PC Memories

Our senior members headed up to Surrey and passed the ridden and/or care Pony B test efficiency tests this October half term week. Firstly HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to members …. Jess Perry - passing Ride & Care Beth Hobden - passing Ride & Care Hannah Gardiner - passing Ride Emily Sargent - passing Care These tests are not only Pony Club achievements but are also recognised within the industry as a measure of competence. They follow a similar syllabus to college diplomas and BHS stages etc and it should not be underestimated how much work and commitment candidates put in to gain them, so well done girls! The best thing about the Pony Club tests is all the different ways you can train for them - the girls above range from 14yrs to 20yrs old. I thought I’d share their different pathways and hopefully inspire other members to aim for their next tests! Hannah was a direct entrant having gained qualifications previously at college. Beth passed her C+ earlier in the year and on the basis of her knowledge was encouraged to sit her B Test the same year. Jess and Emily attended many evening training sessions over the past two years, then went to a B Test training camp this summer held by our neighbouring pony club. All the girls also took part in zoom training, working rallies and studied at home at their own pace. ….. And if your horse isn’t ready that’s ok! Emily has borrowed ponies, swapped rides & went to the mechanical horse training so has still been working on her riding while her horse has been recovering from an injury. She decided to take the Care part of the test this week and will take her Ride when her horse is ready in the spring. So as you can see there’s lots of ways to access coaching and training, with help and support from our wonderful coaches at clinics, working rallies and camps - and once you’ve reached the minimum age for each test, there’s plenty of time to take it! Your Pony Club tests give you the opportunity to show how much you’ve learnt and be #PonyClubProud Well done - awesome job! ESPC Members Facebook post by parent Liz Walker

Area Dressage - 21 May 2023 - Hickstead One Area competition for each of the main disciplines takes place across the region each summer. Top placings result in qualification to the prestigious national Pony Club Championships in August or the Grassroot Regional Championships in September. We are very proud of all our members who achieve a level of riding sufficient to enter Area and delighted for the lucky, talented few who qualify to attend Championships, definitely a PC career highlight for members and parents! Wow!!! What can I say - the Area dressage riders were just FABULOUS today!!! In face of traffic adversity 😂 our wonderful riders entered in at A and gave it there best shot! 💪 🤩 Our Grassroots Orange Team achieved team 2nd place!!! 🥈🎉 🥳 With both Brooke and Lily winning their sections!!! 🎉🏆 👏 A huge well done also goes to: Sophia, Jess P, Poppy H, Alice DT, Imogen - w ho all achieved top ten placings!! 🎉🌟 😇And of course none of this would be possible without all the team members putting in lots of effort - so I’d like to give a special thank you and big well done to: Meg, Sophie, Olivia, Carys a nd Mattie - y ou all rode beautifully and did ESPC proud 💖 🌟I’d also like to give a little mention to Daisy and Emily who both wanted to take part in today but whose horses were unable to - and so instead they helped out 👏 😃 Well done girls, volunteering and helping is something to be very proud of and keeps pony club going 🐴👩‍🦰🦄👦🏻🥰 Please share your photos - you all looked so smart - but for now here’s some that made me smile! Great job team ESPC!! 💚🧡🤩 #PonyClubProud Report by Liz Walker

Area Mounted Games - 20 May 2023 - Lossenham Farm, Newenden, Kent One Area competition for each of the main disciplines takes place across the region each summer. Top two placings result in qualification to the next level, Zones and beyond that the prestigious national Pony Club Championships. We are very proud of all our members who achieve a level of riding sufficient to enter Area. An absolute AMAZING day at Area mounted games on Saturday. So proud to be part of the East Sussex family that we have. The children were FANTASTIC, all encouraging and supporting each other . The Junior team of: Henry, Natalie, Alice, Plus we were joined by two lovely Eridge PC members: Amber, Sofia 🥇Won the tack and turnout 🌟 and came 3rd 🥉in the competition 🎉 The Senior team of: Emily, Dakota, Freddie, Coco 🥇Again were 1st in the tack and turnout 🌟and won a tie breaker to come 3rd in the competition 🥉🤩 The Novice team of: Connie, May, Elise, Ellie 🥈Had a 2nd in the tack and turnout 🦄 and a fabulous 3rd in the competition 🥳 🌟The children have trained so hard over the last couple of weeks and it is all starting to come together. 👏 A massive thank you also to the parents that helped out on the day and a special mention to Jane and Lauren Brian-Davis who gave up their day to help steward. Special mention to Mark for running backwards and forwards doing whatever needed doing for riders, officials and parents. 😇 Team work is dream work 🤩 "Clare Bassett you are a legend, the time and passion you put into training the children is phenomenal. We cannot wait until the next one." Members FaceBook post by Lucy Roberts (parent) "Thank you Lucy couldn’t have said it better myself. Was a very long but wonderful day on so many levels. Bursting with pride and delighted to be part of making memories. Fabulous photos, gorgeous people, wonderful results, PC at its best 💖 🦄 🎉 🌟 👩‍🦰 👦🏻 " Comment by Clare (team trainer & ESPC games coordinator)

Where will YOUR Pony Club journey take you in 2023? Dream Big, Work Hard! CONGRATULATIONS to the following ESPC members on attaining such tremendous achievements last year, we are incredibly proud of you. We salute the time and effort given to shape your experience and achieve these results. Huge thanks also to all the helping hands and hooves that supported you along your journey - equestrian superstars one and all! Area 11 Qualification Competitions We were delighted to put forward 69 ESPC members at the various Area competitions: Area Dressage x 19 - 4 qualified for Championships Area Show Jumping x 25 - 1 qualified for Championships Area Eventing x 7 (reduced from 17 due to extreme heatwave) - 2 qualified for Championships Area TET x 18 - 8 qualified for Championships Pony Club Championships Dressage Open Team - Kiera Whiteman, Rebecca Amess, Tia Whiteman, Duncan Morgan Show jumping Open 110cm Individual - Duncan Morgan Eventing Novice 90cm Individuals - Kiera Whiteman, Rebecca Amess TET Junior Girls Team: Meg Lillicrap, Coco Isaac, Jess Perry, Beth Hobden Intermediate Girls Team: Lola Woollard, Nancy Taylor, Cora Taylor Intermediate Area Boys Team: Duncan Morgan Regional Championships - Grassroot Dressage (individuals who qualified at Area) Meg Lillicrap Natalie Little Olivia Pay Evelyn Powell Pippa Stoneham Show Jumping - Grassroot 80cm (individuals who qualified at Area) Indi Anderson Olivia Pay Emily Sargent Other Prestigious Pony Club Events Wellington Horse Trials invitation ride Eventing 110cm: Katie Hipkins, Duncan Morgan Royal Windsor Horse Show invitation ride 110cm Show Jumping: Duncan Morgan TET Junior Individual: Coco Isaac Junior Regional TET Championships invitation ride Junior Individual: Coco Isaac Senior Regional TET Championships invitation ride Intermediate/Open Individuals: Cora Taylor, Nancy Taylor and Duncan Morgan Spring Festival National Final (2022/23) Dressage Novice Individual: Sophia Chambers (qualified at Area final) Show Jumping Debut 90cm: Coco Isaac on two rides Open 110cm: Lula Isaac We are looking for a volunteer who can kindly take on Event Publicity & Results for East Sussex Pony Club. Please contact me if this is something you can help your Branch with. Many, many thanks Clare x

Sophia Chambers and her ponies Fancy That and Jake enjoyed strutting their stuff at the Area 11 Pony Club Spring Festival Novice Dressage Finals on 21st January 2023 - Well ridden Sophia 🤩

Darcey and Jack had a year of highs and lows. Starting after the October rally in 2021 where they flew round a fabulous 70 showjumping course. Then life took a dramatic turn for our dear Jack . . . We found him in the early morning rolling and sweating in a terrible state. We knew instantly it was that moment every owner dreads colic. We called Cliffe straight away, for what felt like the longest 30 mins Manon arrived treated him and we prayed. But unfortunately he didn’t show any signs of improvement so we got him in the trailer and rushed him to the clinic. Within an hour he got worse and we were told surgery was the only option to save him. Darcey's eyes filled with tears and as a family we decided to go for the surgery. Up until now Darcey had been so strong but saying goodbye to him before surgery broke all of our hearts. After what felt like an eternity we had a phone-call to tell us he had made it through the operation. Over the week after his operation Darcey went up every evening to be with him. We got to bring him home a week later and unfortunately he got colic again when he got home possibly from travelling. Darcey stayed up with him for 2 days and nights. We got him through it though . Over the winter each week that passed he got stronger and stronger. Then got cheekier and cheekier !!! We started taking him out to a few shows in the spring with pony club friends where he qualified for the sunshine tour in various showing classes. Then he managed to do his C Test with Darcey . I think we all held our breath including the instructors!!!! Which they passed. We hadn’t booked into Senior Camp as we didn’t think he would be fit enough but then a space became available. He was looking so fit and well we decided to give it a go. Wow what a week it was torrential rain, thunder and lightning but fantastic fun! Jack loved every minute of it and so did Darcey. Unfortunately he was a bit tired and sore on the last day so he didn’t do the final ride but what a fantastic group of friends Darcey had 3 girls straight away offer their ponies to her to ride Sophie Novell, Jess Perry & Grace from OSB. Darcey chose the wonderful Gus who didn’t disappoint her and they did a lovely final musical ride . What wonderful kind thoughtful girls to support Darcey. But the icing on the cake was at prize giving where Clare awarded them the camp cup. I will happily admit we all shed a few tears after what had felt like a very long journey. What a wonderful way to end the summer. Through all of this time we have been supported by a great Pony Club family. We have had messages, phone calls and love sent . Issie Pincus and Pippa Stoneham have been fabulous friends, including her even though she didn’t always have a pony to ride. I have had a lot of mummy hugs which I am very grateful for. L ucy Dixon Thompson very kindly let us ride Gwen while we tried to get Jack fit. W e were elated to spend 2 days at the sunshine tour where he came 7th in a big veteran class. Proud beyond words for both of them. We are all so lucky to have such a supportive pony club Thank you from us all especially Jack xxx

What a smashing year me and Gus had last year training and competing for East Sussex Pony Club! My journey with Gus has by no means been easy. There has been ups and downs, tears and cheers however overall it was an absolute blast last year and it’s all thanks to everyone at team ESPC. I have made everlasting memories, incredible new friends and developed a passionate love for competing! A few of my highlights from 2022: Lodge farm ODE: It was mine and Gus’s 2nd one day event so it was a bit of a risk entering but what was the worst that could happen 😅. We stated off with our best test to date scoring a lovely 31.2% putting us nicely up the leader board. Then was sj. Now Gus isn’t the most careful horse ever so I was crossing my fingers he would pick his feet up of which he did resulting in a nice clear. There was then quite a lot of pressure for xc knowing I had a good dressage and clear sj but the absolute legend pulls of a lovely clear to finish 4th! Senior camp 2022: Now anyone that knows or has been to any sort of camp will know it’s probably the best week ever. From loading all our stuff into the spare side of the trailer and any inch of space left in the boot, to TikTok’s and evening activities there’s never a dull moment (especially when Jess is around). Totally not us up at 6am walking the dog and eating Nutella on toast whilst everyone else is asleep (Sorry Clare🤣) And of course I can’t forget clearing 1.10 on my super cob who was a star all week! Overall cannot forget about all the amazing experiences I had in 2022 here are just a few more: Combined training dressage of 67.6 and 2 poles (told you he wasn’t very careful 🤭) came 4th. Clear round 80cm at golden cross 10th. Arena xc lesson with Anna, many rallies with Alex, pc area dressage 61.8, training for area sj at Judi’s, area sj and much much more! As you can tell we have had a very busy 2022. Im exited to see what 2023 will bring. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. Sophie Novell :) xxx

Hello ESPC family & friends Wasn’t it fantastic being able to get out and about with just minor covid considerations over the 2022 Easter break We kick started Easter with over fifty members attending our second Working Rally of the year. The wet weather didn’t dampen spirits with members and parents coming together to enjoy all things horsey. Apologies to those members still at school & college. Our next rally will be held at Montague, your Spring/Summer Pony Club venue, on Wednesday 1st June during half term. ESPC training opportunities were abundant. There was Event training at Comphurst, Dressage at Pine Tree Farm, Judi Piper held a busy 80+ SJ training, and we had the Easter themed Funday at Crockstead this weekend. Rebecca continued with her C+ and B group Stable Management sessions and the introduction of the eagerly awaited C training didn’t disappoint with not one but two, day long sessions entertaining members at Mayflower House. Our advanced Test candidates participated in an Area run program which included lunge test training and B Test guidance. Duncan Morgan was asked to be ride demonstrator of good practice for assessors at a B+ assessment training day, high praise of his riding technique. Our members also had inter-branch Area training opportunities with SJ at Felbridge, Mounted Games at Sands Farm and TET XC at South Brockwells. Many members put their skills to the test competing; Huge congratulations to Coco Isaac and Sophia Chambers for being victorious at two rounds of Area competitions earning the opportunity to represent Area 11 at the Pony Club BAH National Spring Championships hosted at Arena Uk Sophia and Fancy came a very respectable 12th in their Novice dressage section. Coco had phenomenal success qualifying for four classes with her two awesome ponies - 80cm arena eventing with Tommy and 90cm and 1m show jumping with both Tommy and Rose, Congratulations Sophia and Coco amazing personal achievements and your Branch is very proud of you. Special mention to Coco and Lula Isaac who both had podium finishes at Area 11 TRI to qualify for the National Winter Triathlon Championships held in Nottinghamshire on 27th March. Coco finished 34th Junior (14yr and under) and Lula 33rd Open section against members 25yrs and under. Both marvellous achievements against top national competitors. Coco has been invited by the TET committee to represent the South of England at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, a unique opportunity and fabulous achievement, congratulations. Lots of ESPC members represented our Branch at three InterBranch competitions - Combined Training hosted by Eridge PC, Show Jumping hosted by Romney Marsh PC and TET & TRI hosted by East Kent. Congratulations to the many ESPC members who were placed or who achieved personal bests at these PC competitions. Our attention now turnings toward the once a year Area 11 competitions in Dressage (Walk & trot up to Open test), Show Jumping and Eventing (80cm to110cm) and Tetrathlon (Junior to Open) Reward for a top placing at Area is qualification to the prestigious Pony Club Championships in August. To have reached the standard to be able to enter Area deserves high praise and recognition, a wonderful achievement in itself. Such things don’t happen without commitment and drive so dream big, plan your journey and sign up for our training opportunities over the coming months. Enormous thanks to the volunteer discipline heads who work tirelessly organising opportunities and events for the benefit of our members, young and old and to the special parents whose daily commitment behind the scenes keep the business side of the Branch running - Helen our treasurer, Sonja our Website host, Jane our Facebook administrator, Amanda our Membership secretary and Becky our Safeguarding Officer. Many will be available for you to ask questions and thank in person at the Branch BBQ & Prize Evening on Friday 13th May at Montague. We all look forward to seeing what delights the new season brings. Best wishes, Clare Proud to be East Sussex DC - well done everyone!

What a year I have had competing for the ESPC! At the beginning of 2021 I set out with a goal to Event my little horse Paddy, and safe to say what a season it has been! At the start of June I had a go at my first ever Dressage test at Hickstead, coming away with a 7th and qualifying for Champs! Then going onto Area Eventing at Brightling we got double clears and a 32 Dressage placing 4th and also qualifying for Champs, which was my main goal of the season and I was over the moon knowing I was off 5 hours up the road not only for the Dressage but sleeping over for the Eventing the next day too! Then a week later me, Daisy, Bea and Lilli were off to Area Show Jumping at Felbridge. Legend Pads went clear and team placed 5th with another qualifier for Champs! The Champs was an absolute blast with parents getting drunk on the first night relived after getting us kids and ponies there safe and sound after a long day travelling. Saturday I had a pole in the first round of SJ and safe clear in the second but unfortunately the team didn’t make it through to the third round. Pads performed a nice test for our Individual Dressage in the afternoon, he is not your pony version of Valegro tho, so we came away without a place. Eventing day Pads managed to pull out his best test of the year, just a shame nerves got the best of me resulting in me forgetting a movement picking up 2 penalties. Flying round of SJ just to tap a pole, and king of Cross Country flies round a course causing many problems all day, two seconds over the allowed time, pushing us into the placings winning a 10th rosette! I had an amazing weekend for my first stay away with my Pony Club mates, with some good laughs and I 100% recommend Grassroots for anyone who wants to give it a go! Thank you ESPC for helping me out throughout the summer, with improving my accuracy in the Dressage arena, my strides in the Show Jumping ring and my confidence on the Cross Country course. And of course Pads who is now off to teach my brother the ropes on his next adventure. So if you see an 11 year old boy being cantered off with round the ring trying to remember a course of 12 60cm jumps, don’t panic, its only Paddy. :) Jess x

It has been a relief to be able to start clinics and competitions again and this has led to a busy year for our Senior Show Jumpers. We have held lots of clinics with fantastic instructors, including Judy Piper-Dadswell at her fabulous facility at Starnash Farm, we had some great training from Penny Sangster at Crockstead Equestrian Centre and a brilliant day with Sam Penn, who taught nearly all day long. A fantastic variety to give all our members jumping at 80 and above access to some really experienced instructors! A good number of our members have also been out representing East Sussex Pony Club at local branch competitions, Area and Regional Championships. Area: 80 Teams: Evelyn Dzogan, Meg Lillicrap, Lula Izaac, Coco Izaac Daisy Burgess, Jessica Perry, Lilli Lewis, Beatrice Crawford 90 Teams: Kiera Whiteman, Katie Latham, Ruby Norman, Isla Norman Darcey Byrne, Georgina Morgan, Ewan McCleave, Lola Woollard 90 Individual: Rihanna Hawkins All competitors had a great day, Ruby Norman had a fantastic double clear in the 90 and Meg, Daisy, Jess, Lilli and Bea all qualified for the Regional Championships. SDHEPC Show Jumping Competition More recently we also had two fantastic wins at the South Down Hunt East Pony Club’s Show Jumping competition at Golden Cross. Meg Lillicrap, on her brand new pony, Poppy Hunt and Evelyn Dzogan won the 80 Class and Daisy Burgess, Lily Hunt, Hebe Warren and Darcey Byrne won the 90 class. It is wonderful to see so many of our more senior members involved with everything the show jumping discipline has to offer. As Training Organiser it is a privilege to watch our members progress with their ponies, to develop relationships with their fellow members and to have fun together. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to attend the regional finals, and all our members tried their hardest, overcame fears and setbacks and although we were not in the placings this year, everyone had fun and wonderful memories were made. Rebecca Crawford

Following months of uncertainty we were relieved and delighted to get the green light from Pony Club head office for our residential camp to go ahead. Forty two campers and their beloved mounts descended on Ardingly’s event centre on Monday 5th August. For six days and five nights we came together to enjoy all things equestrian thanks to two Dc’s, five house keepers, five yard girls, seven coaches and an army of parent kitchen helpers. For the fourth year running we joined forces with Old Surrey & Burstow PC. Unfortunately our friends from the Cayman Islands PC were unable to join us this time due to uncertainty surrounding international travel. Once again the British weather played havoc with our timetable however our enthusiasm was never dampened and campers embraced the necessary changes with resilience and enthusiasm. As well as busy riding days we had lovely sociable evenings - Monday we settled in and got to know each other, Tuesday we watched a musical ride demonstration by ESPC coach Alex Chambers and her competition partner Summer followed by lots of laughter during team games, Wednesday we enjoyed a wonderful sunset hound exercise with Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt, Thursday having been battered by wind and rain for much of the day we were thankful to be inside for TET shooting expertly hosted by Peter and Georgina Morgan. Thankfully the sun returned on Friday and having watched, over three days, the one thousand foot inflatable labyrinth and fun fair being set up we enjoyed all the thrills of the fair followed by Prize Evening were we recognised a variety of camp achievements. Saturday sadly saw the return of driving rain so our camp finale did not reflect the time and effort campers had put into their parent displays. Despite the weather it provided a whole camp opportunity to all be together, appreciate being reunited with family and reflect on our amazing week. During the day campers enjoyed group tuition across various disciplines, stable management and a jumping competition tested their nerves. Sadly the eagerly awaited photo session had to be cut short much to everyone’s disappointment. Hooves To Hounds' Andie and her dedicated team endured horizontal rain and ever increasing wind to get some lovely shots before we had to admit defeat. As camp coordinator it was a privilege to spend quality time with members and the camp team, to have fun together, watch friendships blossom, celebrate their achievements and support each other through the occasional low. It was lovely to enjoy the summer sunshine, hear laughter during team games and share the joy of campers being able to “just be kids” after what has been an unprecedented time of isolation and restriction. Sincere thanks to all the parents for going the extra mile, supporting all the extra chores necessary for camp to run - completing all the necessary compliance forms, providing the long list of camp and pony necessities, transporting from Montague to Ardingly (and back again!) enough equipment for seven ride groups - dressage boards, rope & markers, a whole show jumping and working hunter course, XC flags, grid equipment plus everything required to run the kitchen, assisting our housekeeping team deep clean the kitchen before and again after camp, to provide over sixty meals four times a day, hosting evening activities and of course supporting your children so they can enjoy everything camp offers - friendship, horsemanship and this year more than ever, togetherness. We couldn’t do it without team work and sacrifice therefore a huge thank you for all the help, small and large, it all made for a great, much needed camp. Clare Bassett x