Eventing
One of our more popular sports, our members have enjoyed many successes over the years competing at Eventing, with teams and individuals representing the Essex and Suffolk branch at Grassroots, Novice, Intermediate and Open levels at Regional and National levels. With experienced instructors and fabulous facilities and clinics held there are lots of training opportunities and we aim to give as many members as possible the opportunity to compete wither as a team or individually. We also run a branch only Junior Once Day event in August.
Bloom Cup is also an Area 8 competition to which the Essex and Suffolk branch is invited to compete is also a popular event.
Show Jumping
As well as Area, National and Regional competitions we hold lots of inter branch, branch specific and friendly showjumping competitions throughout Spring and Summer, some of which are aimed specifically at younger members whilst some are for the more experienced. Some are solely team competitions such as the Brantham Cup held at the end of August, a mixed height competition between Essex residing members and Suffolk residing members which is fun but also hotly contested! One of our great successes has been when members, Eiza Tribe, Carrie Munroe, Phoebe Prideaux and Emma D’Angibau become National Intermediate Show Jumping Champions at the 2018 National Pony Club Championships. We regularly have members competing as individuals and as part of a team from Grassroots levels (70cm), many of who have qualified for Regionals and been placed to Open classes.
Dressage
Our members have qualified for many of the Pony Club Championships in dressage over the years eg at the National Championships and the Barrier Health Spring Festival Championships with both Individual and Team successes competing against other Branches from all other the UK. Competitions are held at Branch, Area and National Level and there is even the opportunity to take part in Dressage to Music!
We actively encourage the development of dressage for a younger members believing that dressage forms the fundamental building blocks for all equestrian sports, improving both the riders expertise and the health and trainability of the pony. As well as Novice, Intermediate and Open classes, the newly introduced Grassroots classes are perfect for the younger members or more novice combinations.
If you are interested in hearing more or would like to discuss being part of our Dressage Teams please speak to Mary Thornley
Tetrathlon
The Essex and Suffolk Branch has a hugely talented contingent of Tetrathletes who compete in shooting, swimming, running and cross country riding with many successes starting in the younger classes right up to National level with some members also being selected to compete for England.
In 2022, Oscar Tier, Fergus Quinn, Annie Ford and Tilly Steele took the Championship title at the 2022 Pony Club National Championships. We have an excellent support team who organise lots of team training across the disciplines and there is a great team atmosphere with many stay over competitions.
Polocrosse
We have a small but mighty group of members who have represented not only the Essex and Suffolk PC at National level but their country successfully at International level on multiple occasions, with notable commendations going to Emma Joslin who is long standing member, and Taryn Tinker, Olivia Kirkham and Eloise Kirkham who have worked extremely hard over the last few years to achieve their goals, including becoming Open Mini Champions at the 2021 Pony Club National Championships and going on to be selected for Regional and National Squads. Area 8 as a whole is very supportive of Polocrosse with lots of training opportunities as well as camps. Please contact our Polocrosse representative on the Contacts Page to find out more.
Mounted Games
A fun and exciting sport which demands precision, agility and team work – speed is not necessarily the most important skill needed! The ultimate prize is to compete in the Mounted Games final which takes place at the International London Horse Show. We hold regular mounted games sessions over the winter in preparation for the summer qualifying Area event and Essex and Suffolk has entered teams and enjoyed success at Area level.
Pony Racing
Lots of our members have enjoyed training sessions that take place at the British Riding School in Newmarket learning about how to ride safely at speed and the racing industry. Fast speedy ponies are not a mandatory requirement, safe fit ponies that enjoy a good gallop are! Members can take part in a junior race at our local Point to Point meets every Spring.
Members wishing to give pony racing a go must be aged 9 years old on 1st January (in the current calendar year) and can race up until the day of their 17th birthday.
The ponies taking part must be aged between 5 and 20 years old and be fit and sound to race. They must also measure no more than 148cm.
Hunt Rides
Our local Hunt is the Essex and Suffolk Fox Hounds who have given our members many opportunities to take part in Meets, learn about the countryside, hunting and meeting the hounds and birds of prey. Hunt representatives are regular visitors to our Camps.
For information regarding Hunting please contact Mrs Gillie Cranfield (Please see contact page for details)
Here is some useful information to read before coming out onto the hunting field – Hunting Code of Conduct/Hunting Code of Conduct pdf
Quizzes
We are pleased to say that in 2024 some of members, for the very first time, competed in the Area 8 Quiz qualifier and came to 2nd to qualify for the Pony Club Quiz Championships! We are hoping this will spark further interest in taking part in future Quizzes!
Vaulting, Endurance, Awards Evening and other fun stuff!
We try and give our members as many opportunities to take part in all kinds of equestrian activities from famous rider clinics and yard visits to vaulting sessions and endurance competitions. We hold an Annual Open Day where awards are presented to Members who have shown outstanding commitment or contribution or success as an Essex and Suffolk member.