Oakley Hunt (West) Branch
News
OAKLEY HUNT WEST WIN THE PRINCE PHILIP CUP!
The *Oakley Hunt West Branch of The Pony Club have won the Equimax Prince Philip Cup Mounted Games Final held at Horse of The Year Show (HOYS), NEC Birmingham.
As a force to be reckoned with in Mounted Games, only narrowly missing a win in 2010 by one point, the Oakley Hunt West have now held the Prince Philip Cup an incredible eight times!
The team of Florence Bish-Jones (14), Harry Gates (15), Thomas Kitchiner (15), Sally Kitchiner (13), Samantha Garrett (13) and Aimy Eales (reserve) took the title in style on a score of 114 points - 18 points clear of second placed Strathearn.
Pony Club Branch teams including, Oakley Hunt West, Cheshire Hunt (North), Strathearn, Poole and District, Angus and for the first time Old Berkeley Hunt (North) went forward to the final at HOYS, after battling it out at the Zone Finals around the country during the summer. The competition at HOYS hot’s up from Thursday evening onwards, and after the Sunday afternoon session teams that have accumulated the most points during the week go forward to the prestigious final, to compete for the Equimax Prince Philip Cup.
It was however a bitter sweet victory for the Oakley Hunt West, as they sealed another dream win but said farewell to their Branch trainer of 17 years Maureen Thomas, or ‘Mo’ as she is affectionately known by the team members.
This year was very special for me” commented Maureen, “I was very proud of the way the team rode and so grateful to them for such a good result”. “I am now looking forward to visiting HOYS 2013 as a spectator and avid fan of the show!”
The Pony Club Mounted Games is a competition requiring courage, determination and all round riding ability. The concept of the competition was first introduced by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, who suggested that Cavalry competitions could be adapted for young riders on ponies in an entertaining and visually engaging format. The first
competitions were held in 1957 and the winner received the coveted Prince Philip Challenge Trophy
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CAMP 2012 is now 'officially' over!
"Camp was fantastic!"
Once again Oakley West had a great week at Clayhill Farm. Loads of fun was had on ponies and off highlights included; grid jumping, the top ride 6 bar competition, 'on foot' Handy Pony, dressing up for the final musical ride and most importantly 'tuck shop'. A full report and photos to follow!
Hickstead Show Jumping - Good Luck to our Team!
The Pony Club Team have qualified to jump at Hickstead this year. On 26th July 2012 our Team will jump at one the most prestigious venues in the world. Good luck to our Team, spectators are welcome.
Novice Area Show Jumping
In a rare moment this summer the sun shone as did the Novice Team! Emily Falle, Frddie Herbert, Floss Bishop Jones and Clarissa Davis competed in the Team with Olivia Hern and Felicity Aldridge our Individuals. The Team jumped well over a tricky course and were placed 7th in the jumping, finishing on a team score of 12. Frddie Herbert and Rosco (now 'Rosco the Great' after his Area Dressage and SJ results) jumped a fantastic clear round and took the Individual 3rd! In addition to the jumping there is a Team Turnout competition. With polishing orders provided in the run up to the day and wearing the smart new Pony Club stocks the team finished 3rd in the Turnout.
Well done to all competing - and we stayed dry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Area Show Jumping
Due to the wet weather the Area show jumping was re located to Bury Farm with the Novice being postponed. The Intermediate Team was Rebecca Leadbeater, Philippa Stacey, Aurthur Stacy and Lucy Barnes. The Team jumped brilliantly over the big course finishing on a team total of 4 faults! This put them into a fantastic 2nd place qualifying them for the Pony Club Championships. Individually Philippa took 3rd place and Lucy 10th.
In the Open Class which seemed enormous we had 2 individual entries Harriet Edmunds and Corianna Leadbeater. Both were placed with Harriet finishing 2nd and Corianna 8th.
Area Dressage and Prix Caprilli
The Pony Club travelled to Bellingdon Centre for this competition and the sun came out. In the Dressage the Team of Freddie Herbert, Francesca Harris, Felicity Aldridge Newman and Clarissa Davis rode well and individually Clarissa took 2nd place and Freddie 8th. We had 2 Individuals Olivia Hern and Lucy Northall, Lucy was placed 3rd.
In the Prix Caprilli we took a fantastic Team 3rd place with the Team being (Individual results after names) Lucy Northall 3rd, Freddie Herbert 4th, Clarissa Davis 6th and Francesca Harris 9th. Not only was their Prix Caprilling great but in the Tack and Turnout after great polishing the Team took 2nd place.
Mounted Games Team Qualify for HOYS
Following an outstanding Zone Final our Mounted Games team were unbeatable winning the Zones and qualifying for Horse of the Year Show in October! A fantastic achievement well done to all the Team members.
In the Junior competition our Team finished 4th place with a great 2nd place in the Tack and Turnout.
Mini Easter Grand National Show April 2012
Fantastic Fun was had at this show with plenty of chocolate and cakes eaten by all. The sun shone and the course was perfectly dressed (as were our young jockeys) with the ground declared firm to soft going. Mark Stockdale ensured he had fully prepared his pony for the event with a ride to his local 'Fish and Chip' shop the night before!
Members jumped in Teams with the winning team needing to be fast runners, egg hunters and riders. Those in the winning team were; Joshua Little, Amelie Fricker, Charlotte Sabatier and Porshe Lang. There was a Grand Nstional Draw which saw Katie Garratt winning the Easter Egg!
Well done to everyone who made it such an enjoyable event and to all new members who attended their first Mini Show. Many thanks to Wendy for hosting the show and all the jobs this involves and Emily Falle for being the Official Helper.