On this page we will share news on our activities, celebrate Members achievements and share National Pony Club News.
20.08.25 – Thetford Chase Mini Tet Competition
Wow what a day and we have only just recovered! 32 competitors from 8 different pony clubs all descended on Wood Farm on Sunday. It would not of been possible without the massive help from all the club tet members who for the past two weekends have tidied up, made and painted fences and set every event up. Then we had a wonderful collection of jump judges, bbqers, scorers, timers and general assistants that made our first proper tet event run brilliantly. Thankyou all.
Despite having 5 of our club tet members away on holiday last weekend we still did pretty well! Many congratulations to Annabelle, Isla and Roseanna who came 1st, 2nd and 5th in the Beanie class. Eleanor who came 2nd in the Tadpole class. Jack and Iona who came 1st and 3rd in the Mini class. Hettie had one of the few clear round rosettes and Elizabeth shot a personal best of 640. Charlotte and Isabella had a wonderful first go at tet and had beaming smiles all day with pretty good scores as well. Watch out fellow Beanies it wont be long before they overtake you! Lexie had the disadvantage of shooting one handed (she is a junior competitor really) but still shot a personal best in competition. The rest of the day for her was all about getting Pixie out over a few fences and home safely. Plan achieved!
Eleanor also had the honour of winning the best ride award. A wonderful handmade Endurance style numnah donated by Heather Plasted (one of our jump judges). No excuses now Eleanor you are going to have to enter the EGB ride at Wramplingham!
10.08.25 – Pony Club Champs 2025
First thing to say is how impressed we were with the event and it’s worth a trip even if you are not competing! This weekend you could have watched top class Polocross, Mounted Games (including international teams) and the Tetrathlon competitions all going on at the same time. It’s free to get in / camp, has excellent bars, food stands, trade stands and various educational PC stuff too. In the gorgeous weather spectators of all ages were in abundance cheering all the teams on.
Jack had the honour or representing the East of England in the Stepping Stones tetrathlon competition. This is only open to the top 20 boys in the country – a significant achievement in just getting there! Sadly nerves got the better of him in the 18 lane shoot competition and his score reflected this. Onwards and upwards though with a good swim and run saw him climb the leader board slightly. The riding phase here was an arena eventing style competition, which was no comparison to the big technical tracks they have tackled earlier this year. It was the first event where they were timed though and with only 30 seconds allowed for a halt box and slip rail it was tight! With strict instructions from the team manager to “Get a move on” it’s the fastest I’ve ever seen Jack ride Corker and wow did they jump well from this speed. Sadly they still had a few time faults but a lot less than they would have done at his normal speed! Unless you were on a speed machine most did. Sadly for Jack the ride phase was not as influential as it normally is and so Jack remained in 17th place and his East of England team 6th.
As always we have continued making great friends across the tet family and Jack is already planning how he WILL win next year!
20.07.25 – Area 8 Tetrathlon.
What a weekend for Thetford Chase. 10 members competing at the Area event and everyone coming away with a prize. Wow! The weather may have been slightly damp to say the least putting an end to our camping party plans but it certainly didnt dampen the competition. Saturday was the shoot / bean bag, swim and run phases. This gave personal best shoots for Jack, Benjamin, Edith, Eleanor, Albert, Lara and Isla a pretty good start to the day. This was followed by personal best swims for Benjamin, Iona, Eleanor, Ellis, Annabelle, Albert, Ellis, Isla and Lara. The running was tough, proper cross country with a gruelling climb back up the hill to finish in heavy rain. No surprise there werent any personal bests in this phase but great team support from them all.
The triathlon results were in, resulting in a 4th for Albert in the Beanie boys (his first competition) and a 5th for Iona in the Mini girls. A great start.
Back today for the ride phase. Kicked off by two wonderful clears from Eleanor and Edith in the 60cm ring (I’m discounting the poo stop Edith – technical fault only!). Then onto the 40cm rounds Ellis a beautiful clear, Annabelle 1 stop, Isla (riding off the lead rein for the first time at PC – wow) 2 technical circles and a learner then Lara a slight issue with the slip rail but otherwise great riding from all the Beanies. Then onto the big course Jack and the wonderful Corker made light work of the course, followed by Benjamin and an inexperienced Mocha who had a few issues but they got round and are improving at every time out. It was wonderful to see both boys ride so well round a proper 80cm course and especially Benjamin continue to teach Mocha at every outing.
So after much needed coffee and cake the results were in.
BEANIE TEAM (Annabelle, Ellis, Lara and Isla) 3rd
3rd individual Beanie boy Ellis
5th individual Beanie girl Annabelle
3rd individual Tadpole girl Eleanor
MINI TEAM (Jack, Benjamin, Edith) 2nd
1st individual Mini boy Jack
5th individual Mini boy Benjamin
30.06.25 – Mini Home International Tetrathlon
Jack had the honour of being asked to be part of the East of England team and they came 9th. Jack shot swam ran and rode brilliant to come 16th individually. The Irish were insane in there riding ability around the most technical and massive 80cm cross country course I have ever seen to be victorious. Jack held his nerve and with the amazing Corker got round the course sensibly taking a few L options but he did it. Anyone who wants to be see Jacks videos of the fences just ask and then you will probably understand why we all had butterflies in our stomachs on Sunday morning!
But the weekend wasn’t all about competing it was definitely about making friends from all around the UK and Ireland and this we certainly did and I have now decided you need to add in another 2 phases officially to tetrathlon – the Saturday night serious fancy dress party and the Ireland versus the rest of the kids hurling match!
Summer SJ Training will be held at Little Lodge.
13th May
3rd June
1st July
They will be on horse-events soon.
These training sessions are perfect for practicing course jumping on grass in preparation for the summer.
05.04.25 – Well done to Emily & Connie who passed their C+ at Poplar Park today with only 10 days notice of the test 
A special thank you to Georgie Leader-White for providing some last minute training!
A special thank you to Georgie Leader-White for providing some last minute training!
24.03.25 –
Yesterday the girls joined Essex Hunt North to make up a Novice team in an excellently run mounted games competition by the Enfield Chace Hunt Pony Club at Bury Farm Equestrian Village .
They came 3rd out of 5 with the girls being involved in several ‘photo finishes’.
Eleanor and Lyla are getting their heads around all the rules now and producing some slick performances.
Annabelle and Twinkle have come so far and are doing more races than just bending. Annabelle was very fortunate to be giving the ride of one of the Enfield Chase’ team ponies so she could do the mug and flag race.
16.03.25 –Â
Area 8 Triathlon. Well what a day 15 Thetford Chase members and a few North Norfolk friends at the Area competition. First competition nerves for some were overcome rapidly with great club comradery and the seasoned team members pulled out a few personal bests including two qualifier cards for the NATIONAL PC TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!!
I’m sure the pictures will tell you more than my words but we are all so proud of the kids and how far they have come over the last few years. In summary our Big Beanies (Ellis, Anabelle and Roseanna) came 3rd as a team, Ellis was 4th Beanie boy and Annabelle 9th Beanie girl in huge classes. Our Tiny Beanies (Lara, Isla and Hettie) were to our amazement given their ages not last and are sure to be a formidable force in years to come!
Our Tadpoles were sadly only individuals as we havent managed to convert Rose from North Norfolk yet, but without a team they put on great personal performances with Eleanor coming 8th individually and Elizabeth 9th in her first competition. Wow!
It’s no secret that stepping up to Mini (under 12) is getting into serious competition status. Our Mini Girls (Edith, Iona and Seren) tried their hearts out but sadly came away without a team prize, Edith came 8th individually. They have vowed to practice the less strenuous part (shooting) more frequently so that they can up their points in this phase which will shoot them up that leeder board. Our Mini Boys (Jack, Stanley and Benjamin) have been chasing the national qualification since December and today was the last date to qualify. With only 2 places in Area 8 up for grabs it was always going to be a tough competition. With leeder board changes after every phase it was Jack and Stanley that grabbed the qualifying cards. As a team they came 2nd and individually Jack 3rd, Stanley 6th and Benjamin 9th. These boys are a force to be reckoned with and we’ve learnt a very valuable lesson today, next year we must get one of them qualified out of area so that they can all go to the championships!
Lexie was our sole Junior representative and didn’t have her best shoot, but with her personal trainer (Stanley) coaching her for running and swimming she pulled out personal bests in both phases and clawed her way back up the leader board.
If you want to join this mad group of kids and parents do give me a call 07876 251493 Hannah
06.10.24
We have just finished with the test assessment day. All of the children passed. We had D, D+ and C tests.
Rachael said what a lovely group of children we have. She was very impressed. She also said how pleased she was with how well everyone was turned out.
Well done to all of the children, and the parents for bringing them along!
Senior camp 2024
What an amazing time the kids and ponies had at our first senior camp in a while … every day blasting round the XC, showjumping, dressage and stable fun and a fabulous session dissecting a horse leg with the wonderful Hannah Kelly Hannah Kelly. Thank you so much to Jess Wild Glh Equestrian Georgie Leader-White Becky Smith and Heather for all the hard work that went into such a great few days
28.08.24 –
The PC Endurance Championships were held last Friday in gale force winds in North Lincolnshire. The start time was delayed by 3 hours as the ancient oaks in the beautiful parkland were blowing over, the porter loos resembled skittles in the carpark and the main marquee was in danger of taking off. I thought the drive up had been a little testing to say the least but thankfully we had had a decent if short, nights sleep as we hadn’t had our tent blow away in the night unlike some of the competitors! Having said all of this when we eventually did get going the route was beautiful, the going perfect and on top of the Well Vale ridge you could see all the way out into the Wash. Jack and Crackers completed the Intermediate Championship course of 40km at an average speed of 11.5km per hour and came 5th overall. Thats 3hrs 30 minutes of riding! He also won the best shod competition so thankyou James Blake for a brilliant job with Crackers’ feet. Thankyou to our crew Steve and Isla and to my horse Terry for putting up with this mad idea and having to go round fields of lovely looking XC jumps without going over them. We all finally made it to our holiday cottage at 10.30pm that night and I’m sorry to say to the dressage team hardly noticed your weather on Saturday as we slept for a very long time!
If anyone else would like to try endurance do give me a call – I promise the days are not always this long!
Pony Club Areas Grassroots Dressage championship
A very wet day at Aston le Walls yesterday is an understatement!!! Every time one of the girls put their foot in their stirrup to get on the heavens would open. However the girls smashed it like the pros at the championship, they put their head down and got on with it! 7th as a team out of 20. Connie 2nd in her section out of 25 which put her in the ride off so the top 12 riders out of 100 and came 9th . Â Super proud of the girls massive well done Sophie Southgate, Zara Ladell, Theresa Blenk and Connie Leinster.
Summer Newsletter July 2024
RECENT SUCCESSES!
Our dressage divas smashed it with some fabulous results at the Area 8 Pony Club qualifiers and will be off to the regionals next month with Connie taking 1st individually. Good luck Sophia, Connie, Zara and Theresa. Bella and Jack both qualified individually too.
Our show jumpers all qualified for the regionals also at their qualifying event at Frenches
Farm. Good luck Isla, Emily and Theresa!
Our Tet team took on the Area 8, 11 and 13 Tetrathlon- with 9 Thetford Chase members taking part. Special well done to Jack who finished Eastern area tadpole boys champ!
In polocrosse, we again qualified for the Pony Club Championships – this year it sadly clashes with British Showjumping National Championships where Lola will be competing in the Bronze League and SteppingStones Finals, before being joined at Stoneleigh by Sophia for the Schools Champs and Savannah for the Academy Teams.
Mounted Games has taken off for TCPC who fielded a team in the seniors, minis and pairs at a fast and furious Area 8 qualifiers. Plans are underway for more training – watch this space!
Two TCPC members also joined NNPC at a Mounted Games display at the Suffolk County Show.
TCPC were also represented at the Blue Cross Horse & Pony Care Qualifier Competition at Hill Farm Riding School – well done to all our participants. �
The Pony club endurance championships 2024 take part in August and Jack is our qualifier – good luck Jack!
RALLIES AND TRAINING
Our own events include our monthly flatwork training at Hill Farm Hardingham and monthly showjumping at Easton and Little Lodge Farm.
Have a great summer!
TCPC
Lavenham Endurance competition –Â June 2024
Iona, Millie Bae and Jack took on this PC challenge last Sunday in the beautiful South Suffolk countryside. They were accompanied by Carole McClure and myself and I am hoping that the kids, horses and Carole felt less stiff than I did Monday morning! Despite a couple of unplanned dismounts and map reading errors (adults!) all completed the distances successfully and have gained their first qualification for the PC Endurance Championships. Thankyou to all the crew who helped get us round the course by watering and fuelling horses and riders at all the check points and to the organisers of Lavenham EGB who put on a superb day for us all.
Next event is Kings Forest EGB 30th June where there will be lead rein classes too. If any more adults fancy riding the longer distances and are happy to take 2 kids with them that would be great too. Also Dunston rides in June 16th is a good practice venue. Any queries give me a call 07876 251493.
Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels and make sure you follow your Area.
Cottesmore Pony Club Triathlon – 26.05.24
10 members of Thetford Chase travelled to Oakham for their wonderful triathlon and we had sunshine all day unlike all of you in Norfolk! Team spirits were high starting the day with some interclub climbing wall rivalry and ending with a massive game of football. It is easy to see how friendships form amongst all the tetrathlon competitors! But back to the competition and a big one at that! Lexi assisted her Mini girls team in coming second overall. The Thetford Tadpole team (Stanley, Jack, Benjamin, Iona) came 2nd overall and the Thetford Beanie team (Ellis, Annabelle, Theo Isla) came 6th overall. Stanley and Jack were again fighting for individual positions and this time it was Stanley 2nd and Jack 3rd despite Jack’s awesome personal best run of 1000m in 4min and 1 second. Jack wasn’t alone though in running success, due to amazing club support nearly every member of the squad obtained a personal best run and I think less voice on the way home! So the next big competition is the Area event and that means ponies are involved and a camping party night.
Area 8 Mounted Games qualifiers:
Wow what an incredible day at the fast and furious Area 8 mounted games qualifiers for our seniors, minis and pairs! Thetford Chase looked amazing with new bibs and flags thank you Jess. So much more to learn but lots of fun had and progress made.
Seniors … Sav, Lola, Sophia and Jess came 5th overall with a 4th place tack and turnout award.
Minis – Esme, Annabel, Eleanor and Iona came 8th overall with a 5th place tack and turnout.
Pairs – Sav and Lola came 1st in the tack and turnout and 8th overall.
Thank you to Bobbie Aughton Jess Wild Simon Duddy and Izzie Orr for making it happen … bring on the next one !
Easter Egg Rally – April 2024
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