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.