D Test Successes 2nd Dec 2011

Well done to all those member who were successful in passing their 'D'test .

Blae Richardson, Doona Kirk, Daisy Sewell, Eva Jones, Sinead Cox, Tinesha Kinley and Olivia O'Neill.

Zelda Newey, Ellen Barker, Freddy Ralston, Lucy Corlett and Jarred Ingham

Congrathulations to you all and big thank you to examiner Steph Timmonds and organiser Anne-Marie.

D Tests

Well done to Daisy Loader, Cate Atkinson, Aislinn Lace and Sophie Hawley who passed their D test today.

Fire Prevention Achievement Badge at Laxey Fire Station

Over 40 members attended at Laxey Fire Station in order to gain their Fire Prevention Achievement Badge and what an exciting night it turned out to be!! Fireman Mark Quayle had arranged to have several fireman on hand including the Station Officer Mark Cleator.

All the members including the youngest were shown how to roll up and run out hoses and to flat fan spray with the the high powered jet hoses. They all climbed up into the Fire engine and were shown all the different appliances on board. On a more serious note after the fun with the water, Mark gave the children a power point presentation on fire prevention and awareness round stables and yards. This dealt with causes of fires and emergency procedures should a fire break out.

As this event was on Children In Need night, there was a cake stall and a Pudsey raffle and all the money from the night - £181 was given to Children In Need.

Many thanks to Mark Quayle for arranging this fun night, Mark Cleator for allowing us to invade the station, Isla and Lee for putting together the power point presentation for Mark, Janelle for providing tea and coffee and all the Mums for providing the yummy cakes!

Puissance Ball & Demonstration with Billy Twomey

The Pony Club were fortunate to have Billy Twomey, Irish International Showjumper, visit the island in order to raise funds for the Club.  Billy is a very talented young rider who travels the world competing on his string of horses, some of the best Je T'Aime Flamenco and Tinker's Serenade  belonging to local residents Sue and Eddy Davies.  


Billy arrived on the island on Saturday lunchtime, the weather was glorious and he remarked how much the island reminded him of Ireland.  During the afternoon he gave three lectures using groups of four members of the Pony Club to demonstrate different aspects of horse and rider training.  The first group was made up of younger members, the second group were older members who are already competing at a good level and the third group were senior members  where he was able to move on to more technical instruction.


These lectures were held at GGH and were very well attended .

At night Billy was the Guest Speaker at the Pony Club Puissance Ball held at the Palace Hotel, Douglas. Billy spoke of his young life in Ireland as a member of the local branch of the Pony Club and consequently working for Michael Whittaker and then moving on to having his own yard and horses and the importance of obtaining good sponsors and maintaining a good working relationship with them, something which Billy is obviously good at as his sponsors Eddy and Sue were sitting with him.  


The whole evening was a resounding success - once again extremely well organised by local committee member Linda Bond.


 

D+ Test Successes 23rd october 2011

Congratulations to the following members who were successful in passing their D+ Test which was taken at the Glebe:-

Isla Quayle

Holly Lowe

Jessica Loader

Charlotte Driver

Hannah Geoghegan

Kirree Quayle

Although the weather could have been much better this did not affect any of the members who all passed well. Many thanks to Hilary and AnneMarie for arranging this event.

Ceilidh at Ronaldsway Social Club Friday 21st October 2011

Ceilidh at Ronaldsway Social Club on Friday 21st October 2011

Many thanks to all those who attended this event which was a fund raiser for the Games team and was organised by Rachel Turner. The Calor Gas band provided the music and instructions for the dancing which was great fun and enjoyed by all ages. As usual with Pony Club, it was a Faith Supper (everyone brought some food) and this worked out really well. A very big thank you to Rachel for arranging such an enjoyable evening.

Rally 14/15 October 2011

Garran Beg on Saturday was held at the Glebe with instructors Stephanie Timmons taking the younger members but older more capable members received instruction from William Blane, FBHS, head of training within Pony Club.

All members at Garran Beg really enjoyed their lessons - nearly as much as the excellent bacon baps consumed in the Cubby Hole afterwards!!

Fortunately Sunday dawned clear and bright for those members entered in the cross country rally at Oatlands. Although William has been very involved in the construction of the course he has never present when it was being used and he was very keen to instruct members over it. All those that attended receved an excellent lesson confirming William's reputation as one of the top instructors within Pony Club.

Hilary checking tack and asking Sue to make sure that Jack did not have any earings in!!!

Test Successes 15th October 2011

Congratulations to members who were examined by William Blane and were successful in passing the following Tests:-
'B' Riding - Tara Adams - Tara now has her full 'B' Test
'B' Horse Care - Katy Robinson
C+ - Yas Ingham
C+ Horse Care - Lori Moreton and Charlotte Shimmin

Horse and Pony Care 14th October 2011

Lots of members attended the Horse and Pony Care at Kennaa on Friday 14th October.

Members were instructed in skills for their next test younger members learning to lead and tie up and olders members covering rugs, bandaging and grooming.

Pony Club Final Hunter Trial of the Season

The Pony Club held the final hunter trial for 2011 on Sunday 9^th October at Oatlands Farm Santon (kind permission of Mr & Mrs D Shacklock). Although the going was extremely soft due to the heavy rain on the days leading up to the event the actual day remained dry and apart from the high wind there were no problems or mishaps and after the event we were able to run a Green Day which is an opportunity for riders to ‘have a go’ at cross country but not in a competition.  Unfortunately the ground was extremely wet  and some wagons had problems leaving the field however Dan Shacklock was on hand with his tractor and was able to tow all the unlucky drivers out with the minimum or disruption.  The results reflect how competitors have improved during the season.  It was most encouraging to see four clear rounds from members in the Junior section of the Open Class – this promises well for next season.

Rosettes  for this event will be presented to the winners at the Ceilidh on the 21^st October

The results were as follows:-

Class 1 Level 1 – Pairs:- 1^st Katie McKnight – Fun Time Fudge and Karol Renton – Tiger Lily, 2^nd Mandy Bruce – Hillside Revelation and Claire Cope – Touch of the Blarney, 3^rd Isla Curphey Colour Code and Percy Hampton – Monty, 4^th Immy Millward – Allanach Eriska and Megan Keenan – Whizzadora
Class 2 – Level 1
Junior  1^st Megan Keenan – Whizzadora 2^nd Freya Cullen – Get Jiggy With it, 3^rd  Lori Moreton – Tourist Trophy 4^th Sammy Cattle – Mystic Meg
Senior 1^st Karol Renton – Tiger Lily 2^nd Mandy Bruce Hillside Revelation 3^rd Calre Cope – Touch of the Blarney, 4^th Helen Williams – Mally
Class 3 _ Level 2 Pairs:- 1^st Jodie Ardern – Emerald Leona and Jordanne Kennaugh – Derrymore Diamond, 2^nd Charlotte Shimmin – Conrhenny Treasure and Abby Corlett – Southern Star, 3^rd Harriet Lee – Glansevin Gazpacho and Annabel Ackers – Garfield, 4^th Jo Ralston – Crabbiesden Keltic Magic and  Callum Staley – Midnight Mystery
Class 4 Level 2 Prelim.
Junior 1^st Charlotte Craine – Keltic Connections 2^nd Patrick Cox – Hanmere Maverick 3^rd Freya Cullen – Get Jiggy With it, 4^th Isla Curphey – Colour Code
Senior 1^st Holly Minards – Ballakissack Finuala, 2^nd Elizabeth Simpson – Sibelius Ginger
Class 5 _ Level 3 Novice
Junior – 1^st Sosannah Cox -  Lochinvar 2^nd Breeshey Evans – Hayley  3^rd Jordanne Kennaugh – Derrymore Diamond 4^th  Jodie Ardern – Emerald Leona
Senior – 1^st Ann Atkinson – Patrick 2^nd Holy Minards – Ballakissack Finuala 3^rd Theo Whittaker – The Poacher
Class 6 Pick n’Mix 1^st Lucy McGinn – Garth Little Siouxsie 2^nd Aalish Creer – Ballacooley Brandey
Class 7 – Open
Junior 1^st Lori Moreton – Jalaga Jack 2^nd Will Bigart – So Gold 3^rd Peter McGinn – Chrissies Clover 4^th Imogen Cannell – Trefionon Tricolour
Senior – 1^st Ann Atkinson - Patrick

The Pony Club would like to thank Mr & Mrs David Shacklock for allowing us to use their land, Gill Shacklock for the huge amount of hard work she puts into building and maintaining the course, the Copy Shop for providing the back numbers, Mr David Mylchreest from Mylchreests Motors for allowing us to use the hospitality caravan, Laura and Mary Callow for performing the starting duties, Miles and Matthew for the unenviable task of traffic management and finally  a very big thank you  to all the stewards and helpers who have helped throughout the season – giving up their time so willingly – without their help we could not run.

Pony Club have a busy few weeks ahead – next weekend is a full weekend for members – Friday 14^th October there is  a Horse and Pony Care evening at 6.45pm at Kennaa,  on Saturday 15^th October  a Garran Beg rally at Oatlands (depending on weather) followed on the Sunday 16^th October by a cross country rally with top Pony Club instructor Mr William Blane.  Entries to Chris Chatel.

Friday 21^st October Ceilidh at Ronaldsway Aircraft Social Club 7.30pm.  This event is open to all members and friends and promises to be a really good fun night.  Tickets available from committee members or  text Rachel on 470297.

Wednesday 26^th October 10.00am at Kennaa  we will be holding a Games Rally.  Entries to Chris Chatel.

Finally Friday  12^th November is the date for the Pony Club Annual Ball with guest speaker Billy Twome  who rides for well known  local sponsors Eddie and Sue Davies, at the moment Billy is ranking 5^th in the Rolex FEI World Cup™, Western European Showjumping League.  Tickets  £40 available from  Linda 494331 unfortunately numbers are limited for this event .
On the afternoon of Saturday 12^th November there will be two Lecture/Demonstrations at GGH at 1.30pm and 3.00pm by Billy Twome.  Tickets available from Country Warehouse .

For further information regarding the above events and future events please visit www.iomponyclub.com. 

Wanted: Teams of Young Games Makers to make the Games happen!

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has announced the start of the Young Games Maker (YGM) programme for 16-18 year olds, which will provide up to 2,000 volunteering opportunities for young people during the Games. The programme will support LOCOG’s commitment to inspire young people to choose sport and leave a volunteering legacy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young volunteers to be a part of the greatest show on earth

The Pony Club & LOCOG are looking to recruit 40 Young Games Makers and eight Team Leaders for the London 2012 Olympics. This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in London 2012, and will be a credit to anyone for their C.V as well as an amazing experience!!

How To Apply

Please download the relevant application form below, to apply to be either a ‘Young Games Maker’ or ‘Young Games Maker - Team Leader.’ Forms need to be signed by your Branch DC, and must be returned to The Pony Club Office not later than October 24th.
Young Games Makers		Team Leaders		Further Info
The Young Games Makers selected will act as volunteers for the 2012 Games, and will be involved in the Cross Country element of the Eventing as Road Crossing Stewards. Please Note: Young Games Makers must be at least 16 years old on 1 July 2012 and under 18 years old on 1 January 2012 to be eligible. Download the Application Form		Team Leaders recruited will have the same role in the Cross Country, but will also be responsible for overseeing the Young Games Makers. Please Note: - Team Leaders must be aged 18 or over by 1 January 2012 - Team Leaders must undergo and pass an enhanced CRB check - Team Leaders will be required to undergo an interview (December 8th 2011) and attend safeguarding training Download the Application Form		Further information about the Young Games Makers programme can be found on the London 2012 YGM website or by emailing Clare

Online Shopping - help raise funds

If anyone is doing any online shopping  it may be worth checking this out.  

You just need to register at

www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/iomponyclub and each purchase you make will raise funds for us.

Tetrathlon - Postal Shoot Competition & Training

Those interested in doing this year's postal shoot can find entry forms available on the following link:


http://branches.pcuk.org/eastlothian/files/2009/09/Invitation-Letter-2011.pdf


Shooting training will start on Thursday 6th October, 7-8pm at Laxey range. Please contact Jane on 494689, re times and availability as we can only take a limited number of beginners at each session.

Pony Club HSBC One Day Event

There was an excellent entry for the HSBC One Day Event held at Oatlands, Santon (kind permission of Mr & Mrs D Shacklock) on Sunday 18^th September.  Due to the torrential rain in the previous days there were concerns over the ground being water logged however these proved to be unfounded as the cross country course rode well with very few mishaps.  Unfortunately the higher classes were not as well supported as usual but numbers were high in the juniors where there proved to be some very promising young riders and horses.  Jo Bridson from HSBC presented the lovely prizes -  sash,  embroidered polo shirt and baseball cap for 1st prize and baseball cap for second,  and beautiful rosettes to sixth place. HSBC also  very kindly presented T shirts to all competitors and committee.

The results were as follows:-

Class 1a Junior Intro
 1^st. Freya Cullen – Get Jiggy With it, 2^nd Harriet Lee – Glansevin Gazpacho, 3^rd Victoria Garner – Mystic Mystique, 4^th Isla Curphey – Rusty Real Deal, 5^th Aalish Creer – Apache, 6^th Charlotte Barham – The English Rose.
Best Dressage – Charlotte Barham – The English Rose

Class 1b Senior Intro
1^st Rowena Kelly – Rosehill Rockstar, 2^nd Sammy Leahy – Downland Demerara, 3^rd Helen Williams – Mally 4^th Claire Cope – Touch of Blarney 5^th Poppy Moorhouse – Jack the Lad, 6^th Cherie Wilde – African Diamond
Best Dressage – Rowena Kelly – Rosehill Rockstar

Class 2a Junior Prelim
1^st Charlotte Shimmin – Conrhenny Treasure, 2^nd Isla Curphey – Colour Code 3^rd Charlotte Craine – Keltic Connections 4^th Annabel Ackers – Garfield 5^th Clare Williams – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 6^th – Hannah Scarlett – Shiraz
Best Dressage – Clare Williams – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Class 2b Senior Prelim
1^st Holly Minnards – Ballakissack Finuala, 2^nd Joanne Brown – Blind Ambition, 3^rd Catherine Barham – Farrants Miramba


Best Dressage – Sam Corlett – Southern Star

Class 3a Junior Novice
1^st Tabby Wright – Mannog Juliette, 2^nd Alice Bowen – Greenday 3^rd Rio Hall – Lacklyle Maverick 4^th Abby Corlett – Fidget 5^th Jordanne Kennaugh – Derrymore Diamond  6^th Jade Cannell – A Touch of Midas
Best Dressage – Abby Corlett – Fidget

Class 3b – Senior Novice 
1^st Kevin Drewry – O’Riley
Best Dressage – Kevin Drewry – O’Riley 2^nd Ann Atkinson - Patrick

Class 4a – Junior Intermediate 

1^st Peter McGinn – Chrissies Clover 2^nd Lori Moreton – Jalaga Jack 3^rd Will Biggart – So Gold 4^th Abby Corlett – Conrhenny Elipsis
Best Dressage – Abby Corlett – Conrhenny Elipsis

Class 4b – Senior Intermediate 1^st Hazel Wright – Keen to be a Million 
Best Dressage - Hazel Wright – Keen to be a Million

Class 5a Junior Open
 1^st Yasmin Ingham – Craigmor Tom
Best Dressage – Yasmin  Ingham  - Craigmor Tom
Yasmin was also the winner of the Musto Pony Club Eventing league prize which was a lovely Musto jacket.

Class 5b Senior Open:- 1^st Colleen Miller – Gypsy Moth
Best Dressage – Colleen Miller – Gypsy Moth

The Pony Club would like to thank HSBC for their generous sponsorship of this event, their continuing support is greatly appreciated by the Club.  David, Gill and Dan Shacklock for the use of their land and also all the help and hard work they put into the land and the course, the judges for the day  Angela Kennedy, Laura Callow, Michelle Hargreaves and Angela Whitlow, who all did an excellent job along with all the writers, stewards and helpers who give up their time to make this event possible.   Thanks also to the Copy Shop for providing the back numbers and Sadlers Agricultural for their continued support and finally a very big thank you to David Mylchreest from Mylchreests Motors for providing their hospitality caravan for the day.

The next open  event will be a Green Day on Saturday  24^th September, this will be followed by the last Hunter Trial of the season on Sunday 9^th October at Oatlands.  Members are reminded that the first of the Horse and Pony Care evenings will be on the 30^th September at 6.30pm at the Glebe where the topic for the achievement badge will be ‘Working Dogs’ – this promises to be a most interesting night.  For further information regarding the Pony Club and future events please visit www.iomponyclub.com. 

Pony Club Hunter Trial

The Pony Club held the first of the Autumn cross country events on Sunday 4^th September at Oatlands Farm Santon (kind permission Mr & Mrs D Shacklock).  In spite of the torrential rain of the day before the going was good and the course rode really well with few mishaps throughout the day.  The Hunter Trial was followed by two ‘Green Day’ sessions novice riders and horses can school round the course, hopefully these entrants will have enjoyed their trial and will enter future cross country competitions.

The results displayed some very promising young riders beginning to realize their potential:-

Class 1 – Level 1 Intro Pairs:-
 1^st Charlotte Barham – The English Rose and Catharine Barham – Farrants Miramba, 2^nd Harriet Lee – Glansevin Gazpacho and Lauren Shimmin – Agen J, 3^rd Danni Callin – Ellie May and Poppy Moorhouse – Jack the Lad

Class 2  - Level 1 – Intro
 Juniors:- 1^st Harriet Lee – Glansevin Gazpach, 2^nd Freya Cullen – Get Jiggy With It, 3^rd Charlotte Barham – The English Rose,  4^th Lori Moreton – Tourist Trophy
Seniors:- 1^st Rowena Kelly – Rosehill Rockstar, 2^nd Jenna Lawton – Seal of Approval 3^rd Sammy Leahy – Dowland Demerara, 4^th Elizabeth Simpson – Sibelius Ginger

Class 3 – Level 2 – Prelim Pairs:-
 1^st Charlotte Shimmin – Conrhenny Treasure and Abby Corlett – Southern Star, 2^nd Jade Cannell – A Touch of Midas and Imogen Cannell – Trefeinon Tricolor,
 3rd Abigale Turner-Drewry – Grianagh Vida and Clare Drewry – Okey Kokey, 4^th Joanne Brown – Blind Ambition and Will Biggart – So Gold

Class 4 – Level 2 – Prelim
Juniors :- 1^st Alice Bowen – Greenday, 2^nd Jodie Ardern – Irish Mist X 3^rd Charlotte Craine – Keltic Connections 4^th Milly Killeen – Shannon’s Dream
Seniors:- Catharein Barham – Farrants Marimba, 2^nd Elizabeth Simpson – Sibelius Ginger, 3^rd Sammy Leahy – Dowland Demerara, 4^th Holly Minards – Ballakissack Filuala

Class 5 – Level 3 – Novice:-
Alice Bowen – Greenday, 2^nd Charlotte Shimmin – Conrhenny Treasure 3^rd Annabel Ackers – Garfield, 4^th Jade Cannell – A Touch Of Midas

Class 6 - Pick & Mix:-
1^st Colleen Miller – Gypsy Moth II, 2^nd Abby Corlett – Conrhenny Ellipsis, 3^rd Holly Minards – Ballakissack Filuala, 4^th Isla Curphey – Colour Code

Class 7 – Level 5 – Open:-
 1^st Lori Moreton – Jalaga Jack, 2^nd Imogen Cannell – Trefeinon Tricolor,
3^rd Jo Priest – Above Suspicion, 4^th Will Biggart – So Gold.

The committee would like to thank Mr & Mrs David Shacklock for allowing us to use their land, Gill Shacklock for her continued hard work maintaining and  building the course, The Copy Shop for supplying back numbers,  Laura and Mary Callow for their excellent job carrying out the starting and timing duties for the day, Miles and Matthew for traffic management and all the many helpers and stewards who ‘volunteer’ to give up their days off to help us – without their generous support we would not be able to run.

The next Pony Club event will be the HSBC One Day Event to be held on Sunday 18^th September at Oatlands, Santon, which will be followed by another Green Day on the 24^th September and then culminating with the final Hunter Trial of the season on Sunday 9^th October. All these cross country events are open to non-members.   For further information on future events and also joining  the Pony Club in the Isle of Man please visit www.iomponyclub.com

 

Wednesday 17th August Horse and Pony Care

Horse and Pony Care on Wednesday 17th August, 2011.

It was perfect weather for the Horse and Pony Care session held at Balladhoo, Lonan, (Kind permission of Mr & Mrs A Corlett). The event started at 12.00 with everyone bringing a picnic lunch and this was enjoyed in the lovely surroundings of the new livery yard and all weather arena. After lunch the members were divided into groups to work on horse care for their next test. In the true spirit of Pony Club it was wonderful that all the instructors used were ex Pony Club or current members.

The older members received excellent instruction on bandaging from Abby Corlett - Abby recently passed her 'B' test with flying colours and is an extremely competent and popular instructor.




The instructor for the youngest members was Vicki Hargreaves. Vicki thrives on dealing with this age group - the younger the better and the leading and handling instruction was carried out

in the sunshine in the new arena which was the perfect situation for this topic. Vicki has endless patience with these young members and it was obvious that the children all learnt lots and enjoyed themselves. Sitting out on the grass in the sunshine Caroline Hawley taught the tack section to this group.
What could be better?

Steph Lace taught the D+ group. Pony Club member Steph who is training to be a vet has only recently started to instruct at Pony Club and is showing a real flair for it. Steph is full of enthusiasm and this passes on to her pupils.

The lovely afternoon finished with everyone, including instructors trying out the new arena by having jump round the showjumps on foot.

This was a really friendly and enjoyable event as well as being very informative. Many thanks to all the instructors and to Aidy and Suzanne for their hospitality.

Summer Camp 2011

Twenty five members and their ponies/horses all attended Summer Camp at Kennaa Equestrian Centre from 1st - 6th August. The facilities at Kennaa are wonderful and provide the ideal environment for members to gain maximum benefit from the week spent riding and looking after their horses. 


The instructors for the week were Richard Clarkson for Ride One - Rachel Hopkinson, Katy Robinson, Phoebe Cross, Jordanne Kennaugh, Breeshey Evans and Imogen Cannell. 


Local instructor Cheryl Curphey was the instructor for Ride Two - Charlie Morrey, Danni Callin, Jodie Ardern, Lauren Dean and Lucy McGinn. 


Another popular local instructor Natlie Pell took Ride Three - Natalie Wood, Jade Cannell, Callum Staley, Anna Harding, Emily Mylchreest, Abigale Turner-Drewry and Alex Henthorn. 


Ride Four were instructed by enthusiastic visiting instructor Mrs Bev Whitehead, members in Ride Four were Milly Killeen, Isla Curphey, Charlotte Craine, Nathan Mealin, Ella Perry and Jack Kinrade.

Fortunately the weather was good all week and the timetable did not have to be altered because of rain, members rode for two sessions of 90 minutes each day with two sessions of horse care as well as the usual tasks involved in caring for the horses and tack cleaning. 


Various activities were organised in the evenings with the favourite being the on-foot games which proved to be great fun. 


During the week all rides prepared a musical ride which was performed on Saturday morning for an audience made up of friends and family. This was a fantastic display which was made all the more special by the amazing costumes which had all been created at camp. 


After the musical rider demonstration members gathered in the Club house for the presentation of awards. Each instructor awards special Pony Club medals (only ever awarded at Camp) to the most improved during the week and these were as follows:-

Ride 4 - Gold - Charlotte Craine, Silver - Isla Curphey Bronze - Nathan Mealin

Ride 3 - Gold Alex Henthorn, Silver Emily Mylchreest Bronze Callum Staley

Ride 2 - Gold - Victoria Garner, Silver - Lauren Dean Bronze Charlie Morrey

Ride 1 - Gold Phoebe Cross, Silver Katy Robinson, Bronze Imogen Cannell.

The award for the Team gaining the most points for tidiness, cleanliness and general good behaviour went to the Blue Team - leader Phoebe Cross, members - Isla Curphey, Callum Staley, Alex Henthorn, Charlie Morrey, Victoria Garner and Jodie Ardern - very well done to all prize winners.

Members all thanked their fabulous instructors and also the hard working committee especially Chris Hopkinson, AnneMarie Robinson, Fenella Evans and Michaela Cannell for such a well organised and enjoyable week.

Horse and Pony Care at Eairy Mount on Wednesday 27th July 2011

 About 25 children attended this event at Eairy Mount, Foxdale, home of Mr & Mrs Gerry Vernon.  It was a beautiful day – warm and sunny and the children enjoyed their picnic lunch sitting in the sun in the garden.  After lunch the children were divided into two groups with the older children  learning how to plait and the younger members sat in the sun and learnt about poisonous plants and then how to take a bridle apart and put it back together again. The children then had opportunity to play together which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

 These daytime sessions of Horse care are always very sociable thanks to Gerry and Judith Vernon for always making everyone feel very welcome at their home, thanks also to  AnneMarie Robinson, Joanna Ralston and Caroline Vernon for organising such an enjoyable event.