I am very grateful to Candy Robbins for supplying the following report. I would also like to add my congratulations to Ben Berrill and Ready Eddie Go on their success in gaining a place at the Pony Club Championships in Cheshire.
Southdown Hunt East sent 4 teams to the Area show jumping at Felbridge on 7th July.
The Open team consisted of Hazel Perry on Athlone Baymen, Amy Dunn on Grouse and Lizzie Tillard on Twiggy Kraft who came 2nd, a fantastic result. Amy and Grouse also came a creditable 7th as an individual.
The Intermediate team of Sophie Beldham on Strider, Lara Curtis on Duke and Josie Mitchell on Noah were not placed but all did extremely well over a very large course.
There were 2 Novice Teams. The team of Beth Giddings riding Perfect Pete, Emma Robbins riding Charlie Chalk, Chloe Fry riding Shauns Delight and Alex Medlicott riding Miss Malibu were not placed but did a fantastic job in the tack and turnout competition by coming 1st out of the 27 teams!!!
The other team of Tara Keosherigan riding Jester, Ben Berrill riding Ready Eddie Go, Katy George riding Troy and Bea Lewers riding Mooney were also unplaced as a team, but came 5th in the tack and turnout. What a great achievement for these 2 teams to be at the top for presentation – well done to you for making such a great effort.
Ben Berrill and Ready Eddie Go came a brilliant 3rd as an individual out of more than 100 starters and qualified for the Championships in Cheshire later in the season –a big well done to Ben and Eddie, what a partnership!
All in all, it was a great day for the Branch. Thank you to all that took part and for parents getting them there and supporting. Thank you to Sarah Muggeridge for doing the course walk and for her advice.
The next date on the show jumping calendar is the Southdown Hunt West team event at Hickstead on 4th August. Even if you have not been selected on a team this time, why not come along and support your Branch, and for those that have been selected, keep on practising and remember to book you place at the jumping practice rally at Oakfields on 2nd August.