PCUK were kind enough to once again have Area 5 pony clubs compete in the Central Zone this year, so rather than trek all the way down to Taunton, we only had to go to Onley Grounds near Rugby. The team of Becky Sedcole, Sam Owen, Alys Williams, Alex Major and Charlotte Williams made the journey the night before, avoiding the early morning start and leaving plenty of time to make themselves and their ponies look presentable! Unfortunately a tack and turnout rosette still eluded them!
In the competition of 18 teams, 1st place qualify for HOYS, and 2nd-7th qualify for the National Championships, to play off for the final spot at HOYS. The F&D team didn’t get off to the best start with a dropped changeover in the Bending heat, meaning they missed a place in the final by a few metres. But they more than made up for it in the Balloon Race, winning both their heat and final! By the sixth race they had made 3 finals, and won two of them, putting them in 4th place overall. Despite plenty of practice their spelling let them down in the Pony Prep race, but they made the finals of the Grooms and Three Legged Sack, putting them comfortably into 6th place, meaning they had already qualified for the National Championships before going into the final race.
They had a tough heat for the Five Flag, but won it by a few inches. Two mistakes in the final were cleaned up quickly, and they finished in 4th place, setting them up for a tie break with East Cheshire for 5th place overall. They haven’t practiced the Bottle Race for weeks, but they completed it flawlessly and kept 5th place, making them the highest-ever placed F&D team at Zone!
The dream of HOYS is still alive, as we prepare for the Championships at Cholmondeley Castle on 18th August.
This has been followed by an invitation to compete in the main ring at the Royal Welsh Show on Thursday 25th July.
It would be great to see F&D members supporting them at the Royal Welsh and National Championships.
(Ed … Any photos of Zone would be appreciated, please send to webmaster@fndponyclub.org.uk)
