Medlands Summer Show
Yet again what an amazing show! After the huge success of the spring show, the expectations for the Summer show were high. Our horses and riders did not disappoint us.
Saturday was a very busy day as our young riders had seven horses to prepare for the show. This involved bathing, bedding down and tack cleaning by lunchtime, so that Kate and I could work our way around and plait them all throughout the afternoon. Kate was a little late into the yard on Saturday as she was helping the yard vet, Paul Hallum, who was competing at Liskeard Show with his 2 year old colt and 3 year old gelding. Both boys behaved impeccably and came home with a 2nd each. This result was the start of what was going to be an amazing competing weekend. By 19:00 all the horses were put to bed clean, happy and relaxed. Then it was time for the young riders and staff to relax and get some sleep before the very busy day.
Sunday started at 05:30 with the staff coming in and mucking out. With a look at the ponies, it was clear they needed a bit of a freshen up as they had decided it would be fun to lay down and get a little dirty over night. Thankfully most of the plaits had stayed in and it did not take long to get them all looking a million dollars again.
Pony Club members and liveries started to arrive at 07:30 all looking a little weary (especially some of the ever suffering parents) by 08:15 they were all tacked up, groomed and the final polish taking place. We left the yard on mass, 5 cars full, a few walkers and 12 horses and riders.
Doug (Demuir Images- http://www.demuirimages.com) was eagerly waiting in the car park to start taking pictures of the day’s events, including those shots of everyone running around doing their final preparations and checks.
When we arrived at the show one of our liveries, Stella (Stellar Equestrian) and her partner Robert Burns had brought their horse lorry up full of 100 litres of water for the horses and 60 litres of juice for all the competitors and supporters. Not only this, Rob also provided temporary fencing so we were able to set up and area to use as a base camp to keep our horses and pony clubbers safe throughout the days events. A huge thank you to Rob for this. Also to Lynn and Dave Walter as they helped Rob to set this area up whilst Kate and I finalised the entries and collected those ever important competitor numbers. Once all the riders and horses had arrived a quick "team talk" from Kate, it was clear that the excitement and nerves were kicking in. (for Kate and I more than most)
Tack and Turn Out - Everyone was on board their ponies looking very smart and proud of themselves. In the class we had, Robyn Butler on Daisy, Isobel Pengelley on Murphy, Lilly Berriman on Millie and Josie Bickley on Dusty. The competition was strong with many stunning horses and ponies in the ring. It looked a hard class to Judge. Unfortunately not all our ponies were placed but they all looked amazing and had some brilliant feedback from the judge. However Lilly Berriman got 6th place on Millie! What a fantastic start to the day!!
2’3 Jumping - This class came upon us quite quickly, we nearly missed it! We had one rider in this jumping round, Anna Butler riding Crystal. As Anna entered the ring she wasn't afraid to leave Kate behind as she had already walked the course, Crystal on the other hand wasn't so sure about this and was missing her friends by the first jump, as Anna went to take off over it Crystal wanted to watch Anna do the course so sent her flying so she could find Storm. Anna was unhurt and continued to compete once we had sorted out the broken reins that Crystal thought she would break! Second time round, Crystal was a bit more confident and decided she could do it without Storm their holding her hoof. Anna and Crystal were a perfect pair until the midway fence when Crystal jumped a little to enthusiastically and resulted in Anna taking another tumble. Once again she was unhurt and gave Crystal a well deserved pat.
Best coloured - In this class was Jessica collier on Storm, Mhaya Coath on Daisy, Hettie Lowther on Rocky and Alice Waugh on Millie. We were against 15 other competitors in this, and can safely say I would not have wanted to be the judge. With an hour long delay due to a horse and rider slipping over, our rider and horses were patient and remained focused to produce a wonderful show piece and made their horses look fantastic. Although none of our team were placed the smiles on their faces were good enough reward for us.
2’6 Novice Jumping - This jumping class was a little bit bigger than the last, and Crystal was still missing her friends, but O’sheanna Clarke got on and told her who was boss! After walking the course with Kate, O'sheanna was still looking extremely nervous, (the fact that she was silent gave this away too.) We watched as she set off in to the ring and aimed at her first jump, Crystal did it and carried on to do a lovely round. O'sheanna did pick up four faults but this was due to O'sheanna being a responsible rider, realising she did not have a suitable approach to the jump so turned a circle. An amazingly well ridden round and the applause and cheering they girls received was testament to this.
Best Veteran - Again another strong class for our riders. In this class we had Megan Foster on Rocky, Charlotte Maskaant on Murphy and Rachael Stanton-Brown on Dusty. The sun was shining and our horses were foot perfect in their show pieces, everyone had happy smiley faces and the judge looked very impressed. As she was picking the horses to be placed she kept looking at Rocky, he was pulled in 3RD!! What a success for Megan! She was thrilled! As were we! After this Murphy and Dusty got joint 6th place. The girls were beaming with massive smiles from ear to ear! How wonderful! More pictures were taking of them with their rosettes.
Best Family Pony - Rocky and Murphy were against each other in this class! Ellie Goodsell riding Rocky and Iona Jenkins-Reece on Murphy. You could see this was going to be a tough decision as there were many other lovely horses in the class as well! They each did their individual show piece and the boys were busting some moves showing what brilliant horses they are. It was a nerve racking wait as the judge was doing her final looks at the horses and talking to her steward. And then she pointed at Rocky! He had won! Eliie couldn't quite believe it, she had the biggest smile on her face, and if that wasn't enough Murphy got pulled in 2nd!! By this point Kate and I were like proud mummies and the tears were flowing full force.They had done it! They were showing everyone what we could do. This mean't we were eligible to compete in the championship!
2’6 Open Jumping - The last jumping class of the day, and with not many entered there was a good chance Crystal could make it to the jump off. As Aimee Bickley set off into the jumping ring we were watching in anticipation! She was doing a lovely clear round, Crystal was going well, but on the last part of the round crystal just touched a pole resulting in Aimee getting 4 faults! With very few clear rounds we waited to see if we would be able to enter the 4 fault jump off, however we just missed out! Although not placed a very good effort from Aimee and Crystal.
Grass Kept - The two Ponies, Dusty and Millie showing how well they look living out all year around. There were other beautiful horses in this class too, giving Darcie Hadfield Clarke on Dusty and Elise Irish on Millie some stiff competition. We were so proud of them both. Elise did a wonderful little display where she showed walk trot and canter and used as much space as she possibly could to show off the pony! Well done! Then Darcie’s turn, Darcie got a bit carried away showing the judge she could canter on Dusty! But loved every minute of it and did a cracking little display, this resulted in Darcie and Dusty Coming 6th! Once again we were so pleased with them both!!
Best Local Horse or Pony - One of our last classes of the day, and what a lovely way to end the day we had four horses and riders in this class. By this time the riders had nearly melted it was that hot! In this class we had Bethany Hibbert riding Millie, Tegan Ostler riding Rocky, Alex Muxworthy riding Murphy and Sorcha Hewes riding Storm. We were in suspense as to who the judge was going to pick to be placed in this class! As we were watching we could see all the “pretty show ponies” were going to be pulled in, and then Murphy was pulled in 4th! Alex was looking pretty smug! After this Rocky was pulled in 5th with Tegan and Storm and Millie was pulled in after this getting a special rosette. What fantastic success for all four girls and horses!
Championship - We made it! This class is to pick the best horse on the show ground, and we had Rocky Ridden by Tegan Ostler (as Ellie had gone as she was melting) and Murphy ridden by Iona Jenkins-Reece. They all had to do an individual show piece so the judge could make her final decision! Unfortunately we didn't get champion, but to be honest if you had told us this morning that we would have had horses in the championship we would never have believed you!!!! Congratulations to the young in hand coloured and the lead rein ridden palomino for taking the honours of Champion and Reserve Champion. A very well deserved accolade.
They day was done by 16:30. After a very long emotional day all the riders and supporters headed home to unplait and return our hard working ponies to their fields so they could relax and enjoy a lovely evening playing with the friends.
Heart felt thanks to everyone involved in making this day a huge success.
Rob Burns and Steller Equestrian for the supplies of water, juice and the temporary fencing.
Lynn and Dave Walter for their help with setting up and organising at the start of the day.
Ali Scarrett, John Abey and Roxanne Guy from the committee for coming up and showing their support.
Doug Muir of Demuir Images for taking so many photos.
Amie Boobier for looking after the riders and horses all day when they were not competing.
A massive thank you to all staff and parents who came for the day and helped us and showed support.
More importantly thank you to all our pony club members for behaving in such an impeccable manner. The feedback we have received from other competitors has been amazing.
Saturday was a very busy day as our young riders had seven horses to prepare for the show. This involved bathing, bedding down and tack cleaning by lunchtime, so that Kate and I could work our way around and plait them all throughout the afternoon. Kate was a little late into the yard on Saturday as she was helping the yard vet, Paul Hallum, who was competing at Liskeard Show with his 2 year old colt and 3 year old gelding. Both boys behaved impeccably and came home with a 2nd each. This result was the start of what was going to be an amazing competing weekend. By 19:00 all the horses were put to bed clean, happy and relaxed. Then it was time for the young riders and staff to relax and get some sleep before the very busy day.
Sunday started at 05:30 with the staff coming in and mucking out. With a look at the ponies, it was clear they needed a bit of a freshen up as they had decided it would be fun to lay down and get a little dirty over night. Thankfully most of the plaits had stayed in and it did not take long to get them all looking a million dollars again.
Pony Club members and liveries started to arrive at 07:30 all looking a little weary (especially some of the ever suffering parents) by 08:15 they were all tacked up, groomed and the final polish taking place. We left the yard on mass, 5 cars full, a few walkers and 12 horses and riders.
Doug (Demuir Images- http://www.demuirimages.com) was eagerly waiting in the car park to start taking pictures of the day’s events, including those shots of everyone running around doing their final preparations and checks.
When we arrived at the show one of our liveries, Stella (Stellar Equestrian) and her partner Robert Burns had brought their horse lorry up full of 100 litres of water for the horses and 60 litres of juice for all the competitors and supporters. Not only this, Rob also provided temporary fencing so we were able to set up and area to use as a base camp to keep our horses and pony clubbers safe throughout the days events. A huge thank you to Rob for this. Also to Lynn and Dave Walter as they helped Rob to set this area up whilst Kate and I finalised the entries and collected those ever important competitor numbers. Once all the riders and horses had arrived a quick "team talk" from Kate, it was clear that the excitement and nerves were kicking in. (for Kate and I more than most)
Tack and Turn Out - Everyone was on board their ponies looking very smart and proud of themselves. In the class we had, Robyn Butler on Daisy, Isobel Pengelley on Murphy, Lilly Berriman on Millie and Josie Bickley on Dusty. The competition was strong with many stunning horses and ponies in the ring. It looked a hard class to Judge. Unfortunately not all our ponies were placed but they all looked amazing and had some brilliant feedback from the judge. However Lilly Berriman got 6th place on Millie! What a fantastic start to the day!!
2’3 Jumping - This class came upon us quite quickly, we nearly missed it! We had one rider in this jumping round, Anna Butler riding Crystal. As Anna entered the ring she wasn't afraid to leave Kate behind as she had already walked the course, Crystal on the other hand wasn't so sure about this and was missing her friends by the first jump, as Anna went to take off over it Crystal wanted to watch Anna do the course so sent her flying so she could find Storm. Anna was unhurt and continued to compete once we had sorted out the broken reins that Crystal thought she would break! Second time round, Crystal was a bit more confident and decided she could do it without Storm their holding her hoof. Anna and Crystal were a perfect pair until the midway fence when Crystal jumped a little to enthusiastically and resulted in Anna taking another tumble. Once again she was unhurt and gave Crystal a well deserved pat.
Best coloured - In this class was Jessica collier on Storm, Mhaya Coath on Daisy, Hettie Lowther on Rocky and Alice Waugh on Millie. We were against 15 other competitors in this, and can safely say I would not have wanted to be the judge. With an hour long delay due to a horse and rider slipping over, our rider and horses were patient and remained focused to produce a wonderful show piece and made their horses look fantastic. Although none of our team were placed the smiles on their faces were good enough reward for us.
2’6 Novice Jumping - This jumping class was a little bit bigger than the last, and Crystal was still missing her friends, but O’sheanna Clarke got on and told her who was boss! After walking the course with Kate, O'sheanna was still looking extremely nervous, (the fact that she was silent gave this away too.) We watched as she set off in to the ring and aimed at her first jump, Crystal did it and carried on to do a lovely round. O'sheanna did pick up four faults but this was due to O'sheanna being a responsible rider, realising she did not have a suitable approach to the jump so turned a circle. An amazingly well ridden round and the applause and cheering they girls received was testament to this.
Best Veteran - Again another strong class for our riders. In this class we had Megan Foster on Rocky, Charlotte Maskaant on Murphy and Rachael Stanton-Brown on Dusty. The sun was shining and our horses were foot perfect in their show pieces, everyone had happy smiley faces and the judge looked very impressed. As she was picking the horses to be placed she kept looking at Rocky, he was pulled in 3RD!! What a success for Megan! She was thrilled! As were we! After this Murphy and Dusty got joint 6th place. The girls were beaming with massive smiles from ear to ear! How wonderful! More pictures were taking of them with their rosettes.
Best Family Pony - Rocky and Murphy were against each other in this class! Ellie Goodsell riding Rocky and Iona Jenkins-Reece on Murphy. You could see this was going to be a tough decision as there were many other lovely horses in the class as well! They each did their individual show piece and the boys were busting some moves showing what brilliant horses they are. It was a nerve racking wait as the judge was doing her final looks at the horses and talking to her steward. And then she pointed at Rocky! He had won! Eliie couldn't quite believe it, she had the biggest smile on her face, and if that wasn't enough Murphy got pulled in 2nd!! By this point Kate and I were like proud mummies and the tears were flowing full force.They had done it! They were showing everyone what we could do. This mean't we were eligible to compete in the championship!
2’6 Open Jumping - The last jumping class of the day, and with not many entered there was a good chance Crystal could make it to the jump off. As Aimee Bickley set off into the jumping ring we were watching in anticipation! She was doing a lovely clear round, Crystal was going well, but on the last part of the round crystal just touched a pole resulting in Aimee getting 4 faults! With very few clear rounds we waited to see if we would be able to enter the 4 fault jump off, however we just missed out! Although not placed a very good effort from Aimee and Crystal.
Grass Kept - The two Ponies, Dusty and Millie showing how well they look living out all year around. There were other beautiful horses in this class too, giving Darcie Hadfield Clarke on Dusty and Elise Irish on Millie some stiff competition. We were so proud of them both. Elise did a wonderful little display where she showed walk trot and canter and used as much space as she possibly could to show off the pony! Well done! Then Darcie’s turn, Darcie got a bit carried away showing the judge she could canter on Dusty! But loved every minute of it and did a cracking little display, this resulted in Darcie and Dusty Coming 6th! Once again we were so pleased with them both!!
Best Local Horse or Pony - One of our last classes of the day, and what a lovely way to end the day we had four horses and riders in this class. By this time the riders had nearly melted it was that hot! In this class we had Bethany Hibbert riding Millie, Tegan Ostler riding Rocky, Alex Muxworthy riding Murphy and Sorcha Hewes riding Storm. We were in suspense as to who the judge was going to pick to be placed in this class! As we were watching we could see all the “pretty show ponies” were going to be pulled in, and then Murphy was pulled in 4th! Alex was looking pretty smug! After this Rocky was pulled in 5th with Tegan and Storm and Millie was pulled in after this getting a special rosette. What fantastic success for all four girls and horses!
Championship - We made it! This class is to pick the best horse on the show ground, and we had Rocky Ridden by Tegan Ostler (as Ellie had gone as she was melting) and Murphy ridden by Iona Jenkins-Reece. They all had to do an individual show piece so the judge could make her final decision! Unfortunately we didn't get champion, but to be honest if you had told us this morning that we would have had horses in the championship we would never have believed you!!!! Congratulations to the young in hand coloured and the lead rein ridden palomino for taking the honours of Champion and Reserve Champion. A very well deserved accolade.
They day was done by 16:30. After a very long emotional day all the riders and supporters headed home to unplait and return our hard working ponies to their fields so they could relax and enjoy a lovely evening playing with the friends.
Heart felt thanks to everyone involved in making this day a huge success.
Rob Burns and Steller Equestrian for the supplies of water, juice and the temporary fencing.
Lynn and Dave Walter for their help with setting up and organising at the start of the day.
Ali Scarrett, John Abey and Roxanne Guy from the committee for coming up and showing their support.
Doug Muir of Demuir Images for taking so many photos.
Amie Boobier for looking after the riders and horses all day when they were not competing.
A massive thank you to all staff and parents who came for the day and helped us and showed support.
More importantly thank you to all our pony club members for behaving in such an impeccable manner. The feedback we have received from other competitors has been amazing.
