CHNPC NEWSROUND
9thFebruary 2014
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Cheshire Hunt South PC, Winter League SJ competition, Saturday 1st February 2014.
Class 1:
Another cold and early start (why is it always cold on Winter League days?) saw us at Southview. Only 3 in the team today – Imogen Kennedy on Toddy, Olivia Rodgers on Jezz and Kate Tranter on Josh - supported on this occasion by Rob Gilsenan. All the girls rode brilliantly – a lovely double clear for Olivia, an unlucky pole in round 2 for Kate chasing a fast time, and some exceptionally gritty and determined riding from Imogen. Sadly no rosettes today but as always, the girls were well presented and a credit to the branch.
Class 2:
Southview was a hive of activity when the Class 2 team arrived for the Cheshire Hunt South competition. Our team of Lucy Pedley, Kate Pedley and Lauren Miller all rode super clears in the first round. After hot chocolate and biscuits the trio were warmed up; ready and raring to go. Lucy was our first team member to go in the 2nd round and just had an unlucky pole. There were lots of poles flying as everyone upped the pace. Kate and Lauren both rode brilliantly putting in some excellent turns on this very twisty course, both finishing clear. Team members and supporters were absolutely delighted when the results were announced and our team had finished in 5th place. Kate came 5th individually. A wonderful day was finished off with chips and chocolate (not together) in the café. Thanks to Cheshire Hunt South who ran a great day.
North Shropshire Triathlon, Wrekin College, Sunday 2nd February 2014
A rare sunny day dawned and we had a lovely journey to Wrekin College in Shrewsbury for the North Shropshire Pony Club’s triathlon. Our Cheshire North team comprised of Eadie and Poppy Crouchley and Olivia and Henry Rodgers with James Rodgers doing the Biathlon on a mixed team. We all had a fantastic time, with loads of determination shown throughout the day. Henry finished with a win in his age group for the best shoot and a fifth place overall, and James was second overall in his biathlon! Although there were no more placings a huge improvement could be seen amongst the team, with an awesome run time from Olivia, a brilliant one-handed shoot from Eadie and a superb swim from Poppy. A big thanks to North Shropshire Pony Club for an extremely well organised and fun day. Sophie Rodgers
Olympic rider trains the future stars! Huntersgate, Byley – Saturday 8th February 2014
Yesterday we were privileged to have Italian Olympic rider Vittoria Pannizon, ranked 8th in the world, come to Huntersgate to train the future stars of tomorrow!
12 members benefitted from the training and all had a wonderful time! Vittoria worked on many points with them all and was impressed with the standard. Vittoria gave the riders helpful advice to assist them for the forthcoming season. We had a few thrills and spills during the morning but all ended on a positive note.
Vittoria finished each session impressing the need for riders to be flexible and supple. She had all, (yes even our older members!) doing full scissors, then completing a backwards somersault off the side of their ponies and horses! It was not for the feint hearted but despite some trepidation all did have a go and were fabulous! Luckily the parents weren’t asked to join in (phew!!).
Vittoria thought our facilities and jumps were second to none and was so impressed with the professionalism and immaculate turn out of the riders. She really enjoyed training you all. Hopefully Vittoria will be joining us for a day’s training at our main camp at Berriewood in July. Well done to all who were lucky enough to take part on Saturday. It was a joy to watch you all having such fun. Vittoria is such a positive role model to us all.
Triangular Dressage Competition (2nd Leg), Huntersgate, Byley – Sunday 9th February 2014
Sunday saw Cheshire Hunt North host the second leg of the triangular dressage series with East Cheshire and Cheshire Hunt South. On this occasion we were represented by Kate Pedley on Gismo, Eleanor Hazelwood on Fredie, Imogen Sherry on Harvey and Rob Gilsenan on Lucinda B. Contrary to the forecast most competitors managed to warm up in the dry!
Our team all looked very smart and rode well. The result for this leg was a win for East Cheshire, with CHN coming second and CHS in third place. There were individual placings for Kate -3rd in the Intermediate, Eleanor – 5th in the Novice and 6th in the Intermediate and Imogen – 4th in the Intermediate. Well done to all and a huge thanks to Gail Cooper for organising and Liz Sutton for helping set up!