After the excitement of the Welsh Trials it seemed no time at all before Windsor week was actually upon us. The rugs had been presented to the North Walian contingency in Oswestry a few weeks precious and we were all set to go. The DAKS International Mounted Games competition was waiting for us.
The team met up at a venue at Ascot on the Monday and practiced together on Tuesday morning before setting off with excitement to Windsor, Tuesday afternoon. We all squashed into our designated camping area, overlooking the Castle with the Thames on the other side and soon settled the ponies into their stables. The Tack and Turnout cup was up for grabs as well and the parents spent the week grooming, polishing and setting beds to rights with precision and technique.
Wednesday saw the infamous entertainment day in the Pony Club tent and presentation of sweatshirts by DAKS. Well, the less said about the Welsh entertainment the better – no it was not good! But the afternoon was fun and the teams all got to meet each other properly. The Welsh table stood out in its red glory and we were ready to go.
Thursday we competed twice and had a good first session to be second overall. Thursday afternoon was not quite so good and the team slipped slightly. Friday morning was again not great but by Friday afternoon they pulled their socks up and had a fabulous session. Still lying third behind Scotland and England with anything could happen over the weekend, especially with double points up for grabs.
Entering the main arena on Saturday was amazing. Full to capacity the crowd really came alive and the five teams from Wales, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland rose to the challenge and had an incredible session, with the points changing all the time. Wales were still lying third but anyone could win – the points were that close.
Sunday saw the buffet and Tack and Turnout presentation which saw Wales come second – to the astonishment of many, it has to be said. Even the Irish said that Wales should have won. But Wales took it on the chin and smiled in defeat. After all, we were all waiting to get going with the final ridden session after all.
And at 5pm the teams proudly entered the main arena at Royal Windsor Horse Show for the last time, all holding up the country flags. The crowds cheered and the supporters nervously rubbed hands together. This was it!
It was not to be Wales’ year as disaster befell them and what could go wrong, did go wrong and they slipped to fourth behind the very deserved first place of Scotland, England and S. Ireland. But whatever the result, out of 50,000 members in Pony Club, 30 were incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to ride in front of the Queen (and chat with her and other members of the Royal family), be presented with medals by HRH Prince Philip , meet new friends from across the nation and have the experience of their lives. Regardless of the result they had the times of their lives and we are proud of them all.
Well done to the Welsh team – Suzi Williams (Flint and Denbigh – North Wales), George Betts (Berwyn and Dee, North Wales), Rachel Brisbane (WWW – North Wales), Tom Lucas (Llangeinor – South Wales), Tom Norton (Banwen – South Wales) and Rachel Davies (Banwen – South Wales). They are all friends for life now.
