Louth Hunt Branch

Have you a funny story to tell about camp, or a dramatic incident that occurred at a competition or rally? We want to hear from you! Write up your piece – keep it to about 150 words, include a photo if possible and email it to info@louthhuntponyclub.com. All your friends will see it up here very soon!

Eimear and Robo

Hi my name is eimear. Im the youngest in the louth pony club I'm 5 years old and my pony is 19 years young He is only 11 hands.He is my best Friend . He is so funny but gets me into trouble sometimes because he always get out off the Field at home and at pony camp this year he broke out off the paddock and brought all the other ponies with him he is a rascal. poor Helina had to go hunting for them all. claire my instructor would use Robo to do points off the horse because Robo was so lazy and would just fall asleep.the last day off camp i dressed up as a Bunch off grapes it was funny seeing Robo with balloons hanging from him.

Tetrathlon – Summer 2011

(For more photos, c lick here)

My whole tetrathlon experience started last spring when I and my two sisters, Ciara and Aideen, decided to attend the trials which would hopefully get us onto the Irish Tetrathlon squad. These trials were held in Kells, Co. Meath at the beginning of March. The trials consisted of a run-&-swim competition and the top twenty girls from the Irish Pony Club would be soon heading to Scotland in the coming July.

Competition was fierce but luckily I and my twin Aideen made the Irish Squad along with three other Louth Pony Club members Henry Patton, Rebecca Matthews and Rebecca Angel, now the hard work would begin. We trained flat out from March until the international competition in Scotland on the 2nd & 3rd of July. Every Sunday morning we were up at 5.30am to travel to Athy and were in the pool by 7.45am. The swimming was followed by running and then shooting under the watchful eye of John Flood.

As the weeks passed our training started to pay off. Our stamina and fitness levels increased dramatically. Our run and swim times improved and our shooting became more accurate. Finally the gruelling training was over and the ferry was booked and bound for Scotland. We all looked fabulous and felt extremely proud to wear the green Ireland kit.

On Saturday 2nd July our competition began with a challenging cross-country course and then a 1.5K field track run. Myself and Aideen went clear in the riding and we all had good run times as myself and Rebecca Matthews took 2nd & 3rd places. The next day was more challenging for most competitors as we were shooting and swimming. It proved a long but successful day as my team who consisted of myself, Rebecca Matthews, Alice Mahonny, Aoife Doyle and Bella Sherlock took 2nd place. Our other team that included Aideen and Rebecca Matthews took a rewarding 5th place. The Scottish Tetrathlon was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I will never forget it!

Later during the summer we competed in the Causeway Challenge in Portrush, Co. Antrim and then of course in our own National Tetrathlon Championships at Tattersalls. We took 1st place in both competitions!!!

It was the most eventful and challenging summer of my life. I met fantastic people and made great friends throughout the Irish Pony Club. Tetrathlon is hard work and demands dedication and commitment but nothing beats the high of competing at international level and of course wearing the Irish colours. I hope that in the summer of 2012 I will be able to take part in these events again as tetrathlon is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience!

Aoife Fay x

My Journey to the RDS

AT the beginning of the year, we didn’t think we would have a senior games team. We didn’t have enough games riders at senior level in our club. But with a little jigging around, a team was put together at the last minute!

I Was lucky enough to be put on the team . The team consisted of Arther Moffit, Liz McAuley, Mary Kate Kelly, Ciara Stanley, and myself.

Our goal was to qualify to play at the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS, but the odds were stacked against us cause we had had so little training together. But we were ready to give it our best shot!

There were 4 qualifiers in different counties in Ireland and we had to travel each week leaving very early in the morning. In each competition we were always lying in about 6th or 7th place and as only the top 6 teams get to ride in the RDS , the pressure was really on us. By the time we got to the last qualifier (in Rathdowney)

We realised that we would have to do very well or we wouldn’t make it. We tacked up all the ponies and mounted, pressure was on. It was lashing rain and the start was delayed; this made us nervous! .When we did get to start it was still raining and we knew all the equipment would be really slippy and so would the ground. We played steady, as our trainer Siobhan told us to do. We made very few mistakes and we were playing brilliantly!! Everything going well. Then we had a lunch time break.

And tacked up again all we needed to do is keep are lead . We didn’t play aswell as we did in the first session but still played good. At the end of session 2 we ddidnt know who was in or who was out. It was a nervous wait as the organisers had to add up the scores. Then they announced The RDS teams: Meath, Shillelagh; Duhallow; Monaghan; Kildare AND LOUTH!!! We made it and we all screamed with joy!!! We couldn’t believe we had qualified!! We were all so excited to be going the RDS!!!

After only 1 or 2 weeks of hard training the RDS was only a couple of hours away. The stewarts inspected are pony passports and we went to find our stables. After an hour of hard grooming (mostly done by Rebecca Lait and Marina Williams) the time came to tack up and get mounted. We went out to the warm-up arena to practise a few games before we entered the main arena. It was a nervous wait before we entered. As we were walking through to the arena our ponies were dancing and jumping on the spot, everyone nervous, even the ponies!!

Then the games began and all teams were hoping to get off to a good start..... By the end of the day we were waiting for the results, they said : ”Now from the top the results are: Meath, Shillelagh , Duhallow ,LOUTH, Kildare and Monaghan!!! Having always come at the end of these brilliant teams, coming forth on the first day felt like we had won the whole competition . We were on a complete high and after putting our ponies away, we all went off and enjoyed the show for the rest of the day.

Sunday was such a different story for us – everything that could go wrong did go wrong and we made loads of mistakes. In the end the winners of the competition were Meath and they really deserved it cause they played really well. But even though we played terribly on Sunday, coming Sixth in the end, it didn’t take away at all from the excitement and fun of qualifying and playing games in the RDS!

This experience was amazing, the adrenalin of walking into the arena at the start is unreal, it’s just the best feeling looking around and seeing everyone was looking at us.

It was amazing to think that, of all the years I have been going to the RDS horseshow, I have always watched the games and now I was riding in them.

I love games it’s definitely one of my favourite things to do in pony club and i would encourage everyone in pony club to join it!!!!

STEVIE KIERAN

MINI CAMP

Last July I went to mini camp in Mooretown with my pony Molly. My instructor was Catherine. I had my friend Ross in my group. I had a helper called Ellen Matthews. She had to work really hard! Five of us did our D test. We all passed. Our group did 'Native breeds' and 'dressage letters' for our badges. Everyday we did showjumping and cross country. We had great fun especially at lunch time in the tree house. On Thursday we made the helpers do the high jump. Arthur jumped the highest. We all learned a musical ride routine. A couple of weeks later we competed and won a trophy in Wexford. I was really sad when camp was over.

By Andrew Matthews aged 9

Camp of 2010 what a year to remember!!
I think it’s fair to say everyone had a ball! After settling the ponies down for the night we all got well acquainted in the rooms and caught up with old friends .After a very late night we all stumbled to the stables and 7:45 the next morning thanks to Elaine and her bell . After we were introduced to our instructors we all set out for our first morning ride in which we all did various different things for example Catherine and Sarah learnt how to ride perfect squares which we now understand there is a point to it . Later on we got an unforgettable dressage demonstration from Emma in which everybody learnt a lot about dressage which is not everybody’s favourite aspect of horse riding. Then we toddled up to get our well earned dinner. Which we would like to thank the chefs for because you almost filled our tummies everyday but we couldn’t help to top it off at night with all the junk food which thanks to our parents for supplying us with .

If we were to be brutally honest after dinner was filled with such exciting activities as sneaking into the boys room and rebelling against the parents in which we must add that all the girls would like to apologise for our major sugar rush which resulted in a rebellion against Thursday nights parents as they tried to physically restrain over 20 girls from breaking free. Thursday brought on the well awaited quiz which we answered questions on virtually everything and they had to top it off with a put your bridle back together blindfolded competition , which was proudly won by the fetlocks and followed up closely behind by the saddle up sallies (due to a twisted cheek piece) and numerous other teams .

Some of the instructors decided to be rebellious and hold a high jump competition in which some people reached 1 m 23cm on their ponies/horses. Some instructors also decided to hold one without the ponies and it was unbelievable amusing thanks to many contestants (Fergal and Ciaran) it was then divided and the girls met the 1m mark with ease but the boys were a different story as they struggled with 1m also and the balancing and Limbo also took place that evening in which Ronan has to get a special mention being unbelievably balanced with poles people were falling off but dear Ronan was dancing on. We also got a demonstration in Carriage driving in which everyone got a turn to ride on the back.

On Friday we had the disco which also fell on Jonathan O Sullivan . . . . Cough Cough I mean Sullivan’s birthday. All the girls helped each other get ready doing the usual girly things and the main makeup artists were Catherine, Sarah and Saiobh. We all had a great laugh at the disco and after we were like one big happy family. Then Came the traditional water fight between Jonathan and his bin and Adam with his weed killer container . We came in truly soaked in which we thank Elaine for carrying out the Military Operation Of “Quick Shower ! Out! Dry! Bed! “The people of the 2010 camp are the proud starters of what we hope to be another tradition of 2 water fights.

We began our Saturday by pointlessly grooming our ponies because mother nature was not on our side .The rain kept pouring so in proper pony club style we had a treasure hunt in which did not impress everyone’s standards as Martin buried the treasure about 10 feet into the sand. Many teams gave up after a few attempts. But some such as Saobh persevered through the rain cold and hail only to find nothing. Later on we had the award ceremony were we all got our badges and various other awards. We would to thank everyone evolved for making this year at camp happen and we can’t wait to see you next year. Catherine Everitt & Sarah Monahan

Pony Club by Flora Pery
I only entered pony club in 2009 but I've had so much fun. Everyone in pony club is really friendly so I got on well. Last year I did camp with my old pony, Bella. This year with Bob I passed my C test. I was completely terrified but that was nothing compared to doing my first one-day-event at Glaslough, Monaghan. I had to get Bob ready the night before and I got barely any sleep because I was so stressed out. I was scared that I would disgrace the Louths. I had to get up at five and go through the hectic scramble for forgotten or mislaid tack and clothes half-asleep. Bob was really well behaved in the dressage but he was a bit slow and I thought it would be 'inelegant' to give him the big kick he needed! Showjumping didn't go very well at all, Bob refused twice and I managed to forget the course momentarily. Still, I only got eliminated at the cross-country when Bob planted his feet in the ground and completely refused the first fence! I headed home unhappily but at the end of the day I realize that actually it wasn't so bad after all!!! I'm really looking forward to 2011 now.

I joined the pony club last year. It was three days until my first rally I was so excited. Then I broke my arm. Everyone thought I fell off my pony Lambo but I didn't. It was so boring not being able to ride and so sad not being able to go to my first rally. Then the day came again my first rally. It so amazing and my Lambo was so good. It was the best day ever. I will be doing loads of more rallies this year,and make sure I don't brake my arm.
THANK YOU PONY CLUB
Ciara W
Age:11

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARINA !

MARINA WAS NOMINATED AND CHOSEN TO REPRESENT THE IRISH PONY CLUB IN THE INTERNATIONAL HUNTING EXCHANGE. FOLLOW MARINA'S EXPERIENCE BY CHECKING OUT "MARINA'S DIARY" AS SHE TRIES TO KEEP US UP TO DATE WITH NEWS OF THIS WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.

--- READ ON FOR MORE ON MARINA'S ADVENTURE-

GAMES AT BATH AND WEST 2008

I HEADED TO BATH WITH MY PONY SONJA AND MY TEAM OF SIMON, KUCY BEN ABD REBECCA. OUR TRAINER WAS JOHN DRIVER. THE WEATHER DIDN'T GO THE WAY WE HAD PLANNED WITH THE PONIED NOT BEING ABLE TO TRAVEL OVER WITH US AND THE JOYS OF FLASH FLOODING!

OUR DELUXE ACCOMMODATION, THE CHICKEN SHED WASN'T AS BAD AS IT SOUNDED. WE DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE IT WAS BAD BECAUSE WHEN WE GOT HOME FROM THE SHOW, WE WENT STRAIGHT TO THE POOL. BY THE TIME IT WAS BEDTIME, WE WERE WRECKED AND COULDN'T KEEP OUR EYES OPEN. WE MANAGED TO GET INTO THE MAIN ARENA EVERY DAY AND ON THE FINLA DAY CAME 7TH. OUR BEST WAS 4TH. WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME AND WISH WE COULD DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

BY MARINA WILLIAMS

An Afternoon on the Cooley Mountains

It was an early start on Saturday 19 September 2009. Bob and I had to get ready for our first trek together on the Cooley Mountains. I got Bob out of the field and he was very mucky. I washed and groomed him and, as it was a Pony Club event, I plaited his mane. Dad and I took off for Ravensdale I was really looking forward to the trek.

On arrival I met our leader Tom Mc Court and I unloaded Bob. There were ten of us in total going on the trek. We headed off at 2pm. At first there was a long hack on the road to warm up the ponies. When we got to the gateway leading onto the mountains the fun began! Bob got very excited once he saw the open ground. We started off with a canter and before I knew it we were jumping small bushes and drains. We then walked a while before crossing a little river, which some of the ponies shied away from. Luckily Tom had brought a lead rope and helped the ponies along. En route we saw stone-age graves and a paraglider, but before I knew it we were off jumping again. Tom knew his way around the mountains very well and led us away from the boggy areas, but Bob still managed to get dirty and undo the good work I did earlier that morning.

The final two jumps were easily the best. We approached a hedge and a drain. As Bob jumped I landed funny, and I was sure I was off. Luckily Bob slowed down and I got my balance back. The trek lasted two hours. As we walked back to the box Bob cooled off and I thought to myself that it was a very good day for both of us.

By Fergal H


"Thrilling Thunder"

Hi, my name is Susie. I have owned "Thunder", a 14.4hh beautiful Skewbald, for two years now. He was my 9th birthday present and the best one by far!. "Thunder" always tries hard to please and is one in a million pony. We have done lots of rallies and thanks to the Louth Pony Club instructors, I have gained lots of confidence and trust with my pony. We entered our first competition in September and we had a clear round.....!We have shared so many special experiences so far, and hope there will be lots more to come......Roll on Pony Club 2010.

"Smashing Sandy"

I'm Philip, and am 8 years old. This is my first year in the Louth Pony Club with my pony, "Sandy", who is 12.2hh, dun. I have attended a few rallies this summer and had super instructors who have taught me a lot about riding and looking after my pony. Now, I understand my pony much better because riding is not as easy as it looks. I also did the Mini Pony Camp and it was such fun but really tiring for both Sandy and I and especially my mum driving us each day!!! I took him to my first One-Day Event in September, and since then my confidence has shot up!!!I am really looking forward to next year Pony Club events....Thank you everyone involved for making Pony Club 2009 a great success, and even the weather was not as bad as last year!

My name is Mary Kate. I am almost eleven years old. I joined the Louth pony club last May and I have been going to rallys ever since.
In July I started my summer holidays by going to the Louth Hunt Pony Club mini camp. It was one of the best weeks of my life .
I made lots of new friends boys and girls, they are pony mad like me so we spoke the same language !! We had great lessons and played fun games. It was class.
My pony is called Crunchy ,he is a bay and is13 2 hands high . I really love him . My cousin Siobhan gave him to me and I really appreciate her doing that , she is super. Crunchy is 26 years old and thinks he is a teenager ! He loves to gallop and to jump and both at the same time! When I started to ride him in April he was too strong and too fast for me, but now thanks to all the great lessons at pony club I am doing things with him that I never thought I would do.
Thank you pony club and can not wait for next year . . .
Mary Kate

This paragraph is from Gerald ... My pony is called Mudz. He is very very old and he nips. He likes to buck. I can canter and jump on Mudz. He is my favourite pony and I hope I am his favourite rider....From Gerald B. age 7






This paragraph is from Abigail ....My pony is fun to go hunting on. He jumps big ditches, walls and drops. He is fast and funny. The funniest thing is when he scratches his belly with his back hoof. He knows what I am thinking when I ride him.I just think left and he goes left or jump and he reacts so quickly that he must be reading my mind. I am sure of it. Its a pleasure to groom my lovely pony, and put nice plaits in his mane. From Abigail B. age 9.....

By Arthur Moffitt

Minimus in Waterford this year was class. I was on a mixed team with Rebecca Angel, Megan Wayte, my sister Eleanor Moffitt. Everybody's parents came down with us to Waterford to cheer us on. The first competition was the swimming and I was really nervous. I was in the last group and I had to wait all morning, but was worth it when I got a PB and 5th best boys swim. The girls had all gone before me and they all swam really well. Megan and Eleanor both got PBs. Rebecca got the best swim out of us all- 5.4 lengths.

The next bit was the running, the girls all went before me again. They did well in that round too. Just as I was about to go it started to rain and the track was really muddy with big puddles in places. Everyone was around the track to cheer me on. When I was about half way round I ran through a big deep puddle, my shoes and socks got soaked. It was a really hard run as I had pushed myself really hard. As soon as I finished I collapsed. In the end it was worth it though because I got fifth best run. It was especially nice when our DC Elaine Lait and some members of the Junior Tetrathalon team came to support us as well.

Next was the riding. I went before the girls this time and I got a clear. Tango was a real star. It was a really good course and I really enjoyed that round. Megan went next and she got a clear and Rebecca just stopped at the gate. Unfortunately, Eleanor fell which was really bad luck.

The tension was really high as we were waiting for the scores. We were so delighted when we heard that we had won. Our trainer, Una McGuinness prepared us really well and was just as delighted when we won. So thank you, Una!

Show Jumping
The season of show jumping began with team selection as with every year. This year the Louths had two teams the Green and the Blue team. The first test was at the Area 7 qualifiers held in the newly refurbished Cavan Equestrian Centre on the 17th of July. I was on the Blue team along with Maria Sullivan, Rebecca Lait and Killian Mc Guinness. I was first in and started the team off with our first clear, followed by Maria and Rebecca who kept up great performances with two more clears. Killian was last up and unfortunately had a pole down but we still ended on a first round score of zero. In the second round we were last team in and team moral was high. I was first in and started the team off again with a clear, followed by Maria who had one time fault, Rebecca who had one pole down and Killian ending us on a good note of a clear round. This gave us a final score of one fault and helped us succeed in winning the qualifier and securing our placing in the final. The weeks leading up to the championships which were to be held in Stradbally Co.Laois were full of hope....Then disaster struck all within the week before the championships and when our team training sessions were planned for. Our unfortunate events consisted of my horse being lame and only getting her shoe on the day before the penultimate day. But even worse Maria had a fall the week before and ended up with a broken collarbone as a result. At this stage it was fair to say luck was not on our side and any hope we had slowly dwindled away. Luckily we were capable of pulling it together on the day. Due to superstition of our D.C. the order in which we jumped in the qualifier remained the same as it was "lucky" for us!! On the day of competition all of our team members and our sub Stephanie Wayte who made the journey with us met up with our team trainer Merrin Clarke for the course work. Conditions were far from favourable and the warm up arena was best described as one big mud bath but all teams knew the job at hand. The first round set us off flying and put us up there as contenders. With myself, Maria and Killian getting clears and Rebecca only having one pole down. Putting us on a first round total of zero, approaching the second round. But before the second round the heavens opened and drenched everyone in Laois. In the second round I had a pole down, Maria and Rebecca had clears but Killians horse had enough and decided not to co-operate. Leaving us on a final score of four faults. It came down to us and the host pony club Laois. Whilst Rebecca and Killian rushed off to take part in the Pony Club Games, Maria and I watched anxiously on. It was then that our competitive side had reared its head and we were hoping that Laois would have at least one pole down for there to be a jump off. But Laois proved to be the better team on the day ending on a final score of zero. In conclusion personally I think the Louths had a very successful year in Intermediate Showjumping and I think my team members will agree with me there. We also have the awards to prove this!!
Katie Mc Donnell

Italian Mounted Games Trip

The departure of the Italian trip had arrived. It was early morning when we arrived in Dublin airport. The team Ailbhe, Heather, Charlotte, Stephen and I.We were all so excited about the trip! We arrived in Italy by early evening. The ponies had started their travel with Ballinroe Transport to Italy on that previous Sunday, so they were already there waiting very passionately. The Capotondi family greeted us and they invited us to eat with them that night. The one thing that I learned that night was not to eat too much on the first few courses because they're about another 10 courses after! It was lovely and warm weather compared to Ireland!

The next day we had our first practice, in the morning and it was roasting hot so out came the string tops! That evening we travelled to the City of Turin and Giuliano Capotondi kindly escorted us around Turin and we had a fab time shopping and eating. We had dinner that night with the Pony Club and after we headed to the shop to get some ice cream! We greeted by old Italians, who found it quite funny seeing about 8 children charging for the freezer!

On Friday we had our briefing and met with the mayor of Turin! We were formally introduced to the large crowd that had gathered for the opening of the games. All the teams had arrived that morning including French and Swiss. The competition was the next day (Saturday). After Saturday's competition we were lying second. The 1st session on Sunday, did not go to well! The rules were different and difficult to adjust to. We were eliminated in 4 races, which put us in 4th place. We fought hard in the final session and ended up winning that session, but the final result was Irish 3rd, Italians 2nd and Swiss 1st. We all made good friends with the French and Italians. The French were especially friendly! It was a great trip and I would like to thank all that was involved in making this trip possible and so good!

By Rebecca Lait

Minimus 2008

The week-end was as wet as can be, but that didn't stop us. The atmosphere in the pool was amazing. The girls swam first and then the boys. After the swim we were in the lead. They had put the running back a few hours in the hope that it would clear but it never did. So we walked the cross country course, it looked tricky enough. At 5.00 the girls set out. We ran through puddles but they did not distract us. The team spirit really showed, Arthur came and encouraged us while we sheltered in the horse box waiting for our count down. After the run we were in second place, it all came down to the cross country. The gate proved to be tricky in the wind, but Arthur and Megan got us two clear rounds. The end of the day turned out to be nice, the sun came out and then we found out that we had won - it was a dream come true. We had trained so much. We were so pleased and happy.

Cork Tetrathalon,

We the junior girls team were in our last year competing as juniors. Pressure was on. All tried our best, and got 6th coming home with a rosette each. Brilliant fun highs and lows all an experience1 we trained hard for many months and think we did our trainer proud. Thanks una!

By Stephanie Wayte

CAMP
Summer 2008 was one of the wettest coldest summers on record but at camp with the Louth Pony Club, it just felt like sunshine everyday. Myself and my pony Ruby had a blast. We loved the riding grooming and even mucking out as it was all done in the company of new friends. I was very disappointed when the week ended but as we know, all good things must end. Let me introduce you to my new friends and their ponies-Ellen with her beautiful dun pony Lambo,Rebecca,Ellens twin and her beauty Rosie and Mary Kate with Crunchie. We had a great week along with Victoria and Shadow who was also in our group.Fidelma was our instructor. She is really nice and taught us lots about show jumping dressage and pony care. She even allowed us an odd gallop (SHUSH don't tell anyone about this)She was a great teacher !!!
Each day followed a patter grooming for about 20 minutes, tack up and then best of all a ride for up to an hour. After a lunchtime quiz we usually did stable management followed by an other ride and if we were good the famous gallop. After cleaning tack it was usually home time -which always came too soon!!!!
On the final day of camp I did my d+ test. I was very nervous thinking about it but I passed and now have the white backing for my pony club badge. I also did badges for grooming, saddelry and poisonous plants.Im still waiting for my mam to sow them on to my top, maybe I should just learn to sow myself. The camp ended with a fancy dress parade. I dressed up as a gaucho but I must say my favorite costume was Dylan Matthews as Hobo.
Therefore, ended my first ever camp with the Louth Pony Club. I loved every minute of it and so did Ruby. Roll on next summer and main camp


Sara Moore (age 11)

ITALY- IRISH MOUNTED GAMES TRIP

IN MAY 2008, AN IRISH TEAM OF REBECCA LAIT (LOUTH), AILBHE MCGUINNESS (LOUTH), CHARLOTTE BLACKMORE (TIPPERARY), STEPHEN HEFFERNAN (LAOIS) AND HEATHER HEFFERNAN (LAOIS) SET OFF FOR ITALY TO AN INTERNATIONAL MOUNTED GAMES COMPETITION. THE PONIES SET OFF ON SUNDAY 4TH MAY FROM DUBLIN PORT WITH KEVIN FROM BALLINROE TRANSPORT AND MICHAEL HEFFERNAN. THE TEAM AND FAMILIES FLEW OUT TO TURIN ON WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY. THERE WAS GREAT EXCITEMENT AT DUBLIN AIRPORT WITH THE TEAM KITTED OUT IN THEIR GREEN JACKETS. THE CAPTAIN EVEN GAVE THEM A SPECIAL MENTION ON THE FLIGHT!

WE WERE MET AT TURIN AIRPORT BY ANNA PIAZZA OF THE DELL'ALBA PONY CLUB IN THE LOMBARDORE REGION OF NORTHERN ITALY. THE PONIES HAD ARRIVED EARLIER THAT MORNING AND LOOKED AMAZING AFTER THEIR LONG JOURNEY DOWN THROUGH FRANCE AND ENGLAND.WE WERE STABLED ON SITE WHICH WAS OUR BASE, JUST OUTSIDE TURIN AT THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ALPS. THE IRISH PARTY WERE WINED AND DINED BY THE DELL'ALBA CLUB THE WHOLE WEEK AND LUNCHES AND DINING AL FRESCO IN THE ITALIAN FAMILY STYLE WITH GIULIANO, PONY CLUB DAY COOKING MOST DAYS WITH HELP FROM THE MUMS.THE PIAZZA FAMILY WERE THERE TO WELCOME US AND MAKE OUR STAY AS HOSPITABLE AS POSSIBLE. ON THURSDAY, A LIGHT TRAINING ENSUED AND A VISIT TO TURIN TO ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE WITH LUNCH ON THE MAIN SQUARE, FOUNTAINS, ALPS SOARING BEHIND US AND VILIONS SERENADING US IN THE NOON SUNSHINE. FRIDAY SAW THE ARRIVAL OF THE OTHER TEAMS FROM FRANCE, SWITZERLAND AND OTHER PARTS OF ITALY. EVERYBODY WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND THE LANGUAGE DID NOT SEEM A BARRIER FOR THE TEAM. WE WERE FASCINATED BY THE FRENCH TEAM DOING DRESSAGE WARM UP ON THEIR BEAUTIFUL CAMARGUAIS PONIES. IN THE EVENING, THERE WAS A FORMAL WELCOME FROM THE LOCAL MAYOR AND ALL TEAMS DRESSED IN THEIR COLOURS WERE APPLAUDED ON STAGE WITH THEIR NATIONAL ANTHEM.

SATURDAY SAW THE FIRST SESSION WITH THE IRISH PLAYING VERY WELL DESPITE HAVING TO ADJUST TO DIFFERENT RULES. THE TRAINER GAVE THE TEAM GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT AND ABLY ASSISTED BY AN INTERPRETER JULIAN. AFTER A HOT DAY, WEATHER WISE AND ON THE FIELD, THE IRISH TEAM LAY IN SECOND PLACE. THERE WAS A LOVELY OPEN AIR FIESTA IN THE EVENING FOR ALL THE TEAMS AND FRIENDS WITH DANCING AND KAROAKE AND MANY RENDITIONS OF GALWAY GIRL BY THE IRISH TEAM.

ON SUNDAY MORNING, PONIES LOOKING FIT, THE THIRD SESSION BEGAN. IT WAS A TESTING FEW GAMES FOR THE TEAM IN THE MORNING BUT THEY FOUGHT HARD IN THE FINAL SESSION TO FINISH IN THIRD PLACE TO THE ITALIANS AND THE SWISS. THERE WAS A FABULOUS PRIZE GIVING WITH CUPS FOR THE TEAM AND GIFT FOR THE TRAINER.PART OF THE COMPETITION WAS ALSO TELEVISED AND SHOWN ON SKY TV SOME DAYS LATER. OUR HOSTS, THE PONY CLUB DELL'ALBA, THE PIAZZA FAMILY, ANNA ANDREA AND FABIO, THE CAPOTONDI FAMILY GIULIANO, GIULIA MADE US SO WELCOME. NEW FRIENDSHIPS WERE FORGED AND INVITATIONS WERE ISSUED FOR NEXT YEAR AND PERHAPS A VISIT TO IRELAND FOR THE FRENCH AND ITALIANS. ON SUNDAY EVENING, WE HAD A LOVELY DINNER EN FAMIGLIA BEFORE THE LORRY SET OFF AT MIDNIGHT ON THEIR JOURNEY HOME. MONDAY, IT WAS TIME TO SAY OUR GOODBYES, AU REVOIRS AND ARRIVIDERCIS TO ALL, BEFORE WE SET OUT FOR THE AIRPORT. A WONDERFUL TRIP GAMES-WISE AND FRIENDSHIP WISE. THE TEAM, PARENTS, SISTERS, DRIVER AND TRAINER HAD SUCH A MEMORABLE TRIP, THANKS TO THE IRISH PONY CLUB FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE.

SCOTLAND TETRATHLON TRIP 2008 - Ailbhe Mc Guinness, Louth Pony Club


It was the floppy, tri-coloured matching leprechaun hats, fashionably worn by Sive Brassil and Aoife Burke that told us we were in the correct place. It was 26 of June and the junior Irish trethrathlon team, expertly trained by Mr. John Flood, was travelling to Scotland to compete in the Scottish National Championships.

There was one boy's team along with two individual boys and two girls' teams along with one individual girl. We were chosen to represent our country and the teams consisted of tetrathletes from the top to the bottom of Ireland.

After our search for the floppy hats and green and orange nail varnish, we set out for Scotland. Green Irish hoodys were scattered throughout the airport and friendly smiles and frantic waving were exchanged.

Friday was for chilling and time to explore our neighbouring towns. That evening all the Irish team met up at the stables to greet our ponies, which were expertly couriered with great care by Mr. Gerry Brady.

After our ponies had a walk, a stretch and vet check we bedded them for the night. The team and parents then had a talk by our great trainers John Flood and Gerry Brady. After that the team got some shooting practice and we all returned home after an exciting day for a good nights sleep.

The first day of competion dawned and the boys were first into the shooting range while the girls watched from above. The boys produced great targets and did very well with Iain Brady shooting an almost perfect score with 980. That put the pressure on the girls! We were all very nervous but Carola helped with the nerves, supplying us with an ever-lasting supply of rescue remedy. The girls shot extremely well and everyone was happy with their results but that was put behind us as we entered the swimming pool to cheer on the boys who proved the swimming to be an easy phase. The girls now had to prove themselves in the swimming pool. Louise Kent had an amazing swim even with a slight blip! Then the Irish teams got to show just how much team spirit we had, when the roof was lifted when the girls and boys had nail biting team swims against the other international teams. Both teams came out victorious winning both team swims. After our first day of competion we went back to the stables and had an intense course walk. That night our hosts put on a wonderful night with traditional Scottish dancing and ceilidh. All had a great night.

The last day of competion dawned and both boys and girls teams were in great positions overnight. The cross country was a fair but tricky course. We just had time to walk the riding course again - for our fourth time! As the girls settled on the grass in front of the tricky water fence the first few bays took on the testing course, full of skinnys and tight turns, still all the boy came home happy. Now it was time for the girls to tack up and ride out. Everyone was nervous, as some jumps were proving very tricky. As I walked around the starters box Cloud was rearing to go, literally! 3-2-1 Go! And we were off, I was round the course and back again clear before I could be too nervous! Everyone had a blistering round and came storming in with great times.



We all rushed to get ready for the dreaded running. The Irish boys showed everyone how to do it, sprinting home with extra fast times. At the first droplets of rain everyone scattered but the girls couldn't escape that easily. The rain cleared and all the girls stepped out in our beautiful green shorts and singlets. The run proved tough but all the girls proved to be every bit as good as the boys.

We loaded up our ponies and sent them home for a well-earned rest. We all piled into the tent to view some funny pictures of the running and riding, then the prize giving commenced. The Irish cleaned up the silverware with both the boys and girls first team being placed first and the second girl's team coming a respectable sixth position, with the individuals doing very well also. But we couldn't have done half as well without the huge help of our expert trainers Mr. John Flood and Mr. Gerry Brady, also a big thanks to our parents and all the people who sponsored our trip. I'll never forget my Scotland trip, it was a once in a lifetime thing but it wouldn't be any good without all the new friends I have made and will never forget.

Pony Club Rallies

I really look forward to the summer because this means the Pony Club Rallies start. I really enjoy the lesson and the fun I have with my friends. Summer would not be the same without the rallies because it's a great way to meet new people. I especially enjoy the food & drinks afterwards because you get to have some fun with everyone. The Louth branch has grown so much and it's great to see new faces and many people from different areas of Ireland. And even when the weather is bad, you can still have fun, socialise and learn so much about how to improve your riding. I really appreciate the work that goes into the rallies, such as the hospitality, the organisation and the effort. I enjoy the rallies so much and I can't wait for next summer.

By Ciarán Walsh

Minimus,
Minimus comp was huge this year. So many competitors. First day it rained all day but didn't notice because indoors at the pool and the running was ok because it cooled us down. Cross country day was lovely and coarse was very tough. We had a brilliant time and winning was just the best. Thank you to all the mummys and daddys and especially to Una McGuinness for training us.

By Megan Wayte

MAIN CAMP 2008

This year the Louth Hunt main camp was held at Bellewstown Race Course. There were loads of people there, so there was lots of fun! In the evenings we had deadly activities, like movies, quizzes, swimming and a disco.

We had another pony club member from Tipperary join camp this year! Charlotte Blackmore, hi Shazz if you read this! We went swimming on the second evening which was a surprise, well it was meant to be, BUT Lorcan had to ruin the surprise and tell us all like the week before!!! So thanks for that Lorcan, but at least we all knew to bring our swimming gear!

On the third night we watched a movie, Seabiscuit! It was really good, although some people prefer to jump around aimlessly in a sleeping bag and then when that gets too easy, "oh, I've a good idea!! Let's try two people in the one bag!" and yes, we all ended up in a pile on the ground!!!

The day time during camp was great crack! We got up in the morning after a lot of loud bell ringing!!! (Possibly the only way to get about 35 people out of bed at 7.45 during the summer holidays!) We'd all go down to feed and water our ponies in our pyjamies! The lads all get a good laugh out of that! (I really don't know why?! ) Next is breakfast, which is a quiet event as everyone is so tired! After that we all go and get dressed and go and find our instructors, which can be hard, especially on the first day as they take a little longer than us. But let's not be hard on them, even though they are old they've taught us all we know!
The riding is really good! We got to swap ponies and jump with no hands and no stirrups! With me thinking "Oh lord I'm going to end up in a heap on the ground!" Which a few of us nearly did but only nearly! Lunch is always brilliant, thanks to Helena and all the Mammies!!!! Then we go out on the ponies again and we went to the Duffy's cross-country course! That was great, their place is deadly! We went around in pairs and I went behind and thanks to Rebecca's pony Bobby I found out what muck tastes like! Eh …… Really it's not great, so I don't advise you try it! The muck that is, Rebecca's great!

After dinner on the last night we were all greatly entertained by Cormac, who is officially the BEST person to ever play guitar heroes!! First he stunned us all by completing it, which most of us couldn't do! Then he really started to show off by not only trying but successfully playing it with his eyes closed!!!

Then, the old traditional disco, which is a great laugh! The boys, looking forward to this since like last year and I bet they worked on that dance day and night! In they burst through the door, and, well not exactly quite appropriately dressed! Let's just put it that way. If you want to find out exact details, contact either Alex or Lorcan!

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the disco, even the adults. Although we're not quite sure who enjoyed it more, as Fintan, Martin and Elaine were, well I'd like to say dragged, but they near jumped at the offer to dance! Quite the sight!

Yes we did have our water fight! And for some reason this year it seemed to take itself indoors, eh just don't ask because really I couldn't explain! After about half an hour it starts to get random, like, YAY lets have showers in our clothes and drag anyone who has wisely not gotten wet in too! That's when dry people start to run away.

The last morning is just crazy! Everyone is running around packing, learning dressage tests and yes cleaning tack! As it happens, Steph, Alex and I are quite late for lunch, so we decide to take the quick and handy form of transport…THE WHEELBARROW! So Steph and I hop in and Alex takes to the steering thing and off we go… only going down a hill in a wheelbarrow can get a little out of hand and of course Alex would have to let go, so now Steph and I are flying through the doors of the canteen and we nearly knock over Elaine! At first I think, "Oh my God we're dead!" But no she is in fits of laughter and so is everyone else!

Everyone is sad to leave but still wants their own bed! We all signed Charlottes Louth Pony Club T-shirt! I think everyone hopes that she comes back again next year! You hear that Shazz!!! The tuck shop was great to have too! The amount of rainbow dust a person can eat in 5 days is unreal! Thanks a whole bunch to everyone who helped organize it! It's super!

Xx!Molly!xX

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