News | 1 December 2021

Mounted Games – it’s great to be back!

It has been fantastic returning to mounted games after the restrictions of 2020. It saddened me that after all their hard work our seniors were robbed of their competition glory days due to lockdown however it’s been lovely seeing them move onto horses and seeing their progress this summer. I know they will have amazing achievements next season as they are all dedicated and not afraid of hard work. Keep up the great work Reuben, Izzy, Lola and Olivia.

I have been thrilled to introduce members of all ages to the joys of mounted games at our Montague summer rallies and also winter training at Golden Cross. The season has drawn to an end with old established partnerships and newly formed ones having great fun riding at the winter pairs inter branch competitions held indoors at Bodiam. Eight Pony Club branches enjoyed coming together for the festive themed fancy dress finale held on Dec 5th. Congratulations to the following members for taking part plus special thanks to Jane, Nicky P, Rosie, Nicky W, Nicol and Megan for giving up their time so it could happen not once but three times! Well done all.

Mini’s

Alice & Connie rode into first place in the October lead rein section -congratulations!
Amelie May & William – William rode independently and was a supportive partner for May as this was her first competition and only her third time doing games – you were both awesome!
Florence & Hetty finished with a win in their festive finale after a nail biting last race earned them victory by one point – fantastic riding girls!
Connie & Millie were so excited to be doing Winter Pairs together again – they definitely had fun and have bright mounted games futures.
Henry & Natalie took the plunge to ride independently in Oct, they rode into second place. Keep up the excellent work.
Henry & Oliver – Henry partnered a boy from Staff College PC in Nov and Dec. They both rode independently and really enjoyed being team mates. Henry’s deserves a special mention for his calm approach – even when Polly got excited he stayed calm and reassured her.

Juniors

Dakota & Mattie rode to first place in both their finals, an awesome achievement. Perfect Pete once again lived up to his name and didn’t put a hoof wrong for Mattie. Dakota and Smurf added another string to their bow – Dakota kept a calm head to navigate Smurf through the races, which they both loved.
Sophia & Freddie returned for their third WP series together. This was their first try at juniors, a big step up. All looks promising for an Area debut in the new season.
Congratulations everyone, you were awesome!

Games is a fun and invigorating team activity and it’s a great time to get involved, not least because East Sussex are hosting the Area Competition at Montague this Spring on Sunday May 22nd 2022 – SAVE THE DATE PLEASE EVERYONE. Plans are already in full swing to provide members across Area 11 opportunities to enjoy the thrill of games. With many ESPC members demonstrating enthusiasm for games a team entry at Area games next Spring could become a reality.

Clare Bassett x