Children take to the saddle at special camp

Children take to the saddle at special camp

15 August 2012

MEMBERS of East Down Pony Club have once again enjoyed their annual residential camp at Down-patrick Racecourse.

Thirty five children attended the camp with their ponies and were glad for the use of the stabling, accommodation, kitchen and dining facilities because of the unfavourable weather.

Members said they hoped to express their thanks to race course manager Richard Lyttle and his management committee and staff who made the club very welcome once again.

They would also like to thank Pat Turley, Marion Turley, family and team from Tullymurry Equestrian Centre who helped accommodate the camp.

The club’s members were delighted the camp was able to continue for six days despite concerns earlier in the week that it may have to be cut short due to the weather.

Organisers of the camp would also like to thank instructors for challenging each member to reach their full potential in dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

Particular thanks are paid to dressage judge Ivor Harper who came along to judge riders and their ponies.

Organisers of the club would also like to thank district commissioners Alison Bissenden and Hazel Napier and secretary Donna Quail for giving tirelessly of their time as well as the parents who signed up to duties including cooking and cleaning, lifts and evening entertainment.

The junior camp was held a few days later and was attended by 20 younger members of the Pony Club who gathered at Tullymurry Equestrian Centre for three days of instruction.

Marion Turley and her team were once again invaluable at this camp as were the instructors and their friends.