31st August 2012
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Cheshire, played host to the twelfth Pony Club Novice Championships, generously supported by NFU Mutual during the weekend of August 25-26th.
The Novice Championships are very much the starting point for future talent, and hold the finals at Novice level for Pony Club Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage. The two day event welcomes Pony Club Members in teams and as individuals, in numbers of 800 upwards, aged between 10 and 18 from John O' Groats to Lands End, not forgetting the Irish contingent!
There was a mixture of weather across the weekend, but nothing that could dampen the spirits of those taking part, who delivered some strong grassroots sporting action.
Highlights included the host Branch, Cheshire Hunt (North), winning the Team Eventing, the East Down Branch made their long trip worthwhile by taking the top slot in the Team Show Jumping and it was the West Warwickshire Branches' day, with three scores over 70%, to take the Team Dressage honours.
From the outset, NFU Mutual has remained the overall sponsor for The Pony Club Novice Championships, encouraging and supporting its continuing growth.
Joan Deakin, District Commissioner for the Cheshire Hunt North Branch and event organiser, comments "When the first Members start to arrive at The Novice Championships the excitement just grows and grows the buzz is infectious; for the Members who have reached the Championships it's the equivalent of their Olympics".
A full set of results can be found HERE
