New course launched to provide the basics

"IF people don't know the basics when they take on a horse or pony, they can end up with a lot of problems," says Pat Walker.

"We have seen people who haven't a clue about what is involved."

With the school holidays fast approaching and parents thinking this might be an ideal time to buy a pony for their children, Pat has decided to launch a course for beginners, covering the rudiments of health and welfare and advice about just what to expect when you acquire a horse or pony.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The idea of the course is so that people will know what they are taking on," said Pat, who will be working with a friend, Paula Barningham, in the village of Pickhill, near Thirsk – between them, they have 50 years of experience with horses.

Those who are new to horses need to know what to look for when they are buying an animal, about grass management and feeding, worming, grooming and rugging up and not least, the cost of shoeing and veterinary care.

Pat runs a smallholding in Pickhill with her husband Roger and both are still very much involved with the North Yorkshire Smallholders Association, which they launched in 1999.

Her interest in horses started 20 years ago when she took on a Shetland pony for a friend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"To begin with, I kept it with someone who kept me right and then I did a home study course which covered everything I needed to know," said Pat.

Over the years, she has given a home to a number of rescue horses, most of them retired and currently has two 30-year-olds at livery and six horses at home.

"They have all been well handled so they are ideal for people to learn with," said Pat.

The day courses are run on a one-to-one basis, although an adult can take a child with them, and cost 40, including lunch. For more information call Pat Walker on 01845 567471.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

LAST weekend's polo Summit Cup saw the home team retaining the trophy after a hard-fought final when they played against the Barracuda team.

At the end of the game, the score was even so it went to fifth chukka, with Hedley Aylott scoring the winning goal. The other members of the team were Tony Wesche, Freddie Bethell and Marcus Collie.

The annual two-day tournament is held at the White Rose Polo Club at North Cliffe, near Market Weighton. New this year was a Pro-Am competition where beginners' teams, plus a professional player with each side, played against each other. The programme also included the Charlie Phillips Cup, which was won by the Tally Ho Blue side.

Teams from the White Rose club and other local polo clubs will be competing in the annual Castle Howard Cup on Sunday, June 27.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Spectators can take along their own picnic for an admission fee of 30 or splash out on the VIP marquee and lunch (70) prepared by Michelin chef Andrew Pern from the Star Inn at Harome.

To book call 01430 875767 or go to www.whiterosepolo.co.uk.

Thelma's Gift helps Izzy book her ticket for top show

IZZY Rae, 14, still can not quite believe that she has qualified to compete at the Horse of the Year Show.

Izzy gained her ticket for the 138cm pony show-jumping class in a qualifying round at Arena UK when she finished fourth after a jump-off against the clock. The winner of the class had already qualified, so the qualification passed down the line to Izzy.

"She has watched these finals at HOYS since she was tiny and she is still pinching herself that she is now going to be competing there," said Izzy's mother, Tracey.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Izzy, a pupil at Easingwold Secondary School, and Thelma's Gift have had a very good year. They are BSJA Area 15's 13.2hh champions, came second at the Pony of the Year Show in April and were third at the Blue Chip Championships in May. Izzy is a member of the York and Ainsty South PC and trains with Hannah Mouseley.

PARA equestrian dressage riders will have the chance to compete in the first inter regional competition at Millfield School in Street, Somerset next month.

It will offer young riders the chance to train in a competition environment and develop the skills needed to be part of a team.The competition on July 23 and 24 is being organised by British Dressage in conjunction with the BEF's Regional Foundation Squads.

CW 19/6/10

Related topics: