Call Chanty on 083 785 4968 for details and entry forms
News from the Walkerville Pony Club
Chanty Gomes, the District Commissioner of the Walkerville branch of the Pony Club, says that her horse feels unattractive, hairy and old during the winter months… many of us can so relate to that!
We, like our horses, feel the need for comfort food, snuggling up in a comfortable place and minimal exercise. Sorry, no luck for many horses on the Highveld during the months of August and September!
With temperatures dropping below zero at night, owners have to ensure that their equine friends are warm and well fed. The Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU) is kept incredibly busy as many owners lack the knowledge or finances to supplement feed with eragrostis and teff, and provide shelter at night. In addition there are numerous local shows and clinics taking place, as well as regional finals and championships marking the end of a yearlong series of competitions.
Members of several Pony Club branches across Gauteng helped to raise money for the HHCU this winter, and the Walkerville branch assisted by doing volunteer work there during the school holidays. With the advent of the Eventing season three local aspiring cross country Pony Club riders enjoyed a fabulous afternoon attending a Pony Club Eventing Clinic with Sam Lofts at Alzu Weltmeyer Stables in Alberton.
Congratulations to Donnelly MacKenzie of the Aloe Ridge Primary School Equestrian team who was selected to compete at the Gauteng finals of the Sanef Schools competition. Donnelly and her strawberry roan Welsh pony, Forsythe for Fun, competed in waterlogged Equitation and Show jumping arenas at Kyalami Equestrian Park on Sunday 2nd August.
Several Walkerville Pony Club members were selected to represent the GHS Gauteng South Regional team at the Lower Grade Inter-Regionals in Kyalami over the weekend of the 14 – 16th August. The JH Show jumping team was in the lead until the last rider from another region dropped them into 2nd place. Courtney MacKenzie was very proud of her new horse, Baroness, and was awarded regional colours along with her team mates at the show.
Our other squadron leader, Tasmyn Sinclair, and her horse, Baker Boy, were selected for the Junior Pre-Novice South Eventing team. Ex- DC Debbie French and ex-committee member Bronwyn Boswell were also selected to represent the region.
Congratulations also go to 14 members of the Walkerville branch and Blue Moon Centre of the SAPC who were awarded various Efficiency tests after a testing day held at the Walkerville showgrounds on 25th July. Well done to Anne Burrows, Dakota Shoebridge, Jenna Burrows, Luca Gomes, Tanisha Krupke, and FJ Fouche, who passed the E test. Our new D test holders are Gabriella Gomes, Hamzah Mahomed, Mu’aza Patel, Savannah Shoebridge, Kim Veness and Zakeera Wadee. Courtney and Donnelly MacKenzie have attained their C tests.
These young members are well on their way to being responsible horse riders and owners when they grow up. They will also know exactly how to conduct that all important ‘Extreme Make over ‘in order to make their ponies look their best in Spring!
Michélle
To find out more about the activities of the Walkerville Pony Club please contact any of the Committee members listed below, or visit our website www.pcgauteng.co.za
District Commissioner – Michelle MacKenzie 083 785 4967
Treasurer – Chanty Gomes 083 785 4968
Liaison / PRO – Debbie Sinclair 084 504 4602
Secretary – Beryl Shuttleworth 083 437 1814
Gauteng Region Liaison - Leann Davies 083 542 9448
