The Vine is part of Area 13 of the Pony Club, with a reputation for being especially friendly and encouraging. We have over 100 members from Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire and we are always delighted to welcome new members and families to the branch. We have a particularly strong mini section, which is where many young riders start their Pony Club journey. Most of all, we aim for our members to be safe, learn lots, have fun, make memories and build lasting friendships.
As a branch we cater for all levels of riding and experience. We have a busy programme of rides, rallies, training and visits to ensure there is something for everyone, whatever their age and aspirations. We are fortunate to have a team of wonderful instructors and the use of some great venues, some of which are generously provided by Vine families. In July 2022 we hosted the Area 13 Dressage qualifier at the Englefield Estate and will do so again in July 2023.
From local competitions to Regional, Area, Zone and National levels, our teams and members have been very successful. In February 2023, members went to the Barrier Health Spring Festival Finals in Lincolnshire to compete in the arena eventing and dressage sections. In August 2022 the Vine was represented in dressage, horse trials, tetrathlon and show jumping at the JCB National Championships in Warwickshire. Last year our mounted games teams went it to the Zone finals. In August 2022 we had strong Grassroots teams competing at the Regional finals at Rectory Farm near Cirencester.
The Vine has a hard working committee of parent volunteers who organise the activities throughout the year. We also hold various competitions which we open to other branches. The Vine is extremely fortunate to have the use of the beautiful Woodhouse Farm near Newbury, courtesy of the Pusinelli family where we have held our mini cross country and one day events, plus rallies. Our summer mini show is kindly hosted by the Skipworth family at Adbury Park and in November, have arena eventing at Wellington Riding.
The highlight of the year for many members are the summer camps. In 2022 the Vine made a welcome return to Boomerang Stables near Hungerford for Senior camp. Junior camp was held once again at Bucklebury Equestrian, and Mini camp was at Adbury Park. We are returning to these venues for the 2023 camps.
We encourage our members to take the Pony Club tests and run training and test days, as well as achievement badge rallies.
If you are not already a member of the Pony Club and you are considering joining the Vine, please click here which will take you to the main Pony Club website. If you are moving from another branch you will need to fill in a transfer form.
To sign up for our branch activities please visit the Rallies and Events page. For information on what’s going on in the Vine go to the News Posts page and follow the Vine on Facebook.