Northwest Pony Club Camp 2013 By Lawrence Smyth
The Northwest Pony Club, which is affiliated to the National Irish Pony Club (IPC), held its annual camp last week at its unique location at Cruit Island, in Co Donegal. The camp, which catered for 30 young people with their ponies and horses, was a tremendous success.
Participants had the opportunity of improving their horsemanship skills and education in Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country, Riding and Road Safety, and Stable Management. On the final day of camp IPC examinations were conducted and examined at D, D Plus, and C grades.
Rudy Schneider, District Commissioner (DC), said that from thanked the parents for their support in organising and running the camp. The great strength of the club, he said, lies in the excellent assistance and encouragement of parents. Rudy paid tribute to Denis Greene, Assistant DC, Moira Greene, Secretary, and Edward McFadden, Treasurer.
The instructors at camp were: Patricia Warren, Killult Stables, Rachel Carton, Rathmullan, Geraldine Porter, Burt, and Daniel Lusby, Lifford, and Jane Patterson, Killygordin. Patricia, Geraldine, and Daniel, who are IPC Examiners, conducted the examinations on behalf of the Irish Pony Club, Co Kilkenny.
Traditionally, for many years, the Northwest Pony Club did cross country jumping at Culdooey, Cruit Island. The jumps at Kildooey were maliciously damaged on the night before the camp started. However, parents united and quickly built a temporary cross country course at another location.
Those who passed the D Plus and Road Safety Examinations are: Abbie Rodgers, who passed her exams after being a member of the club for just one week (Mum, Angela must be very proud of her), Orlaith McFadden, daughter of Edward and Siobhan, Gweedore, Conor Hunter, son of Seamus and Karen, Maghery, Dungloe, and Poppy Debney, daughter of Shaun and Emily, Meencorwick, Annagry.
The five riders who passed the C Test and Road Safety exams are: Dean McLaughlin, son of Noel and Mary, Maghery, Tierney Gallagher, daughter of Neil and Debbie, Meenbanad, Aine and Patrick Hunter, whose parents are Seamus and Karen, Maghery, and Caoimhe Greene, daughter of Pete and Máire, Dungloe.
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