Excitement for spring and the season ahead is building! We have lots on offer for the Easter holidays, so please get your diaries out and fill them up with fun horse & pony activities!
In this month’s newsletter:
- Key Dates
- Teams
- Tests
- Tetrathlon & Triathlon
- Area 9 Quiz
- Pony Racing
- Camps
- OBHPC Junior Show – Sunday 28 May 2023
- OBHPC SJ Competition – Tuesday 30 May 2023 – Unicorn
- Facebook & Instagram Links
- Website
- Badminton
- Welcome
- Alumni
Key Dates – please add them to your diary!
Key Dates | Date |
A9 Quiz | 05/03/2023 |
Areas – HPC | 15/04/2023 |
A9 show | 16/04/2023 |
OBHPC Junior Show | 28/05/2023 |
OBHPC SJ Competition | 30/05/2023 |
Areas – SJ | 04/06/2023 |
Regional – SJ | 04/06/2023 |
Regional – Eventing | 02/07/2023 |
Areas – Dr | 09/07/2023 |
Regional – Dr | 09/07/2023 |
Areas – Eventing | 15/07/2023 |
Areas – Tet | 22-23/7/23 |
Senior Camp | 28-31/7/23 |
Junior Camp | 3-6/8/23 |
Trotters & Mini Camp | 7-9/8/23 |
Area Championships | 11-19/8/23 |
Regional Championships | 26-28/8/23 |
A9 show | 10/09/2023 |
Teams
We would love you to represent our pony club in a team. Please do get in touch with Lisa Powell to find out all about Regional and Area teams and let her know that you would like to take part. There are opportunities in so many different disciplines and at different levels.
Information on team selection is attached.
The Regional & Area Show Jumping is around the corner (4 June) and training dates are on the website. Please do book in early. Area training is with Mark Finn (BS level 3 instructor). Regional training is with the brilliant Aaron Nobbs.
We also have a SJ training competition for some last-minute practice at the Unicorn on 30 May. Save the date! Entries via Horse Events. Schedule attached.
Tests
The Pony Club test system is a progressive system designed to develop both ridden and horse & pony care skills. The syllabus is in the process of being updated, and has an increased focus on how horses learn, and on the Five Domains, or Five Freedoms. We encourage all our members to join in the training and try to make the “test” day as friendly and welcoming as possible.
Vic Ruffy is organising series of rallies plus a D/D+ test day on 3/4/23.
Tussel Humphrey will be teaching children how to stay safe on the roads on 24/3/23 with mounted training and the assessment for Road Rider on 1/4/23.
Katherine Villiers is organising a series of training rallies in preparation for C Test on 16/4/23.
There will be more opportunities to train for tests later in the year, but if your child has got a little left behind with tests and would like to catch up, please do get in touch with Katherine Taylor as soon as possible.
Tetrathlon & Triathlon
Do you have a son or daughter who isn’t keen to ride but would like to learn to shoot? Have you considered a non-riding PC membership? Many of our members enjoy Triathlon as well as Tetrathlon. We have weekly pistol training with Fred Church. For more information about what’s involved, contact Emma Huepfl or check out the email from 15/2/23.
Area 9 Quiz
Good luck to your OBHPC Mini and Junior Teams today at the Area 9 quiz. We know you will be brilliant and hope you have lots of fun. Thank you to Joanna Lambert for organising so much training at her lovely Friday night HPC rallies at Stainswick.
Pony Racing
Good luck to our members entered for the Area 9 Pony Race Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on 7 April 2023. Why not go along to support them and find out more about it? This could be you next year!
Many of our members have been learning about fitness and control at our gallop rallies over the last few weeks, under the watchful eye of John Reid. Would you like to join in? Contact Do Curtis for more information.
Camps
Forms will be live for camp applications by the end of March. Please make sure you have saved the dates!
- Trotter and Mini Camp – 7th – 9th August 2023 ***New Venue – Lyford Stud***
- Junior Camp – 3rd – 6th August 2023 – Boomerang
- Senior Camp – 28th – 31st July 2023 – Rectory Farm
For more information on camps, visit the website
OBHPC Junior Show – Sunday 28 May 2023
Please save the date for our annual Junior Show at Sower Hill, Nr Uffington. This is a really lovely day out, aimed at children aged 12 and under.
OBHPC Show Jumping Competition – Tuesday 30 May 2023 – Unicorn
Save the date! A great opportunity to put the finishing touches to your training for Show Jumping teams. The competition takes place at The Unicorn in a beautiful, large indoor school. Classes from 60cm-110cm.
Facebook & Instagram Links
A quick reminder, if you don’t already follow us, you can here:
Facebook:
OBHPC Facebook (our main FB page)
OBHPC Swap & Sell (OBHPC members only)
OBHPC Chat (OBHPC members only)
Instagram
Please do WhatsApp your videos and photos to Katherine so that we can share them on FB & Instagram, or share them on the OBHPC Chat
Website
We have had a big push at refreshing the pages on our Website. Thank you to so many people for all their enormous efforts. We are always looking for fun pictures that truly tell the story of what Pony Club is all about. Please do forward any photos you are happy to share to Lisa Powell, Helen Keen or Katherine Taylor
Badminton
There are still a couple of pitches available for Badminton. Pitches can be booked here.
Welcome
A warm welcome to Anna Hubbard (Poppy’s mum), who will be looking after our new members, answering any questions they have and helping them meet new friends.
Alumni
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY
Dear All
Clear your diaries, the year ahead is going to be a busy one!
The rather daunting task of being at the helm is now firmly in my hands, but with a fantastic team around me, I am excited for the coming year. We have a few roles still to fill, so please read on to find out how you can get involved!
Apologies for the length of this email – there is a lot to cover….
- Camp Dates
- Key Dates
- Dressage Competition – Wickstead
- Junior Show
- Horse & Pony Care Teams
- Teams
- We need your help
- How we are funded
- Facebook & Instagram
- Website
- Rallies – how to use the page
- Annual Pilgrimage to Badminton
- Yummy Mummy – what is it & how to join in
- 2022 – What a Year!
Camp Dates
Camp dates have been finalised. Please save the dates:
- Trotter and Mini Camp – 7th – 9th August 2023 ***New Venue – Lyford Stud***
- Junior Camp – 3rd – 6th August 2023 – Boomerang
- Senior Camp – 28th – 31st July 2023 – Rectory Farm
Application forms are being prepared and will be made available soon.
For more information on camps, visit the website
Key Dates – please add them to your diary – especially if you are keen to be in a team!
Key Dates | Date |
A9 Quiz | 05/03/2023 |
Areas – HPC | 15/04/2023 |
A9 show | 16/04/2023 |
OBHPC Junior Show | 28/05/2023 |
Areas – SJ | 04/06/2023 |
Regional – SJ | 04/06/2023 |
Regional – Eventing | 02/07/2023 |
Areas – Dr | 09/07/2023 |
Regional – Dr | 09/07/2023 |
Areas – Eventing | 15/07/2023 |
Areas – Tet | 22-23/7/23 |
Senior Camp | 28-31/7/23 |
Junior Camp | 3-6/8/23 |
Trotters & Mini Camp | 7-9/8/23 |
Area Championships | 11-19/8/23 |
Regional Championships | 26-28/8/23 |
A9 show | 10/09/2023 |
Dressage competition – Wickstead
Sadly we had to postpone today’s friendly dressage competition due to the freezing temperatures. We have a new date – Sunday 5th March. All entries will be rolled forward. Entries will be via Horse Events and should be live again this coming week. Little jockeys can be led, and those of us that find it nearly impossible to remember a whole test can have the test called. This is a perfect, low pressure environment for younger riders or young horses to do a dressage test or two 😊.
OBHPC Junior Show – Sunday 28 May 2023
Please save the date for our annual Junior Show at Sower Hill, Nr Uffington. This is a really lovely day out, aimed at children aged 12 and under.
Horse & Pony Care (HPC) Teams – 15 April 2023
If you would like to be considered for a Horse and Pony Care team this year, please email Emma Erskine Crum.
The area competition will take place on Sunday 15 April 2023, run by the Wyre Forest branch. There are 3 sections: a mini team (2 members aged 10 or under on 1 Jan 23 and 1 aged 8 or under on 1 Jan 23); a junior competition (2 member aged 13 and 1 aged 11 or under on 1 Jan in the current year) and one for seniors (3 members aged 14-20, including 1 aged under 16 or under on 1 Jan 23, this team may also include 1 member between 20-25).
Six training sessions will be held in the run up to the area competition for minis and juniors (Sunday afternoons 4 -6pm, location to be confirmed, starting 25 February).
For more information, please visit the OBHPC branch website
Last year, the Old Berks qualified for the Pony Club Championships in all three divisions with the mini team finishing second. The children will tell you that they have had great fun and made great friends competing in Horse and Pony Care and their parents that they have learnt an enormous amount which not only helps when they come to take their PC tests but gives them greater independence when looking after their own animals.
Teams
Would you like to represent the OBHPC in a team or as an individual? There are opportunities to join teams in Polo, Horse & Pony Care (HPC), Dressage, Tetrathlon, Show Jumping and Eventing. If you don’t feel quite ready to be part of a team, with many disciplines you can enter as an individual and still be part of the OBHPC experience.
Regional team competitions take place for those competing in Dressage (Grassroots), SJ (teams at 70 & 80cm) and Eventing (teams at 70 & 80cm), with a regional championship at Rectory Farm at the end of August.
Area team competitions take place for those competing in Polo, Tet, HPC, Dressage (Novice & above), SJ (teams at 90-110cm) and Eventing (teams at 90-110cm) with PC Championships in mid-August.
Key Dates for team competitions are here.
Team Training starts soon – keep an eye on the calendar. To be considered for a team, you will need to have attended 3 rallies, and team training.
Do you have any questions? Please email Lisa Powell and she will be happy to answer them!
We need your help!
Do you have IT, communication, marketing or event organisation skills? Can you spare a bit of time to help us? Pony Club branches are run entirely by volunteers, who don’t get paid. Running camps, competitions, rallies, teams and tests takes a wide range of skills from lots of people, and you don’t have to be horsey to help! Please help us by getting involved in any way that you can. The future of our branch depends on you. Become a part of our community and help shape it for the future.
We have the following roles that we would love to fill:
- New PC member co-ordinator
- Test co-ordinators at each level: D, D+, C, C+ & B
- Awards organiser
- Christmas Party organiser
- Summer Party organiser
For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Lisa Smith, Lisa Powell or Katherine Taylor
How we are funded
As a branch, we receive just £25.50 of your £85.50 standard membership, with the rest going to run HQ. Virtually all of our share of your membership money is used to pay for our branch admin costs (software licences, bank & credit card charges, insurance, DBS checks, first aid supplies & training for volunteers).
We aim to run camps & rallies so that they break even. In 2022, we spent approx. £24k on running camps, and made a small loss.
If we want to spend money on anything, we have to raise it first – usually through running competitions. Last year we raised £4.5k. We spent this money on subsidising expensive rallies, subsidising camps, free or subsidised tests and paying instructors to attend team events. Please support our competitions both in terms of entries and in helping to run them – everything we raise goes back into supporting your children’s activities at the OBHPC 😊.
Some may be surprised to hear that rally and camp organisers don’t get paid or get a free place for their child. Please be kind to them and help them in any way you can – they, and their families give up their precious time for your benefit!
Facebook & Instagram Links
As a large branch, we are constantly looking at better ways to communicate with you and your children. We have several Facebook accounts and you can follow us on Instagram. Do you have the skills to help us improve how we communicate? If so, please get in touch with Katherine, who would be delighted to hear from you!
If you don’t already follow us, you can here:
Facebook:
OBHPC Facebook (our main FB page)
OBHPC Swap & Sell (OBHPC members only)
OBHPC Chat (OBHPC members only)
Instagram
Please do WhatsApp your videos and photos to Katherine so that we can share them on FB & Instagram, or share them on the OBHPC Chat
Website
We are in the process of refreshing the pages on our Website, and HQ are working on upgrading the functionality over the coming year. Please bear with us whilst we do this.
Rallies – how to use the page
Please check regularly here for what’s on. We are moving to a fortnightly email which will summarise What’s On.
To see the detailed rally description, tick “Show Description”. Area 9 events can be searched under the “Show me events from:” drop down.
Annual Pilgrimage to Badminton
Badminton 2023 will take place from Weds 3 – Mon 8 May 2023.
We have secured a few pitches at Badminton Horse Trials for our annual pilgrimage! These prices are heavily discounted for OBHPC members, and include a camping pitch (caravan/horse box or tent), 2 daily admission passes and 1 car pass. It is a great fun long weekend together where lifelong friendships are often formed.
For more information or to reserve a place, please email Katherine. Places are very limited!
Yummy Mummy – what is it & how to join in
For all those Mum’s who wish they could still be PC member, why not come and join our friendly group of Yummy Mummy’s. We meet regularly for lessons, be it flatwork, gridwork, SJ or XC, and ride everything from a hairy cob, a seasoned hunter, or our rather muddy child’s steed. Upcoming dates are below. Please contact Lisa Smith for more information.
- 31st Jan Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Pole work (on ground) at Malt House, Steventon, OX13 6AP
- 21st Feb Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping at Sower Hill Stables, Uffington, SN7 7QH
- 8th March Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping at Wickstead Horseplay, Highworth, SN6 7PP
- 21st March Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping at Alden Farm, Upton OX11 9HS
- 18th April Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping at Sower Hill, Uffington, SN7 7QH
- 12th May Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Cross Country Schooling at Elmwood Equestrian, OX18 2HW
- 6th June Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping and Arena XC at Wickstead Horseplay, Highworth, SN6 7PP
- 28th June Yummy Mummy from 9.30am Show Jumping and Cross Country clinic
- 10th July Yummy Mummy from 10.30 am Show Jumping at Sower Hill, Uffington, SN7 7QH
What a Year!
Our members had a fantastic year in 2022, with fun & success across multiple disciplines. Just a handful of the many highlights included:
- 5 camps for Trotters, Minis, Juniors, Seniors & Eventers
- Multiple rallies including the new format Super Rally plus lessons with high class instructors including GB team instructors
- Test success from E to B, and 5 new Step 1 coaches
- Competitions organised by the OBHPC including dressage & arena eventing Spring Festival qualifiers, the Junior Show and show jumping at Unicorn and Malthouse
- Polo – A growing squad from 3 yrs to 16 yrs old. Selection for Young British Talent match – Marcos P
- Triathlon wins at the PC Championships – Cici H
- Racing
- 1st place in the 148 P-t-P Championship & P-t-P Racing League – Harry V
- 1st place in the 138 P-t-P Racing League – Lucas M
- 3rd place in the 138 points series – Freddie F
- Shetland Grand National success – Zara N, Alice DQA, Lucas M, Finn M
- Mini Major Championship qualification (London International) – Romiley W
- Search for a Star PC Championship qualification – Emily R
- Selection for Bishop Burton BE Youth Championships – Bert S, Oscar F & Bella S
- Team & individual qualifications for the Spring Festival, Regional & Area Championships in Horse & Pony Care, Polo, Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing
- Intermediate Eventing Team Win at the PC Championships
- Spring Festival Dressage Championship Win – Scarlett S
- Horse & Pony Care – Mini Team 2nd at the PC Championships, all 3 teams qualified.
- Older/past members flying the flag in 2022:
- Qualifying for Badminton Grass Roots 100cm Championship – Bella S
- Winning the Badminton Grass Roots 90cm Championship – Siobhan H
- Jack Church – qualified as a vet
- Captain Harry Sayer – Household Cavalry (Troop Leader) – Platinum Jubilee celebrations Windsor
- Issy I and Oscar F both represented England on pony teams at Blair.
There have been so many incredible successes in 2022 – well done to all of our wonderful members for creating lifelong memories to be proud of.
For those of you that have read to the end – thank you, you have the stamina to be a true PC mum!
Katherine
DC’S NEWS LETTER FOR DECEMBER
Dear All,
Thank you for the wonderful send off last Friday night and the incredible firepit which will get many hours of use in the summer. I’m sad to be leaving after so many happy years but I look forward to watching the branch continuing to support children in fulfilling their ambitions, in the capable and committed hands of Katherine and her committee.
But before I go on the 31st Dec, we have a busy 2 weeks….!
Good luck Romilly
Romilly Webb will be representing the OBHPC after qualifying for the Mini Major SJ at The London International Horse Show tomorrow. We also have several members competing in the Shetland Grand National there. You can follow the action on H&C TV and a group of 70 from the branch will be there on Monday.
Fun Xmas SJ on Sunday
We’ll be able to take a few late entries for our Xmas SJ at Malthouse this Sunday. Classes are from very tiny lead rein up to 70cm with LOTS of prizes and rosettes.
Unicorn SJ on 29th Dec
Our Indoor SJ competition with classes 40-100cm is filling fast. Please enter ASAP on Horse-Events as entries are limited in order to finish before 4pm.
Old Bits and Stirrups
Bits – We are collecting old horse and pony bits to send to a charity in Morocco. They will replace the wire currently being used in some yards, so any condition is fine.
Stirrups – We’ve noticed that as members’ feet (and boot sizes) grow, stirrups aren’t always keeping up so we’ll be starting a FREE stirrup exchange at Asti Stud, so any member can take in their outgrown stirrups and swap them for a larger pair. If anyone has some spare pairs, we’d love some donations to get the scheme started.
Please drop any bits or stirrups at Asti Stud (or at the show on Sunday), and if Claire is there you can get a new pink hat tag at the same time!
Camps
All dates are now confirmed and online so you can plan holidays around the highlight of the summer!
Dressage
Rob Lumb rallies will recommence from 20th January for older members, and we will host a low key dressage competition indoors at Wickstead, with classes from lead rein upwards on Sunday 22nd January, entry form on Horse-Events.
Dates in the next month
Our fixture list is below and online, but in particular you may want to look out for:
- 28th Dec and 31st Dec – Childrens’ Meets
- 2nd Jan – Ridgeway Ride
- 3rd Jan – Trotters New Year fun and games
Enjoy Christmas and the New Year,
All the very best,
Alison and Katherine
DC’S NEWS LETTER FOR NOVEMBER
Xmas Showjumping
We have our annual Xmas Fun SJ Show at Malthouse on Sunday 18th December, with courses from 15cm-70cm. It’s in the indoor school (with viewing gallery) and open to members and non-members aged 2-16, so bring your friends and relatives for the day!
Schedule for Xmas Fun SJ is HERE
For those jumping 40cm-100cm we have Indoor Showjumping at The Unicorn on Thurs 29th December. For those that haven’t been there before, it is an international sized arena with viewing galleries, and well worth the drive.
Schedule for the Unicorn SJ HERE
Angela takes on the Minis!
Angela Ryan has kindly offered to help coordinate activities for our busy Mini members (aged around 5-9). She’ll be working with the committee to ensure there is the right balance of venues, instructors and activities for her daughter’s age group to enjoy.
Angela, along with Claire Mangen, will also be running Mini Camp. Angela can be contacted on angela@recoveryinmind.org if you’d like to offer her any suggestions or help in her role as Mini Co-ordinator.
Could you do the same? We’re looking for someone keen to coordinate activities that our Trotters (aged 2-6) would enjoy, in addition to our existing Trotter activities. Ideally it will be a parent or grandparent with a child in that age-group who is happy to organise activities to suit their child and then open it up to others. Please call Alison (07841 650225) or Katherine (07831 815512) if you might be able to help.
OBHPC joins the Hack Challenge
Dodson and Horrell are sponsoring a Hack Challenge and we’ll be helping our members take part. We’ll be running a series of organised hacks, but you can hack independently too, recording progress as you go. If you pay a £5 registration fee online you can log your hacks and win certificates and awards.
If you want to organise a group ride with a PC coach, please contact Joanna Lambert on 07990 898175 or jrjlambert@aol.com or Angela Ryan on angela@recoveryinmind.org
Winter shooting… by post!
Another inexpensive winter activity for members; we have pistols available to use and this is suitable for non-riding members.
If you’d like to try pistol shooting in a safe environment, or are interested in Tri (run, swim, shoot) or Tet (run, swim, shoot, ride), Fred runs a weekly shooting evening for PC members, and there is a winter postal shoot competition (schedule attached) starting this month.
We’re keen to increase our group of non-riding members so if your child has friends who might like to join in, please speak to Fred about a trial rally.
Email Fred to book in: fm.ej.church@btinternet.com
Hat Standards
From the 1st January 2023, hats that don’t meet new safety standards can’t be used for pony club or most other organised riding activities, so a new dark pink tag is available now, and our hat taggers will be out and about trying to tag as many hats as possible before the January deadline.
If your child’s hat is the old standard (PAS O15 1998 or SNELL 2001) please help keep them safe and put a new hat on the Xmas list!
Happy riding!
Katherine & Alison
We have a fun packed half term with a lot of the activities aimed at ALL ages – a great opportunity for older members to inspire our younger ones, and for younger members to meet others in our club. Highlights include opportunities to follow hounds, a Ridgeway ride and a Hallowe’en rally. The Area 9 training on 6th November with Caroline Moore is now open to members aged 13+ and jumping 90cm+. Arena Eventing – 26th Nov
We are hosting an Indoor Arena Eventing competition at the Unicorn again this year, with classes from 60cm to 100cm. Please enter now as it is the ONLY chance for Area 9 members to qualify for the Barrier Health Spring Festival Arena Eventing Championships, so classes will fill quickly, and we’d love our members to get in first!
Enter here:
http://www.horse-events.co.uk/horse-events/old-berks-hunt-pony-club-indoor-arena-eventing261022/Riding and Road Safety
Tussel is holding a Riding and Road Safety training and test session over half term for those with C Test. This essential training is a prerequisite for C+ and we have found this is a good time of year to complete it. Please email Tussel on info@brookfarmcottages.com to check dates.Summer Camps
Dates are confirmed for Junior Camp (Aug 3-6th at Boomerang), with dates for other camps to follow shortly.Enjoy half term!Alison & Katherine
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR AUGUST
Warm rain after weeks of drought leads to a high risk of laminitis as the rich grass comes through so please keep a close eye on ponies.
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JULY
The following weekend was the Area 9 Tri and Tetrathlon competitions, where Lorna, Edmund, Cici and Lexi represented OBHPC. A special mention to Cici Huepfl who joined OBHPC just 18 months ago in order to learn to ride, and WON the Minimus Girls Tetrathlon with a clear XC round.
At last, there has been some rain! Followed by warm, sunny days the risk of laminitis is high.
What is laminitis?
Inflammation of the laminae in the foot that interlock to suspend the pedal bone within the hoof capsule. It is damaging to the laminae and incredibly painful. Once a horse or pony has had an episode of laminitis, it is more likely to happen again which is why prevention is so important.
What are the most common causes of laminitis?
- over-feeding, especially native ponies, in the Spring when the grass is richest (and in the September flush)
- fast work on hard ground
- if your pony has Cushing’s disease, you will know that laminitis is a side-effect
What are the signs of laminitis?
- rocking back on the heels to relieve the pressure on the front feet
- reluctance to move
- sweating (from the pain)
- increased digital pulses
What to do if you suspect laminitis?
- Call the Vet immediately
- your farrier can often help
- bring the horse or pony off the grass into a stable with a deep bed
- feed only soaked hay and fresh water
Prevention is better than cure!
- restrict access to grazing especially between April and July, and in September
- keep an eye on your pony’s weight – being overweight increases the risk
- consider turning out at night only
- regular farriery is important
‘My pony never gets laminitis, so I don’t need to worry.’ WRONG! About half of all ponies that get laminitis for the first time are aged over 10
‘Only ponies get laminitis.’ WRONG! Horses get laminitis, too.
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR MAY
Rally Vouchers
The 4 x £5 rally vouchers seem to be a popular way to ensure all members can access discounted training.
Thank you to Sue Jannaway and our demo team of members who braved the wet weather and put on a great display in the main arena at the OBH Countryside Day today.
Showjumping
Well done to all our competitors at today’s SJ competition at The Unicorn, making the most of the FINAL OPPORTUNITY to compete before entries close tonight for the Pony Club Area SJ competition on 29th May. If you are competing 70-110cm and have attended 3 PC rallies or Camp since 1st July 2021 we hope you have already entered, if not, please enter now on Horse Events.
London International Horse Show Xmas trip
Booking is now open for discounted OBHPC tickets for London International (previously Olympia). We have a 70 tickets for the afternoon and evening performances on Monday 19th December but please book soon as they always sell out. https://www.horse-events.co.uk/horse-events/old-berkshire-hunt-pony-club-london-international-horse-show-monday-19th-december-2022/
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Oscar Fitzgerald was selected to compete in the England Home International Dressage team at Royal Windsor, based on his score at the PC Championships last summer. He went on to WIN the competition individually, which also contributed to his team winning overall. Well done Oscar, your hard work has really paid off!
It was good to see ex-OBHPC member Harry Sayer leading his troop in the Musical Ride, as Captain in the Blues and Royals.
Badminton
Several OBHPC families joined the camping trip to Badminton Horse Trials to cheer on OBHPC member Bella Stevens in the BE100cm Grassroots Championship and to witness ex-OBHPC member Siobhan Heneghan winning the BE90 Grassroots Championships and ex-OBHPC member Max Warburton winning the 5yr old Young Horse class.
Easy Fundraising
Please help us by supporting Old Berkshire Hunt Pony Club on Easyfundraising. It’s quick and easy to sign up for an account and add a reminder to your browser that collects a donation on loads of everyday purchases that you make online.
Sign up now: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?invite=EH7W2E&char=266527&referral-campaign=c2s&utm_source=refsharebox
Horse & Pony Care
Our Senior and Mini teams won at the Area competition, securing their places at the National Championships, with the Junior team just being pipped to the post in a tie-breaker.
Online Rally Bookings
You may have noticed a change in format for some of our upcoming rallies, with some longer sessions incorporating 2 ridden sessions along with a theory session, aimed to be more like a clinic or half day of camp.
We are starting to move bookings online to make it easier for rally organisers. It’ll need parents to be super-organised and book (or cancel) at least a week in advance please.
Happy riding!
Alison
Area Showjumping – 29th May
Juniors: Lily Starkey, Kitty Winfield, Cecilia von Michel, Poppy Hubbard, Eliza Willis and Poppy Willis
Seniors: Eleanor Hubbard, Scarlett Starkey and Gabriel Jennings
Point to Point
Good luck to Eliza Manners, Eddie Keen, Lucas Murphy, Finn Murphy (R), Freddie Fletcher and Harry Vigors who’ll be lining up for the Pony Races on Monday, so get there early to cheer them on as these take place before the main jump races. They’ll all be riding in a black armband this year in memory of Freddie’s mum, Hannah Fletcher.
And congratulations to Rose, Marnie, Esme, Evie, Ella, Nellie, Isla, Atticus and Olivia for great results at the Area 9 Spring Junior SJ last weekend.
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH
We’ll be holding a Pony Club pop up shop at White Horse Feeds on Saturday 26th March from 11am-12pm. It’s a great opportunity to get all the kit and clothes you need for the Easter holidays.
If you can’t get there at that time but would like to pay online, Emma can leave your order ready for collection, so please email her in advance on Emma@vonmichel.com
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR FEBRUARY
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY
Those ready for B Test in 2022 or 2023 can expect an email from Joanna this week, inviting you to join in the successful OBHPC B Test training program.
The programme breaks down into 3 elements:
1. Assessment Rally – an outside assessor will give you a full assessment of your riding and your horse’s suitability for taking B test.
2. B Test training rallies covering riding and Horse Care
3. B Test Boot Camp – 2 day camp just before the test on 8th August.
All enquiries to Joanna Lambert: jrjlambert@aol.com or 07990 898175
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR DECEMBER
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR NOVEMBER
It’s been another busy month for OBHPC and there’s lots to look forward to over Christmas.
Christmas coffee morning
Join us from 10.30am to 1.00pm on Thursday 2nd December for coffee, mince pies and a
chance for some Xmas shopping at Jess Simpson’s house; Monks Barn, Hendred OX12 8LG
We’ll have some of our OBHPC kit there but if there is a particular item or size you’d like, please email louisecornago@gmail.com before 26th November so she can bring it along for you.
Xmas Show
Our fun Xmas showjumping show at Malthouse Centre, Hanney Rd, Steventon, OX13 6AP on Sunday 19th December.
It will again feature lots of tinsel, chocolate and huge rosettes. It’s suitable as a first show for those jumping on the lead rein, right up to 80cm.
Schedule online https://www.horse-events.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/OBHPC-SJ-19-December-2021-1.pdf
Show Jumping
For our older members, entries are open for our Show Jumping competition at the Unicorn on 29th December, including Area 9 Qualifiers for the Spring Championships. Classes are from 70cm to 110cm and you’ll be able to enter via Horse Events here.
HPC Championships
The OBHPC clean sweep at the 2021 Horse and Pony Care Area 9 competition meant that we had a Mini, Junior and Senior Team competing at the National Championships at half term, finishing with consistent results across all three levels, in 4th, 4th and 5th place. Well done to all three teams as well as team trainers Fiona Jack and Alicia Lee.
If you are interested in joining the teams for 2022, let Fiona know by emailing fionajack1000@gmail.com before the training sessions start in January.
Road Safety, C and C+ Tests
We had two very successful test days during half term with a total of 15 passes.
Well done to:
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Araya Harvey – Riding and Road Safety Test
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Sophie Villiers – Riding and Road Safety Test
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Charlotte Broadbent – C Test
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Bea Elsmore Wickens – C Test
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Nina Bowden – C Test
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Josie Hueplf – C Test
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Zara Tearney – C Test
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Clemmie Rooney Smith – C Test
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Lucas Murphy – C Test
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Araya Harvey – C Test
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Lily Starkey – C+ Test
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Kitty Winfield – C+ Test
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Daisy Chugg – C+ Test
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Hetty Hack – C+ Test
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Rosie Hewlett – C+ Test
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Kayleigh O’Neil – C+ Test
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Charleigh Petit – C+ Test
We’ll be running these tests again in the Spring to give members plenty of time to prepare at rallies over the winter.
Arena Eventing
The OBH Arena Eventing at The Unicorn gave our members a chance to compete over an indoor course of show jumps and technically challenging cross country fences.
Thank you to our sponsors; Fine & Country, Lucy Winfield Property, Fawley House Stud, Denchworth Equestrian and Top Shots Photography.
Well done to class winners Olivia Von Michel, Cecilia Von Michel, Imogen Long, Henrietta Hack and Lucas Murphy
We’ll be hosting the Area 9 Arena Eventing Spring Championship Qualifier on 19 March 2022 at The Unicorn, so save the date.
We’re just finalising dates for Camps in 2022 and will be sending those out in the next couple of weeks along with dates and information about 2022 Area 9 team competitions.
Fixtures to the end of December are below. Please book early to help our rally organisers and instructors plan for the busy Xmas holidays.
Hope to see you at the Xmas coffee morning!
Alison
DC’s NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER
Christmas Show
OBHPC will be running a Preliminary SJ qualifier for the PC Spring Festival on 29th December at The Unicorn Centre, Stow on the Wold. Classes from 70cm to 110cm.
We’ll have our Pop-Up shop at White Horse Feeds, Childrey, on Thursday
28th Oct for anyone needing more Pony Club kit, including warm coats, XC skins and OBHPC saddle pads. Just call in between 12 – 1.30pm or email louisecornago@gmail.com if you need her to leave an order for you to collect later that week.
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE
Camps
- Esme Erskin Crum
- Isla Erskin Crum
- Emily Ridgway
- Kitty Winfield
- Matilda van Poortvliet
- Florentina Pejkovic
- Lily Starkey
- Poppy Hubbard
- Sophia Villiers
- Audrey Venners
- Scarlett Starkey
- Sophie Hardman
We look forward to seeing the following in action:
- Lucas Pejkovic
- Flossie Pejkovic
- Tilly van Poortvliet
- Lucas Murphy
- Finn Murphy
- Wilf Copcut
- Freya Soden
- Bella Stevens
- Scarlett Starkey
- Annabel Taylor
We look forward to seeing them at camps and rallies where they’ll be gaining experience under supervision over the next months.
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR MAY
It has been lovely seeing so many members out enjoying themselves over the holidays. There are loads of rallies over the next weeks while we make the most of the lighter evenings and make up for lost time.
DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR APRIL
- Mini and Tiny Trotters Camps – 9-11th August 2021 Brightwalton Stud, Brightwalton, RG20 7BZ
- Junior Camp – 16-19 August 2021 at Boomerang Equestrian, Crooked Soley, RG17 0TL
- Senior Camp – 1st-6th August 2021 at Hartpury College, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE
Well done to our Quiz Team (Sasha, Esme, Kitty, Isla) for coming 3rd in the Area 9 quiz last weekend; it’s not a competition we usually enter so it was fun to give it a go!
UPDATE MARCH 2021
Rallies and competitions will be back from 29th March so keep an eye on the Fixture list. We have secured some great venues so the rallies over Easter will book up fast.
Area 9 SJ Championships for 40,50,60,70cm at Rectory Farm will be on 10-11th April, open to all but priority to those that have qualified. Schedule to follow.
One of our popular instructors, Spencer Sturmey, had a bad fall last week while hacking. He is now back at home and we all wish him the speediest of recoveries.
Saturday 27th at 3.30pm (not the usual 11am) Sneak Peak at Joanna Lambert’s yard at Stainswick Farm
Sunday 28th at 4.30pm Stable management interactive Zoom for D Test level.
Sunday 28th at 6.30pm. Storytime with Philip Lambert reading from his favourite AA Milne.
Monday 1st March at 6pm. Prepare for Camp! Kathryn Taylor will talk through all you need to know for Junior Camp with a Q+A session – suitable for members and parents thinking of Junior Camp this year.
Thursday 4th March 6pm. “Be Inspired”. OBHPC Member Audrey Venners talks about how hard work and dedication took her from being a C Test rider with a loan pony, to passing her C+ Test, B Test, getting quads of steel, a weekend job with horses and a fabulous horse of her own and huge respect from the committee – all within a year!
To join any of the Zoom sessions:Meeting ID: 816 6714 8732Passcode: 690237
Nest Saturday’s 11am Sneak Peak will be at Hillwoood Stud to see some of their foals, so put it in your diary now!
If anyone missed Lucy Perring’s talk on joining the Household Cavalry last night it is on Facebook and well worth a listen: https://www.facebook.com/OBHPC
MONDAY 22ND MARCH – ‘DEALING WITH SETBACKS’ WITH CAMILLA HENDERSON SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2021
Massive congratulations to OBHPC member Olive Nicholls for being selected for the 2021 BE Pony Development Squad.
And well done to all our members who featured in our Awards round up last Friday. We have one small correction. The Epic Fail video was in fact Finn Murphy and not his older brother, Lucas. Well done Finn!
We’ll be sharing our Awards video on Facebook over the weekend, but in the meantime, to keep everyone busy this week:
Lockdown series on Zoom:
Saturday 11am “Sneak Peak” with Alicia Lee; keeping your horse at grass in all weathers.
Sunday 4.30pm “Joanna’s Badge Rally”. Interactive Rally on Saddles, Bridles and other tack. Suitable for all members; content adjusted to suit the group.
Sunday 6.30pm “Storytime”. Katie Finch with a book from the Sheltie series.
Monday 22nd 6pm “Prepare to Compete”. Entering your first show or event. Lisa Powell will be joined by Fi Stout and Joanna Lambert to look at everything from how and what to enter to how to what to do on the day.
Thursday 24th 6pm. “Be Inspired”. Our “OBHPC outstanding 2020 member” Lucy Perring will join us during her Basic Training to talk about how a Pony Club outing to see the Household Cavalry has led her to a career combining music with horses, in the military.
Join any session using the usual Zoom link. Other than the Interactive Badge Rallies, you can just listen in and ask questions in the chat.
To join any of the Zoom sessions:
https://guidesforbrides.zoom.us/j/81667148732?pwd=MVRJS2dYTE5hQVZRSWhmZ3FIY3Jsdz09
Meeting ID: 816 6714 8732
Passcode: 690237
Two Day Eventing Camp/Clinic (the camping part will depend on Covid restrictions).
7th and 8th April at Aston Le Walls Equestrian Centre, Washbrook Farm, Aston Le Walls, NN11 6RT
There are 10 places left for those members jumping 90cm+ Training will be with Ginny Thompson, Paul Tapner, Kim Zimmich and Fi Dowding. Cost is £200 for the 2 day clinic including stabling.
There are 3 places left for members jumping 80-90cm. Training with Fi Dowding and Sarah Charles (TBC) Cost £185 including stabling.
In the first instance please email Chloe Fitzgerald at: eventcamp21@hotmail.com
Once your place is confirmed you will be asked for a £50 deposit with balance payable at the end of March.
Last chance to enter the Quiz to win a photoshoot
Fiona Jack’s annual family quiz is attached and this year the winner will receive a horse (or dog) photo shoot kindly donated by OBHPC parent and professional photographer, Selly Gardner-Morrison.
The prize includes a pre consult, photoshoot, an image of winner’s choice in a 20 inch handmade frame, and a viewing and ordering session with the opportunity to purchase further images. https://sgmphotography.co.uk
Entries to joy@obhpc.co.uk by Monday 22nd February.
Sports Psychology
Charlie Unwin (Sports Psychologist) will be hosting another online session for Area 9 on March 4th. Booking is via Horse-Events.
We will be offering a session for a smaller OBHPC group with Camilla Henderson over the next few weeks.
Rugwash
Change of weather? Cotswold Rugwash takes all the hassle out of rug washing and repairs. Juliet, who is an ex OBHPC parent, will collect, clean and return your rugs with a total hassle-free service.
Prices and information is on http://www.cotswold-rugwash.co.uk and you can email info@cotswold-rugwash.co.uk to arrange a collection.
Hopes are high that Monday’s announcement will allow for grassroots sport to resume in early March. As ever, we will need to await the CEO’s confirmation before publishing rally information, but we are ready….
All the best
Alison
COVID UPDATE
Saturdays 11am. Sneak peek series.
Look behind the scenes at the yards of some of our instructors, coaches and pony club members.
Sat 30/1 (tomorrow) As it’s forecast to be raining hard tomorrow we’ll be starting in the dry with a look around Sasha’s american barn to meet some of the horses and see how the yard runs.
(Next week: Max Warburton’s yard)
Sundays 4.30pm Practical pony care series.
Joanna Lambert and our Junior Coaches will look at a different topic every week, some will be badge rallies, others just for fun. Most sessions are suitable for all members up to C+ level. Please email Joanna on JRJLambert@aol.com if you know you’ll be joining.
Sun 31/1. “Mummy Joy” will be reading this week’s story. Log on with your hot chocolate and teddy.
Mon 1/2. Season Planning. Phoebe and Alison will discuss how to plan your season with goals in mind, the pros and cons of affiliated and unaffiliated, how to know which events to enter and how to beat the ballot. Suitable for members AND parents.
Thurs 4th. British Eventing Junior Development Selection. A week after BE announced the 2021 youth squad, Henry Hobby will answer 10 questions on what went into achieving this particular goal.
https://guidesforbrides.zoom.us/j/81667148732?pwd=MVRJS2dYTE5hQVZRSWhmZ3FIY3Jsdz09
Passcode: 690237
JANUARY 2021
Awards Night
We’re gearing up for the Awards Night on Friday 12th February; for those that haven’t been before, it’s the perfect chance to join us from the comfort of home. Line up your pizza and nibbles for a video round up of 2020 and various awards for all sorts of categories. 6.30pm. We’ll send the Zoom link again that week.
Membership
We’ve now moved over to “rolling membership” so you can join or renew at any time and for most members, that is in January. If you haven’t received the renewal email and you think you should, please email joy@obhpc.couk for help. I’ve tried the new renewal and it’s incredibly quick and easy.
Fees for 2021 remain as 2020: Riding Member £80; non-riding member £36 and family memberships £200 (up to 5 members in the same household).
We hope that all of our members will be rejoining for another year of friendship (parents and children!), riding, horsemanship, competitions, camps and of course the all-important insurance, and that the OBHPC has delivered great value for money over the past year, despite adversity!
Rug wash and repairs
I am delighted that OBHPC are teaming up with Cotswold Rugwash for 2021 to take all the hassle out of rug washing and repairs. Juliet, who is an ex OBHPC parent, will collect, clean and return your rugs with a total hassle-free service. Her next pick up in Fawley / Letcombe / Wantage / Childrey / Stanford in the Vale / Faringdon is on Monday 25th January.
Horse and Pony queries
It’s a challenging time of year for horse owners so if you have any questions on keeping your horse or pony fit and well while rallies can’t take place, please don’t hesitate to call Ros Hayward on 07702 959869 or Fi Stout on 07778 310881.
While rallies can’t take place
We’re looking forward to our zoom rallies starting in the next week – details to follow – and we’ll be sharing details of some fun online competitions with other Area 9 branches.
For now, keep warm, keep safe!
Alison
JANUARY 2021
COVID UPDATE
Rallies and other face to face activities have been suspended for now but we’ll be doing all we can to help remotely.
We’ll be starting our B Test online Zoom training as well as weekly Zoom sessions with different topics for each level. There will be no charge for any of our lockdown activities.
We have postponed our Eventer’s Challenge next month but will have a packed schedule for all levels lined up from Februrary half term onwards so that we are ready for restrictions to be lifted.
Hopefully this will be the last of the lockdowns, but for now, stay safe and join us online!
Alison
NOVEMBER 2020
We’ll be doing another Pop Up Shop at White Horse Feeds near Childrey from 12-1pm on Mon 7th December for a chance to buy Pony Club clothes, gifts from their shop and Xmas trees!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/955239224988147
1st Sophie Villiers
6th Nell Greatrex
Team 4th Olivia Von Michel, Nell Greatrex, Finn Murphy
5th Hetty Hack
Team 4th Immy Frost, Tilly van Poortvliet, Fliorentina Pejkovic, Marcus Pejkovic
Team 5th Hetty Hack, Evie Greatrex, Cecilia von Michel
1st Marcus Pejkovic
NOVEMBER 2020
- You can exercise with your own household OR one other person in a public outdoor place, for example hacking.
- Riding schools remain open.
- Livery yards remain open for you to care for and exercise your horse.
- You can’t hire arenas, gallops, XC courses or any other training facilities.
- Instructors can teach at home and can travel to teach.
- You can travel horses short distances for exercise.
Many thanks to Kelly Cope for setting up the OBHPC Facebook page for our members and parents to Swap and Sell 2nd hand PC, riding or horse kit or anything else that may be relevant to other members..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/955239224988147/membersPop Up Shop
We will be holding a Pop Up shop at White Horse Feeds, Childrey for PC clothing and saddle pads on Monday 26th October, 11am-1pm.Jump the Jumps
Our two sets of Pony Club jumps are all set up and ready to use by members over half term and beyond. Cost is based on up to three people / hour. Please make the most of them either for schooling or private lessons. £7.50 from each session goes to PC so it’s a great way to help us raise funds. Alden Farm, Upton. OX11 9HS
60 x 30m. Floodlit arena. £15 / hr. Book with Lisa 07977 4943336
and
Churn Stables, Blewbury. OX11 9HF
65 x 40m. Afternoons preferred. £20 / hr Book with Sasha 07817 176111Camps 2021
For those wanting to plan ahead, we have some dates for next summer
Senior Camp at Hartpury will be 2nd – 6th August 2021
Junior Camp at Boomerang will be 16 – 19 August 2021
Mini And Tiny Trotters Camps – Date TBC
Pony Club Championships 2021
The 2021 Championships will be held at Offchurch Bury, near Leamington Spa.
- Fri 13th – Sun 15th August – Polocrosse, Mounted Games and Tetrathlon
- Tues 17th – Sun 22nd August – Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing and Polo
The PC 110 Eventing Championships (Open level) will be at Gatcombe on 5th – 6th August.
Rallies
There’s lots going on over half term including our Showjumping Extravaganza for all ages on Thursday 29th October.
Younger members – don’t miss the Halloween Handy Pony at Malt House on Saturday 31st October.
SEPTEMBER 2020
We will be holding a showjumping show for any PC members with classes from 50cm to 90cm, including Championship qualifiers, at Cherwell Equestrian on Thursday 29th October. Schedule to follow this week so please put the date in your diary. Area SJ Success
OBHPC teams won both the Open and Intermediate Area 9 Showjumping for 2020.
Well done Olive, Luisa, Sasha and Hannah (Open Team) and Poppy, Lottie W, Lara and Lily E (Intermediate). Area Dressage Success
We had members in the top 4 in every class for the Area dressage. The Intermediate Team of Lara, Ophelia and Maddie were Team 2nd with Lara Marsh winning the class individually and Ophelia coming 3rd. The Novice Team of Esme, Charleigh and Georgie came 3rd and the Grassroots team of Harry, Arthur and Bert can 7th with Harry Vigors finishing individual 2nd. Well done to all!Area 9 Junior SJ
It was lovely to see so many members making their team debuts at the Area 9 Junior SJ Championships. Our thanks go to Aaron Nobbs for giving up his day to volunteer; it was reassuring to all our members to have his words of encouragement as they entered the arena and I’m sure it contributed to their confidence and success.
We are glad we made the most of the opportunity for so many members to enjoy time on their ponies and horses at Junior and Senior Camps towards the end of August, after a successful mini camp earlier in the holidays. Huge, huge thanks to the teams behind both camps, in particular Katherine, Chloe and Aaron (Junior Camp) and Joanna, Joy, Kirsti, Jill and Lisa (Senior Camp).Triathlon Open Winner
Congratulations to Lexie New, who WON the mixed Open at the Area 7 Dri-Tri this month. Lexie won the shoot, had a clear round XC and was 2nd in the run, Very well done Lexie – a great result.Team Chasing
We’re hoping to have OBHPC teams at various Novice Team Chases this autumn. Teams of 3 or 4 compete around confidence building XC courses typically 85cm – 100cm, against a bogey time (it is not a speed class). If you enjoy doing pairs classes at Hunter Trials, this is double the fun! There are various team chases over the next weeks and more in the Spring, Emma Aird coordinates the teams so register your interest to find out more. emmaaird@btinternet.comC+ Test
If anyone with C Test would like to take C+ Test in the Spring, please let Joanna Lambert know so we can arrange additional rallies in the most suitable areas.Coaching Courses
Well done to Ophelia Spracklen, Emily Taylor and Siobhan Heneghan who have passed their Step 2 coaching course after many hours experience from volunteering over the summer. Members aged 16+, ideally with B Test, who’d like to do their Step 1 coaching course, please contact Emma Jennings as she is arranging a course in October half term. Emma will also be arranging a Step 3 and Coaching Certificate course, numbers permitting, for those who are ready. emmajennings131@icloud.com
Pony Racing Opportunities
The Eridge Hunt is currently planning to go ahead with the Lingfield Park Pony Club Raceday on Tuesday 27th October but this is subject to there being no increase in Covid restrictions. If anyone is interested in taking part please contact Do Curtis – joannacurtis@upperfarm.uk.com
If there is any interest in this she will organise some rallies to prepare for it over the next month
Dear All
Your Committee and Rally Organisers have been working hard over the last few weeks to arrange a range of rallies for the coming months – as always taking account of the Covid 19 restrictions. We already have many arranged and there will be more to come so please keep looking at the Branch Website www.obhpc.co.uk under Fixtures/Rallies where they will be uploaded.
Please also keep the date of Thursday 29th October free in your diaries as we are currently planning a Show Jumping competition at Cherwell Competition Centre. There will be more details once this is all finalised. This will be for those jumping from 45cms up to 90cms. It will be a qualifier for the Pony Club Spring Festival wich is taking place on 10th and 11th April, 2021.
There has been a slight delay with the DC’s Monthly Update for which we apologise but this will be coming to you shortly. As you can imagine our hard working DC Alison has been extremely busy with her business hat on dealing with the current and changing Covid 19 restrictions for weddings and hospitality venues so has had to give all her attention to that. Meanwhile listed below are the already arranged upcoming events for the next few weeks.
The Rally Organisers are looking forward to seeing many of you at half term.
Joy
AUGUST 2020
Well done to our 12 members who passed their B Test this week. Thank you to Joanna and Ann for organising rallies and to Fiona, Fi, Sarah and Sasha for all the hard work preparing candidates for the test over the past 6 months, but most of all, thank you to all these candidates for working so hard towards such a challenging test.
Antonia Shriane (Riding and Care)
Bella Stevens (Riding and Care)
Lottie White (Riding and Care)
Ophelia Spracklen (Riding and Care)
Poppy Charles (Riding and Care)
Scarlett Starkey (Riding and Care)
Eleanor Hubbard (Riding)
Annabel Taylor (Care)
Audrey Venners (Care)
Jess Wenborn (Care)
Lottie Aird (Care)
Sophie Hardman (Care)
Covid safety
JULY 2020
Please send in forms this weekend if at all possible so we can finalise numbers. The first Camp is only 2 weeks away! Forms are all online.
Please join using the link below:
https://guidesforbrides.zoom.us/j/87370405630
Email to pre-order to ensure she has what you need: louisecornago@gmail.com
Pony Club ran a national writing competition during lockdown and received many hundreds of entries. We are incredibly proud that OBHPC member Tilly van Poortvliet was one of the prizewinners with her story, “Natalie and Horse Number 26”. Well done Tilly!
- Weds 26th August TBC – Dressage for Regional, Novice, Intermediate, Open levels
- Sat 29th August – SJ for Open and Novice levels
- Sunday 30th – SJ for Regional and Intermediate levels
- Sunday 6th – Showjumping from 40cm – 70cm
Jump the Jumps
The Pony Club show jumps at Alden Farm are available for members to use at the PC rate of £15 per session (for up to 3 horses / 1 hour). Please email Lisa Heneghan to book: lheneghan@btinternet.com
BACS payment seems to be very popular with parents. To make it easier for Lisa and Karen please always include the rally date with the child’s name as the reference.
It’s great to see so many out riding and competing. Enjoy the summer holidays!Alison
JUNE 2020
- Mini and Tiny Trotter Camps 3rd-5th August
- Junior Camp 17-19th August
- Senior Camp between 24th-28th August
As White Horse Feeds are unable to accept cash or cheque payments and can’t exchange clothes that need to be returned without cleaning, we are currently unable to sell Pony Club clothing. We are reviewing the plans in the hope that you’ll be able to buy clothing before the summer holidays.
All the best,
Alison
MAY 2020
We are planning to get rallies started straight away … however … until Pony Club consult with the BEF early next week they will be quite restrictive. There are suggestions that we may be able to have small groups after then, but we didn’t want to wait until then for those that can make the one to one arrangements work.
Our priority is to ensure risks are minimised for our instructors and volunteers while making it safe and fun for members and their parents.
Until things can be relaxed a little we have to follow the BEF rules to the letter. Please don’t compromise the rally organiser, instructor or venue by bending the rules. For now, please book with the following in mind. Hopefully we can amend these rules on Tuesday, when we know what the new regulations allow.
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One member per lesson.
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A maximum of one parent per horse or pony.
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No dogs, not even on leads or in vehicles.
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No siblings – sorry, we know this makes attending rallies impossible for some, but hopefully rules will relax soon.
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In some venues, such as Alden Farm, we can have 2 children riding simultaneously with different coaches in different arenas; look out for these rallies if you have siblings wanting to ride.
Parents: A few things will need to change to allow instructors to stay 2m from the rider. Parents will be the only point of physical contact with the member and their horse unless there is a medical emergency. They should stay just inside or outside the arena.
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You’ll be asked to check your child’s tack and help them to mount and adjust girth and stirrups.
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The instructor will be responsible for adjusting jumps.
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In case of a fall, the parent should attend to their child while the instructor catches the pony. The rally organiser or instructor will only get involved if it is medically necessary. They have been given specific training and appropriate PPE.
Venues need to adhere to strict guidelines so please bear the following in mind:
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You will not be able to use the venue toilets. We will not be able to offer refreshments.
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Please park with 5m space between trailers or lorries.
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Please bring hand sanitiser to use for before and after opening gates to the venue.
Booking and payment
We will not be subsidising one to one rallies but you will know in advance what the rally will cost.
Please book as normal by phone or email. When you space has been confirmed please pay by BACS (details below) as soon as possible to confirm your space.
If you or your child show any symptoms, or have any other reason to self isolate, please cancel your place. The branch will cover the cost of your rally rather than put the instructor or rally organiser at risk of infection.
As soon as regulations are relaxed we can get back to a bit more normality, but for now our focus will be on making it as fun as we possibly can, while keeping everyone safe.
Payment details for BACS:
Account name: OBHPCSort: 40-45-36Acct: 21314106Reference: Child name or initials and rally date
I hope everyone really enjoys getting back out and about!
Alison
EASTER 2020
This weekend is usaully packed with Pony Racing, Lambourn Open Day and mounted Easter Egg hunts. What a change for us all this year.
Our badge “rallies” for the coming week are now on Facebook, don’t forget to get your Easter Hat entries in tomorrow to enter the OBHPC competition and the National competition – we will forward your entries on.
To add to the Wednesday craft challenge, this week we will be stepping up our activities for members C Test level and above. Prepare for some stable management video tutorials, Aaron’s weekly challenge and start tidying your yard to prepare for video yard tours. I’ve attached Fiona’s Spring Cleaning list for added inspiration!
For our older members we have the Caroline Moore training series on Horse + Country TV. No subscription needed if you use this special PC link: https://app.horseandcountry.tv/training-and-learning
For younger members Pony Club HQ have online resources to help keep you entertained. https://pcuk.org/coronavirus-advice/creative-activities/
Keep an eye on Facebook and Istagram for more on all the activities during the week.
Keep safe,
Alison
OBHPC Training – Spring Cleaning
February 2020
About the Awards Night
February 2020
Spring is just round the corner and we have a fantastic choice of riding activities taking you through to the end of the Easter holidays.
If you haven’t already sent in your subs form, please send payment today as your insurance lapsed on 31/1.
Send cheque or BACS (sort code 40-45-36, Account 21314106, Ref Subs/Name), print off the form (link below) and post to Joy please.
https://branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire/files/2019/12/Branch-Membership-Form-2020-v1.0.pdf
Grab your diary, get booked in to some rallies and start planning for Spring!
Best wishes,
Alison
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
Pony Club Christmas Coffee Morning
Tuesday 3rd December, 2019 10.00 am – 12.30 pm
Monks Farm, East Hendred, OX12 8LG
Come along for a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake/biscuit and enjoy a social morning with friends in Jess Simpson’s lovely home. There will be a small raffle the proceeds of which will go to the Blue Cross. We will have a few small stalls selling some seasonal gifts; if you know of anyone who makes/sells jewellery who might want to have a stall please ask them to contact Joy Wilson by e mail: joy@obhpc.co.uk or mobile 07811 927803.
Entrance free but donations to cover cost of refreshments very welcome.
We look forward to seeing many of you there – please encourage your Pony Club friends to come along
Joy and Lisa
Joy Wilson – joy@obhpc.co.uk Mobile 07811 927803
Lisa Smith – lisasmith@bensmithandsons.co.uk Mobile 07779 354442
Awards and Social Evening
Awards Night is on Friday 21st Feb at 6.30pm at Hanney Village Hall. It is always a great evening for all ages, it’s free to attend, just bring a picnic or drinks and nibbles and join in. Please let Joy know numbers as soon as possible – a few of the awards aren’t decided until we know who’ll be there! (joy@ohbpc.co.uk)
Membership Fees
Pony Club will be raising Membership Fees in 2020 and we suspect it will be quite an increase to keep in line with their costs. However, the increase is from 1st Jan. Anyone sending their form and cheque to Joy before 31st December will only pay this year’s rate. The form is attached or can be downloaded from our website.
Please remember to put the member’s name on the back of any cheques.
Members with special educational needs
Whether it is dyslexia, dyspraxia, difficulty hearing or concentrating, or a more challenging condition, we want to ensure that all our members can get the most from their Pony Club, while also recognising that riding can be an opportunity for them to be the same as their peers. Lots of our rally organisers, junior coaches and instructors attended a course last week with educational psychologist and autism specialist Amanda Benbow, to give them simple techniques for helping children who may need to be taught in a different way from others or need a little more time to process instructions. If your child is one of the many members who’d benefit from a slightly different teaching technique – for example if it helps to watch others before jumping a round of jumps – please let the instructor and/or rally organiser know.
Winter rallies
If your pony is kept outside, please don’t worry about it looking pristine for rallies. Bathing removes the natural oils they need to keep warm.
If the weather is bad on the day of a rally, please check your email before leaving home in case of cancellation. We try to avoid cancellation for the sake of those without facilities to safely ride at home in bad weather, so the rally organiser won’t make a full assessment until as close to the time as possible and we’ll try to ensure the rally can go ahead if it’s safe to do so.
Keep warm…and dry!
Best wishes,
Alison
October 2019
Children with special educational needs
We’re holding a training session with an educational psychologist for Instructors, Coaches and Rally Organisers on “How to coach children with special educational needs”. Parents are very welcome to attend.
It is on Thursday 14th November 6.30-8.30pm at The Loyd Lindsay Rooms in Ardington and costs £15 / person (free for OBHPC Junior Coaches and Rally Organisers). Email alison@obhpc.co.uk to book space.
Late Rally payments
Please always remember to bring a cheque for rally payments or pay by BACS while you are at the rally, using the child’s name and rally date as reference. The BACS details are now on the contacts page of the website:
https://branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire/contact/
PC clothing and Saddle Pads
White Horse Feeds in Childrey, are currently very well stocked with OBHPC coats, sweatshirts, polos, tracksuit bottoms and saddle pads so please shop now while they have every size available.
A Test Success
Well done to Sasha Hargreaves and Jack Whiteford for passing the Pony Club “A Test” this month. We’ve not had any members passing this decade, so to have 2 in a month is very exciting and a measure of the standard so many of our older members are reaching now.
Horse & Pony Care Championships
Good luck to our members competing at the Championships this weekend. The Senior Team are defending their National Title and we are delighted that 2 Junior and 1 Mini team will also be there, along with their coaches, Fiona Jack and Alicia Lee.
Fixtures
There are 32 branch rallies, plus Yummy Mummy rallies, Area 9 training for older members and various other fixtures to choose from over the next 6 weeks, so plenty to keep everyone busy.
Don’t miss the Children’s Meet, the Visit to Oliver Sherwood’s Yard and the Under 10 Fun Rally – all part of the half term schedule.
Remember to check the website as more is added weekly.
Enjoy half term!
Alison
August 2019
Annabel Knight |
Arthur Souter |
Bea Cadogan |
Bert Souter |
Charleigh Pettit |
Chloe Ferguson |
Daisy Chugg |
Ella Ackrill |
Emily Sanders |
Eva Martin |
Georgia Verdon |
Grace Soden |
Grace Watson |
Harry Vigors |
Kitty Winfield |
Liesl de Reuver |
Lila Toop |
Lily Starkey |
Maddie May |
Oscar Fitzgerald |
Flora Insley |
Freya Soden |
Freya Webb |
Hannah Richardson |
Henry Hobby |
Honor McFarlane |
Issy Insley |
Jessie Saunders |
Katie Baker |
Kitty Winfield |
Lara Marsh |
Lottie White |
Luisa Lisi |
Marcos Pejkovic |
Marina Jacobs |
Mia Elvin |
Olive Nicholls |
Ottie Hunt |
Poppy Charles |
Rex Winfield |
Scarlett Starkey |
Sophie Gordon |
Sophie Johnson |
Sophie Oakland |
Verity Smith |
Zoe Hay |
Eva Fowler
Mia Elvin
Emily Sandars
Tara Lockhart
Ottie Hunt
Mimi Johnson
Scarlet Starkey
Lucy Horsfall
Jemima Keen
Antonia Shriane
Lara Marsh
Annabel Taylor
Eddie Hills
Lettie Snowden
Oliver Vigors
Amalfi Preston
Nicole Harris
Flora Chugg
Merlin Roskill
Till Van Poortvliet
Gisele Reece
Sophie Simpson
Zara Nicholls
Sophie Hale
Isobel Simpson
Alice De Quincey Adams
Poppy Hubbard
Emma Donkin
Margaux Kinch
Eddie Keen
Archie McCoy
Bobby Keen
Arabella Spence
Alexia Fletcher
Harry Snowden
Zac Campbell
Phoebe Marshall
Oli Mangen
Lorcan Aumonier
Ella Hayward-O’Neill
“Driving home today, I once again reflected on how lucky our children are, not only to be part of the pony club, but part of the Old Berks. They are surrounded by a team of people who strive for excellence and are so full of enthusiasm, knowledge, fun and love.”
July 2019
Teams
April 2019
OBHPC Kit
There’s an order in for more kit as some lines are running very low, especially sweatshirts and polo shirts for 7-11 year olds. The new stock will be at White Horse Feeds in Childrey by April 26th and will include tracksuit bottoms, new for 2019. Please remember payment should be by cheque and that White Horse Feeds manage our PC “shop” free of charge.
Horse and Pony Care Results
Thanks to some really excellent coaching from Alicia again this year our two Junior teams came first and second in the Horse & Pony Care Areas, with Marcos Pejkovic, Rex Winfield and Kitty Winfield qualifying for the Championships and Sophie Hardman (nursing an arm in a sling and bravely facing 6 weeks without riding), Gabriel Jennings and Lily Starkey as runners-up.
Our Seniors, Sophie Oakland, Hannah Richardson and Eleanor Hubbard cruised to a huge win and collected the turnout prize as well. Our enchanting Minis, Tilly van Poortvliet, Florentina Pejkovic and Lettie Snowden bravely joined 13 other teams to contest this new division in the Competition, and came away with 3rd place. Beautifully turned out, cheerful and polite – they were perfect ambassadors for the branch.
The brisk, freezing easterly did nothing to dampen the high spirits of all the competitors, the sun shone and it was a tremendous Old Berks day.
Mounted Games
Described by Joanna Lambert as a “Kipling sort of day”, our squad of 13 enjoyed some good competition and a fabulous picnic.
The results:
3rd in Assisted
4th in Leading Rein
5th in Juniors
If your plans change – and we appreciate that with ponies and children they often do – please let the rally organiser know at least a week in advance, before they sort groups. It’s not just that we have to charge you for late cancellations, it also means a lot of work in rearranging the groups.
- Hunting Awards – Zara Tearney, Freddie Fletcher, Cecily Townrow
- Hunting Stock – Jessie Saunders
- Progress in Dressage – Eva Fowler
- Most Improved Dressage – Laura Fowler
- Most Improved Junior Dressage – Edmund Howe
- The Racing Award – William Dunlop
- Showjumping Award – Harry Vigors
- Commitment and Progress in Mounted Games – Chloe Ferguson
- Outstanding Performance in C+ Test – Emily Taylor
- Determination and Vocal Encouragement – Grace Soden
- Progress in Eventing – Anya Cornago, Mia Chopping, Sophia Rosenfeld
- Sportsmanship and Integrity – Lily Rosenfeld
- Commitment to Teams – Verity Smith and Sophie Gordon
- Commitment to Coaching – Abi Richardson
- Camp Spirit – Lucy Verdon and Lucy Perring
- Tetrathlon Award – Peter Aird
- Sit Tight Award – Tara Lockhart and Tyger
- Bravery Award – “Joe” and “Duchess”
- Team Spirit – Niamh Warburton
- Team of the Year – Open Eventing Team – Max Warburton, Henry Hobby, Jack Whiteford
- Regional Team of the Year – Regional Eventing Team – Scarlett Starkey, Bea Cadogan, Daisy Chugg, Freya Soden
- The Molly Trophy – Arthur Souter’s “Blue”
- The Bonnie Cup – Zara Tearney
- Member of the Year – Jack Whiteford
The video showing highlights of 2018 is on Facebook. Despite several attempts to re-post with different soundtracks Facebook keeps muting it. I’ll keep trying, but in the meantime, turn your radio up load to add your own soundtrack! https://www.facebook.com/OBHPC/videos/397108770863206/
January 2019
Awards Night
Our lovely Junior Show this year will be on Sunday 9th June. The format will be similar to previous years, with possibly a few new classes. Open to everyone 12 years and under, both members and non-members, there’s something for everyone. From showing and show jumping, working hunter classes and dressage, clear rounds, fancy dress and gymkhana… it’s a lovely day out. More details will be posted online and on Facebook soon but please save the date now (in a break from tradition, it’s now the one after half term!).
Can you help? We would love to have some new recruits to the show committee. We have a handful of evening meetings before the show to sort out sponsorship, volunteers, judges etc (where wine and crisps are a given!). The weekend of the show itself is busy but the more helpers we have, the lighter the load. If you’d like to join in the fun please email Helen Keen – hkeen@designtoo.com or call 07785 718571.
December 2018
With the Christmas holidays upon us it is a busy few weeks…. so here goes….
Hunting
The “Children Priority” Meet will be on 31st December so come along on foot, on lead rein or suitably mounted to join in the fun. Parents are welcome on horseback or on foot and it is the best opportunity of the year to try hunting if you haven’t before, and to ride at the front of the field for our regulars. Contact Vanessa for details: vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk
For all other hunt meets Pony Club members are very welcome and hunt at a special low rate. The hunt are keen to encourage parents to accompany them, so please contact Vanessa for details of special rates for accompanying a child, or to arrange a hunt mentor to supervise them.
Team Show Jumping
There are two opportunities coming up for members jumping 50cm+ to join our SJ teams for some friendly team and individual competitions.
Sat 29th and Sun 30th December the Avon Vale SJ SJ at West Wilts with classes from 50cm to 1m and Sunday 10th February Cotswold Vale PC SJ at Hartpury from 50-90cm. Please put your entries in as individuals and let Phoebe Hobby (phoebe@brightwaltonstud.com) know so she can add you to a team. Please note, ALL are welcome in teams, there is no selection criteria. We will be looking for volunteers to look after the teams on each day so please let Phoebe know if you are happy to take that on.
Olympia
If you are at Olympia this week watch out for Sophie Stiles who will be competing in the Dartmoor showing classes, Katie Bradburne in the Mini Major SJ on Wednesday afternoon and Sasha Hargreaves in the Medal Parade on Thursday evening.
If you’d like a free ticket for a performance, HQ are looking for volunteers aged 14+, or younger with a parent, to help on the Shop and Drop stand. You will work during one performance and watch the other performance (afternoon / evening). Please contact Kirsty@pcuk.org ASAP for details.
Riding and Road Safety
This is a great time of year to get this important test under your belt, so if you are 12+ and have D+ please email Joanna Lambert (JRJLambert@aol.com) and come along this Monday 17th December at Stainswick Manor, Shrivenham for 4.30-6.30pm for a Dismounted Rally in casual clothes/school uniform, for tea and to see the training DVD.
For those that have seen the DVD, the mounted section is Tuesday 18th December at Radcot Equestrian with Aaron. Mounted, warm clothes, with Hi-Viz reflective clothing for horse and rider. Groups are from 2pm to 6pm – so turn up when you finish school for mounted training and the final assessment.
Racing
If you are following us on Instagram and Facebook will have seen Alicia Lee riding in her first point to point this month alongside ex-member Lily Bradstock. Well done too to Katie Bradburne who was 3rd in the 128cm Pony Club racing league this season.
Coaching Conference – *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*
14th February 2019 at Hartpury College, GL19 3BE
‘All you need to succeed’ the perfect title for an action-packed day with talks from leading industry experts including Caroline Moore, Russell Guire, Professor Tony Ghaye, and Katie Stephens. This is aimed at coaches but is an incredibly informative day for parents and riders and is highly recommended for those aiming for the higher levels.
Tickets are £45 for adults or £30 for members and can be purchased at: http://events.pcuk.org/?page_id=6503
The OBHPC Awards Night
The Awards Night for 2018 will be on Friday 15 Feb at Hanney Village Hall at 6.30. Please put the date in your diary and join us with your picnic and bottle of wine for a sociable evening looking back over 2018. We’ll take numbers in the New Year but please save the date if you can.
Wishing all our instructors, members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best wishes,
Alison
November 2018
C+ Success
All 12 Old Berkshire members who took their C+ Test over half term passed.
They, and their parents, have put in a lot of hard work and effort as did their trainers Fiona Jack, Aaron Nobbs, Mandy Holloway and C+ test coordinator Joanna Lambert.
Well done to:
Lottie White, Ella Ackrill, Morgan Oldridge, Anya Cornago, Tilly Dollar, Sophie Hardman, Romilly McIntosh, Esme Powell, Freya Soden, Bella Stevens, Emily Taylor, Freya Webb
Household Cavalry Trip
A few of our members have been lucky enough to get a place to see the Household Cavalry in action this week and to join in with a band practice. For the under 14s who sadly couldn’t go this time, they are arranging a special day for you all once the weather is a bit warmer with activities that they feel will be more suitable. The date is to be confirmed but is likely to be over the Easter weekend.
Could we possibly have a few more volunteers at Larkhill Farm for next Saturday to help Pony Club with some research to understand how its members feel about The Pony Club, how it could better meet the needs of its members and how potentially it can attract more people to membership. OBHPC has been chosen to speak on behalf of lots of other branches so it would be great to have a good range of members.
- 4pm: 4 members aged 14 & 15 (this group will run for around 45 minutes)
- 5pm: 8 members aged 16 or above and parents of younger members (this group will run for around 90 minutes)
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits all supplied, and Pony Club will give all the volunteers a goody bag or bottle of wine! Please email alison@obhpc.co.uk if you are available.
October 2018
Jumps at Alden Farm
Hunting
Pony Club was orignally founded to teach the children of farmers and landowners how to ride well enough to hunt, and it is great that we maintain such strong links to the hunt to this day. There are a few more opportunities for Autumn Hunting with the Old Berkshire Hunt before the season starts on 3rd November, with special rates for OBHPC members. Please contact Vanessa Kilgour for details, venues or to be put in touch with a hunting mentor: vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk or 07775558673
Horse of the Year Show
Well done to Sophie Styles for being awarded Home Produced Champion in the Equissage Part Bred ridden class at HOYS, and to OBHPC Instructor and ex-member Alfie Bradstock for being joint winner of the Puissance on one of the horses he brought to show us at Senior Camp.
For members already competing confidently at Pony Club Novice level there are various excellent Area 9 rallies with Rob Lumb, Richard Waygood and Caroline Moore that you are invited to attend. Booking is on HorseMonkey and the dates tend to book up very fast.
September 2018
Back by popular demand …“Reel in to Autumn” Scottish reels and picnic supper
Saturday 10th November, 7.30pm Shrivenham Memorial Hall, Oxon SN6 8AU
Dancing to the Craigievar Band, tickets £40 each.
Tickets and information from juliet.souter@marriotts.co.uk / 07770 640080
There are two reels practices & everyone is welcome –
Thursday 1st November, Faringdon Town Hall, 7.30pm
Wednesday 7th November, Hinton Waldrist village hall, 7.30pm
- Senior Camp 28th July – 2nd Aug
- Junior Camp TBC but aiming for straight after Senior Camp
- Mini Camp 28th – 31st July
- Tiny Trotters Camp 28th – 31st July
August 2018
Badminton Horse Trials
April 2018
March 2018
On the day Jane March would love to hear from anyone who can sell race cards between 11-2.30, even for just an hour. There is a prize for selling the most and it is a great way to burn off a lot of energy! Contact Jane on 07836687814 or email marshjane1965@gmail.com
There are flat races at the Point to Point for 13.2hh and 14.2hh ponies. Members that have taken part in the past have had an amazing time; you don’t need a racing pony, and there is a special prize for the highest placed Pony Club member. Email joannacurtis@upperfarm.uk.com to find out more.
Feb 2018
Aaron Nobbs was awarded Young Coach of the Year at the national Pony Club Coaching Conference on Monday. In addition to all of his teaching over the past year he has put in a huge number of hours helping out as a volunteer and while this isn’t something that we expect, we are delighted that his commitment to the branch has been recognised and rewarded.Instructors v Coaches
It seems an appropriate time for our branch to follow other branches as well as BS, BD and BE in recognising our “instructors” should be referred to as “coaches” as their role is to work with our members to help them achieve their goals rather than simply instruct them.
To minimise confusion (as we have referred to our trainees as “coaches”) our part-qualified, supervised coaches will be referred to as “trainee coaches” and those that have completed their qualification, probation and assessment will be “junior coaches”.
We are delighted so many of you will be at the Awards Night on Sunday night. There is space to squeeze a few more in to Hanney Village Hall if you’d like to join us from 6.30pm. If you’ve never been before it is a fun, relaxed and sociable evening, please let Joy know you are coming so we have enough tables and chairs. joy@obhpc.co.uk
Please bring your HAT and PASSPORT (unless already been stickered) as we have new hat tags for 2018 which are valid for all riding associations; RC, BE, BD, BS as well as PC. All members attending camp or riding in teams need to have their passport checked and this is a great opportunity to get your sticker.
We’ve had a lot of members at rallies over half term and some slightly frazzled rally organisers spending far more time on admin than they should. When booking, please include any essential requests, such as “only if after 4pm”. It takes time to sort the groups out and it isn’t fair to ask for changes once they have been sent out. Rally organisers try to send times and groups a week in advance; any cancellations and requests need to be before then. Thank you for your consideration; it is in everyone’s interest to make the rally organisers’ job as pleasant as possible!
Tetrathlon
12 OBHPC competitors will be heading to Wroughton for the VWH Triathlon this weekend, Good luck to Oliver Vigors, Tegan O’Neill, Zara T, Cecily Townrow, Harry Vigors, Arthur Souter, Bert Souter, Kayleigh O’Neill, Peter Aird, Bella Stevens, Lexie New and Jack Church
If you’d like to join the Tet squad, on Sat/Sun 10-11 Feb there is the Beaufort SJ Tet and Tri at Summerhouse and Westonbirt. An excellent and friendly competition at 2 great venues with the option of doing just the Tri, or adding the Showjumping to make it a Tet. If you’d like more info or to enter, email fm.ej.church@btinternet.com. No experience needed to come and join in.
Dec 2017 Update
We have loads of great rallies lined up for the holidays. Please book in as soon as you can so the rally organisers can get plenty of Mince Pies and chocolate in!
Awards Night
The PC Coaching Conference
The 2018 Pony Club Coaching Conference takes place at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Leighton Buzzard, on 12 February 2018 and had a range of world-class speakers and insightful demonstrations including international show jumper and trainer Matt Lanni. There will be demonstrations from Neue Schule and the Society of Master Saddlers. The conference is open to all and is particularly recommended for coaches (and counts as CPD). We’d also recommend it for teens that compete seriously and their parents of as it is a great opportunity to attend a talk from equine biomechanics expert Russell Guire and performance psychologist Charlie Unwin
Tickets are £40 and if you book your place before 12 January 2018 you will go into a draw to win a Neue Schule bit. Booking is online: http://events.pcuk.org/?page_id=5092
Nov 2017 Update
We’ve got an exciting change of venue for this year’s Christmas Children’s Meet and whether you enjoy jumping or will be following the action on the lead rein we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Other than our lovely hunt mentors, any adults there will need to be accompanied by a child (!) so if your child would like to go but doesn’t yet have a suitable adult, Vanessa Kilgour will be happy to help find one for you. The meet will be on Wednesday 27th Dec and the venue will be advised to all booked in, a few days in advance. vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk
Pre-Season Event Camps 2018Dates are now confirmed for our two pre-season event camps. Both camps are designed for those members serious about eventing. The Unicorn Camp will be for those already competing at PC novice level and above and The Aston Camp will be for those focussed and competitive riders who are likely to be competing later in the summer from 70cm – 90cm.The Unicorn Camp will be at the Unicorn Trust, Stow on the Wold on Day 1 including stabling and then to Lyneham on Day 2. This is being held on the 4th-5th April and we have been lucky enough to secure BE u18 coach Mandy Lucey and professional event rider Dan Bizzarro as our trainers for the two days. The camp is limited to just 16 places and will cost £265.00 per horse. This will include lunch and dinner on day 1 and breakfast and a packed lunch on day 2. Additional meals for parents are available but will be charged for – in particular it would be good for everyone to have dinner together and the cost for this (two courses) is £15/headThe Aston Camp will be on the 3rd and 4th April. Instructors are to be confirmed but rest assured they will be of the usual OBH high standard and members can be guaranteed exceptional teaching and a huge amount of fun. The cost of this camp will be £180.00 per horse and the camp is limited to 20.In the first instance please email your interest to Lisa Heneghan lheneghan@btinternet.com and follow this up within 7 days with a £50 deposit, cheque payable to OBHPC, to Lisa at Alden Farm, Upton, Oxfordshire. OX11 9HS
For anyone thinking of giving Tetrathlon a go, Sunday 28 January 2018, is the VWH Triathlon at the Ridgeway School, Wroughton, near Swindon. This is a normal Triathlon, but is also the Area 9 qualifier for the National Pony Club Triathlon Championships. It’s our most local Triathlon, and we usually have a great turnout for this event. Contact Fred Church for details. fm.ej.church@btinternet.com
2nd Hand
Warm coats
Oct 2017 Update
Body protectors
The safety standard for body protectors will be updated in 2018 so if you are thinking of buying a new one in the next few months you may prefer to wait for the new standard to be announced. There will be a phasing out of the “old” standard over at least 2 years so current body protectors should be fine until around 2020. We’ll bring you more details as soon as we hear more.
Horse of the Year Show
Sophie Stiles and Thomas Bradburne both qualified to compete at HOYS this year and had a great time there last weekend. Sophie and Joey finished 12th in the SHP and Thomas and Dolly came 15th in the 12.2hh showjumping. Photos are on www.facebook.com/obhpc
The North Hereford Mounted Games team qualified for Olympia this year and finished 5th. It is the first time for many years that an Area 9 team has qualified and gives lots of hope to all our junior games teams for their future prospects!
Olympia
We sold out of Olympia tickets quickly this year however Tamsyn Lay no longer needs hers so there are 6 available for the Monday pm if anyone would like some. £43 each (special PC rate) email tamsynlay@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested.
Awards Night
Please put Friday 16th February in your diary for our Annual Awards Night. It will be a special one next year as we’ll be celebrating the OBHPC’s 75th birthday.
Area 9 Rallies
In addition to branch activities listed below, Area 9 runs a huge number of activities for our members. You’ll find details on the Area 9 website (https://branches.pcuk.org/area9) and I have listed them at the foot of this email so you have an idea of the variety available. A lot of the more specialist training for older members is run by Area 9 as well as First Aid and Safeguarding courses for volunteers.
Team Chasing
OBHPC teams have been having a great time at the autumn events and there are just one or two left before the season ends. Email emmaaird@btinternet.com if you’d like to go on the list
Triathlon
Fred will be running a Postal Shoot competition over the winter, you can join in at the Thursday practice sessions or from home. Please email fm.ej.church@btinternet.com for details of the postal shoot or if you’d like to have a go at a Triathlon over the winter as there are plenty more fixtures in October and November. We have competitors aged 7 to 24 in the branch. Over the winter it is just swimming, running and shooting (beanbag throwing for minis) with XC riding added in when the weather improves.
Hunting
The policy for supervision of children hunting with the OBH has been updated and we ask that members follow the recommendations from The Masters:
- Children 5 and under should be on a lead rein.
- Children 6-12 should be accompanied, unless they hold Pony Club C Test or have the requisite experience to hunt unaccompanied.
- Children 13-17 can hunt unaccompanied if they hold Pony Club C Test or have the requisite experience to hunt unaccompanied.
Vanessa Kilgour would be happy to arrange a mentor to accompany your child: vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk 0777 555 8673
Rallies
There are some great rallies over half term including an opportunity to drive ponies, a Ridgeway hack, Autumn hunting, Tiny Trotters and XC training so get booked in now and make the most of the warm weather while it lasts.
Sept 2017 Update
- 8 Oct Bicester & Whaddon Chase (3’ any age)
- 22 Oct Grafton (2’9” any age)
- 29 Oct Cotswold
Sunday 15th October
OBH Hunter Trial
August 2017 Update
We have had the most wonderful month of camps; all four camps enjoyed their share of sunshine, along with some torrential showers which failed to dampen spirits. My thanks go out to all of the camp organisers, instructors, coaches and helpers; they work their socks off at camps and find it incredibly rewarding to see skills, confidence and friendships developing throughout each camp.
There are photos from camp as well as lots of other updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages as well as a couple of great offers for OBHPC members.
For those at Senior Camp, keep and eye on the Fixtures list as Charlotte will be offering her popular Equipilates sessions (fantastic for improving the rider’s position and balance) at rallies.
Lots of members passed D+ and C Tests during camp. Tussel has put on an extra Road Rider Test on the 8th and 16th September for those that haven’t yet taken it; if you have already passed your C Test you need Road Rider before your C Test is recognised, if you have taken D+ now is the time to do your Road Rider Test, before embarking on C Test. Details are on the Fixtures list.
The OBHPC Mini ODE at the weekend attracted entries from miles away to tackle the challenging and technical Lyford XC course. Our thanks to Tor Tearney and her team for organising it all (and offering to run it again next year) and Carol and Richard Starkey for hosting it and a huge well done to all our competitors. The Pony Club SJ set will be there for a few weeks so we can look forward to some SJ rallies on grass as well as some technical XC rallies for those jumping up to 80cm and mini rallies over the mini XC course.
Next week is the Mock Hunt at Warborough Farm. It is a wonderful opportunity for all our members from tiny trotters upwards to enjoy riding across beautiful farmland on the edge of the Downs. Our hunting mentors will be on hand to assist with leadreins but parents may want to bring their trainers! For older members it is some of the best XC jumping in the area so join us for a morning of fun, followed by a BBQ. It is open to those that hunt, those that might want to hunt and those that just enjoy being out in the countryside withe their horse or pony. Book with Vanessa Kilgour: vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk
Our Tetrathlon team had a fun few days of competition, camping and fancy dress at their national Championships last weekend, finishing with a 3rd for their mixed team. The main Championships are this weekend at Cholmondley Castle in Cheshire with the less competitive Regional Championships the following weekend at Rectory Farm. Good luck to those competing at either Championships; fly the OBHPC flag with pride and good sportsmanship.
Our Fixture list will be filling fast over the next 2 weeks as rally organisers and members return from holidays so check back soon. We will have a particular focus on mini rallies while the evenings are still warm and light but plenty for everyone else too!
http://branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire/rallies
Our thanks to White Horse Feeds in Childrey for sponsoring our newsletters.
Enjoy the holidays!
Alison
A slightly late newsletter in a very busy month…
It was lovely to have so many members at Elmwood for the Big Rally; over 100 riders all having a great time with their horses and ponies. It is always such a nice start to the summer.
Final preparations are underway for our four summer camps and we are really pleased with the take up for our new Tiny Trotters camp, giving 3-6 year olds a little taste of the fun to come.
Mini and Junior camps will give our u12 members the chance to fine tune their skills in time for our Mini One Day Event at Lyford Stud on Sunday 13th August. It is a wonderfully friendly introduction to eventing so please come along to support it. If your child isn’t competing Tor Coxhead (wispywasp@hotmail.com) would love to have offers of help for a few hours on the day.
https://www.horse-events.co.uk/horse-events/the-old-berks-hunt-pony-club-mini-ode-12-years-under/
Various teams have been out representing the OBH with great success; our Intermediate SJ team (Shannon Lewis, Niamh Warburton, Honor McFarlane and Gorgia Lisi) won at Barbury with Honor taking the individual win too, and our Open Tetrathlon team (John Church, Jack Church, Tina McPeak) won their Area competition and will be joined at the Championships by Lexie New who qualified in the Junior section.
At the Area Show Jumping, hosted by OBHPC, we had team wins at both ends of the competition; our winning regional team of Annie Miners, Lottie White, Mia Elvin and Scarlett Starkey will be joined by 5th placed Zoe Hay at the Regional Championships in August. Honor McFarlane, Miranda Hobby and Estelle Stables won the Open Team competition, along with a £500 voucher from Devoucoux, and will be joined by 2nd and 3rd placed Intermediates Sophie Gordon and Lottie Aird.
Results aside, the Area SJ competition was a huge success thanks to great organisational skills from Claire Lisi, Lisa Powell, Helen Keen, Caroline Norton-White and Joy Wilson plus a team of well over 50 volunteers over the weekend. So many of you were so generous with your time, regardless of whether your own children were competing and we really couldn’t have done it without you. We also had an incredibly supportive sponsor, Webbs Wood, and we hope that you will all be heading there for any fencing, gates and jump poles you may need in the future, to support them in return. We will be hosting the competition again next year, on 14th July, so I hope we can count on such generosity from parents and sponsors one more time.
We have been invited to send show jumping teams to Gatcombe to compete in a competitive 1m+ class on Friday 4th August and 90cm and 80cm classes on Saturday 5th August. If your child would like to be considered for any of the teams please email Claire Lisi on c.lisi@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEKEND so we can select teams on Monday. Priority will be given to active members.
Good luck to our Area `Eventing squads competing at Dauntsey tomorrow and Foxcote next month, and our Dressage squad who have their Area competition on Wednesday. Fly the OBHPC flag with pride and make sure you have fun!
This month sees 3 members making their GB eventing debuts; Sasha is currently in Ireland with the Junior squad and Saffie and Georgina’s ponies are on the way to Hungary for the European Pony Championships. Honor and Rosie will be heading to Frickley for the BEu18 Championships this week and we wish all five girls the best of luck.
If you haven’t already found our Facebook page go to www.facebook.com/OBHPC/ for the latest news and results from our members. You don’t need to be “on Facebook” to look at the page.
Finally, our thanks to our newsletter sponsor White Horse Feeds in Childrey who can help you with all the kit you’ll need for summer camps as well as feed and equipment for horses, ponies, dogs and chickens. They are now fully re-stocked with PC clothing in all sizes after a minor hitch from our suppliers. If you have a sweatshirt with faded print please email a photo, the size and your address to alison@obhpc.co.uk and I’ll arrange for a replacement to be posted to you.
Enjoy the holidays!
Alison
All classes from U-8 to Open are catered for. The event is also a qualifier for the National Championships (for Junior, Intermediate and Open classes) however you do not have to want to qualify to enter. Please email Fred on fm.ej.church@btinternet.com if you would like more details or to be entered. It is always fun and friendly and this is a great opportunity to give it a go.
Our eventing results at the Areas last year suggested that we had some exciting times ahead and we haven’t been disappointed. Our members continued to build on the foundations that Ros, Spencer and Bert laid down and we have seen an unprecedented number of our older members getting noticed nationally and regionally. Saffie Osborn, Georgie Herrling and Sasha Hargreaves have all been long listed for GB Pony and Junior teams, Honor MacFarlane and Rosie Mason have been selected for the Central U18 team and Chiara Heneghan is on the reserve list. Well done to you all and good luck for the next 6 weeks.
May 2017 Update
The OBHPC Hunter Trial at the weekend gave members, parents and friends a welcome opportunity to compete on a traditional grass course and raised an impressive £1500 for the branch. Huge thanks to Vanessa Kilgour and her team of volunteers; these funds will help towards our new set of show jumps as well as subsidising rallies for all our members.
It’s a busy three months coming up for the branch so could I send a personal plea to all parents to help out where you can. The jobs that we struggle to find volunteers for are often the ones that anyone could help with. If you could tow a set of show jumps from A to B or help put up a marquee, please let me know so I can let you know dates we’ll need help. Other than instructors our branch is 100% volunteer run so we are dependent on parents helping out and not leaving it all to the rally organisers, camp leaders and committee. Thank you in anticipation of your help with this.
Our Camps are filling fast; it would be a huge help for forms to be sent in for all camps as soon as possible, especially for Junior Camp so that places can be released to members on the upper and lower age boundaries as early as possible. Forms for all four summer camps are on the website.
If you are hoping to be in teams for SJ, Dressage or Eventing please make sure results at the relevant level have been sent to team managers by 5th June and try to be available for the Big Rally at Elmwood on 4th July as it is an ideal opportunity for team training.
The fixtures list is below; please remember to give AT LEAST 7 days notice if you need to cancel a place and PLEASE avoid asking for any changes once times have been sent out!
Finally, big congratulations to Lexie New for being selected for one of the Central England teams for the Junior Regional tetrathlon. We look forward to hearing how she gets on and will update on Facebook (www.facebook.com/obhpc).
For those with exams over the next few weeks, good luck!
Alison
April 2017 Update
Elmwood Big Rally
Booking is open for the Elmwood Big Rally on Sunday 2nd July. It is suitable for ALL ages with lots of different activities from treasure hunts and handy pony to equicise, gridwork, dressage, SJ and XC. There will also be an opportunity to take D and E tests.
March 2017 Update
Pony Racing at the Point to Point
On Monday 17th April it’s the Old Berks Hunt Point to Point at Lockinge and the Vine and Craven Point to Point at Hackwood Park with opportunities for pony racing on the flat at both.
The Vine and Craven Junior Hunt Club Pony Charity Scurries at Hackwood Park are fun pony scurries for V+C Junior Hunt Club members and members of adjacent hunts who have hunted this season, suitable for under 8s on the lead rein to more experienced members.
It’s a great opportunity for the children to experience pony “racing” but in a very relaxed and friendly way and not under Pony Racing rules.
Details and schedule available from Antonia Roskill – 07795 423 401 – jhc@vineandcraven.co.uk
The Lockinge Pony Races are run under PRA rules with classes for under 138 cm and under 148cm. You don’t need to be on a racing pony, there is a special prize for the highest placed OBHPC member and it is a great chance to try you pony out against some good competition. For details and an entry for email joannacurtis@upperfarm.uk.com
Remember to check the schedules page for up to date information on that all that is going on. For our junior eventers the list includes the popular Shipton Moyne Ode on Wed 12th April hosted by the Beaufort Hunt PC.
February 2017 Update
It was lovely to see so many members at the Awards Night last weekend. We have so many incredibly talented, cheerful and deserving members so it was very hard for the committee of ten to whittle the list down. For those not recognised with an award this year, please don’t feel that your efforts and achievements weren’t noticed; we hope to have you on the list for next February.
The highlights video is now on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/OBHPC/
Hunting Badges awarded to:
Henry Jennings
Jessie Saunders Rose Curtis Lottie Aird Helena Tomlinson
The Sheila Nash Memorial Stock awarded to:
Jack Whiteford
Max Warburton
Camilla Kilgour
Polly Kilgour
Lexie New
The Awards 2017:
Groom of the Year – Sasha Cammack
Smile award – Romilly McIntosh
Allrounder – Gabriel Jennings
Dressage Award – Siobhan Heneghan
Show jumping – Progress award – Archie BugnerShow jumping – Determination – Jules Farrant
Show jumping – Achievement – Lucy Perring
Senior Eventing Award – Sasha Hargreaves
Junior Eventing Award – Esme Powell
Tetrathlon Awards – Peter Aird, Fenella and Olivia Mathieson.
Racing Awards – Freddie and William Curtis
Viral Video award – Caspar Stephenson
Best Dressed Instructor – Shaun Mandy
Fun Rally award – Luke Stiles
The Bonnie Cup for Bravery Cross Country – Daisy Chugg
Photobomb of the Year – Joy Wilson
Volunteer of the Year – Emma Jennings
Team of the Year – The Open Dressage Team, Max, Jack, Sasha, Siobhan
Ambassador of the Year – Hannah Richardson
Pony Club Pony of the Year – Lottie Aird’s “Blue”
Lyndsay Cup for Best Shetland – Alice De Quincey Adams’ “Sparkle”
The Molly Award for Participation – Rex Winfield & Mr Pickles
Coach of the Year – Jack Church
Member of the Year – The entire Church Family
Bonnie’s Fund
We have had some incredibly generous donations to enable our members to remember Bonnie Armitage in various ways, including with the purchase of a special #BlueforBonnie showjump. If you would like to make a donation in memory of such a special girl please leave a cheque with any rally organisers or send direct to Tor Perring or Joy Wilson, payable to OBHPC and with “Bonnie” on the back.
West Wilts Eventers Challenge
We had a huge number of competitors in various sweetie-inspired teams for last week’s friendly team competition. Well done to you all for being such great ambassadors for the branch and bringing home so many rosettes, polos and carrots!
Tetrathlon
Our tetrathlon squad has been returning some great results with new recruits starting with triathlon (running, shooting/beanbag throwing and swimming) in the Under 8, Tadpole and Mini sections. Peter Aird, Lexie New and Jack Church have all qualified for the National Triathlon Championships; the first time the OBHPC have members qualifying across all three age groups.
Fred Church is always delighted to hear from new members keen to give it a go; it is very inclusive, no previous experience is needed and he has pistols available to borrow for the shooting. Email him on fm.ej.church@btinternet.com to be added to his email list to find out what is going on.
Our newsletters are sponsored by White Horse Feeds in Childrey; the perfect place to stock up on feed, yard equipment, horsey gifts and even hairnets. They have plenty of warm winter OBHPC coats in stock, and their PC rugby shirts are currently at a reduced price.
As the weather starts to improve look out for more after school rallies and lots more for our younger riders being added to the Fixtures List (http://branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire/rallies),and for those thinking about entering the Pony Races at Lockinge or Hackwood Park there is a racing rally this weekend suitable for all ages.
Best wishes
Alison
Our members have started 2017 with huge energy and enthusiasm, with rallies and camps booking up as fast as we can arrange them and an incredible 40+ entries for the West Wilts Eventers Challenge on 14th February. If you would like to join a team please contact Lisa Powell (lisa.p@me.com) as soon as possible.
Mounted Games
We’ll be sending Junior and Novice Mounted Games teams to represent the OBHPC at the Area Trials on April 23rd.
We have several training rallies already planned (usually Fridays and occasional Sundays at Lyford) where you can learn the games. have fun with your pony and perhaps be selected for the teams.
Mounted Games is really good for increasing your general riding skills, balance and confidence while having a lot of fun. It teaches the rider and pony many essential skills useful across other sports. Contact Joanna Lambert by email for more details: JRJLambert@aol.com
Segway Rally
We have the opportunity to take 20 members for a “Segway Rally” at Bray Lake, Windsor from 6-8pm on Monday 1st May. The perfect rally for those older members on horses who miss the fun of mounted games and horseball. Team games, races, games and even polo, all on Segways! You need to be over 7st1lb to take part. £20 for 2 hours including Segway hire. To reserve your space please email alison@obhpc.co.uk before Mon 23rd Jan.
SJ Camp
The SJ camp is all but fully booked already so if you haven’t applied and had intended to, please contact Claire Lisi on 07880 622177 or c.lisi@hotmail.co.uk.
Eventing Camp
We have had an overwhelming response for the pre-season eventing camps at Aston and Boomerang so to secure places please send a deposit cheque for £50 to Lisa Heneghan, Alden Farm, Upton, OX11 9HS.
Just to clarify, the Aston camp will be seriously challenging at all levels and clearly aimed at those already competing at respective heights. Meanwhile, the Boomerang camp, whilst by no means the easy option, will be geared to encouragement and confidence building such that riders may even think, by the end, they would like to be moving up a level! Unfortunately there was a slight error on the last email as we are hoping the instructors at Boomerang will be Bert Scalesi, Ginny Haliwell, Toby Pigott and Nick Campbell – all highly experienced trainers who will be looking to push riders just a little bit out of their comfort zone. Lisa Heneghan lheneghan@btinternet.com
Dates for your Diary for this summer:
OBHPC Hunter Trial
Saturday 13th May at Wickstead
This year there will be a shortened course for younger riders as well as all the usual classes. All ages and abilities including parents!
OBHPC Junior Show
Sunday 4th June at Sower Hill, Uffington
Aimed at members and non-members aged 12 and under and those hoping to represent the branch in Grassroots SJ or Dressage teams this summer.
The Big Rally at Elmwood
Sunday 2nd July
Members of all ages are encouraged to come for a sociable day of riding. Please try your best to attend if you are going to Mini or Junior Camp as it is our opportunity to ensure you are in the correct ride for Camp.
OBHPC Mini ODE
Sunday 13th August at Lyford Stud
A lovely relaxed, fun event, with a mini XC course in a roped arena as well as the main XC courses.
A few changes to PC rules
There are a few changes to PC rules for 2017, the most relevant to our members is that long sleeves and medical armbands are now recommended but not compulsory for XC. Anyone with any chance of concussion following a fall will not be allowed to re-mount until they have been checked by a doctor; in reality this will mean not riding again that day. Anyone with confirmed concussion will not be allowed to ride for 21 days or until passed fit by a doctor.
Membership
The membership year runs to the end of January and we hope that everyone will be re-joining for another year to take advantage of the huge choice of rallies, camps, competitions and other activities as well as discounted hunting and event tickets, plus the great insurance that comes with membership of Pony Club. We’ll be sending the membership form out by email later this week, once Joy is back from the Philippines.
Below are rallies to the end of next month. Please check the website later this week as we are currently in the process of adding rallies for the next 4 months.
Finally, please make sure that you have the Awards Night on Saturday 11th February in your diary. In addition to giving out various awards we will be looking back on 2016 and discussing plans for camps, teams and tests for 2017 so it is the one event you really don’t want to miss.
Keep warm and dry!
Alison
December 2016 Update
The Christmas holidays started this weekend with a Xmas hack and jumping rally with Santa (Aaron), Mrs Santa (Sarah Charles) and they elves (coaches Jake, Jules, Honor and Faith) and 55 members, families and friends at Olympia.
On Thursday there is a very popular Musical Mince Pie Ride at Malthouse.
New Years Eve Mince Pie Ride
The Mince Pie Ride will be on New Year’s Eve this year starting at 11am from Larkhill Farm, Wantage, OX12 8PJ and going up beside the Point to Point course for a canter up the Point to Point Car Park field. Perfect for anyone with concerns about their brakes! It is aimed at those confident hacking in a group. Names please to alison@obhpc.co.uk
Hunting
After Christmas don’t miss the Children’s Meet at 11am on Weds 28th Dec As with all Meets the exact venue will be confirmed 5 days in advance but it will be somewhere suitable for all abilities including those on the lead rein and is particularly aimed at children that have not hunted before. For those children (and parents) that regularly hunt – and coaches – it would be lovely to see you there too to assist with newcomers. Correct dress is beige jobs, shirt and PC tie with hacking jacket, or stock and black / navy jacket for older members, with ponies plaited, however we would rather see you out and comfortable than staying at home because you can’t plait or don’t have the right jacket. If it is cold or wet it is absolutely fine to wear a warmer coat or waterproofs. Please have your parent’s number in your pocket (not just on your phone) and we ask parents to stay in the area or follow on foot. It is helpful if you can email vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk to let her know you are coming so she can notify you of any last minute changes if there is adverse weather.
For older members – Area 9 training and lunge test
A Test Training has proved to be very popular so Area 9 has arranged another training day on Monday 13th February 10.00 – 12.30 at Rectory Farm.
There will be a Lunge Test for members 16+ who already hold B Test.
Show Jump Training with Richard Waygood Friday 17th February at Rectory Farm.
Show Jump Training on 26th March at Rectory Farm with Spencer Sturmey at Rectory Farm.
Please book Area 9 training and tests with Julie Crew julie@jcrew.plus.com. Early booking very strongly recommended.
Summer Camp dates
Dates for 2017 Camps are now on the website http://branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire/camps/
You will see that there is a little more flexibility on ages to allow members more choice in when to move up to the next Camp and we have introduced a new Tiny Trotters Camp aimed at our youngest members.
Specialist Camps
Following the success of last Easter’s eventing camp we will run two eventing camps in 2017 to ensure we can accomodate everyone.
SJ and Dressage Camps – would your child be interested in a specialist SJ or Dressage Camp? Please register interest with alison@obhpc.co.uk
PC Jackets
We will be putting in an order for warm, waterproof PC jackets later this week. They are £48 and the price includes adding a name under the logo if you pre-order.
They will be available from White Horse Feeds in Childrey in early January. Please pre-order if you would like us to put aside the right size for you or for your FREE personalisation – alison@obhpc.co.uk.
3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 or adult sizes 32, 34, 36. Payment on collection from White Horse Feeds by cheque only please.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Alison
November 2016 Update
Christmas Rallies
We have a lovely choice of fun Christmas rallies during the holidays, so please book early so that organisers have all the chocolate and mince pies they will need. While these rallies may not be the most obvious step towards equestrian Olympic success, they are the ones that memories are made of, and over the years it is clear that the riders that do these fun rallies are the riders that are still enjoying their horses well in to their teens.
Wooly Coats
For those with field kept ponies please don’t feel that your ponies need to be perfectly polished for rallies now that they are growing their winter coats. Equally we would prefer that members are warm and dry so they can enjoy their riding even if it means sacrificing a bit of their usual style!
The Beach Ride
The 2016 Beach Ride over half term will go down in OBHPC history as “the year it rained”. Well done to the brave parents that turned up in torrential rain, to the riders with huge grins galloping on the sand and the parents – in particular Keith Peplar – who dug and towed the horse boxes and trailers out of saturated sand when they started to sink…. For those who were concerned about the effect of salt water on tack, it really was well rinsed off. We look forward to do it all again next year!
Hunting
The hunting season has started and all OBH Pony Club members are welcome and encouraged to come along to any Meet. The address for each Meet is sent to hunt subscribers 5 days in advance so simply email our PC Hunt Rep Vanessa Kilgour (vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk ) to find out what is coming up. For those who hunt regularly you may prefer to ask Richard Holt, the hunt secretary (r-holt@hotmail.co.uk) to add you to the list but please CC Vanessa when emailing so she can verify that you are PC members.
We have a number of really good Mentors who would love to see more members out and will look after unaccompanied children to teach them what hunting is all about. This is not intended to be a “babysitting” service so members must be in control in all paces, and parents will need to stay nearby in case of problems. Vanessa will happily match you with a suitable mentor; whether you want to jump or not, or whether you want to learn about how the hounds work, learn about traditions and etiquette or just to have someone to talk to.
Pony Club members pay a special rate of £20 (£10 for 12 and under).
Children’s Meet
There will be a special Children’s Meet on Wednesday 28th December 2016 and during February half term. For those that hunt regularly this is your chance to help the Master and whipper-in and for those that have never hunted this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go and there will be plenty of adults to help you get the most from the day. All welcome, younger children and those on lead rein will need to bring their own helper!
Awards Night
Our annual Awards Night will be on Saturday 11th February at the lovely new Letcombe Regis Village Hall. It is always a lovely evening, looking back at the thrills, spills and member achievements of the past year, so do put the date in your diary now.
Camps
Our residential Hartpury Camp will be 30th July – 4th August 2017.
We are finalising dates for our other Camps but they are likely to be the weeks immediately before and after Senior Camp and the confirmed dates will be on the website next week.
October 2016 Update
Dates for 2017
Area 9 dates for tests and team events are now available. See the schedules / fixtures page for details. The Old Berks will be hosting the Area SJ as well as the Dengie SJ next year so be sure to put 15th July in your diary now. As soon as we have confirmation of dates from Hartpury, which rely on the BE calendar, we will be able to confirm all of our camp dates.
Hunting
Half term is the last opportunity for some autumn hunting, which tends to be at a slower pace until the proper season starts early in November, so is a great introduction for children. Contact Vanessa to check where and when upcoming meets will be or to be put in touch with one of our hunting mentors. v.kilgour@yahoo.co.uk
Second Hand Kit
We will be having a clear out of Second Hand Kit later this month and propose to donate items to the Blue Cross if they have been in stock for some time and are unlikely to sell. If you have anything you don’t want us to donate please let Vicki know. vicki@clifford-jones.co.uk
For older members
In addition to our branch rallies you will have received an email this week with some more specialist rallies in Area 9. Book fast as they always oversubscribe.
We will be running a Stage 2 Coaching Course on Nov 6th for members aged 16+ who have completed over 40 hours of coaching since passing their Stage 1 course. To book email alison@guidesforbrides.co.uk
Olympia
We have just 6 tickets left for the Sunday afternoon performance and the entire show is now otherwise sold out. If you would like to join the group please let Sophie know. sophie@pearce1017fslife.co.uk
Half term rallies
There is a great choice of rallies next week including a couple of opportunities for parent participation on the Beach Ride and at the Lynham XC rally.
Our newsletter is kindly sponsored by White Horse Feeds Ltd, Foxhill Farm, Childrey www.whitehorsefeeds.com – for all your horse feed, stable equipment and rider accessories. They have a full range of PC sweatshirts, rugby shirts, XC base layers and the new winter coats so stock up now before the weather turns cold.
Have a great half term!
Alison
September 2016 Update
Mounted Games
After the success of the Junior team who reached the Zone Finals this summer, we are hoping to have teams for Junior, Senior and Lead-rein for next spring. If you are interested in giving it a go get in touch with Emma Jenning on emmajennings131@icloud.com and come along to some of the Friday sessions.
August 2016 Update
In dressage, SJ and eventing, teams or individuals qualified for the Championships in every level we entered and our teams won both the Mini and Junior eventing Areas.
3 members qualified for the Tetrathlon Championships.Well done to all those that have qualified for one of the three Championship weekends; we hope you enjoy a great weekend of competition, team work and camaraderie. Thank you to our incredibly hard working team managers and instructors for all you have done to help so many children achieve their dreams.Last, but by no means least, the OBHPC Jorrocks team won the U11 section at the Polo Championships. In the past the OBH were well known on the PC polo circuit and it is lovely to see our younger members doing so well.Enjoy the rest of the holidays, and don’t forget to give your busy ponies an occasional day off!AlisonOur Newsletter is kindly sponsored by White Horse Feeds in Childrey who can equip you with all your feed and stable requirements and have a new supply of OBHPC XC skins and jackets available now.
July 2016 Update
Firstly, an apology for the number of emails we have sent out recently. HQ have updated their database and we don’t yet have the facility to just send emails to the relevant members. That will be resolved soon, but in the meantime please accept our apologies.
June 2016 Update
- SJ – Mini On or Off Lead Rein, 50-60cm, 60-70cm, 70-80cm, 80-90cm, 90-100cm, 1m+
- XC – Mini On or Off Lead Rein, 50-65cm, 70-80cm, 85-95cm, 1m+
- Flatwork – Mini, Junior, Senior (12+)
- Dressage (bring a test to ride) – Mini, Junior, Senior
- Mounted Games – Mini On or Off Lead Rein, Junior
- Handy Pony – Mini On or Off Lead Rein, Junior
- Treasure Hunt – Mini On or Off Lead Rein, Junior
- Eventing Team training sessions – Mini (60-70cm), Junior (80cm), Novice (90-95cm) covering Dressage, SJ and XC
MAY 2016 Update
Ready for the summer?
Too hot, too cold, rugs on, rugs off, too little grass, too much grass. With the erratic Spring weather it is a real challenge to get the balance right to ensure horses and ponies are feeling at their best in time for a busy summer, but one of the benefits of being a Pony Club member is the access to free advice whenever you want it. There are various people here to call on, starting with our instructors who are all incredibly knowledgeable and who you all hopefully know well enough to discuss any concerns with – and vice versa. Alternatively Fiona Jack (07879 854712), Tussell Humphrey (07975 986270) and Ros Hayward (07702 959869) are always happy to help. For advice on getting the right balance when it comes to feeding, White Horse Feeds (01235 751529) can give specialist advice.
APRIL 2016 Update
MARCH 2016 Update
We are looking forward to seeing lots of you at the Dengie SJ Finals at Hartpury on Sunday. We are hosting the competition, so huge thanks go to all those who are assisting on the day and the night before, and particularly to Claire Lisi and Helen Keen for running the event.
Grassroots Championships
This year, in addition to the main Cholmondley Championships there will be Pony Club Regional Grassroots Championships at Rectory Farm on 27th August (Dressage – PC Grassroots Test 2016) & 28th August (SJ – 80cm).
Teams will be able qualify in the relevant classes at the Area 9 Dressage (27th July) and Area Show Jumping (17th July), the top 10 teams at each competition will qualify for the Regional Grassroots Championships.
This competition is open to any age of member with any size of horse or pony, but riders must not have represented their Branch at Novice level or above. Please let Amelia (dressage) and Claire (SJ) know if you are interested in taking part.
Advice on spurs permission is here: http://branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire/useful-information-for-new-members/wearing-spurs/
February 2016 Update
Awards Night
Dengie Show Jumping
January 2016 Update
Life after the C Test?
If you are thinking about moving on to take your C+ or B test, plan ahead and book your Pony Club Road Rider or BHS Riding and Road Safety Test now. You need to have one of these tests under your belt before you can take your C+ or B test. The BHS one is the most suitable if you are ultimately planning to take your A Test, and it is recognised outside of Pony Club, however there are limited BHS centres offering it. The Pony Club equivalent is a shorter, less expensive course but availability is strictly limited so apply early. The dates for this year are 27/6/16 theory and 3/7/16 ridden assessment. For details or to book contact Tussel Humphrey: info@brookfarmcottages.com
December 2015 Update
Dates for senior camp are now confirmed as the 25th – 29th July, with arrival on the evening of Sunday 24th and departure at lunchtime on the 29th. We received some really helpful feedback from the recent senior camp surveys and as a result we will be offering some specialist rides for 2016 including a C+/B Test preparation group, a specialist dressage group and a “countryside” group, as well as the 16+ group which proved so popular last year. The countryside group will be aimed at those members who are keen to come to camp and have an active and interesting week but don’t necessarily want to spend every moment with their pony. Further details will follow, or speak to Joanna Lambert for more information. jrjlambert@aol.com
November 2015 Update
Winter is definitely upon us and rallies are moving indoors with a focus on trying out new things and consolidating all that members learnt over the busy summer months.
A number of our under 10s have submitted screen tests and are waiting for news of whether our branch will be chosen to feature in a BBC documentary next year. At the other end of our age spectrum some of our Coaches will be taking the next steps in their training in order to qualify to teach SJ and XC to our younger members.
The hunting season has started. Check with Vanessa Kilgour (vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk) if you would like to know where the Meet is on a particular date. PC members wearing their PC badge are entitled to a discounted rate of £10 per day, or £5 for under 12, but please remember to go and find the secretary as soon as you arrive at the Meet and don’t leave it for them to come and ask for your cap. Dismounted parents must follow on foot or in a vehicle or remain in touch and nearby.
Camp dates for next summer have now all been confirmed. See www.obhpc.co.uk for more details.
We are delighted to welcome two new Assistant District Commissioners to assist in the smooth running of the Branch. Both are well known to many of our members and will each bring a new set of skills to our committee: James Gardiner will help oversee team selection, branch logistics, fundraising and our events as well as being our Health & Safety Officer. Joanna Lambert will help oversee the co-ordination of tests and hunting and be a point of contact for members looking for or selling ponies, as well as heading up the Senior Camp team.
We have also taken this opportunity to look at the committee structure, re-introducing a small “decision-making” committee voted in to serve a three year term, to run alongside our team of rally organisers. These rally organisers really are the life-blood of the Branch and we are pleased to have a number of new faces joining the experienced team. We can boldly say that we are approaching 2016 with a refreshed and enthusiastic team with lots of exciting plans and ideas.
Rally dates to the end of December are below and please come along to support the Pony Club Xmas Coffee Morning next Tuesday 24th November from 10am-12pm in Sophie Sayer’s barn; Warren Down House, Letcombe Bassett.
Best wishes
Alison & Lucinda
October 2015 Update
There is definitely an autumn feel in the air and as the clocks go back and we have less opportunity to ride after school, demand for spaces at rallies suddenly increase, so please be considerate to rally organisers and book in as early as you can so they can plan their groups.
Details of half term Autumn hunting have been circulated, and if you would like further information please contact our hunting rep, Vanessa Kilgour (vkilgour@yahoo.co.uk). For those aged 12+ and working towards their hunting badge, or those just keen to learn more about hunting, we have a number of mentors that you can be paired up with on the hunting field. For children hunting for the first time, on a new horse, or for parents wanting some peace of mind, we now have an instructor who is happy to escort and instruct on the hunting field for a couple of hours on a one-to-one basis. Vanessa Kilgour will be happy to put you in touch.
Area 9 Dates for 2016:
- 13th Mar Dengie Dressage – Moores Farm
- 20th Mar Dengie Show Jumping – Hartpury (Hosted by Old Berks Hunt PC)
- 25th Mar Pony Racing Cheltenham
- 2nd Apr Dengie Show Jumping Finals – Addington
- 3rd Apr Dengie Dressage Finals – Addington
- April Area Horse and Pony Care
- 30th May Hickstead SJ Qualifier – Kemble Show
- 2nd-3rd July Area Tetrathlon – Gadbury
- 4th-5th July 16+ clinic – Rectory Farm
- 10th July Barbury Show Jumping
- 14th July Area Eventing (Open class only) to be held at Upton House BE Event
- 17th July Area Show Jumping – Stowell Park
- 23rd July Area Eventing (Intermediate, Novice and Junior 80cm) – Dauntsey
- 27th July Area Dressage – Kemerton Hall
- 3rd Aug Jorrocks Polo
- 5th-7th Aug Cowdray Polo Champs
- 6th-7th Aug Reg Tetrathlon
- Aug TBC Area Mini Eventing – Rabson
- 11th-14th Aug Tetrathlon Championships – Bishop Burton
- 19th-23rd Aug Main Pony Club Championships – Cholmondeley Castle
- Sept 4th Area 9 SJ Championships – Rectory Farm
September 2015 Update
As children return to school and ponies finally get a few well earned days off, we can reflect on an incredibly busy and successful summer for the OBHPC. More than half our members – 167 in total – attended Mini, Junior or Senior Camp and enjoyed the opportunity to try a variety of different activities. Lila and Evie enjoyed a moment of fame when Spencer’s video of them jumping bareback at Camp went viral on Facebook. Members qualified for the PC Championships in SJ, Dressage, Eventing, Tetrathlon and Horse & Pony Care, with top 10 Championship placings in SJ, Dressage and Eventing, Team 2nd in Intermediate Dressage and another national win for Fiona Jack’s Horse and Pony Care team. 135 members passed tests from E to AH level, with a 100% pass rate within the Branch, which is quite a feat at C+, B and AH level. The holidays ended with the Area 9 SJ Championships at Rectory Farm where OBHPC almost swept the board with our teams winning 4 of the 6 classes.
Our branch is bucking the national trend and is growing in membership year on year, thanks largely to an incredibly committed committee of volunteers putting on such a range of rallies, camps and team activities. Sadly, increased work commitments have meant that Lucinda is stepping down from her role as Joint DC at the end of the year, but will be continuing in a slightly less time consuming role. To continue to serve our members well we will be making some changes to the way the committee is structured, opening the way for more parents to get involved in a wide variety of roles. Now is your chance to step forward if there are any areas that you feel you can help with; simply reply to this email for more details.
Hunter Trial
The OBH Hunter Trial is on Sunday 11th October. The schedule is on the website and if yu aren’t competing but can give up a few hours to jump judge please contact Jane Marsh. email: marsh-jane@btconnect.com
Team Chasing
We will be putting together a team or two for some low key (approx 90cm) team chasing this autumn. At the moment we are aiming for Grafton on 18th October and Bicester on the 8th November but there are various other opportunities. For more details please reply to this email.
Alison & Lucinda
August 2015 Update
- More than 100 members have had an amazing time with their friends and ponies at either Mini Camp in Brightwalton or Junior Camp in Wickstead.
- 116 members enjoyed the very well-named “Big Rally” and BBQ at Elmwood.
- We had a very successful Dressage Area competition with members qualifying for the Championships in all three levels.
- At the Eventing Areas we had 5 teams competing at the Mini and Junior competition and all 5 teams were placed in the top 5. At Novice, Intermediate and Open levels we had members qualifying for the Championships in all three levels.
- Jack Church has been competing as part of the Tetrathlon Central team this week and has qualified for the Championships.
- Members have has great results in dressage and show jumping at the Trailblazers championships and the RC Eventing championships.
- Becca Bell is heading home from an incredible week in Malmo as part of the European Pony Dressage Team where she was part of the gold medal winning team.
- Numerous tests and badges have been achieved and 34 members passed their D+ test at Junior Camp.
- Lots of members gave up time to help at camps, and their assistance, along with the new coaches, proved absolutely invaluable.
Results and lots of photos from all of our activities are on our branch Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OBHPC
July 2015 Update
Camps
Mini and Junior Camps are now full, with waiting lists being held for both. There are a few spaces left at Senior Camp but please get your forms in to Joy in the next few days if you would like to come.
The Big Rally at Elmwood
We have 87 members of all ages already booked in, so please book by return if you would like to come and haven’t yet booked. We will have morning and afternoon sessions with a BBQ lunch and icecream van in between. Book with Lisa Smith: lisasmith@bensmithandsons.co.uk
Area SJ
Our Area teams were 9th in Juniors, 8th in Novice, 3rd and 8th in Intermediate, only just missing out on a Championship Qualifier, with Sasha H qualifying as an individual. However the new saddlepads may have contributed to fantastic results outside the ring, with OBH teams claiming 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th positions across the Novice and Intermediate Tack & Turnout competitions!
Barbury SJ
Well done to Niamh – 2nd Individual, and to Sasha Cammack, Issy Rowsell, Maddie Plumb and Izzie Miners for being 3rd in the team competition.
Tetrathlon
Good luck to the following members who will be representing the OBH this weekend in the Tetrathlon Areas. After the great results they have been achieving throughout the season we are looking forward to a good weekend of competition!
- John
Jack
Olivia
Ella
Archie
Bea
Ella
Lexie
Polly
Fenella
Dressage and Eventing Areas
The dressage and eventing teams are training hard and there is no doubt that by training together our members get so much more from being part of a team competition. Mini and Junior eventing teams will be finalised after this Monday’s rally at Rabson Manor.
A huge thank you!
Can we take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who are all particularly busy at this time of year with camps, rallies, team training and area competitions. Most of our volunteers take time off work – unpaid – to put on such a busy programme for the benefit of our members and we are incredibly grateful for every hour given to the Branch.
Children, please remember to thank them as they do it all for you.
Parents, at this time of year the smallest gesture to a busy volunteer can be a godsend so please step forward where you can, whether it is loading or towing a trailer of jumps for camps or taking cups of tea to instructors at rallies. All help will be hugely appreciated!
Enjoy the holidays!
Alison & Lucinda
June 2015 Update
OBHPC Junior Show
The Junior Show on 31st May was a huge success again this year with over £2500 being raised for the Branch. Lisa Powell, Caroline Norton-White and their fantastic team did an amazing job, despite challenging weather conditions relocating the marquee into a hedge the night before. We have received some lovely emails from parents of members and non-members, including some who hadn’t been to a show before, who really enjoyed the friendly, encouraging atmosphere and gorgeous rosettes. Former District Commissioner, Sue Cobham, summed it up beautifully in her letter to the organisers, “I want to thank you and all your team involved in running Sundays PC Show so much for such a wonderful day. Everyone was having a such marvellous time, from the oldest judges (me?) to the youngest spectator (probably less than a year old), including Ring Stewards, helpers, secretaries, announcers, PC Members, and, most of all, those amazing over-18 year old ponies!”
Schedules
Remember to check the Schedules page for details of shows, hunter trials and events in the area. There is lots of choice on there for every level.
Area Teams
Squads for dressage, showjumping or eventing are being finalised this week. If you are hoping to be involved and haven’t had an email this week please get in touch with Alison or Lucinda by email ASAP as it may be that the discipline manager didn’t think you were interested or available. If you are riding safely at the required level, have been an active member of Pony Club all year and are able to attend team training in June / July, we would like you to be involved, even if you aren’t the most competitive; it is not all about winning! There tend to be more members than there are spaces at the lower levels (75cm – 90cm classes) but selection is based on several criteria including age and attendance of rallies, not just ability.
Yummy Mummy Camp
We are incredibly lucky in the OBHPC to have Lisa Smith organising group lessons for pony club Mums and a group of intrepid campers have just enjoyed two wonderful days at Boomerang with instructors Fi Dowding and Charlotte Jackson.
The Big Rally at Elmwood
The Big Rally is on Thursday 23rd July and we hope that every member can be there. It is suitable for all ages from minis on lead rein up to our open teams, with gymkhana, dressage, SJ and XC. We are particularly keen for those planning to go to mini or junior camp to be there as it helps us finalise rides, and there will be team practices for the eventing and dressage squads.
There will be a BBQ and an ice-cream van so you can make a day of it if you want to.
Book by email with Lisa Smith lisasmith@bensmithandsons.co.uk
Beach Ride
Back by popular request, our Beach Ride will be on Saturday 25th July at Brean Beach. It is great fun and well worth the drive. See the fixtures page for more details.
End of summer charity BBQ
Friday 28th August at Radcot Equestrian, 5.30pm – 10pm. Join us for a social evening of fun activities, hog roast and a silent auction with some fabulous prizes. Tickets are £5 per family and are available from Aaron Nobbs or Michelle Noys and available at The Big Rally and at our camps. Michelle is collecting raffle, tombola and auction prizes so please let her know if you are able to help. noyses@ntlworld.com
Alison & Lucinda
May 2015 Update
Final preparations are underway for the OBHPC Junior Show on Sunday 31st May. The schedule is here. It is a great help to organisers (and saves on late entry fees) if you can get entries in nice and early, and please email the link on to anyone outside of PC that you think might be interested – it is open to members and non-members, 12 and under.
A massive amount of work has already gone into arranging the show and Lisa Powell and her wonderful committee would really appreciate some extra hands for the set up on Saturday 30th and most importantly for the clear up on Sunday afternoon. If you can spare an hour on either day please email her on lisa.p@me.com – just the offer of towing a trailer of jumps back to Oldfield Farmhouse on the Sunday afternoon makes a big difference at the end of a long day.
The OBH Hunter Trial is at Step Farm on Sunday 7th June with courses from 2’3 to 3′. Schedule here.Area Showjumping is on Sunday 5th July at Stowell Park. We will be entering teams for the Novice (90cm), Intermediate (100cm) and Open (110cm) qualifiers, and also for the Junior class which is 75cm and open to members 12 and under on the 1st January. Those on the long list for possible selection, based on interest already expressed or attendance of SJ rallies, will be emailed over the next week. If you don’t receive an email and would like to be considered for teams please email Claire Lisi on c.lisi@hotmail.co.uk. We try to include as many members as possible so please don’t be shy in coming forward!
April 2015 Update
Junior Camp is Monday 27th July – Thursday 30th July. Email Ann Addington
Mini Camp is Monday 3rd August – Wednesday 5th August. Email Lucy Winfield
Saltires team – Lara, Freddie, William, Ella and Bea
March 2015 Update
138cm (13.2) and under for children aged 9 – 11 years
148cm (14.2) and under for children aged 12 – 15 years
There is a pony racing rally this Saturday, 21 March, at 10am at the Lockinge point-to-point course, so that anyone intending to ride in the pony races this year or are considering it for next year can practice riding the course before entries close. Please contact Do Curtis to book or for ore information.
Email: joannacurtis@upperfarm.uk.com or phone 07881 821500
A huge good luck to our two Junior Horse and Pony Care Teams who will be representing the Branch at the first of the 2015 Area competitions early in April.
And good luck and a sad farewell to Mel Jones who will be moving to Ireland early next month. Mel has been teaching for the OBHPC since the 1980s. She has trained our eventing teams, prepared candidates for tests at every level, taught all levels of rider and has been as popular at mini camp as she is with the top rides at senior camp. She will be greatly missed and we wish her, Steve, Gee and Lily the best of luck for the future. She has promised that she will be flying back to teach at senior camp this summer!
February 2015 Update
Niamh Warburton
William Curtis
Di Scott
Willie Cadogan
Arabella Brooking
Chiara Henegan
Granny Warburton’s dog, Rosie
Jack Whiteford
Henry Insley
Archie Bugner
Jack Church
Ella Dixon
Henry Jennings
Chloe Barlow
Sophie Johnson
Romilly McIntosh
Bea Cadogan
Immy Sanderson
Max Warburton
Luisa Lisi
January 2015 Update
Hat Tagging
During 2015 all purple hat tags will be replaced with a new purple and white tag. This is partly due to more rigorous standards which will mean that hats only marked with (BS)EN1384 cannot be used after 2015. Full details of accepted hats are attached and our hat taggers, Amelia, Joy and Tor Tearney will be able to answer any queries, but IF YOU ARE BUYING A NEW HAT check with the retailer that the hat they are selling you will be compliant AFTER 2015. Inevitably there will be a lot of hats they will be keen to shift at great prices as they can’t now be used for PC activities beyond 2015.
HeadCams are no longer permitted for PC rallies as they can compromise a hat’s effectiveness.
Hats must be replaced after a severe impact as subsequent protection will be significantly reduced.
Awards Night
The most important reminder for this month’s update is the Awards Night this Saturday 24th January, 6.30pm – 9pm at Hanney Village Hall. The evening is intended as a celebration of ALL that goes on in our Branch of Pony Club, not just the riding achievements, and we hope that all members across all ages will bring their parents along to join in. Bring a picnic, the bar will be open and dress code is casual. Numbers in advance to Joy please.
Trips
The annual trip to Olympia this year was more popular than ever with over 65 in the OBHPC group. Our allocation of showjumping tickets for the last day of Badminton Horse Trials have already sold out but remember you can still book on line and there are a couple of camping pitches left for anyone wanting to join the OBH camping group for the week. Quote Old Berks Hunt Pony Club when booking direct with the Badminton Box Office.
Competitions
Well done to those who have been out braving the weather. We had lots of members competing in the PC sections of the 2 Phase eventing at Wickstead’s Horseplay today with several more members qualifying for the Championships, and some great results from the Pony Club Xmas Team Show Jumping competition at West Wilts at the end of December Ces Young represented the OBHPC at Olympia in the Mini Major Relay last month.
If you are out competing at PC events or have anything else that other members will be interested please send photos and results for inclusion on Facebook to alison@obhpc.co.uk.
Coaching Course
Last call for members interested in becoming a Pony Club coach in time for for this summer. You need to be aged 16 or over and ideally already hold your B Test. We will be running a one day Coaching Course on Wednesday 9th April followed by a mentoring programme to get you ready to coach in the summer. Names to Alison asap.
Rallies v The Weather
Our rally organisers are an pretty amazing bunch, but the one thing they can’t control is the weather. If it is particularly wet, windy, snowy or icy remember to check your email and mobile for messages before you set out in case they have made the decision to cancel (something we try to avoid as we know that many of you rely on having a good surface to ride on during the winter). You will not be charged for rallies in that instance, however if you decide that you would rather not venture out to a rally that is going ahead, you may still be liable to pay as we are still likely to be charged by the venue and instructor. Please don’t venture out if you feel your journey will be unsafe or if your child won’t enjoy the rally.
December 2014 Update
November 2014 Update
OBHPC members had 23 different rallies to choose from over half term, including mounted games, mini showjumping, horseball, dressage, hunting rallies, SJ at Rectory Farm, XC at Lynham and arena eventing at Wickstead. Definitely something for everyone!
Well done to the 6 members who all passed their D+ test.
Camps
Summer Camps are the highlight of the Pony Club year for many members so we are delighted to have all of our dates confirmed for next summer so that holidays can be planned around them.
Mini Camp at Brightwalton – Monday 3rd August – Wednesday 5th August (Ages 3-8)
Junior Camp at Wickstead – Monday 27th July – Thursday 30th July (Ages 9-11)
Senior Camp at Hartpury – Sunday 16th August – Friday 21st August (Ages 12+)
Booking forms will be available on line on 1st May and we will ensure that we can offer places to all those who return forms promptly. All abilities are catered for at all camps. Further details are on the Camps page.
Xmas Coffee Morning and Xmas Fair
The OBHPC Xmas coffee morning will be held on Wednesday 3rd December from 10.30am to 1pm at Warren Down Farm, Letcombe Bassett OX12 9LR. This is a scaled down version of the Oaksey House Xmas Fair which has now moved to Newbury. Join us for a coffee, cake and a chat, and an opportunity for a bit of Christmas shopping and a rummage through the 2nd Hand Tack shop. If you are able to bake a cake beforehand we would love to receive cakes either on the morning or the day before. Please let Sophie Sayer know if you are able to help.
The OBH Xmas Fair is on Tuesday 18th November at Kidson Trigg.
Hunting
The hunting season has now started and we already have one member who has completed their hunting badge this season. Now that Annabel Saunders is no longer a Master with the OBH she has stepped down as Pony Club Hunt representative after an incredible 10 years. Thank you Annabel for all that you done during that time, and the numerous mock hunts, rallies and kennel visits you have organised. Vanessa Kilgour is taking on her role as Hunting Rep and is the person to speak to if you are thinking of hunting with the OBH for the first time, or just to find out where the next meet is.
The Childrens’ Meet is on Monday 29th December, venue TBC.
For those wanting to give drag hunting a go, the Berks and Bucks Meet Card is on our Hunting page. Please speak to Phoebe Hobby for details.
Team Indoor Showjumping at Christmas
The Ledbury PC are hosting a showjumping competition at Hartpury on 7th December, schedule is online. There are classes from 60cm upwards and ALL are invited to be part of a team. Just let Claire Lisi know that you are entering. It is a popular show so it tends to be quite a long day!
The Avon Vale have their show at West Wilts on the 28th – 29th December with classes from 55 – 90cm on the Sunday and from 65 – 105cm on the Monday. We tend to have a good number of teams going and again ALL are encouraged to join in. Entries are limited, and close on 18th Dec, so enter early and then let Claire Lisi know so she can add you to a team.
Rider Development Pathway
The Rider Development Pathway was launched last year to aid the development of Pony Club Members who show the ability to progress in their sport and provides a stepping stone for young riders working towards the talent pathways of the Olympic riding disciplines.
Assessment dates for 2015, training dates and application criteria are now online.
And finally …. Amelia’s Chocolate Biscuit Cakes are back!
The Original chocolate biscuit cake, which many of you already know and love, (has sultanas in and a squidgy milk chocolate icing) has been joined by a very indulgent Dark Chocolate Ginger one (dark chocolate icing), a deliciously decadent Salted Caramel (or unsalted, according to taste also with a dark chocolate icing) and a Rocky Road (with toffee popcorn and mini marshmallows and the same icing as the Original) completes the quartet.
Available in Large (A4ish) £11 or small (A5ish) £6 sizes. All freeze well except Rocky Road.
Amelia will be at the Hunt Christmas Fair on Tuesday 18th November at Kidson Trigg and at the OBHPC Coffee Morning on Wednesday 3rd December but of course you can order at any time.
Email Amelia or call/text 07867971934.
Best wishes
Alison and Lucinda
October 2014 Update
There is a great range of rallies to book in to over half term, listed below, plus Aaron will be hosting a Chase me Charlie competition on 30th October with generous prizes for each group. The rumours are that Jo Burnage and Mel Jones will be joining in!
Booking rallies
When booking into rallies with an organiser that doesn’t yet know your child it is helpful to give them the following information so that your child gets the most from the rally:
Age of child and pony
How long owned (if a new combination)
What test they are working towards
Height comfortable jumping
Anything else the instructor should know (eg recent problems, learning difficulties)
Camps and Areas
Dates for Mini, Junior and Senior Camps will be added to the website early in November as soon as Hartpury’s BE schedule has been finalised. Dates for the Areas and Championships are now on the website under Fixtures.
Ponies Wanted and For Sale
Details of ponies Wanted and For Sale are in the classified section of our website, but there were so many in the OBH in September that we have put together a list (attached) which was circulated to Area 9 last week. Please email Joy with anything for our Classified pages, sending it as text and a photo rather than as a word document please.
Date for the OBHPC Awards Night
We have moved our Awards Night at Hanney Village Hall from Friday 23rd January to Saturday 24th January to avoid a clash with the OBH AGM. It is your opportunity to see the annual accounts and to socialise with other pony club families in a warmer, dryer setting than usual! The bar will be open and the evening will start with bring and share picnics on french-style tables before moving onto a short slideshow of the year (including rare footage of what really happens at Senior Camp) and Awards for everything from the most spectacular tumble of the year to the best turned out combination (instructors and rally organisers – it is time to start comparing notes!).
New hat tags will come in on 1st January and this will also be a great opportunity to get you hat re-tagged.
The OBHPC Committee needs YOU!
We have a few positions looking for willing volunteers. Are you able to get involved? If so, this is your chance. Please contact Lucinda or Alison for details – or to volunteer.
1. The OBHPC Hunter Trial at Wickstead. This is a popular event and a great fund raiser. It is a relatively simple day to run as the course is set up and numbered by Wickstead, and there is a big file with everything you need to know. We need someone keen to run the event with a small team, with assistance from the committee if required.
2. Christmas coffee morning. This used to be a very popular event in the diary, which started as a coffee morning and over the years grew into a big Christmas Fair that then merged with the Oaksey House Christmas Fair, which in turn grew so big that it has moved to Newbury Racecourse! We would like to re-claim the small and friendly event, ideally hosted in a house or small village hall, possibly with a few little Christmas stands but most importantly with coffee, cake and a chance to chat. Absolutely no horse knowledge required, you could organise it single-handedly or put together a small committee.
3. Minutes secretary. After many years of making sense of all the discussions at committee meetings, Sophie Sayer is stepping down from her role as Minutes Secretary. We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to her for all she has done for the Pony Club, and are delighted that she is going to continue to be involved in other roles. If you are interested in what happens within the OBH, can keep notes at 3-6 meetings per year (midweek term time evenings), type them up and circulate them to the committee, this is the role for you, and again no horse knowledge is needed.
Have a great half term!
Alison and Lucinda.
September 2014 Update
With children back at school, ponies and the PC committee are able to catch their breath and look back on a very busy and successful summer for the OBHPC. Membership is now well over 300, we have a very dedicated and enthusiastic team of volunteers and instructors, and at the committee meeting last week the list of member’s achievements at every level, from Mimi McGregor winning most improved Mini Jorrock to Becca Bell’s silver medal, seemed to go on forever.
OBHPC and OBH One Day Event
Yesterday’s ODE at Step farm was a great success again this year, with entries for two of the classes closing early as they had filled so fast. Nearly 100 riders took part, with almost as many volunteers assisting in one way or another to ensure that everyone had a very happy, successful and incident free day.
PC Championships
We only had one OBH rider, Max Warburton, at the Open and Intermediate Championships, but he did us proud by coming 3rd in his Open dressage section and winning the Open Eventing. The Junior Horse and Pony Care Teams beat strong competition to come 1stand 4th in their Championships, silencing the critics who had questioned the fact that they were 1st and 2nd at the Area competition that the OBHPC ran in April.
At the Novice Championships Henry Insley was 13th in the show jumping and Sasha Hargreaves was 3rd in the Dressage. Henry Hobby was 5th in the eventing, and the youngest competitor there. Although neither of our eventing teams were placed, the Blue team came away with a far greater accolade; the Horsemanship Award. This is awarded to the team that was judged to have ridden the most competently cross country. Congratulations to Niamh Warburton, Henry Hobby, Honor Macfarlane and Charka Stout, and thanks to their team trainer Spencer Sturmey, who also arranged for HitAir to supply them all with air jackets for the weekend, and to Fiona Stout for coaching them at the Championships.
Area 9 SJ Championships
Very well done to all of our members who qualified for the Are 9 SJ Championships last weekend; we had competitors in every class and despite incredibly strong competition a number of members were placed. Full results are here.
Tests
If your child is interested in doing their D+ this autumn, please contact Emma Elliot as soon as possible.
Ponies wanted / for sale
September is a popular time of year for ponies to move on to new homes. If you would like details of your pony for sale, or pony wanted, to be circulated around Area 9, please send details by email to alison@obhpc.co.uk before Monday 22nd September to be included on the list and on our Classifieds.
Time for a clear out?
Our 2nd Hand tack shop does a roaring trade and is a great way to get rid of unwanted tack, rugs, boots etc – for horse and rider. We can’t sell hats, and prefer not to take saddles, but kit in good condition always sells well, particularly the higher value items that people don’t want to buy new. You get 75% of the proceeds of the sale, with the balance going to Pony Club, and all you need to do it ensure it is clean and labelled, and drop it off to Vicki Clifford Jones at Sunwillow Farm, Childrey. Full details are on the website.
Ensure your name and telephone number are on the label, and the price if you know what you want for it; otherwise Vicki will use her judgement as to a reasonable price.
There are a few items that have been in stock for a long time without selling, and we would like to move them on now by reducing the price or donating them to an equine charity. Please contact Vicki before the end of September if you would prefer to collect anything of yours that might fall in to that category.
Items available for sale are on the website and can be viewed by appointment with Vicki, as well as being at many of our bigger events.
Fixtures
We are in the process or organising the rally list for the next few months, taking us all right through to February, but in the meantime the forthcoming rallies are listed below. Please note that Miles and Annabel Sunders have kindly left their XC course open so that we can hold a rally there on Wednesday evening. Please book with Therese before Tuesday evening if you would like to come along; it is suitable for 1’6″ lead rein right up to 3’+.
Enjoy the last of the summer,
Alison and Lucinda
August 2014 Update
It has been a busy few weeks for the Old Berks, with 59 members at Junior Camp, 49 at Mini Camp and 60 at Senior Camp, all having a fantastic time with their ponies, friends and their instructors. A huge thank you to all of the camp leaders and helpers who worked so hard to ensure everything ran so smoothly.
100 members came to the Big Rally at Elmwood just before the Camps this year which gave them a great opportunity to see old friends, make new ones, meet instructors and enjoy a BBQ and huge amounts of ice-cream. Don’t forget you can order photos from Olivia Pile’s website from this rally and Junior Camp if you haven’t already done so.
Lots of members have passed Tests to be awarded their next “felt”; well done to you all. Others are working hard towards tests later in the holidays.
Two of our members have enjoyed international success; John’s tetrathlon team came 2nd in Australia and Becca brought home a silver medal, this time from the Pony European Dressage in Ireland.
Earlier this week everyone who has attended show jumping rallies throughout the year was invited to a BBQ at Aaron Nobb’s yard. Despite a downpour as the BBQ was lit, everyone enjoyed a lovely evening, thanks to Claire Lisi and Aaron’s great cooking skills, and 17 members were awarded their Show Jumping competition badge.
Area Competitions
We have had teams competing at all the Areas, with Max (Open Dressage and Open Eventing), Sasha (Novice Dressage) and Henry I (Novice Showjumping) qualifying as Individuals for the Championships in Cheshire and our Novice Eventing Teams doing incredibly well, with 2 of the 3 teams qualifying. Good Luck to those two teams, Charka, Honor, Henry H, Niamh, Effie, Henry I, Amelia and Jack, and our two Novice Individuals, when they compete for the OBHPC on Sunday.
Our Mini Teams were 1st and 4th at this years Mini Eventing. This was the first time for a few years that a 70cm competition has been run and it proved very popular and likely to be repeated much closer to home next summer.
Our Polo Jorrocks did very well having moved up a division and a special mention to Mimi McGregor for winning “Most Improved Girl” across the entire Jorrocks age group.
Jack and John Church are at the Tetrathlon Championships this week so we look forward to receiving news from them.
Open and Intermediate Championships
We had a very successful representation at the Intermediate and Open Championships last weekend, with 2 wins, a 3rd and a 4th. A particular well done to Max Warburton who won the Open venting as well as coming 3rd in his arena for the Open Dressage. A full report from Fiona Jack on the Horse and Pony Care is below:
“The two Junior Teams had a terrific day at Cholmondeley Castle: our ‘A’ Team of Victoria Holt, Sasha Hargreaves and Hannah Richardson romped home to reclaim the Junior Trophy by the narrowest of margins – half a mark! The Chiddingfold Farmers, who have held the Trophy twice before, came second and the South Northumberland, who have held the Trophy for the last two years, came third. In fourth place were our ‘B’ team of Eleanor Hubbard, Louise Hancock and Ophelia Spracklen. An awesome result!
Our Senior Team – Sophie Oakland, Megan Borland and Rosie Mason faced stiff competition and finished 13th out of 20 teams a very creditable result as they were among the youngest. The rule change this year to allow teams to field an Associate member (aged 21 – 25 years) means that the standard is now higher than ever, and faced with this Sophie, Megan and Rosie stayed cheerful and positive and gave a really commendable performance – well done all of you!”
Area 9 SJ Championships
Lots of our members have qualified for the Area 9 Championships on 7th September. We will be putting teams together nearer the time and it has been lovely to see lots of you at the preparation rallies for this competition.
Hunting
Autumn Hunting starts tomorrow and there is likely to be an afternoon meet on Saturday. As our usual hunting representative for Pony Club, Annabel Saunders, is away this week, if you would like to check where it is so that you can go along please call Mel Wright, OBH Secretary, on 01793 780104 or email mel.wright@btinternet.com. Annabel will be back in time for the Mock Hunt on Friday 29th August. Members aged over 12 get a discounted rate of £10 if displaying their PC badge, and anyone who litter-picked or sold racecards at the Point to Point should have received a voucher for a free day.
The OBHPC One Day Event
Our event at Step Farm is on 14th September so please get your entries in now if you haven’t already. The schedule is here and you can enter online on www.horse-events.co.uk. There are courses from 1’9″ lead rein to 3ft, so something for everyone including parents! Please come and support it as it is an important fund raiser for us.
Email Addresses
We currently only have email addresses for a minority of members and would like to be able to send emails such as this one to members as well as their parents. If your child has their own email address please reply to this email with their name and email address so that we can update their record. We will continue to send all emails to you too.
Enjoy the rest of the summer holidays!
Alison and Lucinda
July 2014 Update
At last, the summer holidays are upon us and we have an action packed calendar to look forward to, and a print-friendly version of the calendar at the bottom of this email to make it easier for you to see what is on offer. As before, for up to date information and for email links direct to the rally organisers it is best to look at the fixtures page on the website, but we are aware that many members had asked for a printable version too.
News
This weekend several of our Junior members, plus instructors Fi Dowding and Sarah Charles are representing the Branch at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim. If you are going, look out for them on Sunday.
The dressage squad got off to a great start with some fantastic results at the Badminton Dressage competition on Tuesday with almost every OBH competitor being placed in their section. Jack C won his section and Max W came 7th overall in the ride-off. Well done to Amelia and Edward for all their hard work training the teams. More details and photos of the dressage are on our Facebook page where you will also find updates on how John Church is getting on in Australia; as this goes out his team is leading the boys’ competition after an impressive shoot score of 920 from John yesterday.
Rallies
Next week brings The Big Rally and Summer BBQ at Elmwood on Thursday 24th July, and if you are booked in you will have had an email earlier this evening. Over 100 members will be doing a range of activities, fuelled by burgers and sausages, to celebrate 85 years of Pony Club. We are delighted that so many of the older members are coming along to help. Our Area 9 representative, Pleasance Jewitt, will be there to meet some of our members and see what we get up to in the Old Berks.
Don’t forget Horseball on Wednesday 6th August, and book in soon with Amelia if you haven’t already. It is great fun and a really good way to gain confidence on your pony and meet new people, and the OBH is one of the only pony clubs to offer this activity.
Camps
More than half of our 299 members will be at one of the Summer Camps over the next few weeks, with many more members giving up their time to help at Mini and Junior Camps. If any other members (ideally over 12) can spare a day to help please email Lucinda.
Teams
Over 60 members will be competing in Area Teams for Dressage, Show Jumping, Tetrathlon, Polo and Eventing over the next 3 weeks and we are so pleased to be able to include so many capable riders across the age groups, competing from 70cm upwards.
Hunting Badge
For members who enjoy hunting there will soon be the opportunity to work towards your Hunting Badge. Register your interest with Annabel Saunders now and put the hunting rallies and kennel visits on 25th July, 29th August and 1st September in your diary. Members (aged 12 and over) will need to demonstrate a keen interest and knowledge in hunting and hounds before being assessed in the hunting field by a hunt mentor. Hunting Badge holders who consistently demonstrate good manners while hunting with the OBH stand a chance of being the first to be awarded the Sheila Nash Memorial Stock later in the season.
Volunteering
Please don’t forget that every Pony Club rally, camp or event is run by busy volunteers, and at this time of year they are all working really hard to make this Pony Club great for your children. You may not have the time to train as a first aider or to run a camp, but please look out for opportunities to help out, whether it is loading and towing a trailer of show jumps, baking a cake to share at a rally, or picking up a box of icepops for children to enjoy at the end of a hot day at camp. Everyone will appreciate anything you can do to help.
One Day Event
Finally, a date for your diary; the OBH and OBHPC One Day Event on Sunday September 14th. We have classes from 1’9″ in a mini roped arena to 3′ around the main course so there is something for everyone including hopefully lots of parents! If you don’t fancy competing, we are looking for help with jump judging. No experience necessary as you will be shown exactly what to do. The schedule is attached.
Enjoy the sunshine, your ponies and the fact that there is no more school until September!
Alison and Lucinda
June 2014 Update
We hope that you found our update last month useful, it seems amazing that another month has flown by, there is much to celebrate, which include the fantastic news that Becca Bell has been selected to represent the GB pony dressage team with Valido’s Sunshine (Sunny); and has been made her own reserve with her other pony, Valido’s Starlight (Star). John Church leaves in 2 weeks to represent GB in the PC Tetrathalon in Australia, we wish him good luck, as well as all the other fantastic members of the OBHPC as you go out and represent us at all the many events you all go to. It is impossible for us to name everyone and all the events we are represented at.
Half term was busy with many fantastic rallies, thank you to all who organise these, some of the highlights being a ride along the beach, horse ball, and the Craven PC competition, where we had many great results.
The Junior Show was a resounding success and we are so grateful to Lisa Powell and her incredible team for all they did to make this happen against all odds, and we are thrilled to include a write up from them about it.
“The sun shone and against all odds the PC Junior Show was a huge success this year, despite the last minute change of venue! There were over 150 entries and approximately £2,500 was raised. We could only manage this with the help of Annabel and Miles Saunders who kindly offered their land at the last minute and also about 20 people who rose to the challenge and came to set up on the Saturday. It was great to see so many Dads helping out. They seemed to achieve an incredible amount with a smile and a beer in hand! Many thanks as well to all the committee for working so hard and making it happen on the day.”
Mounted Games Areas were earlier this month, and great sportsmanship, determination, skill and team spirit was demonstrated by our teams. Fabulous turnout (thanks in part to Joanna’s beautiful handmade bibs, scrunchies and special OBH browbands) lead to very well deserved 1st Prize for turnout for the Senior Team and 2nd and 3rd for the Junior Teams. Well done to those competing: Grace B, Sasha and Ella C, Camilla and Polly K, Lucy P, Lara M, Lottie and Peter A, Rose and Freddie C, Faith J, Lucy H and Tilly K, Bea C
And a HUGE thank you Joanna Lambert for all you do to make this happen.
Then to top it all the Yummy Mummys had their very own Yummy Mummy camp at Boomerang, organised and run by Lisa and Risi.
Coming Up
We are heading towards the summer holidays and many more rallies have been added to the website so please do continue to check it regularly as it is constantly being updated.
One we are keen to highlight is our Big Rally at Elmwood on Thursday 24th July, there will be something for everyone so please do try and come along, there will be XC from 60cms to 1m+, with lead rein hack around the XC course and paddling in the water jump, SJ from lead rein to 1m+ and dressage at all levels.
We will also be having the Summer BBQ that day and it would be fantastic to see as many members as possible at that, even if you aren’t riding at the rally. Details on the Fixtures page, and names for those coming to just the BBQ to Joy please.
AREA TEAMS
Emails will be going out shortly from the different discipline managers to all those who have put their names forward for teams. If you think you have put your name down for something and you have not heard anything in a week or so, please do contact the discipline manager. Please do remember that if you want to be part of a team at the Area’s you must have attended at least three rallies since 1st july 2013 and 30th June 2014, so time is running out.
CAMPS
The highlight of the year are always the fantastic camps that are run by our wonderful Camp Leaders. We are always looking for members of the Pony Club who have moved onto the next camp to come back and help at a younger camp, so if you are interested in being a volunteer at Mini or Junior Camp, please could you contact Lucinda on lucinda@obhpc.co.uk . It is a fantastic time to give back a little to someone younger than you and have great fun at the same time, so please do think about it, we do need your help.
OLYMPIA
There are still a few tickets left for the Olympia trip on Sunday 21st December, details are on the website.
Remember to keep checking the website for all that is going on, we are aware that some people are struggling with not being able to print the fixtures list, and we are trying to work out a system to make this possible, but meanwhile please keep looking at www.branches.pcuk.org/oldberkshire
Have great fun on your lovely ponies and don’t hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any queries.
Lucinda and Alison
p.s. Do you need help this summer? Our wonderful OBHPC member Axie Finch is back from medical school for the summer and is looking for work helping with children, ponies, dogs or anything else you may need doing. Contact her on: 07724 048978 or axie@btinternet.com
May 2014 Update
It has been just 2 weeks since we took up the reins as DCs but it is already clear what a talented, energetic and enthusiastic Pony Club the Old Berks is across so many disciplines. We are hoping to minimise the use of the “magic button” emails by sending out a monthly update that should be relevant to all, so here goes ….
In the past month we have had members having fun competing in the Lockinge Pony Races and making successful raids at Andoversford and Shipton Moyne One Day Events and the Cricklands dressage championships, amongst many other events and competitions. The minis had a wonderful Easter Egg hunt and members of all ages enjoyed some adult-free time on the Team Challenge, followed by a very sociable BBQ organised by parents. The OBH hosted the Horse & Pony Care Areas, with our teams sweeping the board with 1st and 2nd places in both the Junior and Senior sections. We heard news that John Church has been selected to go to Australia this summer as captain of the GB Tetrathlon team and that Becca Bell has been long listed for the Dressage Pony Europeans. 7 lorry/caravans full of members braved the elements with a camping weekend at Badminton, where we were able to cheer on Saffie Osborne in the Shetland Grand National. Last but not least, Joy Wilson became a granny earlier this week!
Looking ahead to the next month, our Drill Team will be riding at the OBH Countryside Day on Sunday, John Church will be hosting a fund raising dinner on Saturday night and our Mounted Games teams will be competing at the Areas on 31st May. We have lots of great rallies to look forward to in the lovely light evenings and over half term, including horseball and a beach ride. Check the Fixtures/Rallies tab on the website for the latest, and remember to tick the “show descriptions” box and click on the rally to see full details (we are hoping to find a volunteer to put together a printer-friendly version of the list, but hope that most people are finding their way around the web version so far).
One of the OBHPC annual highlights is just 2 weeks away; the Junior Show on 1st June for which we still need a few volunteers – particularly strong men for setting up and tidying away.
Which brings us neatly on to our volunteers survey, which we are hoping every family will complete. We have a fantastic committee, and would love to add to their skills with extra help, particularly with admin tasks such as updating the Facebook page, website and rally lists, and with manual tasks such as helping to move show jumps. Please click on this link to access the survey; it won’t take more than 3 minutes to complete and it would be a huge help to hear your thoughts, even if you don’t have time to help as a volunteer.
Tests
Last call for anyone wanting to take their C+ or B test in 2014. If you haven’t put your name down, or you aren’t sure if it is down, please email Fiona Jack. There will be a final assessment session on 28th May for those not yet assessed, and training sessions in the summer holidays.
Teams
Last call for anyone interested in representing the branch in the Area Teams for Dressage, Show Jumping,Eventing or Tetrathlon this July. If you aren’t sure if you are ready, or if you aren’t sure if you have put your name down, please contact the relevant team manager before the 31st May. We can’t consider you if we don’t know that you are interested, and would rather hear from you twice than not at all!
Dressage: Amelia Macpherson
Show Jumping: Phoebe Hobby or Claire Lisi
Eventing: Ros Hayward
Tetrathlon: Fred Church
Camps
Forms are on the website for all 3 camps. It is a great help for us in booking instructors if you can get forms back in soon.
Olympia
We have 120 tickets for the Sunday evening performance on Sunday 21st December. They are the 2nd price bracket tickets at a discounted PC rate of £39 per person (child or adult). We will be chartering a bus again, this time leaving Wantage town centre at the earlier time of 12pm to allow plenty of time for shopping, £10 per person. We always sell out of tickets so if you would like to join the group please post a cheque payable to OBHPC for the appropriate amount including bus if needed, with an SAE, as soon as possible to Alison Hargreaves, Larkhill Farm, Wantage, OX12 8PJ. We will put a message on the website when they have all gone.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you out and about over the next few weeks, but in the meantime please don’t forget to take a moment to complete the survey.
Happy riding!
Alison and Lucinda