On a very hot July 15th, our branch sent 2 teams and 1 individual to the Area showjumping competition held at Golden Cross. Abigail Johnson riding Toberscanavan Poppy was the sole entry from SDHE in the 90cm novice class and the teams in the 80cm Regional Championship consisted of: Charlie Collins riding Hillside Warrior, Amy Newton riding Milparks An Dlaiog, Tilly Appleyard riding Malone's Mate and Sophie Etherington riding Lady along with Lily Taylor Martin riding Forest Fire, Amalie Conroy riding Pegasus and Freya Conroy riding Prince.
There were 25 teams in the 80cm and all had to jump 2 rounds so a long day in the extreme heat with very little shade. The first round especially caused lots of faults and eliminations over a testing course. Meanwhile Abigail was jumping 2 rounds in the indoor arena.
Although we came away without any placings everyone rode well and I think I am right in saying you all gained valuable experience from the day, it was a big occasion and you all upped your riding. All were immaculate in their turnout and your team spirit in and out of the ring was superb, you were all a pleasure to be with.
On 4th August we had a mini team competing at the Southdown Hunt West Interbranch competition held at Hickstead. The team was: Arabella Goodwin riding Babe, Daisy Burgess riding Eaglehurst Batman, George McCaldin riding Roo and Jessica McCaldin riding Dilly. 28 teams were entered and our team had a very early start as first to jump at 8.00! The class was run as a 2 phase competition where the second part of the course is timed to determine the jump off times and placings. The best 3 rounds count and our team produced 3 lovely clear rounds with good times and set the pace for the rest of the competition. It was a nail biting wait, but our team could not be beaten and we came a fantastic 1st!!! Individually George finished 6th, Arabella 7th and Jessica 8th – a huge well done to the whole team, a fantastic achievement for our branch and you all looked incredibly smart in your winning rugs.
Many thanks to the parents who give up their time to drive our members to competitions and for supporting our branch. These days are usually very long and sometimes we don't get the results we would have hoped for, but as a branch we all pull together and support one another, which is what our Pony Club is all about.
More Interbranch competitions will be circulated shortly for the winter season. In the meantime take a look at the programme page on our website which lists all the rallies on offer. In order to represent the branch you will need to have attended a minimum of 3 mounted rallies, but you are also very welcome to ride at the rallies without wanting to compete.
Level 1 and 2 rallies ( up to 75cm) are organised by Tracy Collins – 07789 898263
Level 3, 4 and 5 rallies (above 75cm) are organised by Candy Robbins – 0781 6580322
Please contact Tracy or Candy for any further information regarding jumping rallies and competitions.
Candy Robbins
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