CUMBRIA FELL AND DALES PONY SHOW, SATURDAY, 2ND OF JUNE
A new show hosted by the Cumbria Dales Pony Society Area Group and The North West Area Support Group of the Fell Pony Society was held at Inglewood Equestrian Centre on Saturday, the 2nd of June. Entries were plentiful, with Fell Pony classes being particularly well filled. There was a full set of classes, both in hand and ridden for both breeds. The Schedule included many Novice Classes such as “Novice Pony Not to have Won 2 firsts” and “Traditional Ridden – Walk and Trot only”. This had proved very popular with exhibitors, as it made for an ideal first Show of the season. All Dales Pony Classes were judges by Mr Jeff Daley, Dales Pony Society Chairman, and all Fell Pony Classes were judges by Mrs Mary Longsdon, Fell Pony Society Chairwoman. Both Judges commented on the high quality of entries. In addition to Cumbrian exhibitors, entries came from Scotland, Teesside, Durham, Lancashire and Tyneside.
Overall Fell Pony Champion was the yearling, “Bracklinn Honey”, bred by Alistair Smith at the Bracklinn Stud, Perthshire. “Bracklinn Honey” was handled by Courtney Savage of Plumpton, Penrith who has the pony on lease from the “Bracklinn Stud”. Courtney does all her own work at home for showing both her ridden and in hand ponies, all of which are Fell Ponies. She will be one of the youngest amateur Fell Pony producers. This all bodes well for the future of the Fell Pony Breed.
Overall Dales Pony Champion was “Wheatside Victoria”, winner of the Geld Mare Class. Owned, bred and exhibited by Harry Emerson of West Auckland, this win was particularly special for Harry, as it was the first time he had shown his ponies in seven years.
The Cumbria Fell and Dales Pony Show would not have been possible without sponsorship from two Supporters. Carrs Billington and Paragon Veterinary Group, Penrith and Dalston, kindly donated rosettes and prizes for all the classes. Paragon Veterinary Group is particularly noted for their work on the Fell Pony Syndrome. Both sponsors are keen supporters of our native breeds, and were a tremendous help with the show. Seven Perpetual Trophies were very kindly donated by local Breeders and enthusiasts. These were awarded to all Champions, both In Hand and Ridden.
Organisers Hilary Fawcett and Ellen Jones were really pleased with the standard and number of entries for the first show. The large range of classes seemed to work well, and competitors seemed to like the opportunity of entering more than one class per pony. Whilst it was plain that a larger venue would be needed for next year, as vehicle space was tight, competitors were very considerate in parking, which eased the running of the whole day. A field just to the south of Penrith, on the A6 has been secured for next year’s show which will be held on Saturday 7th of June. Show organisers, Hilary and Ellen are grateful for the use of this field, as it assures the future of the show. Further classes, including a clear round ring, are planned for next year.
Schedules for next year can be obtained from either:-
Hilary Fawcett – 017683 41417 or keithandhilary@argill.wanadoo.co.uk
Ellen Jones – 017684-83511 or sparket@btinternet.com