Bethan Wildbur has agreed to let us use this photograph for Pony Club: what a lovely night & gorgeous photo…. don’t we live in a magnificent place – so lucky.

Camp

We have extended online payments until the 8th July – that’s this Sunday and a 7 day extension! Please ensure you have paid by then.

Volunteers still needed for camp: please let Bethan know when you are available. ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS are expected to help set up camp on Friday 27th July, 6pm at Cefn.

Spaces at Cefn Rally

There is space at the Cefn Rally at Ty Mawr on 16th July, for all abilities. Please contact Lois ASAP to book on (cefn@fndponyclub.org.uk).

Spaces at Llanasa Rally

There are spaces available on Llanas’sa working Rally with Rosemary Clarke at Highfield Livery on 9th July. Please contact Jude to book a space (07960 008601).

Cheshire Shield – Saturday 7th July

From the Organisers:

We have experienced an unprecedented number of entries this year which has resulted in us having to take the decision not to run a Non-Pony Club section in Class 2 – the 90. In doing so we have had to disappoint over 30 riders, many of whom have been coming to the Cheshire Shield competition for several years. We are very grateful to our friends running the Area 3 Riding Club event the following day, Sunday 8th, for agreeing to take all those who chose to transfer.

Nevertheless we have a very busy day ahead of us with over 280 entries– our largest to date – and all Pony Club entries received have been accommodated. They are divided as follows:

  • Class 1        (PC80) – 4 Pony Cub Arenas and one non-PC Arena – about 130 riders;
  • Class 2        (PC90) – 4 Pony Club Arenas – about 80 riders;
  • Class 3      (PC100) –2 Pony Club Arenas and one non-PC Arena – about 46 riders;
  • Class 4       (PCOpen-110)  – 1 Arena accommodating a total of 25 entries.

We will run the classes in that order and sections in the following order:

  1. Class 1, sections A, B, C & D: Area 5 teams, followed by Area 4 teams, Area 5 individuals, Area 4 individuals and other PC individuals;
  2. Class 1, section E: non-PC individuals;
  3. Class 2, sections A, B, C & D:  Area 5 teams, followed by Area 4 teams, Area 5 individuals, Area 4 individuals, other PC individuals and Open90 individuals;
  4. Class 3, sections A & B  Area 5 teams, followed by Area 4 teams, Area 5 individuals and Area 4 individuals and non-PC individuals;
  5. Class 3, section C: non-PC individuals;
  6. Class 4, sections A, B, C & D: Area 4 teams & individuals; Area 3 teams & individuals; Area 5 individuals;
  7. Class 4, section E: Non-PC individuals.

Within those divisions, riders will generally be listed geographically, with those travelling furthest going toward the end of the grouping. The draft timetable below will perhaps help you to structure your day.

Draft Timetable (approximate and subject to change)

  Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4
Dressage 8.00 a.m.– 11.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. – 1.30 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Show Jumping 8.40 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 12.30 p.m.– 3.00 p.m. 3.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. 4.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Cross Country 9.50 a.m.– 1.10 p.m. 1.40 p.m. – 3.40 p.m. 4.00 p.m. – 5.05 p.m. 5.30 p.m. – 6.10 p.m.
Numbers 1 – 140 201 – 290 301 – 350 401 – 450

The full timetable will be published on the East Cheshire website at 6 p.m. on Wednesday 4th July and will be emailed to all those receiving this email.

A note about the weather and ground conditions

The current hot and sunny weather seems set to continue until at least after the weekend of the competition. Unsurprisingly the ground conditions might be described as firm to hard. In order to address this and present the best conditions achievable in the circumstances, the XC course is already being watered. Furthermore, we have been liaising with Somerford Park Farm and Area 3 of the Riding Club who will use the same course the following day, and agreed that we will jointly finance the application of 15,000 cubic metres of water (at 1000 litres per cubic metre that is a lot of water) onto the XC course on Friday 6th alone. This will involve the hiring of three tankers, tractors and drivers to deliver about 110 loads during a 12-14 hour day. Needless to say, the total cost will run into the thousands of pounds. I am sure you will understand if we decide that it is necessary to impose a starting levy per rider which will not exceed £5.

We would also ask that you take sensible precautions for riders, spectators and horses. There will be a water tank at the XC start/finish for cooling off horses. Please use sensibly and sparingly. Also, please ensure you have plenty of water and sunscreen for riders, grooms and supoorters.

For further advice – see http://www.pcuk.org/index.php/news/item/news_cold_water_cooling_for_hot_horses

Reminder about clothing and tack

Pony Club members: Please ensure you have a correctly tagged hat and ensure you comply with all dress/tack rules/requirements.

Non-PC members: there will be no formal tack check but please ensure all your tack, hats and equipment are in good order and comply with safety requirements.  

Pony Club HQ have offered the following advice:

In exceptionally hot weather members do not have to wear jackets to compete in show jumping. However, they MUST wear long sleeves, and either a PC tie or stock. No short sleeved shirts/stock tops will be allowed. Parents are requested to please make sure that all children and ponies are kept well hydrated throughout the day.

Transport issues – Congleton Carnival

For those approaching Somerford from the direction of Congleton, please be aware that roads in and around the town centre will be closed between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday 7th – see http://www.congletoncarnival.co.uk/procession.html