“As a member of the Pony Club, I stand for the best in sportsmanship as well as horsemanship. I

shall compete for the enjoyment of the game well played and take winning or losing in my stride,

remembering that without good manners and good temper, sport loses its cause for being. I

shall endeavour to treat my horse with consideration”.

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In this issue…

2 From your District Commissioner

Camp Dates

4 List of Rallies and Events

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REPORTS

5 Christmas Show Jumping at Quainton

7 Christmas Show Jumping Results

8 Tetrathlon

9 Rider of the Month: Freddie Richardson

10 Children’s Meet Report

12 Membership Renewal

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13 FORTHCOMING RALLIES and EVENTS

- New! Valentine’s Rally in

Feb half term

- Swim Training, Stowe

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February Half Term

Programme ------------------------------

- Show Jumping, Dressage,

Cross Country, C+ Training

Rallies – dates for spring

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19 Other Events – list of horsey events

taking place locally

21 Contacts List – print out and keep!

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE NOW DUE! http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/membership-renewal/

January 2018 Newsletter

Bicester and Warden

Hill Hunt Branch

From your District Commissioner Happy New Year to you all! I’m sure 2018 will be a busy Pony Club year for everyone - there are lots of rallies and events being organised as usual! Please remember to renew your membership by the end of January. They are all due now. If you’re planning on trying for Area teams you must renew your membership before the deadline. You pay through the website but don’t forget to send your form to Wendy. New hat tags are needed this year, they are mint green and will be available at rallies or from Kirstie or Wendy. Please remember that if you need to cancel a rally (up to seven days in advance) you need to contact the rally organiser directly. I look forward to seeing lots of you out and about over the coming weeks and hope that we have another fun Pony Club year!

Kirstie

There is flexibility on the upper age limit for Mini Camp. If your child is in Year 3 but you would prefer that they attend

Mini rather than Junior Camp this can be accommodated.

BRANCH COMPETITION DATES 2018

Sun 18 March Showjumping + Dressage Show, Addington Manor (inc. Dengie Area Final) Sat 14 April Bignell Hunter Trials, Chesterton Sun10 June Marsh Gibbon Pony Show Sun 17 June One Day Event, Gawcott Sun 16 September Blenheim Fun Ride

AREA COMPETITION DATES 2018

24 Feb Horse and Pony Care, Marsworth 4 March Area Quiz 19 May Mounted Games, Knebworth 9 June Hyde Heath Inter Branch (inc. Regional Qualifier (80/85 cm) 23 June Showjumping (Novice, Intermediate, Open), Addington Manor 1 July Dressage (Prix Caprilli, Regional, Novice, Intermediate, Open) Hyde Heath 14/14 July Tetrathlon 22 July Eventing (Regional, Novice, Intermediate, Open), Offchurch Bury

January’s Advice from Chief Instructor, Emma Dyer

New Year Goals

Break your goals for 2018 into bite size achievable training sessions so that both you and your horse are both physically and mentally prepared, and can iron out any mishaps along the way.

Hats and Stirrups – please read

Your hat needs to be tagged with a mint green Pony Club tag before you take part in any PC rally or event. This can be done by your District Commissioner (Kirstie Wakelin), Assistant District Commissioner (Wendy Kerr) or Clare Davis (Area Teams Manager). Contact details are at the end of this newsletter. Please can you also check your child’s stirrups (this is so important) and ensure that there is at least a ¼ inch gap (the thickness of a biro) between their boot and the stirrup (especially if you’ve recently bought them new boots). This is to prevent their foot being caught in the stirrup should they fall off.

For Cross-Country riding (over fences 0.80cm high and above), including Eventing, Tetrathlon, and Horse Trials (also Pony Racing) whether it be tests, rallies, competitions or training and Mounted Games competitions, a jockey skull cap of an even round or elliptical shape, with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions, no noticeable protuberances above the eyes to the front, not greater than 5mm, smooth or rounded in nature are permitted. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used if required. It is strongly recommended that a jockey skull cap is worn for cross country riding over lower fences.

RALLIES AND EVENTS 2017

THESE ALSO APPEAR ON THE WEBSITE To book a rally:

1. Scroll down this newsletter to ‘Forthcoming Rallies’ (after News and Reports) where you will find information about venue, time, cost and full details about the rally. If you’re booking a rally put this info in your diary for future reference!

2. Then book on line http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/online-events-system/ 3. A few days before the rally look on the Branch website under ‘Rally Times’

http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/rally-times-2/ to see which ride you are in.

Date Event Venue Organiser

Thu 11 Jan Swim Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Sat 13 Jan Arena XC Rally Cherwell C Centre Sue Pryce

Sun 14 Jan Dressage Rally – Julia Catling Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 18 Jan Swim Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Sat 20 Jan C+ and Beyond Training Grange Farm Wendy Kerr

Sun 21 Jan Showjumping Team Training Durrants Farm Bernadette Evans

Thu 25 Jan Swim Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Thu 1 Feb Swim Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Sun 4 Feb Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White

Thu 8 Feb Swim Training Stowe School Deborah Gregory

Sun 11 Feb Show Jumping Team Training Durrants Farm Bernadette Evans

Tue 13 Feb C+ and Beyond Grange Farm Wendy Kerr

Thu 15 Feb Children’s Meet Bicester Hunt

Fri 16 Feb Valentine’s Working Rally Logg Farm Sarah Lloyd

Sat 17 Feb Show Jumping Rally – Rhian Jones Logg Farm Heidi Smith

Sun 18 Feb Dressage Rally – Serena Gordon Pool Farm Katharine White

Sat 24 Feb XC Rally Swalcliffe Park Sue Pryce

Sat 3 Mar Show Jumping Rally – Rhian Jones Logg Farm Heidi Smith

Sun 4 Mar Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White

Sun 11 Mar Show Jumping Team Training Quainton Stud Bernadette Evans

Sun 18 Mar SJ and Dressage Show Addington Kirstie Wakelin

Sun 25 Mar Dressage Rally – Demelza Hawes Pool Farm Katharine White

Sun 8 Apr Dressage Rally – Demelza Hawes Pool Farm Katharine White

Sat 14 Apr Bignell Hunter Trials Chesterton

Sun 15 Apr Dressage Rally – Tom Graham Pool Farm Katharine White

Sun 10 Jun Marsh Gibbon Pony Show Marsh Gibbon Sharron Whittingham/

Pippa Brown

Sun 17 Jun One Day Event Gawcott Deborah Gregory

NEWS AND REPORTS

Mini and Younger Juniors Show Jumping, Quainton Stud

Wendy Kerr and Theresa Harper organised a great morning for us all at Quainton Stud just before Christmas. Denise Aaron took the older children for a ride to music which looked like it was amazing fun! Meanwhile the younger ones impressed us all with their riding skills in the indoor school in our first Christmas Mini Show Jumping Show. Many thanks to Clare Davis who came to judge. Results: Small Crosspoles Best Clear Round/Lines to fence Phoebe Cannon Best Heels Down Florence Hudson Best Fancy Dress Bonnie Harper Biggest Smile Bethany Flowers 40 cm Best Clear Round Penny Harper Best Lines to Fence Claudie Stokes Best Smile Bridget Harper Best Fancy Dress Oliver and William Hodges Best Heels Down Cecily Holland Best First Competition Annabelle Robbins 50 cm Best Fancy Dress/Best Rider Charlotte Hopkins Best Heels Down Freddie Richardson Best Clear Round Bridget Harper Best Lines to Fence Tom Harper Best Smile Annabelle Robbins Confidence and Improvement Cecily Holland

Bravest Rider Oliver Hodges William Naylor/William Hodges Speediest Round Claudie Stokes Smoothest Round

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dreams Do Come True! This is what Jane Harper (mummy of Tom and Penny and our showing expert at Marsh Gibbon Pony Show) said when she won the SSADL Supreme Champion at Olympia Horse Show in December. Jane and her lovely horse, Crimewave II (Stanley), did all their preparation without the luxury of an arena -with hares and gamebirds leaping out around them as they schooled. Disaster struck on the day she was due to bath Stanley before leaving for Olympia as the pipes froze at her yard. She had to lead him a good mile on an icy surface to tie him up outside her kitchen and used buckets of warm water to make sure he looked his best! Many congratulations to Jane and Stanley on a very well-deserved win.

Jane Harper and Stanley Jane, Emma Richardson-Steele and Sarah Grace

Pony Club Talent Pathway The Pony Club runs a national scheme whereby those members who are 14 years old and over (on the day of the session) and have shown a particular talent in their discipline (dressage, show jumping or eventing) can apply to take part in a training scheme which gives them access to the very best instructors. Click here http://www.pcuk.org/index.php/training/member_opportunities/ponyclubtalentpathway/ for more information and to book. Please can you speak to Kirstie before booking so she can fill you in on what is expected: kjwakelin@icloud.com.

Christmas Show Jumping Results

Lots of you managed to get out and about over the Christmas hols despite the icy conditions. Mandy McGlynn ran her BSJA Academy Show at Addington just before Christmas which lots of our members

attended. I haven’t managed to get hold of the results but Bicester Branch members were certainly up there in the ribbons for every class. It was a great show and lots of fun. There were Pony Club Shows at Bury Farm and Milton Keynes on 28 December. We didn’t field any teams for either but I did hear that Katie Robinson on Haribo was 2nd in the 90 cm at Bury Farm – just pipped at the post by the last competitor! Well done to all those who competed while the rest of us were probably still eating mince pies!

Volunteers

Volunteering is a prerequisite of membership and the more members who can help, the lighter the load for those members past and present who always do volunteer and the more events we can offer our members. There are at least four events in 2018 which we will need your help with. You need to volunteer for either a full day or two half days. Bridget Evans (our Volunteers Co-ordinator) will be in touch nearer the time (b.evans@gosltd.co.uk). Helping at Camp does not count towards your volunteering quota (sorry!). Those who have a half year membership (joining late in the middle of the year) will not have to volunteer (although if we’d be thrilled if you did!).

Most of our Committee members work full time and four of them don’t even have a child in Pony Club so please do what you can to help and don’t always leave it to others.

THOSE PARENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO VOLUNTEER (OR SEND SOMEONE IN THEIR PLACE) WILL NEED TO PAY A CHARGE OF £30 WHICH WE WILL USE TO PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT. THIS DOESN’T APPLY TO THOSE ON HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIPS (ALTHOUGH WE’D LOVE IT IF YOU COULD ALSO VOLUNTEER AS WE’RE ALWAYS SHORT!)

BEM in New Year’s Honours List for Area 12 DC

A BEM (British Empire Medal) was given to Sister Mary Joy Langdon who we often see at Area 12 DC’s meetings. She runs a Pony Club Centre and Riding for the Disabled Centre (one of the first of its kind) in Wormwood Scrubs in west London (just down the road from Westfield Shopping Centre!). She’s an inspiration to us all.

SPOTTED!

Phyllie Dolan pole picking at the Academy Show at Addington. Very well done for volunteering.

Thank you to all those who have volunteered in 2017. Addington Show Jumping and Dressage, Bignell Hunter Trials, Marsh Gibbon Pony Show and Gawcott ODE have all been really successful this year, bringing in funds for our Branch with which we are subsidising Camps (to the tune of £2K) and rallies to make Pony Club more affordable for all. We couldn’t do it without our band of volunteers.

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Weston on the Green, Nr Bicester 01869 350816

SPECIALIST HORSE FEED ADVICE

FROM THE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE PAUL SCOTT!

Tetrathlon

Area 12 are running a Triathlon 21st January in Thame. Entries via the branch website as soon as possible please to allow time to put teams in order. All welcome. Contact Deborah Gregory if you need information. deborah@diamondgas.co.uk. Swim training has started up again at Stowe School on Thursday evenings and we are planning shoot training at Steeple Claydon. See Forthcoming Rallies further on in the Newsletter. THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN BOOKING RALLIES:

• Book in at least a week before the rally. No refunds less than seven days beforehand (unless with a

vet’s cert or doctor’s note).

• Times will available on the website under Rally Times.

• Members should be properly turned out for all rallies – hairnets, plain jodphurs, shirt & tie or polo

shirt, sweatshirt or rugby shirts. You are representing your Branch and being well turned out shows

respect for your instructor and the venue owner.

• No hoodies or earrings for riding.

• Body protectors must be worn for cross country and pony racing.

• Neckstraps to be worn for rallies.

• Remember to thank your instructor.

• Please don’t coach your children from the sidelines. This is the job of the instructor.

• No dogs at all at rallies and siblings should be with an adult at all times and not allowed to play

elsewhere. Rallies are often held on working farms which can be dangerous

Rider of the Month – Freddie Richardson

Freddie Richardson on Popeye

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 AreaTeams

Now that we are in January, it’s time to start getting organised for our teams this year. I will be getting the website up to date with dates, eligibility details and training plans in the next week, so make sure you have a look. For those of you new to the branch we send area teams to the dressage, show jumping, eventing and tetrathlon. Training for show jumping is already taking place for those jumping 80cm and above. Please contact Bernadette Evans, our new Show Jumping Team Manager for details. There are lots of opportunities to join our show jumping teams for inter branch shows that happen throughout the year, please look out for information in our monthly email newsletters. If you have any questions about teams or want some advice, I am very happy to help, so please either email me on clared.davis@btinternet.com or call me on 07866 493212. It can be very confusing working out what’s what and I had to work it all out with my girls so please do ask! For those of you wanting to be on Area Teams, you must get your rallies in, so please make sure you book in and attend a minimum of three discipline or working rallies before the summer. Get the dates in your diaries and I look forward to seeing you all soon! Happy New Year! Clare Davis Area Teams Manager

DELIVERED HARDWOOD LOGS

IN BULK BAGS OR SACKS

I started riding when I was 5 and I had lessons weekly. My mum and dad bought me my first pony, Popeye, in October 2015 as a surprise when I was away with my school. Me and Popeye joined Pony Club this summer after competing in our first show at Marsh Gibbon where we got two 5ths and one 1st which was in 45cm jumping class. We have been to lots of show jumping competitions this year where we have picked up 36 rosettes. My favourite show has been at Bury Farm and the Malthouse where I got my first 1st in the 60cm class. I have participated in some rallies at Pony Club, SJ with Rhian Jones, pony racing with Emma and xc with Emma. I have done a mounted exercise with the hounds which I really enjoyed. This year I am looking forward to doing more show jumping rallies. I am really looking forward to doing my first PC Camp in the summer.

WELL SEASONED GOOD QUALITY LOGS

FREE DELIVERY IN NORTH OXFORDSHIRE

SOURCED FROM OUR OWN FARM OR NEARBY

FROM SUSTAINABLE MANAGED WOODLAND

Order and pay online at

www.farmfirewood.co.uk

Badges, Stable Management and Theory

We are hoping to really raise the profile of this element of Pony Club over the coming year by running more Stable Management sessions – some of which may lead to your child earning themselves a Pony Club badge. The main priority of this initiative is to ensure that children are confident when they come to taking any tests over the summer.

One of the changes that we make will be to take some of the tests out of camp – allowing more time for tuition and ensuring that everyone can access the testing process – should they want to!!

As ever there is more information on our website, the main Pony Club website (pcuk.org) or by getting in touch with Wendy or Emma!!!

Please encourage your children to be aware of the test they have already achieved and look at the syllabus for the next one – referring of course to the Bible of Pony Club – the Manual!!! Any ideas please do get in touch!!

Wendy Kerr

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Your PC Hunting contacts are: Belinda Naylor (07831 519483) and Emma Dyer (emma@equine-careers.co.uk) if you have any questions.

Keeley North on Spanna – this photo featured on the Countryside Alliance Facebook page recently

Hunting

Our Branch is within the hunting country of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase (the two hunts merged some years ago but the Pony Club Branches remained separate: Bicester and Warden Hill Hunt Branch and Whaddon Chase Branch). Our Branch’s boundaries reach as far north as Aston le Walls/Priors Marston and as far south as Shabbington https://bicesterhunt.co.uk/

Hunt Secretary, Susie Beecroft, and Lucy Willmott

Children’s Meet – New Year’s Day The Children's Meet was supposed to have taken place on Thursday 28th December but was postponed until New Year's Day due to the frost. It was my first time out hunting and the first time that my pony, Acorn, had been hunting too. It poured with rain just as we were all mounting and we all got very wet - I was glad that I was wearing my back protector. Acorn wasn't too sure about the hounds but went off quietly although he mostly cantered when everyone else was trotting. I was with Lucy, Cecily and Tildy Holland and we didn't go very fast as it was very muddy. My day ended early when Acorn bolted then I fell off going down a very muddy bank. Susie Beecroft very kindly brought me back to the farm (Acorn behaved very well on the way back and made good friends with her horse). Isobel Rymer was also very kind and let me change out of my wet clothes in her warm tack room. Overall it was fun and I'm looking forward to trying again - but I don't think Acorn will want to do it again! Lucy Willmott

THANKS TO PHILIPPA & ROGER BROWN AND PETER & ISOBEL RYMER WHO LET US HUNT OVER THEIR LAND (ESPECIALLY AS IT WAS SO WET) – LEADING US OVER THEIR FABULOUS HUNT JUMPS AND PROVIDING GREAT SPORT. THANKS ALSO TO THE MASTERS AND SECRETARIES FOR ORGANISING A GREAT DAY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HUNTING CERTIFICATE

If you would like to take your Hunting Certificate this season please get in touch with Belinda Naylor or Emma Dyer who are organising sessions out hunting and at the Kennels. Members wanting to take their Hunting Certificate are required to attend the following:

• One session at the Hunt Kennels, to include a talk from either the Huntsman, Whipper-in or Master with a tour of the kennels and stables.

• One mounted practical session at either the Kennels or other suitable place - to include opening and shutting gates and hunting conduct.

• One morning hunting (preferably more) accompanied by a suitable (nominated by the Branch of The Pony Club) adult.

THERE WILL BE AN ASSESSMENT AT THE CHILDREN’S MEET ON THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY. You can now register your interest online via the Branch website.

If are taking your hunting certificate this season – please can you tie a purple ribbon (Pony Club colour) in your pony’s tail. This way the Masters can keep an eye on you, ask you to help, and help you out if you need it!!!

Don’t forget to tell Belinda/Emma every time you go out (Hunting Cert. people).

There is some new hunting information on the Branch website http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/hunting-information/ which includes guidelines on chaperoning – please have a read of it if you are planning on coming hunting. Please note – you now need to plait for hunting from the Opening Meet onwards. Just a reminder to all children out hunting. If one of the masters, field master, chairman, whip, huntsman etc is approaching a closed gate (without the intention of jumping it!!) then children are expected to open the gate – without being asked. Ditto all children should help by closing gates and assisting in other ways where necessary.

FREE TASTER RALLY for non-members

Our Branch offers Free Taster Rallies to anyone who is thinking about joining the Pony Club. Please do tell any friends who might be interested. Age 4+. The Valentine’s Working Rally in February half

term would be an ideal one to book. Contact Wendy Kerr for more information. wendykerr48@gmail.com / 07979 861652.

New Members and Renewals – Due end January 2018 Membership forms are available on the website http://branches.pcuk.org/bicesterwardenhill/membership-renewal/

1. Download form, fill it out and post it to Wendy (address on form) 2. Then, make payment online via the Branch website (no cheques this year please)

Any queries contact Wendy Kerr wendykerr48@gmail.com

FORTHCOMING RALLIES AND EVENTS

Online Entries & Payments

• Please remember that we can only process refunds requested AT LEAST 7 days before the event!

• Any problems with online payments of entries please contact Wendy Kerr wendykerr48@gmail.com rather than event organiser.

“Praise often, praise the smallest try. A touch, a walk, a break, a gallop, a long rein. A word filled with friendship and pride. Nothing builds confidence in horses like the acknowledgement of their good will and efforts to please”. Manolo Mendez (dressage rider) via Caroline Hunt (Bicester PC Dressage Instructor). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Show Jumping Team Training Rallies

Sunday 21 January (FULL), Sunday 11 February - Durrants Farm, Radclive Road, Gawcott, MK18 4BL. Sunday 11 March – Quainton Stud For those aiming for Area Show Jumping or Eventing Teams. Durrants Farm in the afternoon, Quainton Stud in the morning.

Open to all members who are confidently jumping 75 cm plus (with a view to jumping 85 cm by Easter). Instructor: British Show Jumping Coach UKCC Level 3, Mandy McGlynn. These rallies are for those who would like to be considered for Area Show Jumping or Eventing Teams (see heights below).

Please book in on line. Entries will close one week before the rally date. No refunds after that. Ride times will be published six days before the rally date. Once they’re published there will be no changes. We try hard to put riders in the appropriate ride but sometimes due to timings/mixed abilities you may find you are not in the ride you had hoped for but Mandy is excellent at coping with all abilities and will raise or lower the jumps for individuals as necessary – so don’t worry! I will do my best to accommodate time requests but it won’t always be possible.

Organiser: Bernadette Evans (bernadette100@aol.com) Cost: £30

We usually field teams for the inter branch show jumping show at Rockingham Horse Trials in May, the inter branch show at Hyde Heath (which also has a smaller class – 70/75 cm) in early June and of course the Areas which are in mid-June.

“It is not how you win that you are judged on, but how you lose.”

John Hindle

Dengie Qualifier Dates:

AREA SHOW JUMPING HEIGHTS Regionals: 80/85 cm Novice: 90/95 cm Intermediate: 1 m/1m.05 Open: 1m.10/1m.15 These are the heights in the Area qualifiers. If you are lucky enough to qualify for the National Championships the jumps will be around 5 cm higher and the widths will be wider than the Grand Canyon - please bear this in mind when considering which level you are aiming for.

Rhian Jones is instructing at our monthly show jumping rallies at Logg Farm. Rhian is an exceptional instructor (who comes all the way up from the Beaufort Pony Club) and also provides invaluable training for those hoping to make the teams.

If you wish to be considered for Teams, you must attend three rallies from 1st July 2017. Camp counts as one rally. Please attend as many of the show jumping rallies as possible, either with Mandy or Rhian. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘C+ and Beyond’ Training Sunday 20 January, Tuesday 13 February Mounted sessions Grange Farm, Godington, OX27 9AF

Has your child taken their C or C+ test? Or Is your child 13 years or older?

If the answer to either of these questions is YES then please consider bringing them along to the 'C+ and Beyond' Training sessions. These sessions are with the very experienced external instructor (Claire Holt) who we have asked to work with our older children on a monthly basis.

THE FOCUS WILL BE ON THE SCALES OF TRAINING AT THE SESSION ON 20 JANUARY WITH A VIEW TO WORKING TOWARDS C+ AND B TEST. IF YOU ARE HOPING TO TAKE YOUR C+ IN 2018 YOU NEED TO START TRAINING NOW AS IT’S A HUGE JUMP UP FROM C TEST. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT WORKING TOWARDS C+ AND B TEST PLEASE DO COME ALONG IF YOU’VE TAKEN YOUR C TEST (OR ARE AT THAT STANDARD) AS THE TRAINING IS EXCEPTIONAL.

Organiser: Wendy Kerr (wendykerr48@gmail.com) Time: 11 am onwards Cost: £20

Fabulous brand new arena at Grange Farm, Godington!

14 February Grafton Hunt PC, Addington 25 February SOH(S), Berkshire College of Agriculture

Dressage Rallies at Pool Farm, Stratton Audley, OX27 9AJ

POOL FARM RALLIES ARE ON A SURFACE – ‘NO MUD, NO STUDS!’ AND THERE IS LOTS

HARD STANDING TRAILER/LORRY PARKING

AS PROMISED IN OUR PLANS FOR OUR 2018 DRESSAGE PROGRAMME, WE HAVE INVITED GUEST INSTRUCTORS IN FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL AND HOPE YOU WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF STARTING OR EXTENDING YOUR DRESSAGE EXPERIENCE WITH THEM AND ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS OF THEIR WISDOM AND EXPERTISE.

Tom Graham 4 February, 4 March, 15 April - mornings

Come and work on your problem areas, things you want to improve on eg riding the perfect circle, smooth transitions, keeping a straight line, improving balance and outline, addressing the comments you keep getting in your dressage tests. Expect to work hard, get hot but feel you have really achieved something at the end of the session! Tom's sessions can make all the difference to you and your pony's way of going, so BOOK IN SOON! Maximum of two riders per session.

Tom Graham

Organiser: Katharine White (chriswhite@tiscali.co.uk) Cost £25

Julia Catling

Sunday 14 January – afternoons (this rally is nearly full) Julia is a friendly and knowledgeable instructor who has coached our Prix Caprilli and Grassroots teams with great results, a dressage judge and a regular competitor and a PC mum! So, nothing to fear and everything to gain! Maximum of four per session. Organiser: Katharine White (chriswhite@tiscali.co.uk) Cost £15

Tom Graham now qualified UKCC Level 4 instructor UKCC Level 4 coaches will be visionary and knowledgeable decision makers who display exceptional skills, behaviours and the highest professional and ethical standards. They will advance their own and others' development; lead cutting-edge programmes, or a specialist part of a programme; and make a positive impact on sport performance and behaviour.

CONGRATULATIONS TO TOM!

Serena Gordon (Guest Instructor)

Sunday 18 February – afternoon

Serena Gordon is a Grand Prix dressage rider, BD Group 2, UKCC qualified coach and herself trains regularly with Serena Pincus and Carl Hester. She has also enjoyed success in BS and BE and has extensive experience producing young horses for competition in all disciplines. She has a sympathetic and friendly approach and is happy to instruct ALL AGES AND ABILITIES and help you address your goals and ambitions. Max 4 per group, depending on age, ability and size of horse. Organiser: Katharine White (chriswhite@tiscali.co.uk) Cost £15

Demelza Hawes (Guest Instructor)

Sundays 25 March, 8 April - afternoons

Demelza Hawes introduces herself as a 'Classical Dressage Trainer' and promotes the importance of a good seat and balance in her coaching. She has trained with Irish Grand Prix rider Alison Davies, has worked and trained in Germany and trained at the prestigious Cadre Noir in France, gaining an internationally recognised and respected training qualification. In addition, she is a trained yoga instructor and encourages body awareness and correct body use in her training. Demelza has also been a dressage judge at our very own ODE at Gawcott and so understands what many of you do as part of your own competitive dressage riding. http://www.demelzahawes.com/home.html Max 3 per group Organiser: Katharine White (chriswhite@tiscali.co.uk) Cost £25

Dressage is the basis. If there’s something off here, there will be something off with the jumping George Morris (team member in eight winning American Nations Cups)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show Jumping Rallies – Logg Farm, Oddington, OX5 2QU

17 February, 3 March Show Jumping rallies are open to all members, from those just starting out over fences (even cross poles of 45 cm – you just need to be off the lead rein) to regular competitors and those jumping over 1m. They are held monthly, indoors in winter and outside at other times. Rides are of three or four people. We are lucky to have the very experienced Rhian Jones as our regular instructor. She is

known for her energy, enthusiasm and how quickly she is able to improve your riding and your horse/pony. Those who are able to attend her sessions regularly benefit immensely from her consistent approach, and learn to train their pony/horse for competition success. Rhian’s rallies are also great for those who are hoping to try for the Regional (80/85 cm) and Area Teams (90 cm +) this year. Rhian also trains the Beaufort Pony Club Show Jumping team and they are very successful! Organiser: Heidi Smith (heidi@loggfarm.co.uk) Cost: £15.

Body Protectors for Cross Country and Pony Racing

For cross country (at all heights for rallies and competing) and for pony racing (including training and rallies) you will need to have a body protector which meets BETA 2009 Level 3 standards (purple label). You will also need a hat without a peak.

Valentine’s Working Rally (Minis, Juniors and Seniors)

Friday 16 February - Logg Farm, Oddington, OX5 2QU This is a mounted rally (in the indoor school) and there will also be a dismounted stable management session working towards taking Pony Club tests. (either before or afterwards). It’ll be lots of fun too! Instructor is Gez Bavastock. Organiser: Sarah Lloyd (sarahlloyd@lloydwoodworking.co.uk) Cost £12

Rhian is such a good instructor and really helps the children to understand what they should work on, and importantly, why. Lots of progress within the lesson, and homework to do! Penny Stephens

Every session begins with a warm up appropriate to your riding level, younger members being guided to improve themselves and senior members expected to concentrate on improving their horse’s way of going and think about warm up exercises to use in competition. Each lesson then goes on to link fences together into full courses of jumps so by the end of your hour lesson you will have jumped several different courses. For the younger members this can be an achievement in itself. More experienced members are expected to do much more than just ‘get round’, they are taught to concentrate on helping their horse by keeping them balanced at all times, recovering quickly from errors and the correct riding of different fences and combinations.

Cross Country Rallies Saturday 13 January – Cherwell Competition Centre, Marston, Oxford, OX3 9AE 10 am and 11.15 am Arena cross country rally 70 cm plus. No mud no studs! Instructor is Laura Jackson Directions: https://cherwellcompetition.com/where-we-are/ Organiser: Sue Pryce (soopryce@gmail.com) Cost: £30 Saturday 24 February – Swalcliffe Park, nr Banbury 10.30 am onwards for an hour and a half. Swalcliffe is situated on ground which stays remarkably dry in the winter and this rally will go ahead unless the weather is really awful. Jumps 70 cm plus. Instructor is Laura Jackson. Directions: http://www.swalcliffeparkequestrian.co.uk/cp4.php Swalcliffe Park can be tricky to find so have a look on the map before you set off! Organiser: Sue Pryce (soopryce@gmail.com) Cost: £35 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tetrathlon Swimming

Swim Training Stowe School

Swimming for all at Stowe School swimming pool continues on Thursday evenings 7 pm to 8 pm - starts on Thursday 4 January for seven weeks, suits all ages and abilities, parents can swim too. Bookings on line. Shoot Practice On Sundays, late afternoon at Steeple Claydon. Please let Deborah know if you are interested. Organiser: Deborah Gregory Cost £8 (with tuition)

Deborah Gregory (deborah@diamondgas.co.uk)

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Other Events Other Events: 13/14 Jan Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 13 + 14 Jan Super Arena Eventing, Dallas Burston Polo Club (www.landseventing.co.uk) 27 Jan Quainton Stud, Clear Round 27 + 28 Jan Arena Eventing, Moreton Morrell (www.landseventing.co.uk) 28 Jan Bloxham School Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 3 Feb Quainton Stud, Intro Showjumping and Dressage for the nervous and inexperienced 10 + 11 Feb Super Arena Eventing, Dallas Burston Polo Club (www.landseventing.co.uk) 11 Feb Bloxham School Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 12 + 13 Feb BSJA Academy Show, Addington Manor 14 Feb Grafton Hunt Pony Club, Show Jumping and Dressage Show, Addington 17/18 Feb Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 24 + 25 Feb Arena Eventing, Moreton Morrell (www.landseventing.co.uk) 2 Apr Grafton Hunt Pony Club Hunter Trials, Plum Park 17/18 March Eventer Challenge, Aston le Walls http://www.bdwp.co.uk/ 7 +8 Apr ODE Calmsden (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 7/8 Apr Grafton Hunt Pony Club Senior ODE, Aston le Walls 21 Apr Silver Spur Hunt Ride https://www.facebook.com/silverspur2016/ 28 + 29 Apr ODE Swalcliffe (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 29 Apr Tackley Show 19 + 20 May ODE Elmwood, Bampton (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 20 May Waddesdon Charity Sponsored Ride 2 June Grafton Hunt Pony Club, Mini and Novice ODE, Foxhill 2 June SOH(S) PC, Hambleden ODE (90 cm+) 9 + 10 June ODE, Crown Farm (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 23 + 24 June ODE, Broadway (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 14 + 15 July ODE Crown Farm, Ascott under Wychwood (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 15 July Grafton Hunt Pony Club Summer Show, Tiffield, Towcester 26 Aug ODE, Elmwood, Bampton (www.horse-events.co.uk ) 29 + 30 Sep ODE Swalcliffe (www.horse-events.co.uk ) Also see websites for Quainton Stud and Cherwell Competition Centre who have lots of competitions going on all winter on a surface.

CONTACTS LIST FOR BICESTER & WARDEN HILL HUNT BRANCH OF THE PONY CLUB

KIRSTIE WAKELIN District Commissioner & Health and Safety Officer

Tel. 01869 320134 / 07710 653994 kjwakelin@icloud.com

WENDY KERR Assistant District Commissioner, Membership Secretary

& Website Manager

01869 277567 / 07979 861652 wendykerr48@gmail.com

BERNADETTE EVANS Branch Secretary, Show Jumping Team Manager

Tel. 01608 811203 / 0771 457 5032 bernadette100@aol.com

CHRISTINA McCULLAGH Branch Treasurer

01869 277576 /07867 515207 christina.skarbek@talk21.com

CLARE DAVIS Branch Rep to Area 12, Teams Co-ordinator

Tel.01869 277038 / 07866 493212 clared.davis@btinternet.com

EMMA DYER Chief Instructor/Hunting Rep emma@equine-careers.co.uk

07789 873957

HEIDI SMITH Child Protection Officer, Show Jumping Rallies

01865 331180 / 07557 040244 heidi@loggfarm.co.uk

SARAH LLOYD Junior EventingTeam Manager and Working Rally Organiser

07545 067756 sarahlloyd@lloydwoodworking.co.uk

CLAIRE ADAMS Senior Area Eventing Team Manager clairelouiseadams@hotmail.com

07801 861100

THERESA HARPER Mini Camp Organiser

01869 345821 / 07703 548154 theresa@graphics-direct.co.uk

BELINDA NAYLOR Bignell Secretary & Hunting Rep

07831 519483 bc.naylor@btinternet.com

HARRIET WEST Mini Bignell Organiser harriet.west@hotmail.com

07739 567544

BRIDGET EVANS Volunteers Co-ordinator, Gawcott Secretary, Riding + Road Safety, C+ Test

01869 246857 / 07798 793104 b.evans@gosltd.co.uk

JEREMY ADAMS Course Building Technical Advice & Risk Assessments

01869 277471 beckyandjeremy@aol.com

KATHARINE WHITE Dressage Team Manager & Rally Organiser

01869 278049 / 07814 185779 chriswhite@tiscali.co.uk

JULIE GORDON Junior Dressage Team Manager, Senior Camp Organiser

juliegrailgordon@gmail.com

SHARRON WHITTINGHAM Marsh Gibbon Pony Show, Fence Judges

01869 354055 / 07761 216672 sharron_whittingham@yahoo.co.uk

PHILIPPA BROWN +

JANE HARPER Marsh Gibbon Pony Show

HAYLEIGH ASH Junior Show Jumping Team Manager, Blenheim Fun Ride

07843 158969

ashhayleigh@yahoo.co.uk

HELEN DAY Pony Racing Manager and Junior Camp Organiser

01865 331521 helenday12345@gmail.com

PENNY OAKEY New and Second Hand Clothing

01869 277226 / 07919 002132 penelope@grangefarmcottages.co.uk

CLAIRE MINETT Mounted Games claireminett1@hotmail.com

01869 346343 / 07788 391805

SUE PRYCE XC Rally Organiser

01869 327806 / 07584 569418 soopryce@gmail.com

DEBORAH GREGORY Tetrathlon & Gawcott ODE deborah@diamondgas.co.uk

07956 809971