Quarter 2 - The Pony Club Branches

FITZWILLIAM HUNT PONY
CLUB
NEWSLETTER
QUARTER 2
(April – June 2013)
Welcome to our Branch newsletter. All the information you need to
know on activities and rallies up until the end of June are included in this
Edition. The next Edition will include summer holiday activities and hopefully
will be published at the beginning of June.
If you would like to include an article or have any suggestions for future
features please contact Sylvie.
This newsletter is only being posted out to those members who have
specifically requested they still receive a postal copy. It is also
available to download from the Branch website
.
Contacts
District
Commissioner
Branch Secretary
and Membership
Secretary
Mrs Philippa Patel, 3 Field Close, Grafham, Cambs
PE28 OAY
Tel: 01480 810324 Mob: 07734252100
Email: philippapatel@yahoo.co.uk
Sylvie Hall, 78 Windmill Close, Ellington, Huntingdon,
Cambs, PE28 0AJ
Tel: 01480 891964 Mob 07871245747
Email: fitzwilliam@pcuk.org
Chief Instructor Kirsty Moat - PC Mob: 07787772186
Deputy DC Anna Koch – Mobile : 07866513017
Treasurer Abigail Benson, Home Farm, Peterborough Rd,
Warmington, Cambs, PE8 6TL
Email: tobybenson@talktalk.net or Abigail@miltonestate.co.uk
Rally enquiries Please ring the Pony Club Mobile Phone number –
07787772186 for all rally enquiries and cancellations.
Leave a message/text and your call will be returned if
necessary.
Cancellations If you have to cancel a rally booking please leave
message on the PC mobile. Details of cancellation policy
on website

DC’s Report
We’re almost into the third month of the year and my overwhelming memory
of the events which have taken place so far in 2013 is cold! Perhaps it is my
age but I don’t remember being as cold other years! It’s probably because I’ve
only just thawed out after the event training sessions at Ely Eventing Centre
the day before yesterday, of which more later!
I finished my last report just before we held the Christmas Show at Barnwell
Wold with grateful thanks to Jayne and Andrew Wagstaffe. This was, as ever,
a lovely little show with a festive and friendly atmosphere. Trish Polson did a
great job as organiser and fun was had by all.
Of the next four events to report on, three were hosted by the same family!
Many many thanks to Bill and Susie Raby for going way and above the call of
duty! The first of these was a Tetrathlon/Triathlon taster day on 21 December,
which gave members the chance to come and have a go at some of the
phases involved in this discipline. The old hands were able to show
newcomers how it’s done and judging by the number we had competing at our
Triathlon last month they must have done a good job!
On 29 December we were back at the Raby’s, after they very kindly stepped
in at the last minute to host the Pony Club Meet, when the intended venue
was flooded. We are very grateful to them and to the original hosts, the Dews
who still provided the refreshments. A large number of our members enjoyed
the day and as ever we are extremely grateful to the Masters and Hunt Staff
for holding the Children Priority Meets which are the highlight of our winter
programme for many.
The New Year began with a rally at Keysoe on 2 January. This is always a
popular venue and the rally was well supported. The following day marked our
third visit to the Raby’s as we joined the Pipewell Beagles when they met at
Manor Farm. The 10 & unders were mounted with Tracy Riddington field
mastering and Sam Riddington and Helen Morrell as mounted escorts. The
rest of us trudged through the heavy going on foot! At the end of the
afternoon Susie provided us all with an incredible spread for tea with
contributions from those who attended. Many thanks to Bill and Susie for their
generous hospitality and to the Masters of the Pipewell Beagles for allowing
us to join them.
On the 11 January we held an evening show jumping rally at Houghton Hall
Equestrian Centre for younger members. This seemed to be very popular, as
was the one for older members on 8 February. It’s a great venue and we hope
to make these evening show jumping sessions a regular feature.
Our annual Awards Night, which took place on 26 January at Barnwell Village
Hall, was a bit different this year. Anna Grace and Anna Koch organised a
Race Night alongside the presentation of the awards. It was a great success
and, judging by the noise volume during the races, hugely enjoyed by all!
Many thanks to Anna and Anna for all their hard work, which meant that the
evening ran so smoothly. Thanks also to Nick Carlisle and Adam Fitch who
were are intrepid comperes for the evening.
The Awards were presented by our Area Representative, Christina Thompson
and, during the evening Christina, on behalf of the Pony Club, also presented
Mary Hull with a Cubitt Award. For those of you who have not heard of this

award it is presented by the Pony Club to those who have worked tirelessly
for a Branch, Area or Nationally, for more than 20 years. Mary has been a
pony club member, parent and now grandparent and is a longstanding
member of our PC Committee. Congratulations to Mary and to all the Award
Winners, a list of whom is on the website.
The February half term this year was a bit tricky with some members off one
week and the rest off the following week. We therefore had two rallies at
Sissons Farm on successive Mondays. The first week was well attended but
the weather was not so good, it was freezing! Thank goodness for the hot
chocolate and bacon rolls! The second rally had fewer in attendance but a
much better day weather-wise!
On the Wednesday following the first Sissons rally a Pony Club Meet should
have taken place at Cockbrook Farm, Old Weston. Sadly the cold weather
was still prevailing and this had to be cancelled due to snow and frost.
Things had improved by the weekend however and we were blessed with a
lovely day for our Triathlon Competition at Oundle School. Entries were well
up and the day ran extremely well. This type of competition needs an
enormous number of helpers to run successfully and we had a fantastic team,
ensuring that the day went like clockwork, many thanks to each and every one
of you.
The Clear Round Session at Barnwell Wold in January had to be cancelled
due to bad weather but we were able to go ahead on 22 February. This was
well attended and I am very grateful to the Wagstaffes for having us yet again,
and to Liz Tyers for teaching and running this session single handed!
At the beginning of this report I mentioned the event training at Ely Eventing
Centre with Trish Polson, which took place on 24 February. This was another
freezing day but very worthwhile. The training is always popular and Trish was
once again teaching for a good 7 hours. I don’t know how she does it but her
enthusiasm never wanes!
I will conclude this report with the usual plea at this time of year! Please
remember that we have some big competitions coming up, which
provide a valuable income to allow us to purchase equipment and keep
rally costs down, and we will need a lot of extra help from parents and
family. If you are not sure what this entails please do contact Sylvie or I and
we will be happy to explain. Please don’t be afraid to volunteer because you
are not a ‘horsey’ parent - there are jobs for all!
Tetrathlon Group
Fitzwilliam Triathlon took place on 16 February and was a very successful
day. Results on the Fitzwilliam website.
Our Tetrathlon is on.27 and 28 April – with XC taking place at Alconbury this
year. (The Hunter/Eventer Trial is taking place on 21 April so this would be a
good outing for Tetrathlon riders to have a go round a similar course before
the event.)

We regularly have shooting and running practices at Lutton, swimming
practices at Oundle School and will schedule some riding practice soon.
The Group always welcome new members. For details of what Tetrathlon
entails or if you would like to have a go please see the website or contact
Susie Raby luttonrabys@yahoo.co.uk or 07740 822 111.
Camps 2013
Camp forms will be uploaded to website shortly – email will be sent to all
members letting you know that they are available. Please download all forms
relevant to camp you want to attend and complete and return by relevant
date. Anyone who has requested postal copy of this newsletter will receive
their forms via post. If you would prefer to receive forms by post then please
contact Sylvie stating which camp you want to attend.
Membership Renewal
Anyone who has not renewed their Pony Club membership for 2013 has been
removed from our distribution lists..
If you are intending to renew your membership and have simply forgotten or
lost the form that was sent to you then contact Sylvie and she will send you a
new form.
Anyone who has renewed their membership will have received their 2013
membership number and pink card. If you haven’t got this but think you have
renewed then contact Sylvie – possibly your form has got lost in the post.
Unfortunately until you renew your membership you won’t be able to attend
any rallies, training or summer camps.
Dress Code Reminder
It has been noticed at some rallies that a few members are not wearing the
correct Pony Club clothing. For mounted rallies you should be wearing
cream jodhpurs, white shirt with Pony Club tie or Fitzwilliam poloshirt,
Fitzwilliam Pony Club sweatshirt, black/brown boots or jodhpur boots. If
wearing chaps they should be the same colour as the boots with no tassels.
A jacket may be worn over sweatshirts if necessary and it is preferred that this
is a plain dark colour or a Fitzwilliam Pony Club green jacket. Hat silks should
be black/brown or navy. Hair should be tied back neatly and no jewellery is
allowed Horses/ponies should also be dressed appropriately – no coloured
boots or numnahs or saddle clothes please – these should be plain
black/brown/navy with no names embroidered on or piping round edge.
Bridles should be black or brown with plain brow bands. This applies at all
rallies and to all members taking part and if you do not abide by the rules you
may be asked to change your clothing or not take further part in the rally.
Please note that long sleeves are compulsory for all cross country training.
For unmounted rallies poloshirt/sweatshirt and jodphurs. Suitable boots
should be worn (no trainers) and please have hats handy.
Fitzwilliam Pony Club Clothing
See website for order forms

Medical Armbands
It is compulsory to wear medical armbands for all cross country activities –
this includes rallies where cross country is included and also for all endurance
riding activities. If you need to purchase a medical armband send cheque for
£5.00 to Sylvie Hall.
Hunt Certificate Theory If you are interested in taking your Hunt
test please contact Tracy Riddington on 01733 210014 or 07815892647.
Short theory test at end of training session. No need to bring horse/pony to
this training. Children will also need to take a mounted test while out
hunting. You need to be 10 or over
NEW - Eventing Team Training – for minis
Lizzie Robinson will be running training sessions for 12 and under (including
lead rein). Starting after Easter holiday break regular evening sessions to be
arranged at various venues and lasting approximately 1½ hours. Sessions
will work towards riding a dressage test, pole and show jumping and xc for the
more able (depending on venue). If interested please complete booking form
and include details or riding ability; if you are able to offer a training venue
(remember parking will be needed); earliest time you are able to make.
Likely cost £10 (depending on take up and any venue charge) – don’t include
any payment with booking form. You will be contacted when dates have
been confirmed.
Date for your Diaries
Festival of Hunting (Including Pony Club Team Relay) – 17 July
Mini Camp 2012 (10 and under) - Tuesday 30July – Thursday 1 August
Junior Camp 2012 (10 and over) – Sunday 4 August – Saturday 10 August
Senior Camp 2012 (15 and over with C+) – to be confirmed
Burghley Horse Trials – 5 – 8 September
East of England Autumn show (Fitzwilliam Team Show Jumping) – 13 October
Fitzwilliam Dengie Dressage Competition – to be confirmed
Do you want to represent the Fitzwilliam Pony
Club in Team Competitions?
See website for information on teams and form to complete and return if you are
interested in competing in Branch Teams. Remember it is up to you to express
an interest – don’t wait to be asked.
HOME FARM. ALCONBURY ALL-WEATHER MENAGE AND XC COUNTRY
COURSE available for hire. Contact Sonny or Jill Ayres on 07752702558 or
01480 4555355

Rallies – April – end June 2013
How to Book into Rallies and Training:
Complete and return booking form for each rally/training session you wish to
attend. Please ensure that any specific information requested for a rally
is included on the form. Forms can be downloaded from the website
Bookings will not be accepted without payment and must be received by
Kirsty at least 2 weeks before rally due to take place (£5 fee for late
bookings)
Unless specifically stated times for rally sessions will be available on website
a few days before rally or alternatively phone pc mobile for times.
Tuesday 2 April – Easter Rally at The College Equestrian Centre, Church
Road, Keysoe, Beds MK44 2JP. Please indicate on booking form what
activity you wish to follow:
Flatwork and Easter Egg Hunt/Hack (no jumping) for younger/ lead rein
members (Cost £10); or
Flatwork and mini XC for novice/younger members (jumps not exceeding 2’0”)
(Cost £15); or
Flatwork and XC - please state height horse/rider combination are happy to
jump (Cost £25); or
Senior XC Clinic (you need to be 14 years or over and have passed C+ test) -
please state height horse/rider combination are happy to jump (Cost £28)
Sunday 7 April – Fitzwilliam Hunt Supporters Pleasure Ride at Milton -
schedule. Further details from Sally Castle 07734 053095
Monday 8 April – Show Jumping Training at Halefield Stud, Woodnewton,
PE8 5EG with Milla Lanni open to all but particularly for anyone wishing to
represent the Branch at competitions. Complete booking form to indicate
height wishing to jump. Cost £12.50
Thursday 11 April – Arena Event Training at Grange Farm, Wittering,
Wansford, PE8 6NR Morning sessions with Lizzie Robinson for 12 and
under including lead rein – introduction to regular training sessions that Lizzie
is running – see above. Afternoon sessions with Trisha Polson for older
members. All welcome but particularly for those wanting to represent the
Branch at competitions. Complete booking form indicating height wanting to
jump (Cost £15)
Friday 12 April – Clear Round Show Jumping at Barnwell Wold, PE8 5RE
(5.30 pm – 7.30 pm). Starting very small (poles on floor) and getting bigger
during the evening. Instructor present to help. Rosettes for all clear rounds.
£3 per round or £5 for 2 rounds.
Sunday 14 April - RDA Pleasure Ride at Grafham Water – schedule.
Further details contact Mrs Christine Dolby - 01487 841342

Sunday 21 April – Fitzwilliam Pony Club Hunter/Eventer Trial (including
taster xc classes) and Mini Hunter Trial (enclosed course) at Home
Farm, Alconbury – separate schedules for each event can be downloaded
from website
D+ Test Training – 22 and 29 April at 6.00 pm at Southfield House,
Molesworth, Cambs PE28 OQD. Test date to be confirmed. Cost £20.
Complete on-line booking form.
Saturday 27 and 28 April - Fitzwilliam Tetrathlon Competition at Home
Farm, Alconbury and Oundle School. If you are interested in joining our
Tetrathlon group please contact Susie Raby - 07740 822 111 or email
luttonrabys@yahoo.co.uk.
Friday 3 May - Summer League Clear Round Show at Barnwell Wold,
PE8 5RE (other dates 7 June; 5 July; 16 August, 13 September) from 5.30
pm. This is a fun activity particularly to encourage less experienced/confident
combinations. Weather permitting will take place outside. Lead rein welcome
for first hour. Friday evening sessions will start at 5.30 pm with the jumps very
small for the first hour but will be raised to 2’6” and above for the second hour.
There will be an instructor present to help anyone having difficulty in their
round. Rosette for all clear rounds. .£3 per round (or 2 rounds for £5 for
same horse/rider combination) (£4 for non-members). There will be a league
running throughout the summer for Fitzwilliam members with prizes awarded
at Awards Night. (1 point for each round jumped: 3 points for each clear
round achieved – only points from 2 rounds jumped at the same height will
count towards league in each session). Open to friends and family of
members.
Tuesday 7 May (sessions 5.00 pm onwards) Dressage Clinic with Nikki
Herbert at Home Farm, Alconbury (All weather arena – so please use top
entrance). Numbers may have to be limited if large take up for this clinic.
Cost £25
Saturday 11 May – Dressage Test Practice, Introduction to Endurance
and Gymkhana Games at Home Farm, Alconbury (bottom fields)
This is your opportunity for a practice for Junior or Senior ODE. Tests to be
learnt in advance – warm up and test to be conducted under competition
conditions. Test will be marked and then judge will offer advice on areas that
need improvement. Tack will also be checked.
Junior ODE:
8 and Under - Pony Club D Level 1 Dressage Test
10 and Under - Pony Club Introductory Dressage Test 2007
12 and Under and 13 and over – Pony Club Novice Eventing Test 2013
Senior ODE
Novice – Pony Club Novice Eventing Test 2013
Intermediate – Intermediate Eventing Test 2009
Open – Open Eventing Test 2010
Dressage test sheets can be downloaded or send SAE to Sylvie
Complete booking form to indicate what you want to attend :
Dressage test only (including which test (Cost £10)
Dressage test (inc which test) and Introduction to Endurance (Cost £15)
Dressage test (inc which test) and Gymkhana (Cost £15)
Introduction to Endurance only or Gymkhana only (Cost £10)

Sunday 12 May – Milton Show – check out the schedule as lots of classes to
suit all abilities.
Monday 13 May – Evening Show Jumping Rally at Houghton Hall
Equestrial Centre, New Manor Farm, Sawtry Way, Houghton, PE28 2DY –
Chane to receive instruction around a whole course of jumps. Sessions
starting from 5.30 pm. Groups of 4 so places will be limited if necessary.
Complete booking farm indicating jumping height. Cost of Rally £15
Tuesday 14 May (sessions 5.00 pm onwards) – Dressage Clinic with
Nikki Herbert at Home Farm, Alconbury (All weather arena – so please use
top entrance). Numbers may have to be limited if large take up for this clinic.
Cost £25.
Saturday 18 May - Combined training rally for members 14 and under at
Seas End Road, Moulton Seas End PE12 6LA. Cost: £10.
Saturday 18 May – Fitzwilliam Point to Point meet at Dingley
Sunday 19 May – Fitzwilliam PC Junior/Moderate ODE at Milton Park –
Schedule on website
Sunday 26 May - Pony Club Endurance Ride at Reckerby Farm, Holbeach
St Matthews, Spalding. PE12 8EH. There is a 6 mile and a 12 mile circuit,
all on farm tracks/farm roads and the sea bank. There is a large farm yard for
parking. Schedule on website
Friday 31 May– Half Term Rally for all members and lunchtime BBQ at
Home Farm, Alconbury (Bottom field entrance) by kind permission of Sonny
and Jill Ayres. – groups for all from lead rein to seniors.
Riders are offered one session of flatwork plus a session of their choice from
following activities: showing/working hunter, mini endurance and gymkhana,
showjumping and cross country. Many of the options will be happening at the
Novice Show on 16 June so come along and learn how its done.
Senior (aged 14+ with C+) – flatwork or cross country/show jumping
10.00 – 12.00 Riding session
12.00 – 13.30 pm BBQ and Second hand sale - ideal time to socialise so
please either arrive early for afternoon rally or stay late after morning rally or
just enjoy a long lunch break if doing both rallies. Friends welcome but please
indicate numbers for BBQ on reply slip.
1.30 – 3.30 – Riding session
Please mark clearly preferences on booking form and we will do our best to give
everyone their first choice. Discounted price for attending both morning and
afternoon sessions. Cost: £12 for am or pm only. £20 for both sessions. Seniors
£15 or £25 respectively.
Riding and Road Safety Training at Huntingdon Race Course - Monday
3 June 5.00pm to 7.00pm and Friday 7 June at 5.00 – 8.00 pm. Test date
to be confirmed. These training sessions will only take place if sufficient take
up. Sessions will consist of part theory and part mounted training so ponies
will be needed – but could be shared. Both sessions need to be attended
before the test can be taken. Price includes BHS R&RS book but it is also
recommended that all members doing this training watch the Pony Club
R&RS DVD. Copies have been purchased and are available on loan
(returnable deposit £15). Cost £35. Complete on-line booking form.

Friday 7 June (5.30 – 7.30) - Summer League Clear Round Show at
Barnwell Wold, PE8 5RE (other dates 5 July; 16 August, 13 September).
This is a fun activity particularly to encourage less experienced/confident
combinations. Weather permitting will be outside. Lead rein welcome for first
hour. Friday evening sessions will start at 5.30 pm with the jumps very small
for the first hour but will be raised to 2’6” and above for the second hour.
There will be an instructor present to help anyone having difficulty in their
round. Rosette for all clear rounds. .£3 per round (£4 for non-members).
There will be a league running throughout the summer for Fitzwilliam
members with prizes awarded at Awards Night. (1 point for each round
jumped: 3 points for each clear round achieved – only points from 2 rounds
jumped at the same height will count towards league in each session). Open
to friends and family of members.
Saturday 8 June (from 12.00) - XC Clinic at Waresley Park Stud,
Gamlingay Road, Waresley, Sandy, Beds SG19 3DD. Jumps start at 70cm
so you need to be able to jump solid XC fences at least this height confidently
to take part in this rally. Please indicate on booking form height happy to
jump at. Cost £30.
Thursday 13 June (5.00 pm onwards) – Dressage Clinic with Nikki
Herbert at Home Farm, Alconbury (All weather arena – so please use top
entrance). Numbers may have to be limited if large take up for this clinic.
Cost £25
Saturday 15 June – Combined Training at Halefield Stud, Woodnewton,
PE8 5EG - For members aged 10 and over and pony/rider combination must
be capable of jumping at least a 2’6” course confidently. This is not for novice
riders. Choose maximum of two options – Dressage/Show Jumping/Cross
Country. Complete booking form to indicate which sessions you want and
height you want to jump. Cost £25 - 1 session, £45 – 2 sessions. If you
choose to do more than one option then you are welcome to bring along a
picnic lunch and chill-out while you wait
Sunday 16 June – Novice show at Home Farm, Alconbury - schedule on
website
C Test Training – 20 and 27 June - 5.00 – 7.00 pm for unmounted stable
management sessions at High Harthay Farm, Brampton, PE28 4NQ. 29
June 11.00 – 2.00 pm mounted and revision session at Home Farm,
Alconbury. Test 6 July from 2.00 pm at Home Farm. Cost £30. Complete
on-line booking form
Sunday 23 June – Senior One Day Event at The Equestrian Centre, Keysoe
– schedule on website
Friday 28 June (5.00 pm onwards) – Dressage Clinic with Nikki Herbert
at Home Farm, Alconbury (All weather arena – so please use top entrance).
Numbers may have to be limited if large take up for this clinic. Cost £25