The JCB Pony Club Championships recently hosted Pony Club SEIB Search for a Star qualifiers at Offchurch Bury in Warwickshire. These classes were qualifiers for the Search for a Star Pony Club Championship at Your Horse Live, which will be held at Stoneleigh Park in November.
The three qualifying classes were preceded by a ‘Train and Shine’ Showing Masterclass for all competitors. Both the Masterclass and qualifiers proved to be popular with Pony Club members from across the country – including Northern Ireland – coming forward to try their hand in the show ring.
“Our lucky members thoroughly enjoyed the educational Master Class at the JCB Pony Club Championships and the qualifiers are very excited about their opportunity to compete at Your Horse Live,” said Marcus Capel, Pony Club Chief Executive Officer.
SFAS competitors listen to Richard Ramsay in the Train and Shine Masterclass. Credit: Jenny Viner
Search for a Star series judge and producer, Richard Ramsay hosted the ‘Train and Shine’ Masterclass on the day. Richard watched riders run through their show before offering advice and support on how to improve performances.
“We had a great atmosphere in the Search for a Star Pony Club classes at the Championships, all the competitors and their connections were pleasant and the overall standard was much improved on last year,” Richard said.
From hospice visits to shining in the show ring
The Lead Rein class was won by six-year-old Beatrice Whale of Bicester Pony Club, riding Sharon Barnes’ Welsh Section A pony, Blaenau Daffyd (Daffy).
“We run a pony therapy and pony party business, Ollie and Friends,” explained Beatrice’s grandmother Sharon. “Daffy is regularly out visiting terminally ill children and we also do regular hospice visits including Helen and Douglas House Hospice in Oxford. Daffy is a key member of the team providing therapy and support.”
Phoebe Crutchlow and Rhos Elodie. Credit: Jenny Viner
The First Ridden class went to Phoebe Crutchlow and her mum, Sam Crutchlow’s pony, Rhos Elodie.
“I really enjoyed being in the ring today, she was just great,” said 10-year-old Phoebe, who is a member of the Atherstone Hunt branch. “I’m so pleased to have qualified. We’ve had a busy week and its our second trip to the championships this week as we were also competing in the novice dressage to music on Wednesday – we used all my favourite Disney music!
“We were lucky enough to go to Your Horse Live last year with Elodie – she did so well and won the In-Hand Plaited Pony class with my mum before coming second in this class. I love Your Horse Live and am really looking forward to going again now.”
Rose Chugg-Martin and Penhwnllys Karachi. Credit: Jenny Viner
The Open went to Cotswold Vale Pony Club member, Rose Chugg-Martin and Penhwnllys Karachi – known as Archie at home.
“He absolutely loves showing and I’m delighted with this result,” said Rose. “The masterclass before the competition was fab, Richard gave me advice on really using the ring and making sure we went deep into the corners which really helped Archie in the class.
“We’ve owned Archie for just over a year and we’ve had a busy week at the Pony Club Championships taking fourth in the novice dressage and we also competed in the 90cm jumping championship and got a double clear. We are now about to head off to compete in our first one-day-event at 90cm.”
Rose had great success in this class at Your Horse Live in 2023 and took first place with her old pony, Tregaire Tiger Lily.
Lead image of Beatrice Whale and Blaenau Daffyd. Credit: Jenny Viner
