British Eventing and The Pony Club are delighted to announce that they will be working collaboratively to create a seamless, safe and progressive path for Pony Club members wishing to enjoy and participate in eventing.
With many shared goals – the desire to offer riders the safest and fairest competition, the best training and the highest levels of horse welfare – there is a natural fit between the two organisations. By working together, they will be able to achieve even greater value for their joint memberships.
The close relationship between the two organisations is a longstanding one, with The Pony Club Open Eventing Championship, the PC110, and its qualifiers being run and hosted by BE. The Championship was held at Wellington International Horse Trials in Hampshire last year and it will be returning to the venue once again for 2022, taking place from 26-28 August.
With the Championships delivering for riders who already have some experience under their belt it was identified that there also was a need for working together to create a progressive pathway for riders wishing to start their eventing journey. The initial initiative will see a summer offer launched that gives Pony Club members the opportunity to compete at BE affiliated events, during August and September, without the need of purchasing a BE membership.
Find out more about the initiative here.
British Eventing Chief Executive, Helen West has enjoyed strong connections with The Pony Club throughout her career, having been a member of the South Devon West Pony Club and then served as joint DC for the East Devon Hunt Pony Club with her husband, Andrew. She holds her Pony Club A Test and fondly remembers winning the Senior Open Pony Club Eventing Champs back in 1999. “I adored my time in The Pony Club,” said Helen. “They were some of the best times I have spent horses.”
“Young riders are the future of eventing, and it is so important that we do everything we can help encourage them into the sport. The Pony Club is such an invaluable organisation for any young person that enjoys being around horses and I hope that through this partnership we are creating a pathway for Pony Club members to have the chance of experiencing the thrill of competing over BE courses and progressing their skills.
“I look forward to BE working together with The Pony Club to help more young people get pleasure from our sport and that this pathway into eventing creates an opportunity for our medal winners of the future!”
The Pony Club Chief Executive, Marcus Capel, a former event rider competing at the old 2* level, responded, “I am very pleased to be working closely with BE to the benefit of all our members. Helen has a great understanding and knowledge of The Pony Club and the two organisations have many long-standing connections.
“I am looking forward to promoting the best training opportunities possible, with an increased focus on horse welfare. Pony Club members enjoy a huge range of training and competitive activities, this partnership with BE offers further events that they can enjoy as part of a progressive pathway in the sport.”
