June is our favourite month at Pony Club as it means its show time! The time of year where family and friends gather to see their children take part in the annual show and gymkhana. There were 48 riders, 33 classes, 198 rosettes, nine trophies, 25 horses and ponies, two judges and six staff!

June 3 was the first show for our Pony Club Juniors with members from three-eight-years-old. We had a record number of 21 riders taking part in the show day.

The first class was best rider where judge, Cathryn Elward, had the most difficult job of deciding who to choose to win the trophy for each of the four groups. All members did their very best and we were very proud to see how well they are doing. The winners of the best rider classes were Emelia-Hope Butler, Peggy-Anne Hammersley, Amelie Houghton and Shannon Parker.

The next class was the gymkhana races. We had two races of bending and bucket and ball which had lots of smiling from riders and cheering from spectators. These races saw Gemma Armstrong, Bella Davies, Jessica Davies, Peggy-Anne Hammersley and Evie Mountford achieve first place rosettes. A special thank you goes to Pony Club senior members Kianna Asbridge, Lauren Sexton, Lowri Jones and Ffion Lewis for their help on the day by leading and encouraging the members during the classes.

The following weekend saw the Pony Club senior and academy show where the age ranged from eight-15-years-old. The Saturday was the preparation day when it stayed warm enough for them to bath their ponies as well as plait them and clean the tack to get them ready for the show on the Sunday.

Sunday came and the 27 members arrived with their families and friends for the show day. We had five groups take part in best rider where judge, Gaelle Chivers, chose Kiya Altun, Lauren Sexton, Thea Spiller, Lissie-Anne Tattersall and Caitlin Morgan to award with the first place rosette and trophy. The judging was very difficult as the riders all did very well and showed off their very best riding skills.

During the morning, there was also clear round jumping where members jumped a course of jumps in order to achieve a clear round rosette. We had 20 members earn themselves a clear round so well done to everyone. The jumping also helped staff member Becki Smith clock up her steps when leading the younger members around the course!

Once everyone filled up on delicious burgers, hot dogs or veggie burgers, cooked by Hazel Smith and Matt Russell in the Marros Munchies Coffee Shop, it was time for the gymkhana races!

We held three races of bending, bucket and ball and walk, trot, canter. We hold a mixture of races that require precision, as well as speed to test our members. These saw Poppy Evans, Lucy Reynolds, Toni Spiller, Cerys Thomas, Kiya Altun, Kristina Ardern, Lanelle Brown, Libbie James, Lucy Dean and Caitlin Morgan each earn first place rosettes. A special mention to Toni Spiller who won all three of her gymkhana races! Well done to everyone for doing well and showing great sportsmanship by encouraging their competitors.

Hazel and staff would like to thank all the members for taking part, as well as their families and friends for showing support and making each show a lovely enjoyable day.

If you’d like any information about any of the above, please contact Hazel or Lotti on 01994 453777 or email us at [email protected].