-4th July 2010 ... 06/07/2010
Well done to all competutors at the Area Horse Trials held at Somerford Park.
Everyone was very smartly turned out and a credit to our Branch.
Congratulations to all who were placed.
Thank you to Louise & Katy for organising all the training sessions with Richard Carruthers. See more at DISCIPLINES>HORSE TRIALS
WWW Mini One Day Event 19th August 2010 ... REVISED ... 1/07/2010
Please note that details of this Event have been changed. Please redownload the schedule for the latest info. Thank you!
At Lower House Farm, Llanymynech, Powys. SY22 6LG.
Open to members of any pony club. This competition is intended to prepare and encourage young members to take part in one day eventing. It is strictly for beginners and genuine novices.
Entries close: 12th August 2010 ... full details here ...
Pony Club Novice Championships Invitation ... 30/06/2010
The Pony Club Novice Championships are ten years old this year. To celebrate we have added an additional competition to this year’s schedule – Individual Newcomers Show Jumping. Open to both Branch and Centre Members, this competition is aimed at those who have never competed in a Novice Championship qualifier at Area level and who are 12 years old or under.
The competition will be in the main show jumping arena on Sunday afternoon.
There are a limited number of places available and this year these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. As there is no stabling available it was decided to invite entries from Areas 4, 5, 6 and 7 only. I have attached the schedule (.pdf) and would be grateful if you could circulate it to those of your members you feel may be interested.
Best wishes.
Joan Deakin
District Commissioner, Cheshire Hunt North Branch of the Pony Club
Area 5 Tetrathlon Kelsall July 17/18th ... 28/06/2010
There are classes for all ages, big and small, with different courses they can jump - there is even a working hunter type course available.
More details on the Discipline>Tetrathon page with full details here (MS Word)
Thanks
Meg
Cold Water Cooling of Horses and Ponies ... 28/06/2010
At the the Mounted Games zone finals PC officials were distributing important information on the potential risk to horses and ponies overheating in this hot weather.
The article can be read here and there are further links on the page to visit the PCUK website from were the article was downloaded and a link to a .pdf version for you to print out.
Ruthin Medieval Show Musical ride ... 28/06/2010
Once again I would like to congratulate Meg and her troops for putting on an amazing display at the Ruthin Medieval Show on Saturday 26th June 2010.
The team had been practising for the last few months. The setting of the show was beautiful and the weather was just perfect.
Thank you to Meg for giving up your Friday evenings to train the group, thank you to the parents for bringing the members and last but not least THANK YOU to the dedicated members who put on this fantastic display.
Thank you .... Bethan DC
The new wall ... 28/06/2010
The new wall has arrived ready for the area show jumping competition being held at Dyfnog on the 11th July.
WWW MINI ONE DAY EVENT 19th AUGUST 2010
At Lower House Farm, Llanymynech, Powys. SY22 6LG.
Open to members of any pony club. This competition is intended to prepare and encourage young members to take part in one day eventing. It is strictly for beginners and genuine novices.
Entries close: 12th August 2010 ... full details here ...
Congratulations Road and Mini Rider test students ... 21/06/2010
Congratulations to 7 members who passed Road Rider Test in half term -
- Morgan and Rhianon Elsmore,
- Georgia Roberts,
- Catrin Roberts,
- Louisha Doran,
Yasmin Greaves and - Sam Owen from Waen y Llyn.
All concentrated hard and performed well on a gorgeous sunny day. Well done!
Aslo mini badge road rider - congratulations to
- Zahra Bennet,
Gwern and Elan Pierce,- Beatrice Blockley and
- Lowri Ashto
Congratulations to Meg Green ... 16/06/2010
Congratulations to Meg Wynn Green who recently was awarded the Cubitt Award.
This is a recognition from The Pony Club to all those who give their valuable time as volunteers. These volunteers are the backbone of the Pony Club and its success.. The award is given to a person who has given at least 20 years as a volunteer.
Meg, is our Branch’s tetrathlon trainer. She was a member of the Branch as a child and then got involved again when her own two daughters, Meryl & Carys were young members.
Over the years Meg has encouraged & trained our members at tetrathlon, instructed at rallies, mini camp & main camp. The Branch has held mini camp, rallies & fun days at her property. Meg has trained numerous musical display teams. The most unforgettable team of 50 children appearing at the Royal Welsh Show 2 years ago. She is currently training a new team of members for a display which will be appearing at different shows this summer.
We are very lucky to have such a person in our Branch and THANK YOU Meg for all you do for the Flint & Denbigh Hunt Branch
Camp parent rota available ... ammended... 11/06/2010
The duties can be viewed on Main camp pages and Mini Duties here
Please find attached the lists of duties for parents for main camp and Mini duties here.
As you will see not all the spaces have been filled. If you are able to help out more please get in touch with Bethan. If for any reason you are NOT able to carry out your duty please arrange with another parent to change.
The Northern Pony Clubs Endurance Challenge ... 11/06/2010
Calling all riders in the area -pony club members, riding club members, eventers, show jumpers, dressage riders and those who just enjoy riding in the beautiful English countryside.
Have you ever thought of trying Endurance Riding? Well here’s your opportunity. The Bedale and West of Yore Pony Club are running the Northern Pony Clubs Endurance Challenge at Clifton Castle, nr. Bedale on Sun 4th July.
Open to all, whether Pony Club members or not, adults or children. You can chose between two routes, one of 17 and the other of 29km in the beautiful Lower Wensleydale, testing your own and your horses fitness by achieving the set distance at an approved time.
For those who like to show their competitive side a result will be achieved by comparing your horse’s heart rate with the speed you have gone.
Alternatively for those just enjoying pleasure rides, treat this ride as one and enjoy every minute of it.
Please find attached a schedule and entry form.
For more details contact Robert Blane 01845 526185 or 07740 508462
Camp parent rota available ... 09/06/2010
The duties can be viewed on Main camp pages
Please find attached the lists of duties for parents for main camp.
As you will see not all the spaces have been filled. If you are able to help out more please get in touch with Bethan. If for any reason you are NOT able to carry out your duty please arrange with another parent to change.
Mini Road Rider Achievement Badge Success ... 4/06/2010
Congratulations to the following Llysfaen members who successfully achieved their Mini Road Rider Achievement Badge along with their E or D Test on 3rd June at Oakwood Park Farm.
D Test ....
- Rhiannon Humphreys
- Ella Dowber
E Test ....
- Lois Williams
- Poppy Dowber
- Sophie Maloney
- Scarlett Owen
A big thank you off all the children goes to Kara Maloney for letting us use her fantastic facility and to Laura Owen for organising and examining on the day.
Sir WWW Hunt Branch Show Jumping 02/06/2010 ... 04/06/2010
Sir WWW Hunt Branch of the Pony Club team Show Jumping competition 02.06.10 at Bryn y Grog, Marchwiel.
The results from the above competition are from the people who were kind enough to collect them for me (thank you very much for your time Ann and Debbie etc) are as follows........
Flint and Denbigh won Class 1, 2' 10 and under, with Alice Davies Cooke and Siver Spirit winning overall and Emily Cummings on Sonic came in third.
In Class 2, 2' 3" 12 and under, our teams came 4th and 5th and 7th with Ffion Roberts and Frosty winning the class.
We won Class 3, 2' 6" 14 and under, and Georgia Cabb and Smartie took first place overall with Georgia Williams and Conrad coming in an extremeley close second by 0.03 seconds !!
Class 4, 2' 9" , our teams came in 3rd and 5th with an individual win forWednesday Rytter and Bounce (and I think someone else may of been placed but its not on the sheet).
In the 3' class 5 the Flint and Denbigh teams did extremely well taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and individually Holly Blockley and Ernie were 1st, Wednesday Rytter and Bounce, 2nd, Eleri Jones riding Ginny and sister Nan riding Gucci were equal 3rd and Suzi Williams and Celestial were 4th !!! Swept the board!!
Class 6 the 3' 3" class was also won by the Flint and Denbigh team with Brier Leahy and Tom taking 1st place, Jordan Roberts and Marcus 2nd and Eleri Jones and Ginny came in 5th.
A fantastic result yet again at the Bryn y Grog venue and this year. For a change, we had lovely weather to go with it!! Well done everyone who took part.
Many thanks .... Chris.
WELL DONE ... 2/06/2010
On a very wet morning during half term the following members were successful in passing their C+ Test.
- Phoebie Woodbine
- Lucy Grindal
- Nick O’Sullivan
- Suzi Williams.
Thank you to Katy Powell Jones for organising it and Jane Gough Roberts for allowing us to use her venue.
Bangor Point to Point ... Race cards thanks ... 30/05/2010
Dear Members,
Thank you so much for all your help selling race cards at the Point to Point.
You sold well over £900 worth.
It was very good of you all to give up your time to help make the day a success. It is important to volunteer help to these country side organisations.
The helpers were: Alex & Sam Major, Ant & Phoebie Woodbine, Yasmin, Sam, Eden & Sophie Greaves. Catrin & Samantha Evans, Tamara * Jasmine Massey, Sian Bryant, Louisha Doran, Ben Reed, Geaorge, Edward & Lucinda Sturla, Olivia & Rosie Miller.
Thank you also to Olive & Allan Greaves Judith Bryant Chris Leahy & Jan Major for organising the sellers and taking the money in. We are very grateful to you parents for encouraging the members to do voluntary jobs.
It's important for them to learn to give their time to help out.
Bethan
Mini Major Competition, Olympia 2010 ...28/05/2010
Berwyn & Dee Beginners One Day Event .... 28/05/2010
Berwyn & Dee Beginners One Day Event, entries are now coming in fast so early attention is vital to secure your place.
Please find a copy of the schedule attached for the Beginners One Day Event at Packwood School on July 17th .... click here
Top show jumping returns to Ruthin 26/27 June 2010 .... 28/05/2010
After an absence of many years Ruthin will once again stage a top show jumping event. As part of the fantastic Medieval World and Country Show the organisers Ruthin Forward have included two days of show jumping and showing covering qualifiers for British Show Jumping, Veteran Society, and British Show Pony Society, as well as all unaffiliated classes for locals.
Not only will competitors be able to compete in their own events they will also be able to enjoy the main show which highlights medieval life with jousting knights, foot combat re-enactments, living history and countryside skill and crafts. The theme of the county show is interactive where participants can join in lots of skills - even interactive cookery. This is truly an event not to be missed. Full details and downloadable entry form can be found on www.ruthinforward.co.uk
We are also looking for stewards for this event – if you are interested we can reward you with lunch and free entry to the show!
Please email chrissie@equest.plus.com to register your interest.
Royal Windsor Horse Show 2010 ... 27/05/2010
Daks International Mounted Games Competition
The Welsh team, consisting of 3 from North Wales (Suzi – Flint and Denbigh, Becca – Berwyn and Dee, Rachel – WWW) and 3 from South Wales (Tom and laura – Llangeinor and reserve Lewis from Llangibby), met at Ascot on Monday evening and spent Tuesday morning practicing in an all weather surface before moving off to Windsor Tuesday afternoon.
At Windsor they were presented with their tracksuits which they then had to live in for the remainder of the week! Not only was the main ridden competition being 
contested for, but the five teams – Republic of Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, were also fighting for the coveted tack and turn out cup, awarded for behaviour, turnout (stables, ponies, riders and tack), the “table” and the entertainment. The riders were on their toes all week behaving and looking smart – the parents spent hours cleaning and polishing ponies and stables!
Wednesday saw the presentation of sweatshirts from Daks and the traditional entertainment from the riders – Wales brought the house down with their song culminating in a human pyramid! Read the full story here ...
Mounted Games Senior and Junior A teams head for Zone .... 22/05/2010
An early start at Gwils request saw the Seniors at the Oswestry Showground bright and early on a fantastic sunny and hot morning.
Tack check all complete the competition started on time at 11.00am. With only 7 points separating the top 4 teams throughout the morning and all positions up for grabs on the last race with only 4 points now between the top 4 teams, the tension was high. Seniors A were running 2nd at the start of the last race but finished a qualifying 4th.
Juniors report to follow!
Massive congratulations to all the teams for a brilliant effort, thanks to Gwil, Fran and Arwyn and not forgetting the rowdiest and noisiest supporting camp on the field.
Senior Area Camp forms ..... 21/05/2010
SENIOR AREA CAMP – Somerford Park Farm on Monday 12th July until Thursday 15thJuly, 2010. Click here to download the booking form.
All forms to be returned to Debbie Miller (contact details on the form) asap and no later than 21st June.
Howells Equestrian ... Jeanette Brakewell clinics 15/05/2010
Howells Equestrian is pleased to announce clinics on 20th July and 24th August 2010 with Olympic medalist and International Event Rider ...
- JEANETTE BRAKEWELL ... 1 hour Group clinics £35 per rider
Jeanette is also offering the opportunity for Howells girls and Pony Club members to have a question and answer session over lunch.
Places are strictly limited to book a clinic please contact giving details of rider ability and horse.
Sarah Hickman 07979770729 ... email: shickman@howells.org
Katy Powell Jones 07977062265 ... email: katy@hendrerwyddfarm.com
May Newsletter out ... 06/05/2010
The latest news, ads and events can be read here
DRESSAGE TRAINING AND SELECTION DAY, 3RD JUNE 26/04/2010
This Training and Selection Day is for anybody who is interested in representing the F & D in the Area Dressage Competition on 3rd August.
The day will consist of riding the Test for the class you wish to enter, either the Novice, Intermediate or Open, (tests can be downloaded from the main Pony Club website), being marked, having a short lesson and then riding the Test again to see the improvements. >>>more here
WWW Team and Individual Show Jumping Comp 2nd JUNE 26/04/2010
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s Hunt Branch of the Pony Club
Bryn Y Grog, Marchwiel, Wrexham.
Team and Individual Show Jumping Competition.
Wednesday 2nd June 2010
Start 9.00 a.m. PromptDetails and entry form here ...
Some new dates for XC, CT and a XC training session 26/04/2010
Attached is the XC schedule for the 23rd May, Combined Training for the 13th June and a XC training Session with Kate Carman on the 2nd June.
For more dates please visit our website on www.llandudnoridersclub.co.uk
- Combined Training 10th June Schedule here .....
- XC May 23rd May Schedule here ....
- XC training with Katy Carmen on 2nd June here ....
Pony Club Instructors Accreditation day 14/04/2010
Please find attached information (details here ...) on an Accreditation day in neighbouring Area 4. If you are not yet accredited it could be your last chance before the summer! If you are already accreditated you may just want to go along for a fun/training day.
If you would like to attend, fill in the form and liaise with the contact in Area 4.
Many thanks ... Katy Powell Jones
Chief Instructor of Flint and Denbigh Hunt Branch
Area 5 B Test Study days 14/04/2010
Please find enclosed details of the B Test study days. Could you encourage everyone to get them in on time!! We are also in the process of arranging one for the AH Test.
Camp 2010 14/04/2010
- Camp information Sheet
- Camp 2010 Parents Duty Form
- Camp 2010 Application Form
- MiniCamp 2010 Application Form
PLEASE NOTE that the parents duty sheet must also be completed and sent back with the application form.
DO NOT SEND CHEQUES WITH APPLICATION FORMS. IT MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE ENROLMENT NIGHT ON Tuesday 8th June CEFN VILLAGE HALL 7.PM PROMPT
Please read ALL the Camp Information attached.
Further info will appear in the CAMP 2010 pages ....
The F&D Hunt Branch Pony Club Stock 08/04/2010
The Branch have decided to have a stock to be worn when competing cross country.
Mrs F Bradshaw is making them and they are available to buy from Iona or Bethan.
Price ..... Only £17
Molly's magnificent Easter Bonnet!!! 08/04/2010
Well done to Molly for creating a magnificent Easter Bonnet for the recent combined training competition held at Celyn on Good Friday.
Thank you to the Llysfaen District Committee for organising the competition.
Dressage Times for Combined Training Competition on Good Friday
The individual times for the above event can be seen on the Disciplines>Dressage page ....
Mounted Games team together for training on 28th March 23/03/2010
Greetings Flint & Denbigh, Waen y Llyn and Tanatside ....
For training on Sunday 28th March, juniors will be starting at 12.45pm and seniors at 3pm. Remember the clocks go forwards on Saturday night!
Once again training will be at Pennant Farm, in preparation for more >>>>>
Flint and Denbigh Young Hunt Supporters Show Jumping
Schedule & Entry Form attached
Sunday 4th April 2010 at Maelor Equestrian Centre, Hope
Clear round all day start 9.30am
Junior and Senior Classes from 2' 3"
Teams must enter before the day as limited number of teams. Teams of 4. £20 a team.All entry Fees £5 a class before 31/3/10 and £7 on the day.
Refreshments available all day
Tel: Mari Jones 07767481089
Accreditation (CPD) evening for Instructors & Proprietors in Area 5
Accreditation (CPD) evening for Instructors & Proprietors in Area 5 9th April 2010 Light refreshments will be available.
Area 5 Accreditation (CPD) for Discipline Trainers within Pony ClubWednesday 7th April 2010 2-4pm £5 per trainer |
Winter League Photos ... Last of the Season ... 15/03/2010
New photos of Prize giving in Aintree for the Winter League teams are avaliable on the Results>Show Jumping page. Quicklink here >>>>
Combined Training Competition Good Friday, 2nd April 14/03/2010
Llysfaen District have arranged a Combined Training Competition at Northop College on Good Friday. This is open to all Area 5 PC members.
Details and entry forms are available here ...
Cheshire Hunt South Branch of the Pony Club 14/03/2010
There are quite a few new dates added to the diary page ... check them out here
Brier's Double Win
Well done to Brier for winning the Area finals for both the Dengie Showjumping and the Dengie Dressage competitions. The showjumping final was at Aintree on February 27th and Brier rode Lois Roberts' pony Zoe Rose whom she qualified last September at Anglesey. Then the Dressage final was at Northop on March 6th where Brier rode her mum's horse Paddy.
Very best of luck Brier at the Championships in Moreton Morrell later this month!!!
Huge Congratulations to Suzi Williams 07/03/2010
Today, Sunday 7th March on a bitterly cold but dry and sunny Llanelwed Showground field, Suzi was picked as a full member of the Welsh Mounted Games team for this year.
Massive congratulations to Suzi and huge thanks to the other team members Mari, Sam, Anya, Nan and Wednesday,the trainers; Gwil, Fran and Arwyn without whose help and encouragement this would not have happened.
Suzi will be competing at Windsor in May. First time for a F&D branch member to get on the team to compete at Windsor.
Full Welsh Trials report here ...
Winter League Aintree ... Last of the Season ... 07/03/2010
The last winter league competition of the season was at Aintree equestrian centre in Liverpool on February 27th. We went there knowing we had already won the league in classes 3 and 4, could do no better than third in class 2 and had it all to play for in class 1 where we were only 2 points in the lead from CHS.
- So the pressure was on for our little 10 and under team of Georgia Cabb, Georgia Williams, Georgia Jones and Rebecca Sedcoe, but despite that fact they come up trumps by securing the second place in the winter league teams and therefore winning the league for 2009-2010. Well done girls!!
- Class 2 team of Oli Williams, Ffion Roberts, Brier Leahy and Kathryn Breeze Jones did a great job and won the class on the day and secured the 3rd place in the league. Ffion Roberts won the class individually.
- Class 3 team were 2nd with Lois Roberts, Eleri Jones, Wednesday Rytter and Ellie Williams with Lois doing a breathtaking round and winning individually.
- Class 4 was the Dengie area final with quite a few of the 44 starters from F&D. Out of about 20 first round clears we had Jessica Rendle Barnes, Heidi O’Brien and Brier Leahy left in the competition. The jump off round was HUGE and poor Jessica had a cracking refusal at the second fence, but Heidi and Brier went clear with Brier winning the competition overall and Heidi placed 10th. Fingers crossed for the championships at the end of the month for Brier and Zoe Rose!!
Our Class 4 team were unfortunately and uncharacteristically eliminated on the day and that team consisted of Sophie Toogood, Hannah Roberts and Heidi O’Brien but of course the league trophies were already in the bag for the last 2 classes so well done everyone who has taken part throughout the season.
The Open Dengie saw only 3 clears into the jump-off one of which was F&D’s Hannah Roberts she then had an unfortunate 8 faults but nevertheless still qualified for the champs in moreton morrell. Well done Hannah and good luck at the end of the month!!
Ps. If I have left anyone off this report or got it wrong I apologize but I had to do it all from memory as in the excitement of the day I lost the score sheets!!
Pps. Thank you all once again for my pressies xx
Hunting Certificate congratulations 24/02/2010
Congratulations to the following members who have been successful in getting the Hunting Certificate
- Jamie Richardson,
- Grace Pritchard
- Samantha Evans
- Stephanie Hughes
- Hannah Roberts
- Ben Reed
- Katie Kent
Flint and Denbigh win Class 3 and Class 4 before season ends!!! 23/02/10
Flint & Denbigh were the worthy winners of Classes 3 and 4 of the Winter League last season (2008-2009) and were presented with the class trophies. In order that they may be presented with the trophies again this year (yes, they have already won!) please could you ask them to bring the trophies with them on Saturday.
Missed the AGM? Read DC report here! 23/02/10
I would like to welcome you all here this evening to our annual general meeting.
2009 has seen the F&D Hunt Branch exceed 300 members, making us one of the biggest Branches in the country. I hope that each member enjoys participating in our activities and also makes the most of the opportunities to achieve as much as possible from what we offer. We are fortunate to have excellent instructors and trainers who encourage you members to ride well and to enjoy all kinds of sports connected with ponies and riding.
The Pony club promotes the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, to create strength of character and self discipline. All these things help young people develop into good caring and responsible adults.
Many of our members have achieved amazing goals this last year as part of teams or individually. This has been possible as they have taken the opportunity to attend rallies and training sessions, being coached by excellent instructors.
The dedication and commitment of parents and the members saw teams compete at all area competitions and at the Championships.
- GAMES Teams – went to the zone finals. Eleri Jones chosen as 2nd reserve for the Welsh Team and given the opportunity to represent Wales in an International competition in Ireland.
Thank you Gwil Hughes who spends hours training the team.
- SHOW JUMPING TEAMS – During the Winter months the F&D teams are sweeping the board at the Winter League competitions. Chris Leahy has one of the most difficult posts within the Branch sorting out teams and arranging the training sessions.
Last Summer The Novice Team qualified for the Championships and Nan Jones qualified individually. The Open Team also went to the Champs. Sophie Toogood was placed 4th individually at the championships. She also won the Gemini Gentleman trophy for the highest placed F&D member at the area competition.
- HORSE TRIALS - Unfortunately due to the wet weather the Area competition was cancelled within 5 minutes of starting. However Natalie Hughes qualified for the intermediate championships by competing at the Areas in Hull. Sam Ecroyd had won his class in an earlier competition in Somerford and was allowed to compete at the Novice Championships where he won his section.
- DRESSAGE- Georgina Clarke, Grace Pritchard and Lily Rae qualified for the championships. Georgina was placed in her section. Catrin Pickles was the highest placed F&D member at the Area and was awarded the Louise Williams Trophy. Louise was a F&D Pony Club member who represented GB many times at Paralympics dressage. Louise tragically lost her battle with bone cancer 5 years ago.
- POLOCROSSE – RACING - ENDURANCE hopefully we’ll have members having a go this year.
- QUIZ, HORSE and PONY CARE, TETRATHLON were all represented at the area competitions.
- CAMP .... 56 came to mini camp, 70 came to main camp and 12 went to associates camp at Somerford.
- There are opportunities for members to participate and experience visits to other countries. Meg Bryant applied to be part of a team Hunting in Ireland. She will later give you a brief talk on her experience.
- Sam Ecroyd competed at Olympia in the mini – major show jumping competition.
- Natalie and Stephanie Hughes both competed at Burghley Horse Trials. They both rode very well, Stephanie was 2nd and Natalie was 10th. I was extremely proud of them.
- All this achievement is due to the hard work put in by the members and the instructors.
-
It is important in life to grasp each opportunity that comes your way!
I would like to thank all the committee members and parents that help organise rallies, competitions, fun days, badge days, training sessions, help at camp and any other function that the Branch puts on to make this Branch such a successful and active club. Volunteers that give precious time to make us such an active Branch.
Talk by , Megan Bryant, Natalie and Stephanie Hughes
- TREASURER retiring – Steph Bradley
- CRB Checks- need to get as many parents checked as possible. Please make every effort to attend the evening. Camp will not be residential if we don't get these done. 11th March 7.30pm at Cefn Village Hall
- POINT to POINT –29th May at Bangor on Dee. Volunteers needed to help sell the race cards.
- ANY QUESTIONS
- PRESENTATION OF MEDALS TO ALL MEMBERS THAT REPRESENTED THE BRANCH AT AREA LEVEL in 2009
Our guest speaker this evening has been a member of the Branch for numerous years. Mrs Tilly was chief instructor at a very young age and helped produce many famous event riders from this Branch.
Newsletter January 2010 out ... 23/01/2010
The latest newsletter can be read
- on the web here
- downloaded as a word document here
- and downloaded as a .pdf here
All dates on the diary page have been updated to include the January newsletter dates.
Polocrosse training .... 07/01/2010
On foot polocrosse training Tuesday 12 Jan 7.30pm Sports Hall. Northop College.
All welcome, runs fortnightly to start with.
Contact Debbie 01824 703254/07739 551444
Pony Club Hunting Exchange to Ireland 2009 05/01/2010
In the summer of 2009, I received a weekly newsletter from the Secretary of our branch of the Pony Club, Iona Pierce. Along with the activities list and other information was a note telling us about the Hunting Exchange to Ireland in November. It explained the criteria needed to apply, it also said that only four people would be selected from the whole of the UK. Immediately I was very interested as I had never been to Ireland before and hunting over there is notoriously exciting.
I contacted our DC, Bethan Jones for a letter of recommendation, along with Paul Smith our Hunt’s Field Master and also Katy Powell Jones our Pony Club Chief Instructor to ask them to be my referees. I then sent my CV along with the letter of recommendation to Pony Club Headquarters at Stoneleigh – then all I could do was wait.
I tried not to get my hopes up as I knew places were limited and thought that the chances of me getting selected were slim.
It was the Flint and Denbigh Opening Meet and my mother had driven to collect me and my horse in the morning. She brought with her the morning post as there was a letter for me. On the way to the meet I opened the letter – it was from Pony Club HQ – I had been selected! When I arrived at the meet I informed our DC of the brilliant news, she was thrilled!
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