February 20th 2012 … Annual Report

Welcome to you all here tonight and thank you for attending.

First of all I would like to thank all the team trainers, district secretaries & their teams for organising all the rallies, training sessions, fun days, competitions etc that they have put on for the branch through out the year. There are plenty of opportunities’ for every member to participate in a variety of fixtures. 76 rallies.

Thank you also to the landowners who regularly allow us to meet and use their property:

  • Mr Brookes – Ystrad,
  • Mr & Mrs R Proffitt – Fferm,
  • Mr & Mrs G Pierce,
  • Mr & Mrs R Davies-Cooke,
  • Dyfnog Stud,
  • Sue Hunter to name a few.

Without these venues we would struggle to keep the cost of rallies down to a minimum.

Membership last year was up to over 300 members, making us one of the largest branches in the country. Iona is an amazing secretary keeping track of what every one does – test wise etc. organising competitions, rallies etc. My role as DC is made a lot easier.

I would like to thank Nickie Rae for all her input over the last 15 years in all she has done for the branch – mini camp organiser, dressage organiser, Llysfaen district committee member. Nickie has decided to step down as dressage organiser.

The branch puts on dozens of rallies, plenty in each district – so there is no excuse for anyone that they are unable to get to do their 3 rallies. This is a rule that Pony Club ask for you to do if you intend representing the Branch at Area or National competition.  As a Branch we also ask for you to attend 3 rallies before coming to camp. This is so that we can allocate you to the correct ride for your standard.

Camp last summer was attended by record numbers. 70+ at mini camp, 86 at main camp and quite a few members went to Senior camp at Somerford Park, which is for 16 yrs & over. Camp was successful and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Last year we were fortunate to have the use of the new extension at Neuadd Owen. Lovely new showers and kitchen for us to use.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents & instructors who helped out. Especially Michelle Dalton & Sharon Davies who prepared the tasty meals every day.

We need parents of mini campers to volunteer to organise running of mini camp. Many parents of mini campers tend to shy away from the organising and helping. We don’t mind you staying to watch as long as you help. In future – parents will only be allowed to watch if they are leading their child or on duty.

Iona’s idea of holding a fund raiser on the last day of camp was very successful. The members raised £800. We shared the funds between AHT and the branch.

Many tests were achieved by the members from E test to C+. A few members gained their B test or part of it. Helen Amor gained her AH test.

Games – Senior and Junior went to the Zone finals.

Flint and Denbigh sent teams to the Champs:

  • Mounted Games,
  • Intermediate Dressage,
  • Show Jumping,
  • Horse Trials
  • Open Show Jumping team
  • Novice team Show Jumping & dressage qualified for the Champs,

Spohie Toogood had an amazing time at the Champs, individual 4th in the Show Jumping and 2nd in the Horse Trials.

It was a shame that some team members pulled out of the team, leaving teams with only 3 members. This season we need to know before putting members forward for a team, that they are committed to being a team member.
The training for this year’s competitions is underway so please ensure that you get the rule books and abide by them. There are a few new rules for tack – bits being the main one.

The Winter League Show Jumping teams, managed by Chris Leahy won 3 out of the 4 classes overall last year. They are doing exceptionally well again this year. Congratulations to all of you and thank you Chris for all your dedication in organising the training etc.

A new Young Event Horse competition is being launched this year, to encourage older members of the pony club to train and compete their young horse or pony. It is open to members aged 15 years and over with horses or ponies aged 5,6 or 7 years, who compete at Level 3 (novice) eventing competitions. Rules are on the web site.

H&P care and National Quiz – Any members that wish to be a member of the team. Please contact Chrissie Mayes … asap

Annual Instructors Conference – 19th March – Myerscough College. 26th March, Hartpury College.

Pony Club Annual – Please collect one on your way out if you haven’t already received one. I shall not be posting them out this year.

Good Luck to the Games members that are attending the selection trials for Wales and Borders team –

  • Rebecca Sedcole,
  • Megan Goody,
  • Tom Owen,
  • Yasmine Greaves and
  • Louisha Doran.

Congratulations to Suzie Williams, who has been selected for The British Games Team – They will be going out to Australia in April to compete.

Last September Megan Roberts was overall champion of the Burghley Pony Club class. Antonia Woodbine came a commendable 8th in her section. This year we have chosen Alice Davies Cooke and Jake Vaughan Thomas to represent the Branch.

A great deal of members compete at a very high level in other equine organisations and are also very successful. MGA, BS, BE, BD to mention a few. I’m sure the Pony Club has given you good training to start you off.

  • Sam Ekroyd was on The British Pony Team that competed in Poland.
  • Laura Cocking – British Young Riders Individual.

Hopefully as a branch we shall continue to give the members the opportunity to develop as good sportsmen and women, as well as in horsemanship. Giving members times when they can enjoy taking part and learning to take winning or losing in their stride. We as parents and instructors must show that without good manners and good temper, sport loses its cause for being. Members must be encouraged to treat their pony or horse with consideration.

Thank you … Bethan Jones … District Commissioner