Townend Bethany has plenty in hand to win title
Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 01 May 2008
ONE name dominated the winner's lists at the Northern Counties Pony Association, Cumbria branch show last weekend. The Townend breed of fell ponies had a particularly successful day at the Cumwhinton event.
Townend Bethany, owned and bred by Margaret Wilson of Haltcliff, near Hesket New Market took the Championship honours in the In-Hand Mountain and Moorland Pony category qualifying for The Glyn Greenwood Championships at
Ponies UK Summer Show in Newark and the NCPA Pony of the Year Show in Cheshire.
Bethany also went on to win and qualify for the Mountain and Moorland Large Breeds In Hand Ponies UK Pollyanna Home Produced section. Bethany was shown by Mrs Wilson's daughter Penny Randell of Southwaite.
In the Young stock section, Townend Rocky, sold as a foal last year by Mrs Wilson to Courtney Savage of Low Ground, Plumpton won the Mountain and Moorland, Large Breeds In Hand Yearling Class and went on to take the overall Youngstock Champion.
Rocky was produced for the show ring by Courtney and shown by her Father Richard. Later in the day Courtney won the Large Breed, Ponies UK Dalkeith Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Class and went on to be reserve champion overall within the section riding her gelding Bracklin Jojo.
Kingwater staged the final of its very successful Trailblazers Showing Show series with the Overall Supreme Championship going to Angela McKinna and Fergal Jacqueline Saunders was named Reserve with Trailtrow Tarf.
Centre owner Wendy says she's really enjoyed the shows, describing them as 'a breath of fresh air.' She's already looking ahead to the next season which will begin in the winter with qualifiers.
In Eventing, Ruth Edge had a successful trip to the Cheshire course of Bradwall, taking first and second in Novice sections with Carnaval Prince and Kilkee – as well as fourth and fifth in the Pre-Novice with Elite Opposition and Applejack.
Susan Chappelhow was also in action at Bradwall, taking thirteenth place in the Intermediate Novice with 19hh Foursquare.
Trec is one of the country's fastest growing equestrian sports and there are some top-notch competitors right here in Cumbria.
Two of them secured top spots in the Kelly Marks Perfect Partners BHS Winter Trec Series. Out of a total of 455 entrants Doreen Earl riding Warrior secured 10th place, with 78.13% and Helen Kerry on Gentle Breeze came in 14th with 75.63%
The sport was first introduced to Britain by the BHS in 1998. Riders have to demonstrate a real partnership with their horses, taking them through a variety of challenges, ranging from natural obstacles to controlled paces.
There's even a spot of orienteering involved with riders having to follow routes across varied terrains.
Following the success of its event at Newton Rigg last month, the Cumbria branch of the BHS is now planning to hold Trec training events and further competitions. They say they'll be announcing details soon.
Forty members of the Cumberland Farmer's Hunt (South) Branch of the Pony Club (CFHS) aged from 9 to 21 took part in two days of pre-season cross-country schooling at Foxberry Chasers near Richmond.
The course has extensive facilities, giving riders the chance to hone their skills over a variety of obstacles both natural and man-made.
Days like this give selectors the opportunity to view potential team members for the forthcoming Pony Club Area competitions.
RESULTS
KINGWATER
In Hand: Youngstock 3 yrs and under
1st Vicki Dunlop, Leo, 2nd Leanne Huschka, Roxy, 3rd Jo lewis, Fabbie
M & M Large
1st Vicki Dunlop, Leo, 2nd Christopher Grant, Dene Dulcet Lady, 3rd Jacqueline Saunders, Trailtrow Tarf
Welsh All Sections: 1st Jessica Anderson, Wortley Pazzi,, 2nd Lucy Hogg, Moses
Hunter Horse over 153 cms:
1st Angela McKinna, Fergal, 2nd David Kerry, Breeze
M & M Small Breeds Ridden: 1st Lucy Hogg, Moses,
2nd Jessica Anderson, Wortley Pazzi
M & M Large Breeds Ridden: 1st Jacqueline Saunders, Trailtrow Tarf, 2nd Lorraine Brown, Trailtrow Ealachan, 3rd Claire Milne, Grange Primrose Surf.
Show Hunter Exc. 153 cms: 1st Angela McKinna, Fergal, 2nd Marita Barr, Granite to Gold, 3rd Claire Bell, Tia.
Show Horse Exc. 148 cms: 1st Marita Barr, Granite to Gold, 2nd Debbie Kitching, The Ghost, 3rd Helen Kerry, Breeze
Overall Supreme Champion : Angela McKinna, Fergal
Reserve Jacqueline Saunders, Trailtrow Tarf.
INGLEWOOD
Dressage
Prelim.7 juniors: 1st R Thompson/Biscuit, 2nd C Murry/Twilight Treacle, 3rd I Rogers/Crackenthorpe Jagellon
Prelim.7 seniors: 1st L Bateman/Low Haygarth Merlin, 2nd A Noble/Logan, 3rd S Ritson/Sea Saga
Nov.26 juniors: 1st N Murry/Twilight Treacle
Nov 26 seniors: 1st H Graham/Blackhill Prince, 2nd L Bateman/Low Haygarth Merlin, 3rd C Hallam/Gallahad
DIARY DATES
GREENLANDS
Sunday, May 4 Unaffiliated: Show Jumping – Mixed Classes 10 am start
Tuesday May 6 and Wednesday May 7 : Suzie Gibson Lessons – Contact Heather Metcalf 016974 76786
Friday, May 9: Suzie Gibson Lessons – Contact Fiona Veitch
BLACKDYKE
Sunday, May 4: Unaffiliated horse showjumping
Monday, May 5: Unaffiliated pony showjumping
KINGWATER
Sunday, May 4: Ponies UK Unaffiliated Dressage Includes other classes; PUK M & M, Jnrs Snrs; Tests: M&M Prelim; Jnr Prelim. 10; Snr. Nov. 30.
The first two highest places will qualify.
Other Classes not PUK but Kingwater P. 16, Nov. 28. £10 entry
CFHN
BLACKDYKE
May 7: Dismounted Rally. Cost £2.
