1. Key Dates
2. Teams
3. Tests
4. Tetrathlon & Triathlon
5. Area 9 Quiz
6. Pony Racing
7. Camps
8. OBHPC Junior Show – Sunday 28 May 2023
9. OBHPC SJ Competition – Tuesday 30 May 2023 – Unicorn
10. Facebook & Instagram Links
11. Website
12. Badminton
13. Welcome
14. Alumni

Key Dates – please add them to your diary!

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….
 

1. Camp Dates
2. Key Dates
3. Dressage Competition – Wickstead
4. Junior Show
5. Horse & Pony Care Teams
6. Teams
7. We need your help
8. How we are funded
9. Facebook & Instagram
10. Website
11. Rallies – how to use the page
12. Annual Pilgrimage to Badminton
13. Yummy Mummy – what is it & how to join in
14. 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!
 

Dressage competition – Wickstead

Sadly we had to postpone today’s friendly dressage competition due to the freezing temperatures. We have a new date – Sunday 5^th 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.
 

1. 31^st Jan Yummy Mummy  from 10.30am   Pole work (on ground) at Malt House, Steventon, OX13 6AP
2. 21^st Feb Yummy Mummy from 10.30am  Show Jumping at Sower Hill Stables, Uffington, SN7 7QH    
3. 8^th March Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping at Wickstead Horseplay, Highworth, SN6 7PP
4. 21^st March Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping at Alden Farm, Upton OX11 9HS 
5. 18^th April Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping  at Sower Hill, Uffington, SN7 7QH  
6. 12^th May Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Cross Country Schooling at Elmwood Equestrian, OX18 2HW
7. 6^th June Yummy Mummy from 10.30am Show Jumping and Arena XC at Wickstead Horseplay, Highworth, SN6 7PP 
8. 28^th June Yummy Mummy from 9.30am  Show Jumping and Cross Country clinic
9. 10^th 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
  • 1^st place in the 148 P-t-P Championship & P-t-P Racing League – Harry V
  • 1^st place in the 138 P-t-P Racing League – Lucas M
  • 3^rd 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 2^nd 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

DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR AUGUST

DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JULY

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

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.

DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR FEBRUARY 

DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY

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:

• Araya Harvey – Riding and Road Safety Test

• Sophie Villiers – Riding and Road Safety Test

• Charlotte Broadbent – C Test

• Bea Elsmore Wickens – C Test

• Nina Bowden – C Test

• Josie Hueplf – C Test

• Zara Tearney – C Test

• Clemmie Rooney Smith – C Test

• Lucas Murphy – C Test

• Araya Harvey – C Test

• Lily Starkey – C+ Test

• Kitty Winfield – C+ Test

• Daisy Chugg – C+ Test

• Hetty Hack – C+ Test

• Rosie Hewlett – C+ Test

• Kayleigh O’Neil – C+ Test

• 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

DC’S NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE

Camps

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

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. 

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.

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

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.

SEPTEMBER 2020

AUGUST 2020

JULY 2020

JUNE 2020

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.  

• One member per lesson. 

• A maximum of one parent per horse or pony. 

• No dogs, not even on leads or in vehicles.

• No siblings – sorry, we know this makes attending rallies impossible for some, but hopefully rules will relax soon.

• 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. 

• You’ll be asked to check your child’s tack and help them to mount and adjust girth and stirrups. 

• The instructor will be responsible for adjusting jumps. 

• 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:

• You will not be able to use the venue toilets. We will not be able to offer refreshments. 

• Please park with 5m space between trailers or lorries.

• 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: OBHPC

Sort:    40-45-36

Acct:    21314106

Reference: 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

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

“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

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.

January 2019

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

October 2018

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.

September 2018

August 2018

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

Feb 2018

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!

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

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

Sept 2017 Update

Sunday 15th October

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.

www.facebook.com/OBHPC

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

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 

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!

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.

September 2016 Update

July 2016 Update

June 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 3^rd in his Open dressage section and winning the Open Eventing. The Junior Horse and Pony Care Teams beat strong competition to come 1^stand 4^th in their Championships, silencing the critics who had questioned the fact that they were 1^st and 2^nd at the Area competition that the OBHPC ran in April.

At the Novice Championships Henry Insley was 13^th in the show jumping and Sasha Hargreaves was 3^rd in the Dressage. Henry Hobby was 5^th 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 24^th 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 21^st 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