B TEST SUCCESS - 31st August 2010, Smallwood
Well done to Eleanor Hayward, April Jones and Hilary Secker who passed their B Test at Smallwood on Tuesday. All three were thrilled and delighted, and especially grateful for Joan's support on the day.
Click HERE for News 2009
The Pony Club Novice Championships - 28th-29th August 2010 - Kelsall Hill
Becky Thomas and Xanthe Goldsack represented Cheshire Hunt North at the Novice Championships this year. Xanthe took part in the Individual Dressage competition; despite being one of the youngest in her arena, she finished a very respectable 18th and in the top half. Becky Thomas took part in the Individual Show Jumping competition - again one of the youngest in the competition, Becky rode magnificently and was unlucky not to be in the ribbons. Additional congratulations to Xanthe who was awarded the Psyche Kennerley Memorial Award. Well done to you both and I expect we will see them both back next year. The Newcomers Show Jumping held on sunday afternoon was a huge success with several of our members taking part: Charlotte Spear, Xanthe Goldsack, Charlie Cooper, Georgina Burgess, and Katherine Smith. Well done to Charlie who came 4th.
Becky Thomas and Xanthe Goldsack represented Cheshire Hunt North at the Novice Championships this year. Xanthe took part in the Individual Dressage competition; despite being one of the youngest in her arena, she finished a very respectable 18th and in the top half. Becky Thomas took part in the Individual Show Jumping competition - again one of the youngest in the competition, Becky rode magnificently and was unlucky not to be in the ribbons. Additional congratulations to Xanthe who was awarded the Psyche Kennerley Memorial Award. Well done to you both and I expect we will see them both back next year. The Newcomers Show Jumping held on sunday afternoon was a huge success with several of our members taking part: Charlotte Spear, Xanthe Goldsack, Charlie Cooper, Georgina Burgess, and Katherine Smith. Well done to Charlie who came 4th.
The Pony Club Championships
- 14th-17th August 2010 - Draycott House
RESULTS!
Lucinda Bellis 4th in Individual Open Dressage, Polocrosse team 3rd, Hilary Secker 9th in Intermediate Dressage to Music, Junior Mounted Games Team 2nd, Intermediate Show Jumping team 3rd, Pairs Dressage to Music 5th. Intermediate Eventing Team 13th, with Georgia Drummond 5th in Arena, Senior Mounted Games Team 3rd. Many reports, and hopefully photographs, to follow shortly. Well done to you all!
RESULTS!
Lucinda Bellis 4th in Individual Open Dressage, Polocrosse team 3rd, Hilary Secker 9th in Intermediate Dressage to Music, Junior Mounted Games Team 2nd, Intermediate Show Jumping team 3rd, Pairs Dressage to Music 5th. Intermediate Eventing Team 13th, with Georgia Drummond 5th in Arena, Senior Mounted Games Team 3rd. Many reports, and hopefully photographs, to follow shortly. Well done to you all!
 |
Berwyn & Dee Beginners One Day Event - 17th July 2010 Saturday was a surprisingly sunny day as we gathered at Packwood Haugh School for the Berwyn and Dee Beginners ODE, 2’ 3” class. CHNPC had 3 young competitors taking part; Xanthe Goldsack on her youngster Angel, Katherine Smith at her first competitive ODE on Mr. Ben and Hattie Kirby on Pippa. The dressage started well with Xanthe achieving an impressive score to put her in joint first. Amazingly Hattie and Katherine finished the dressage equal on 30.8 (Only the 3rd dressage test that they had both done!) Katherine and Hattie both finished the show jumping clear, but an unfortunate error put Xanthe out of the running (Bad luck Xanthe!). The cross country course was interesting involving numerous forays into the woods and low lying branches! Katherine and Xanthe went clear on the XC but Hattie had a difficult run, however she persevered and finished the course. At the presentations Katherine was delighted to find out that she had won her class and Xanthe was given a beautiful 3 tiered rosette for her impressive dressage score. All 3 girls behaved wonderfully, rode really well and looked fantastic. Well done!! |
Area Show Jumping - 11th July 2010 - Dyfnog Stud
Novice Class
An early start but a good day had by all. The weather was hot and the teams nervous, but all a credit to the branch. All were very polite and the young Lions in particular were a credit as a team as they were by far the youngest, most inexperienced team at this level, on the smallest ponies!!!
The going wasn't perfect but that's what jumping on grass is all about! Our team trainer, David, did a sterling job, especially when trying to remember everyone's names!!!
A Huge WELL DONE Lions and Tigers and all the parents who took it in turns to turn away, when their child was in !
The Lions went into the second round on "0", but very unlucky poles left the team finishing fourth on 4 faults out of nineteen teams, (beaten into 2nd and 3rd by clock in the second round) with only one team jumping clear. The Tigers were unfortunately eliminated but did keep the flag flying with third in tack and turnout. Becky Thomas however, with a typically flamboyant second round, took first place individually and qualified for the Champs! by Debbie Jones
Click HERE for a full report by Pennie Drummond
Novice Class
An early start but a good day had by all. The weather was hot and the teams nervous, but all a credit to the branch. All were very polite and the young Lions in particular were a credit as a team as they were by far the youngest, most inexperienced team at this level, on the smallest ponies!!!
The going wasn't perfect but that's what jumping on grass is all about! Our team trainer, David, did a sterling job, especially when trying to remember everyone's names!!!
A Huge WELL DONE Lions and Tigers and all the parents who took it in turns to turn away, when their child was in !
The Lions went into the second round on "0", but very unlucky poles left the team finishing fourth on 4 faults out of nineteen teams, (beaten into 2nd and 3rd by clock in the second round) with only one team jumping clear. The Tigers were unfortunately eliminated but did keep the flag flying with third in tack and turnout. Becky Thomas however, with a typically flamboyant second round, took first place individually and qualified for the Champs! by Debbie Jones
Click HERE for a full report by Pennie Drummond
Pony Club Mounted Games - Zone Finals -27th June 2010 - Newark
WELL DONE to our Senior Mounted Games Team who came 5th at the Zone competition and now go forward to the Championship Final at Draycott with a chance to qualify for HOYS.
THREE CHEERS for our Junior Mounted Games Team who WON the Zone competition and now go to the Pony Club Championships at Draycott in August.
GO NORTH!
WELL DONE to our Senior Mounted Games Team who came 5th at the Zone competition and now go forward to the Championship Final at Draycott with a chance to qualify for HOYS.
THREE CHEERS for our Junior Mounted Games Team who WON the Zone competition and now go to the Pony Club Championships at Draycott in August.
GO NORTH!
Cheshire Show - 22nd/23rd June 2010
Inter Hunt Relay - 22nd June 2010
Well done to our two teams who competed in the Inter Hunt Relay in the main arena at the Cheshire Show. Our Gold Team (Leah Connor, Eleanor Hayward, Charlotte Brunt and Georgia Drummond) were amazing and were pipped to second place. One of the most exciting finals this writer has seen for a long time. Our Silver Team (Abigayle Spurrell, Rachele Cooper, Imogen Sherry and Hilary Secker) came first in the Tack & Turnout competition, continuing the trend that the junior games team started. Well done to them all!
Mounted Games - 22nd/23rd June 2010
Our Senior A Games team competed in the Cheshire Show mounted games competition (Amy Hollinshead, Emmie Davidson-Slack, Dan Drummond, Katie Vernon and Becky Thomas). In blistering heat our young team rode in four heats over the two days and finished sixth. They rode really well and were a credit to the branch. If anyone has any photo's of the two days they would like to share with us, let the webmaster know.
Inter Hunt Relay - 22nd June 2010
Well done to our two teams who competed in the Inter Hunt Relay in the main arena at the Cheshire Show. Our Gold Team (Leah Connor, Eleanor Hayward, Charlotte Brunt and Georgia Drummond) were amazing and were pipped to second place. One of the most exciting finals this writer has seen for a long time. Our Silver Team (Abigayle Spurrell, Rachele Cooper, Imogen Sherry and Hilary Secker) came first in the Tack & Turnout competition, continuing the trend that the junior games team started. Well done to them all!
Mounted Games - 22nd/23rd June 2010
Our Senior A Games team competed in the Cheshire Show mounted games competition (Amy Hollinshead, Emmie Davidson-Slack, Dan Drummond, Katie Vernon and Becky Thomas). In blistering heat our young team rode in four heats over the two days and finished sixth. They rode really well and were a credit to the branch. If anyone has any photo's of the two days they would like to share with us, let the webmaster know.
Rebecca Weston Memorial Trust Combined Training Competition - 19th June 2010, Eddisbury
Click HERE for a report by Debbie Jones.
Click HERE for a report by Debbie Jones.
MINI CAMP 2010 - 3rd / 4th June 2010 - Limes Farm, Barthomley
Click HERE for a report by Anna Sherry. Click on Photo Album for photo's of the two days.
Click HERE for a report by Anna Sherry. Click on Photo Album for photo's of the two days.
Picnic Ride - 2nd June 2010 - Hollins Farm, Cranage
Click HERE for a report by Maia Hodgson. Click on Photo Album for photo's of the day.
Click HERE for a report by Maia Hodgson. Click on Photo Album for photo's of the day.
Team Show Jumping Competition, 2nd June 2010, Marchweil
Our team of four went to Marchweil, near Wrexham, on Wednesday to take part in Sir Watkin William Wynn's Team Show Jumping competition. Annabel Carthy, Millie Darlington, Abigail Jones and Rozz Darlington finished on zero faults and came second. There was only one point between them and first place. Annabel finished fifth individually. Well done to you all!
Our team of four went to Marchweil, near Wrexham, on Wednesday to take part in Sir Watkin William Wynn's Team Show Jumping competition. Annabel Carthy, Millie Darlington, Abigail Jones and Rozz Darlington finished on zero faults and came second. There was only one point between them and first place. Annabel finished fifth individually. Well done to you all!
Area 5 Mounted Games 23 May 2010 hosted by Sir WWWs
The first of the area competitions for the branch began with earnest last weekend, with the Area 5 Mounted Games qualifier and the road to HOYS! We were well represented with 2 teams in the senior compeition and the junior team.
The first of the area competitions for the branch began with earnest last weekend, with the Area 5 Mounted Games qualifier and the road to HOYS! We were well represented with 2 teams in the senior compeition and the junior team.
At the final games practice they were all weighed and their ponies measured, (to comply with the change in rules) and they all looked polished and ready to begin chasing the dream once again! Joan was impressed with the turnout and the slick riding from the teams and they were all on form for the important weekend ahead.
Congratulations to our Senior Red and Junior teams who qualified at the Area Mounted Games Competition and now go forward to the Zone Competition at the end of June.
Credit also goes to our Senior Black team who saved their best performance to-date for Area – well done girls. With the Senior Red coming a close 2nd to the winners, in their competition, the Juniors stepped up and won their category – they were pushed all the way to the final race. Huge pats on backs for all our teams! Honours did not stop there – our Senior Black and Junior teams also won the Tack & Turnout awards!
Our thanks to Assistant District Commissioner Gail Cooper and the senior team trainer's wife Mary Marsden who were our Branch representatives on the day. Also to Tara Vernon and Helen Smith who stood on the line and line stewarded – not fun in the blazing sun.
Footnote from Joan: An enormous thank you must also go to Pennie for doing such a fantastic job overseeing the games, in addition to Richard Marsden senior team trainer and Louisa for her help. Finally thanks to the parents for their onhoing support trekking up and down the country!
Teams: Senior Red: Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer, Katie Vernon/Mischief, Jordan Cooke/Storm, Amy Hollinshead/Warrior, Dan Drummond/Sylph Senior Black: Alex Vickers/Madison, Kati Ratcliffe/Ted, Emma Bell/Ladybird, Hope Barrell/Penny, Becky Thomas/Flair Juniors: Becky Thomas/Sylph, Katherine Smith/Ben, Lucy Burrows/Magic, Lucy Pedley/Star, Kate Pedley/Regal and making her Junior debut as 6th member Hannah Pedley
Cheshire Frolic Endurance Weekend 22/23 May 2010 organised by Cheshire Group Endurance GB
Our very own 2009 National Pony Club Endurance Champion, Sharna McClelland and her horse Fan Tan competed over the weekend in the Pony Club section, repreenting the branch with style!
The intrepid duo coped fantastically with the hot weather and hard going. The pair successfully completed two 42km Pony Club Eagle rides over the weekend – for the Saturday ride they were also awarded a Grade Four under EGB rules.
Well done Sharna and Fan Tan – keep on trotting!
Weekend News 15th/16th May 2010
Mounted Games - Chatsworth International Horse Trials
The branch was very privileged to have been invited to take part in a mounted games demonstration at the Chatsworth International Horse Trials event on Sunday 16th May. A junior and senior team headed over the hills to this picturesque setting on a lovely sunny day - fantastic. The juniors were first into the main arena after an erratic start (yes girls?) they then found their rhythm and crept back up into the frame and finished equal first with Atherstone! Honours were not to be shared and Atherstone pipped the girls in the run off race - 5 flag. The crowd, however, loved the competition and were cheering the teams on. A short while later the seniors entered the fray. They too threw form to the wind, when they were good, they were very good but when they were bad they were This description does not do them justice(!), as they finished 2nd in good company. There were lots of positives to take to Area next weekend. Well done to both teams, girls and boy.
Junior team: Lucy Pedley/Star, Lucy Burrows/Magic, Katherine Smith/Ben, Becky Thomas/Sylph, Kate Pedley/Regal
Senior team: Amy Hollinshead/Warrior, Katie Vernon/Mischief, Hope Barrell/Penny, Dan Drummond/Sylph, Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer
Mounted Games - Chatsworth International Horse Trials
The branch was very privileged to have been invited to take part in a mounted games demonstration at the Chatsworth International Horse Trials event on Sunday 16th May. A junior and senior team headed over the hills to this picturesque setting on a lovely sunny day - fantastic. The juniors were first into the main arena after an erratic start (yes girls?) they then found their rhythm and crept back up into the frame and finished equal first with Atherstone! Honours were not to be shared and Atherstone pipped the girls in the run off race - 5 flag. The crowd, however, loved the competition and were cheering the teams on. A short while later the seniors entered the fray. They too threw form to the wind, when they were good, they were very good but when they were bad they were This description does not do them justice(!), as they finished 2nd in good company. There were lots of positives to take to Area next weekend. Well done to both teams, girls and boy.
Junior team: Lucy Pedley/Star, Lucy Burrows/Magic, Katherine Smith/Ben, Becky Thomas/Sylph, Kate Pedley/Regal
Senior team: Amy Hollinshead/Warrior, Katie Vernon/Mischief, Hope Barrell/Penny, Dan Drummond/Sylph, Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer
Weekend News 8th/9th May 2010
Mounted Games - Shrewsbury:
It was the turn of the Junior games parents of Katherine Smith/Ben, Becky Thomas/Sylph, Kate Pedley/Regal, Lucy Burrows/Magic and Lucy Pedley/Star, to have an early start and trundle south down the A49 to Condover, Shrewsbury. Caroline (Becky’s mum) and Louisa (Lucy/Magic’s mum) were greeted with the surprise that Pennie was unable to run the Juniors, when they arrived at 6.00 am to pick Sylph up. Pony and running orders were handed over with a cheery ‘You can do it, you’ll be fine, they know what they are doing’. And they duly did – the Juniors won. Well ridden girls – they reached every final (a trainers dream) and their turn out was also praised at the presentation at the end of the competition – they were pipped here by the Pychley.
And so to the Seniors, no pressure team of Jordan Cooke/Storm, Katie Vernon/Mischief, Emmie Davidson-Slack/Charmer, Amy Hollinshead/Warrior with Dan Drummond, dashing south after a football match, to be reunited with his pony Sylph. A confession here – the parents did groan when the team got off to a great start by winning the Bending race, however, last weeks performance was forgotten as they went from strength to strength. Another trainers dream was achieved – every final reached when to qualify you had to be in the top 2 in each heat. Congratulations girls/boy – a splendid result.
PS In case you were wondering Dan’s team lost their football match (2-0) and the first goal was conceded after 16 seconds! Becky Thomas’s brother was playing for the winning team so either way CHN were on a win-win situation.
CHS ODE & Rosebowl - Kelsall
Sunday's competition was blessed by wonderful weather from start to finish. The first class of the day was Class 2 (Level 3), well done to Imogen Sherry, Georgina Hayward (on her youngster), Bella Kasler and Charlotte Brunt who all rode well but were not placed today. The next class was the Rosebowl. Our team of Rob Gilsenan, Leah Connor, Hilary Secker and Ki Ashmore came 5th - well done guys. The last class was class 3 (2'6") - Maia Hodgson, Abigail Jones, Jess Harby, Annabel Carthy, Charlotte Taylor; again all our members rode really well but were not placed today. Special mention to Bella Kasler, Ki Ashmore, Annabel Carthy and Charlotte Taylor who all got double clears.
Fun Working Rally at Limes Farm
Click HERE for a report by Kate Pedley.
Mounted Games - Shrewsbury:
It was the turn of the Junior games parents of Katherine Smith/Ben, Becky Thomas/Sylph, Kate Pedley/Regal, Lucy Burrows/Magic and Lucy Pedley/Star, to have an early start and trundle south down the A49 to Condover, Shrewsbury. Caroline (Becky’s mum) and Louisa (Lucy/Magic’s mum) were greeted with the surprise that Pennie was unable to run the Juniors, when they arrived at 6.00 am to pick Sylph up. Pony and running orders were handed over with a cheery ‘You can do it, you’ll be fine, they know what they are doing’. And they duly did – the Juniors won. Well ridden girls – they reached every final (a trainers dream) and their turn out was also praised at the presentation at the end of the competition – they were pipped here by the Pychley.
And so to the Seniors, no pressure team of Jordan Cooke/Storm, Katie Vernon/Mischief, Emmie Davidson-Slack/Charmer, Amy Hollinshead/Warrior with Dan Drummond, dashing south after a football match, to be reunited with his pony Sylph. A confession here – the parents did groan when the team got off to a great start by winning the Bending race, however, last weeks performance was forgotten as they went from strength to strength. Another trainers dream was achieved – every final reached when to qualify you had to be in the top 2 in each heat. Congratulations girls/boy – a splendid result.
PS In case you were wondering Dan’s team lost their football match (2-0) and the first goal was conceded after 16 seconds! Becky Thomas’s brother was playing for the winning team so either way CHN were on a win-win situation.
CHS ODE & Rosebowl - Kelsall
Sunday's competition was blessed by wonderful weather from start to finish. The first class of the day was Class 2 (Level 3), well done to Imogen Sherry, Georgina Hayward (on her youngster), Bella Kasler and Charlotte Brunt who all rode well but were not placed today. The next class was the Rosebowl. Our team of Rob Gilsenan, Leah Connor, Hilary Secker and Ki Ashmore came 5th - well done guys. The last class was class 3 (2'6") - Maia Hodgson, Abigail Jones, Jess Harby, Annabel Carthy, Charlotte Taylor; again all our members rode really well but were not placed today. Special mention to Bella Kasler, Ki Ashmore, Annabel Carthy and Charlotte Taylor who all got double clears.
Fun Working Rally at Limes Farm
Click HERE for a report by Kate Pedley.
Weekend News 1st/2nd May 2010
CHN ODE, Smallwood - Well done to all our members who competed at our ODE at Smallwood on Saturday. Special congrats to: Xanthe Goldsack who came 6th, best dressage (27.9) and highest placed CHN in class 1, section 1; Millie Darlington who came 6th and highest placed CHN in class 1, section 2; Charlotte Brunt who finished 8th and won the highest placed CHN in class 2, section 1; Emily Hodge who finished 10th and won the highest placed CHN in class 2, section 2; Rob Gilsenan who came 5th and won the highest placed CHN in class 4, section 1; and Leah Connor who came 6th and Georgia Drummond who finished on the same penalties as 6th but was squeezed into 7th by Leah being closer to the optimum time cross country; Alice Ford Ward who came 1st and highest placed CHN in class 4, section 2. Many thanks to all the parents, friends and family who helped before, after and on the day.
Mounted Games, Oswestry Show Ground
Our hosts were Sir WWW’s where our mounted games teams battled not only with other teams but also the weather! Least affected were our senior team of Dan Drummond/Sylph, Amy Hollinshead/Warrior, Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer, Jordan Cooke/Storm and Katie Vernon/Mischief. After a fantastic start (winning the bending race) their performance took a bit of a dive (and the trainers blood pressure did the opposite!), however, in the latter stages of the competition some brilliant team riding saw them climb back up the leader board and finished 4th to some stiff competition. Well done girls (oops and boy!) - you came back strongly!
Next to face the weather and competition were the junior team of Kate Pedley/Regal, Lucy Pedley/Star, Lucy Burrows/Magic, Katherine Smith/Ben and Becky Thomas/Sylph. They performed well throughout the competition, particularly as the weather finally turned, plus they made their trainer happy by reaching every final. Their reward was a win! Fantastic girls – some brilliant and, where it mattered, sensible riding.
Finally our senior novice team stepped up and their reward for waiting until the end was awful weather! Here Kati Ratcliffe/Ted, Alex Vickers/Madison, Emma Bell/Ladybird, Hope Barrell/Penny and Becky Thomas/Flair coped really well with the conditions and it certainly tested the idea of games being fun. They finished a creditable 9th – well battled girls as it certainly wasn’t easy out there.
CHN ODE, Smallwood - Well done to all our members who competed at our ODE at Smallwood on Saturday. Special congrats to: Xanthe Goldsack who came 6th, best dressage (27.9) and highest placed CHN in class 1, section 1; Millie Darlington who came 6th and highest placed CHN in class 1, section 2; Charlotte Brunt who finished 8th and won the highest placed CHN in class 2, section 1; Emily Hodge who finished 10th and won the highest placed CHN in class 2, section 2; Rob Gilsenan who came 5th and won the highest placed CHN in class 4, section 1; and Leah Connor who came 6th and Georgia Drummond who finished on the same penalties as 6th but was squeezed into 7th by Leah being closer to the optimum time cross country; Alice Ford Ward who came 1st and highest placed CHN in class 4, section 2. Many thanks to all the parents, friends and family who helped before, after and on the day.
Mounted Games, Oswestry Show Ground
Our hosts were Sir WWW’s where our mounted games teams battled not only with other teams but also the weather! Least affected were our senior team of Dan Drummond/Sylph, Amy Hollinshead/Warrior, Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer, Jordan Cooke/Storm and Katie Vernon/Mischief. After a fantastic start (winning the bending race) their performance took a bit of a dive (and the trainers blood pressure did the opposite!), however, in the latter stages of the competition some brilliant team riding saw them climb back up the leader board and finished 4th to some stiff competition. Well done girls (oops and boy!) - you came back strongly!
Next to face the weather and competition were the junior team of Kate Pedley/Regal, Lucy Pedley/Star, Lucy Burrows/Magic, Katherine Smith/Ben and Becky Thomas/Sylph. They performed well throughout the competition, particularly as the weather finally turned, plus they made their trainer happy by reaching every final. Their reward was a win! Fantastic girls – some brilliant and, where it mattered, sensible riding.
Finally our senior novice team stepped up and their reward for waiting until the end was awful weather! Here Kati Ratcliffe/Ted, Alex Vickers/Madison, Emma Bell/Ladybird, Hope Barrell/Penny and Becky Thomas/Flair coped really well with the conditions and it certainly tested the idea of games being fun. They finished a creditable 9th – well battled girls as it certainly wasn’t easy out there.
Weekend News 17th/18th April 2010 - Mounted Games
Bramham Moor (17 April 2010) -
Unfortunately we were unable to raise a team for this event. However, two very keen members, in true pony club spirit helped Berwen & Dee out by making up their team. They were called Berwin North, they competed valiantly and had a great time. I know I'm a parent, but I'll say it anyway, they both behaved impeccably, sailed through tack check with no problems and as you can see from the photograph, they looked very smart! Emma's confidence grew and grew throughout the competition so much she was cantering around the cone as she put the flag in, in 5 flag. Both Alex and emma got on well with the rest of the team, chatted and made some new friends. It was a great day, blue sky, sunshine & happy children.
Sinnington (18 April 2010) – The games did not stop for Alex Vickers/Madison and her parents when they stayed overnight with Berwyn & Dee and competed with them at the Sinnington branch’s mounted games competition. Alex is the first Cheshire North member to compete at this event! With her team running as a four she got plenty of experience in every race – the team made four(!) finals and finished 9th out of 17 teams. Congratulations Alex.
Belton Horse Trials (18 April 2010) – Four more members of the senior games squad were in action on Sunday at the demonstration event at the prestigious Belton Horse Trials. Dan Drummond/Sylph, Amy Hollinshead/Warrior, Hope Barrell/Penny and Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer all rode well and finished a creditable 4th to some top class competition – here they notched up several gears in the races and this will serve them well for future competitions. Well done everyone - when running as a four added more pressure!
SPECIAL REPORT - 'Mamma Mia' Dressage to Music at British Dressage Winter Championships - Click HERE. Photo's to follow shortly.
Weekend News - 9th/10th/11th April 2010
East Cheshire vs North Staffs vs Cheshire Hunt North Show Jumping, Somerford
We were certainly blessed with the weather on Friday 9th April when Cheshire Hunt North joined with hosts, East Cheshire, and the North Staffs branch for a Interbranch Show Jumping Competition at Somerford Park Farm. This event replaced the North vs East show jumping competition that was cancelled earlier in the year due to the weather.
East Cheshire vs North Staffs vs Cheshire Hunt North Show Jumping, Somerford
We were certainly blessed with the weather on Friday 9th April when Cheshire Hunt North joined with hosts, East Cheshire, and the North Staffs branch for a Interbranch Show Jumping Competition at Somerford Park Farm. This event replaced the North vs East show jumping competition that was cancelled earlier in the year due to the weather.
Our six teams jumped in a range of classes and all were a credit in both turnout and their riding over a challenging course. Well done to our Open team of Becky & Ki Ashmore, Alice Ford Ward and Emmie Davidson Slack who finished 6th. The remaining places went to N Staffs (Class 4) 5th; N Staffs (Class 2) 4th; E Cheshire (Class 6) 3rd; N Staffs (Class 1) 2nd; E Cheshire (Class 4) 1st.
For the first time individual honours were also awarded and here Olivia Arrowsmith finished 4th and drum roll please… Becky Thomas 1st! The remaining honours went to individuals from N Staffs (6th); E Cheshire (5th); N Staffs (3rd); E Cheshire (2nd).
Apart from those who achieved double clears in the placings above, the following were presented with a double clear rosette: Lucy Pedley; Alex Vickers; Charlotte Spear; Annabel Carthy; Leah Connor.
Well done to all and a pat on the back to our parents who tack checked and organised the collecting ring.
East Cheshire Mounted Games Friendly, Somerford Park Farm
At last our first competition outside and in the sunshine! Our three mounted games teams travelled all the way to Somerford, I wish some of our other competitions are as close(!), our hosts were East Cheshire and they laid on a fabulous competition.
For our seniors the lack of outdoor practice and team revisions played their part on the day. The senior team of Emmie Davidson Slack/Charmer; Daniel Drummond/Sylph; Katie Vernon/Mischief; Amy Hollinshead/Warrior and Hope Barrell/Penny (having their first Senior A run), finished a hard battled 7th. Our Senior Novice team of Emma Bell/Ladybird; Alex Vickers/Madison; Hope Barrell/Penny; Katie Ratcliffe/Ted (having their first senior games competition) and Becky Thomas/Flair (having their first taste in the seniors) finished a creditable 9th.
Being outdoors didn’t daunt the Juniors however, although the curse of the Farmers Market race was to raise its ugly head again. For Kate Pedley/Regal; Becky Thomas/Sylph; Lucy Pedley/Star; Katherine Smith partnered with Flair for the first time and Lucy Burrows having her first ever games competition(!)/Magic finished a fantastic 2nd. Well done girls - a fantastic result as they coped with new combinations and running orders.
Weekend News - 27th/28th March 2010
Dengie Show Jumping National Final - well done to Amy Hollinshead and Ki Ashmore who made the trip down to Moreton Morrell on Saturday for the final. It was an extremely technical course with huge parallels; there were dengie advertising boards and bags everywhere making the arena very spooky. Despite this Amy and Ki rode really well; unfortunately they did not get placed.
Dengie Open Dressage Final - on Sunday Lucinda Bellis made the trip down to Moreton Morrell for the Dengie Dressage. Lucinda and Angus rode a most elegant test and came equal 5th.
Dressage to Music - Hilary Secker and Imogen Sherry also travelled to Moreton Morrell on Sunday, having got up obscenely early to be there for 9.00am. Hilary and Imogen were competing in the Pairs Dressage to Music; their routine impressed and amused the judges and they came 1st! Hilary and Luke came 6th in the Individual Intermediate class.
Dengie Show Jumping National Final - well done to Amy Hollinshead and Ki Ashmore who made the trip down to Moreton Morrell on Saturday for the final. It was an extremely technical course with huge parallels; there were dengie advertising boards and bags everywhere making the arena very spooky. Despite this Amy and Ki rode really well; unfortunately they did not get placed.
Dengie Open Dressage Final - on Sunday Lucinda Bellis made the trip down to Moreton Morrell for the Dengie Dressage. Lucinda and Angus rode a most elegant test and came equal 5th.
Dressage to Music - Hilary Secker and Imogen Sherry also travelled to Moreton Morrell on Sunday, having got up obscenely early to be there for 9.00am. Hilary and Imogen were competing in the Pairs Dressage to Music; their routine impressed and amused the judges and they came 1st! Hilary and Luke came 6th in the Individual Intermediate class.
Weekend News - 13th/14th March 2010
Junior Mounted Games - It was a big win for our Junior team at the Atherstone Indoor Friendly competition yesterday. The team of Becky Thomas, Lucy Pedley, Katherine Smith, Kate Pedley and William Walton were magnificent and won by a commanding 5 points! Could it be the magic of a Pedley cake? Note in the Victors' photo they are each holding a piece!! See below photo for the official report.
Junior Mounted Games - It was a big win for our Junior team at the Atherstone Indoor Friendly competition yesterday. The team of Becky Thomas, Lucy Pedley, Katherine Smith, Kate Pedley and William Walton were magnificent and won by a commanding 5 points! Could it be the magic of a Pedley cake? Note in the Victors' photo they are each holding a piece!! See below photo for the official report.
The games team hit the road for the first time at the weekend and headed south to Solihull for the Atherstone Indoor Mounted Games competition. This was a new event for Cheshire North and we were all impressed with the facilities at the Solihull Equestrian Centre.
Our Senior team (Emmie Davidson-Slack/Charmer; Jordan Cooke/Storm; Katie Vernon/Mischief; Daniel Drummond/Sylph; Amy Hollinshead/Warrior) rode well and finished 3rd in the A final – the final was keenly contested where accuracy and vaulting were key. The four teams in the final provided some exciting races.
In the afternoon it was the Juniors turn (Lucy Pedley/Star; Katherine Smith/Mr Ben; Kate Pedley/Regal; William Walton/Kestrel; Becky Thomas/Sylph;) where they qualified for the A final in 3rd place and began the final with confidence. Here slick handovers and some fast legs from Star and Sylph resulted in a… WIN! Well done kids and ponies.
A huge thank you to the Atherstone Branch of the Pony Club for a super day and the rosettes were really fabulous - these will be treasured for a long time.
Winter Dressage Series
The Winter Dressage Series came to a close yesterday with some closely fought classes. Results for the day will be posted separately. The results for the series are as follows: the Class 1 10 & Under section was won by William Walton and Murphy; the Class 2 Novice section was won by Victoria Jones and Tufty; the Class 3 Open section was won by Hilary Secker and Luke and the Class 4 Open section was won by Lucinda Bellis and Angus. The Derbyshire Cup, and Champion of the series, was convincingly won by Lucinda Bellis with Victoria Jones as a worthy Reserve Champion. Hilary Secker was awarded Most Improved over the series. Many thanks to Liz Sutton who spends hours and hours organising these competitions for us and puts up with our endless changes and withdrawals. It is greatly appreciated.
6th March 2010 - Dengie Dressage Area Qualifier, Northop
Several of our members competed at the Dengie Dressage Area Qualifier at Northop Equestrian Centre on Saturday. Competing in the Novice class were Bethany Hodgson, Victoria Jones on Tufty and Nemo, and Hilary Secker on Luke. All three rode very well and were turned out to a very high standard. Well done to Hilary who came 6th. Competing in the Open class were Lucinda Bellis and Kati Ratcliffe. Again the Cheshire Hunt North high standards of turnout and riding were maintained, and we're delighted to report that Lucinda came 2nd and qualified for the national final at Moreton Morrell on 28th March. Thank you to Burton Cheshire Forest for hosting the competition.
Several of our members competed at the Dengie Dressage Area Qualifier at Northop Equestrian Centre on Saturday. Competing in the Novice class were Bethany Hodgson, Victoria Jones on Tufty and Nemo, and Hilary Secker on Luke. All three rode very well and were turned out to a very high standard. Well done to Hilary who came 6th. Competing in the Open class were Lucinda Bellis and Kati Ratcliffe. Again the Cheshire Hunt North high standards of turnout and riding were maintained, and we're delighted to report that Lucinda came 2nd and qualified for the national final at Moreton Morrell on 28th March. Thank you to Burton Cheshire Forest for hosting the competition.
29th February 2010 - Achievement Badges at Stable Management Rally, Hollins Farm
Nine eager pony clubbers turned up at Hollins Farm clutching their memory sticks, cds and notepads to give their talks on wild animals and trees. Each member had previously drawn a subject out of a hat and had to speak for 4-5 minutes on it. The subjects were Foxes, Owls, Hedgehogs, Trees, Mice, Bats, Moles & Voles, Squirrels and Badgers. They had obviously worked very hard at researching their subjects and creating visually interesting talks, and the audience were clearly entertained by them. Well done to Annabel Carthy, Xanthe Goldsack, Abi Jones, Archie Hocknell, Ella Aitkin, Eleanor Hazlewood, Georgina Burgess, Charlotte Spear and Charlotte Taylor. Rob presented them all with their Wild Animal badge and their Public Speaking badge at the end.
Nine eager pony clubbers turned up at Hollins Farm clutching their memory sticks, cds and notepads to give their talks on wild animals and trees. Each member had previously drawn a subject out of a hat and had to speak for 4-5 minutes on it. The subjects were Foxes, Owls, Hedgehogs, Trees, Mice, Bats, Moles & Voles, Squirrels and Badgers. They had obviously worked very hard at researching their subjects and creating visually interesting talks, and the audience were clearly entertained by them. Well done to Annabel Carthy, Xanthe Goldsack, Abi Jones, Archie Hocknell, Ella Aitkin, Eleanor Hazlewood, Georgina Burgess, Charlotte Spear and Charlotte Taylor. Rob presented them all with their Wild Animal badge and their Public Speaking badge at the end.
28th February 2010 - Mounted Games Friendly, Aintree
Our games team started their 2010 campaign yesterday when we hosted an indoor competition at the Aintree International Arena. Twelve senior and 8 junior teams blew the winter cobwebs away and settled down to competition and trying out the new race ‘Farmers Market’ which involves equipment such as a string of sausages, an egg box, a potatoe and a plastic milk bottle!
An enormous thank you must also go to Pennie, our Mounted Games Co-ordinator, for the endless hours she puts into organising and running practices. In addition the smooth running of Sunday and the organisation of all the help made the day one to remember. Thanks Pennie from us all.
Our games team started their 2010 campaign yesterday when we hosted an indoor competition at the Aintree International Arena. Twelve senior and 8 junior teams blew the winter cobwebs away and settled down to competition and trying out the new race ‘Farmers Market’ which involves equipment such as a string of sausages, an egg box, a potatoe and a plastic milk bottle!
Our Senior Red team (Amy Hollinshead/Warrior; Emmie Davidson-Slack/Charmer; Jordan Cooke/Storm; Katie Vernon/Mischief (in their first competition together); Daniel Drummond/Sylph) won the A final – a wonderful start! Our Senior Black team boosted with 2 Berwyn & Dee members and competed under the name of ‘Cheshire & Dee’ (Emma Bell/Ladybird; Alex Vickers/Madison; Hope Barrell/Penny; with Jess and Nicky and their ponies Woody and Mr QT) mixed well and enjoyed themselves and competed in the C final – well tried girls. For Emma and Alex this was their first competition with their new ponies and another first for Alex as it was her first senior competition too!
And so to the Juniors (Becky Thomas/Sylph; Lucy Pedley/Star; Katherine Smith/Mr Ben; Kate Pedley/Regal; William Walton/Kestrel) here they settled quickly into a rhythm and won the A final – another fabulous start! For William and Kestrel this was their first ever games competition and for Katherine and Kate their first competition on their new ponies.
A huge THANK YOU to our officials Caroline Chadwick (our Chief Steward), David Knowles (event organiser/commentator), Graham Ashmore (the man with the flag and whistle) and Adrienne Knowles (finish judge) and to all our parents and committee members who ‘mucked’ in on the day – from Tracy (our scorer who had the best seat in the house!), the endless offers of refreshments, the arena stewards, to our fabulous pooh pickers. Never a popular job but… the venue staff commended us on our care and diligence. A special mention goes to Annabel Carthy and Hannah Pedley who sold raffle tickets and raised a fabulous £75 – well done girls! AND WELL DONE EVERYONEAn enormous thank you must also go to Pennie, our Mounted Games Co-ordinator, for the endless hours she puts into organising and running practices. In addition the smooth running of Sunday and the organisation of all the help made the day one to remember. Thanks Pennie from us all.
27th February 2010 - Winter League SJ, Aintree
Click HERE for a report on our very successful, and very long, day.
Click HERE for a report on our very successful, and very long, day.
18th February 2010 - Winter League SJ, Northop
Another good day of jumping for CHN! Our Class One Lions were Jess Harby, Lucy Pedley, Xanthe Goldsack and Katherine Smith and they came 4th. Well done to Xanthe and Jess who both had double clears and individual honours to Xanthe who came 6th. Our Class Two team was made up ot Maia Hodgson, Dan Drummond, Becky Thomas and Alex Vickers. They all rode very well but were just out of the rosettes this time. Our Class Three team were Charlotte Brunt, Tabitha Ridley-Thomas, Hilary Secker and Olivia Arrowsmith and they came 1st. Well done to Charlotte, Tabitha and Olivia who all got double clears and Charlotte who achieved 6th place individually. Many thanks to Waen Y Llyn and Flint & Denbigh for organising the event.
Another good day of jumping for CHN! Our Class One Lions were Jess Harby, Lucy Pedley, Xanthe Goldsack and Katherine Smith and they came 4th. Well done to Xanthe and Jess who both had double clears and individual honours to Xanthe who came 6th. Our Class Two team was made up ot Maia Hodgson, Dan Drummond, Becky Thomas and Alex Vickers. They all rode very well but were just out of the rosettes this time. Our Class Three team were Charlotte Brunt, Tabitha Ridley-Thomas, Hilary Secker and Olivia Arrowsmith and they came 1st. Well done to Charlotte, Tabitha and Olivia who all got double clears and Charlotte who achieved 6th place individually. Many thanks to Waen Y Llyn and Flint & Denbigh for organising the event.
16th February 2010 - Pony Racing Training Day, Aintree
Click HERE for William Walton's report on their great day at Aintree.
Click HERE for William Walton's report on their great day at Aintree.
6th February 2010 - Winter League SJ, Southview
Very cold and very foggy - that seems to be the general feeling of the day. In addition to WOW! Didn't we do well!! Our Class One Lions were Xanthe Goldsack, Jess Harby, Lucy Pedley and Annabel Carthy and they came 4th! Both Xanthe and Lucy had double clears - well done girls. Our Class Two team was made up of Dan Drummond, Abi Jones, Alex Vickers and Emily Hocknell and they came 1st!!!! Annabel Carthy rode as an individual. Congratulations to Dan and Emily for their double clears. The success continued through the day. Our Class Three team was Tabitha Ridley-Thomas, Leah Connor, Charlotte Brunt and Amy Hollinshead and they came 2nd! With Amy getting a double clear and an individual 2nd place - well done Amy. Abby Spurrell rode as an individual. In Class Four our team was Ki Ashmore, Emmie Davidson-Slack and Georgia Drummond. Despite only being a team of three they came 2nd with Ki and Emmie both getting double clears and achieving individual 3rd and 4th respectively. Thank you to Crewe & District and Cheshire Hunt South for organising the event.
Our Class 2 Winning Team!
Very cold and very foggy - that seems to be the general feeling of the day. In addition to WOW! Didn't we do well!! Our Class One Lions were Xanthe Goldsack, Jess Harby, Lucy Pedley and Annabel Carthy and they came 4th! Both Xanthe and Lucy had double clears - well done girls. Our Class Two team was made up of Dan Drummond, Abi Jones, Alex Vickers and Emily Hocknell and they came 1st!!!! Annabel Carthy rode as an individual. Congratulations to Dan and Emily for their double clears. The success continued through the day. Our Class Three team was Tabitha Ridley-Thomas, Leah Connor, Charlotte Brunt and Amy Hollinshead and they came 2nd! With Amy getting a double clear and an individual 2nd place - well done Amy. Abby Spurrell rode as an individual. In Class Four our team was Ki Ashmore, Emmie Davidson-Slack and Georgia Drummond. Despite only being a team of three they came 2nd with Ki and Emmie both getting double clears and achieving individual 3rd and 4th respectively. Thank you to Crewe & District and Cheshire Hunt South for organising the event.
Our Class 2 Winning Team!
30th January 2010 - Winter League SJ, Aintree
What a fabulous day we had! Excellent facilities, brilliant courses and wonderful help from our parents. We had two teams in every class today. In Class One the Lions were Jessica Harby, Becky Thomas, Annabel Carthy and Lucy Pedley and their team came 3rd. The Tigers were Katherine Smith, Alex Vickers and Xanthe Goldsack. Well done to Jess, Becky, Lucy and Xanthe who all got double clears and to Becky who came 1st individually and highest placed CHN. In Class Two the Lions were Abi Jones, Maia Hodgson, Dan Drummond and Amy Hollinshead and they came 5th. The Tigers were Annabel Carthy, Georgina Blackshaw, Kati Ratcliffe and Emily Hocknell and they came 2nd. Congratulations to Dan, Georgina and Kati who all got double clears and to Georgina who came 5th individually and highest placed CHN. In Class Three the Lions were Leah Connor, Tabitha Ridley-Thomas and Charlotte Brunt and they came 6th. The Tigers were Amy Hollinshead, Georgina Blackshaw and Hilary Secker. Well done to Amy who had a double clear in a fast time and came 2nd individually and highest placed CHN. In Class Four the Lions were Ki Ashmore, Georgia Drummond, Holly Kapusniak and Grace Kennerley and they came 3rd. The Tigers were Penny Hancox, Charlotte Brunt, Emmie Davidson-Slack and Bekki Ashmore and they came 2nd. Congratulations to Holly, Emmie and Bekki who all got double clears and to Emmie who came 4th individually and was highest placed CHN and Holly who came 5th.
Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success.
What a fabulous day we had! Excellent facilities, brilliant courses and wonderful help from our parents. We had two teams in every class today. In Class One the Lions were Jessica Harby, Becky Thomas, Annabel Carthy and Lucy Pedley and their team came 3rd. The Tigers were Katherine Smith, Alex Vickers and Xanthe Goldsack. Well done to Jess, Becky, Lucy and Xanthe who all got double clears and to Becky who came 1st individually and highest placed CHN. In Class Two the Lions were Abi Jones, Maia Hodgson, Dan Drummond and Amy Hollinshead and they came 5th. The Tigers were Annabel Carthy, Georgina Blackshaw, Kati Ratcliffe and Emily Hocknell and they came 2nd. Congratulations to Dan, Georgina and Kati who all got double clears and to Georgina who came 5th individually and highest placed CHN. In Class Three the Lions were Leah Connor, Tabitha Ridley-Thomas and Charlotte Brunt and they came 6th. The Tigers were Amy Hollinshead, Georgina Blackshaw and Hilary Secker. Well done to Amy who had a double clear in a fast time and came 2nd individually and highest placed CHN. In Class Four the Lions were Ki Ashmore, Georgia Drummond, Holly Kapusniak and Grace Kennerley and they came 3rd. The Tigers were Penny Hancox, Charlotte Brunt, Emmie Davidson-Slack and Bekki Ashmore and they came 2nd. Congratulations to Holly, Emmie and Bekki who all got double clears and to Emmie who came 4th individually and was highest placed CHN and Holly who came 5th.
Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success.
24th January 2010 - Winter Dressage, Huntersgate
Click HERE for a report on the winter dressage competition - 'Dressage Breaks the Boredom' by Annabel Carthy.