MINIS
EARLY SPRING NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2012
Hi Everyone,
As I write this it is freezing cold January so I wish A Happy New Year to all the Minis who joined in with all the fun we had during 2011 and a special welcome to all the new “Mini members” who have joined our branch of the Pony Club this year.
I know that I have spoken to some of the new members over the past few weeks, however, if anyone would like to chat through anything about how the minis, or indeed the branch, operate please do feel free to get in touch with me and I will be happy to help you get the most out of your branch. Although I hope to meet many of you at our rally at Half term – see below.
Although I write this on a very cold sunny day in January our planning has now stretched ahead to the Springtime when, we hope, the weather will be a little warmer and you can all have a bit more fun riding your ponies without getting freezing fingers and toes within minutes of mounting them!
Please find set out below details of three events we have planned to date:
Friday 17th February 2012 10.30am to 12 noon. Stable Management Rally.
This rally will be unmounted and held at Wittering Grange Farm, Wittering in a warm classroom. It is really important that all Minis understand how to look after or help to look after their ponies. It will also be a good opportunity for the members to see their friends and to welcome new members to the branch. I would like each new member to bring a photograph of their pony to show everyone and help us learn about markings etc. Those of you who came to this rally last year will have a good opportunity to see if you have remembered lots of thing that you learnt! Cost: £4.00 each member attending
I understand that there is dressage training, also at Wittering, during the afternoon on that day so perhaps some of you can make a day of it.
Saturday 17th March 2012 10.30am to 12 noon General Riding Rally.
This rally will be mounted and will include flatwork and jumping. To be held at Wittering Grange Farm in an outdoor arena. Neckstraps must be worn. Body protectors advisable.
Cost: £12.00 each member attending
Saturday 21st April 2012 10.30 am to 12 noon. General Riding Rally.
This will be held in Burghley Park in the pony club fields and will include flatwork and jumping. Neckstraps must be worn. Body protectors advisable.
Cost: £8.00 each member attending.
The above rallies are only open to all Minis, whether still on a leading rein or more advanced. I would like to advise you that if you see a General Rally advertised on the branch website it is open for all members to attend, unless stated otherwise, that includes you!
Please complete the linked booking form and send with your payment cheque made payable to The Burghley Branch of The Pony Club. It would be very helpful if you can complete these and send them to me as soon as you can because it is an enormous help for me to know the numbers coming well in advance when booking instructors etc.
Other things happening during the February half term which maybe of interest to you:
Saturday 11th February 2012. General Rally at Laughton Manor.
Details
General Rally - Laughton Manor
Sat 11th Feb, Indoors, cost: £15, limited
places
please send payment with
Booking Form
closes on 4th Feb'
Monday 13th February. Pony Club meet with the Cottesmore Hunt.
This is an excellent way to start hunting with your pony. If you intend to go please would you call Mrs Clare Bell , the Cottesmore secretary 07854 587366 - secretary.ch@cottesmore-hunt.co.uk
The meet is being held at Elms Farm Morcott (Mr. and Mrs. N Chandler).
Clare is most helpful and will tell you how much the cap is and where to park etc but please find below a few helpful hints!
Always have the correct amount (cap) of money in an envelope and always make yourself known to the secretary at the meet. Don't wait for her to acknowledge you!
Make sure you know who the FieldMaster is for the day. They are in charge of all the riders (field) and you must do as they tell you and listen to instruction.
Always respect the farmers' crops and try and keep to margins / sides of cropped fields.
At the meet - park on the same side as all the other vehicles to allow as little disruption to traffic as possible.
At the end of a thoroughly enjoyable day leave the field by wishing everyone "Goodnight" (even if it's 12.30pm!).
Tuesday 14th February . Games Training at Surfleet.
Organiser Clare Daly 07961 908486.
Saturday 3rd March 2012. Fitzwilliam Hunt Meet.
The Fitzwilliam Hunt hold their meet at Burghley House in the old Stable yard next to the house. I don’t think it would be a suitable meet for minis to attend on their ponies but you may like to come and see the meet which is held in such a glorious setting at the home of the branch.
Sunday 4th March 2012. Hunt Ride at Toft.
I know that many of you attend the dressage training sessions arranged by Josien Chalmers(mob:07736676732) and the show jump training arranged by Julie Mulhern(mob:07702869859). If you don’t attend already but would like to know more about it then please contact them.
To help with your planning for the year ahead Mini Camp will be held in the Burghley Park pony club fields Wednesday 8th August 2012 at 2.00pm through to Saturday 11th August 2012 4.00pm (ish!)
The date for the Novice Show, held in the pony club fields, is Sunday 17th June 2011. This is a great fun show which encourages everyone to take part in and experience lots of different classes.
So as you can see there is masses to do as a member of The Burghley Branch of the Pony Club.
I have now doubt that we will all have an action packed and fun year for all of you. You all made such huge progress last year that I am looking forward to seeing lots of new faces and further improvements this year. Remember the “minis” are very important members of our branch because you are the next generation of riders to move up through the branch with all your riding skills.
If anyone wishes to contact me for any further information about anything please do not hesitate to contact me on 01780 765030 or mob: 07944 134283 or e-mail categoodwin@btinternet.com. Remember I am here to help.
Happy riding
Cate Goodwin