Ponies(Uk)
How to Prepare for your BIG Summer Championship Show?
Great Tips from Showing Producer Vicki Hesford
Attending a major championship is exciting for all involved, the atmosphere is fantastic, there is so much going on and lots to see, but you also need to be well prepared!
After years of packing lorries for championships and preparing horses and ponies I can give you a few tips to help you along the way.
• I always make lists in the build- up to a big show like Ponies UK, every time I think of something I need to take with me it goes on the list so I can cross it off as I pack, even if it’s down to my mobile phone-charger.
• Try to avoid clashing of classes when entering, be realistic as to what you can do, also to be fair on your horse/pony, they can be long days if you get through to the evening performance as well.
• Make yourself a timetable for your classes each day, do a few copies so there is always one in the lorry, one at the stables, one in your pocket and one for mum/friend/helper!!!
• Have a walk around the showground and learn where your rings are the night before, there is nothing worse than hearing your class being called and not knowing where you are going. Remember classes are not held up for lost exhibitors!
• Be prepared by looking at the schedule, see if you may need a navy jacket and stock for an evening performance, it will always indicate if a final number will be required to go forward later on. Borrow one before the day though, it is stressful enough without frantically trying to borrow one at the last minute.
• The atmosphere in the evening performance at Ponies UK is electric, if you or your pony have not been in this type of atmosphere before remember
Summer Champs Entries close on 2nd July – Entries taken on the day for classes H1 to H326.
You DO NOT have to be a member to compete at the show.
What have you qualified for?
If you are an A Member
he might need time to adjust, maybe a little more work to relax him, maybe some mints in your pocket to help him relax while stood in line. The stewards are excellent and will help you feel at ease if your horse/pony becomes unsettled. But stay calm and all should be fine.
• Give your pony a relax time each day and hand graze him, let him have a mooch about with you in his headcollar.
• I always pack a little extra hay/feed to be safe. Rugs for all weathers are important, including a New Zealand to wear in leaking stables in bad weather. A vet box with antiseptic cream and vetwrap etc is useful but there are always a vet and farrier on site.
• Laminate your back number, it will stay neat and tidy all week regardless of the weather.
• Check all is working on the lorry and you have gas, water etc.
• Check the schedule for classes with set shows for dressage tests and make sure you learn them before the day.
• You may need to adjust your feeding, so if you feel your horse needs extra energy or an extra feed a day in order not to lose condition during the week, be prepared and pack more. If he is a fussy eater a few carrots can help perk the feed up.
Most of all have fun, enjoy and relax and remember the PUK team will do all they can to help you.
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www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk
National Championship Finals plus Sherwood Restricted Champs Final (FREE entry in Sherwood worth £20)
If you have been placed 1,2,3 in a P(UK) qualifying class this means you will have qualified for the National Champs final and the Sherwood Restricted Final (if eligible i.e if the rider has not competed at HOYS in 2011 for the Sherwood)
If you are Lee-Smith Member
National Champs Final / Lee- Smith National Champs (if you have your pink card signed) plus Sherwood Restricted National Champs (FREE entry in Sherwood worth £20)
To qualify for the Lee Smith National Finals you need to of had your pink Lee Smith card signed as the highest placed Lee Smith member in a P(UK) qualifying class. If you have been placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd in a P(UK) qualifying class this means you will have qualified for the National Championships final and the Sherwood Restricted Final (if eligible i.e if the rider has not competed at HOYS in 2011 for the Sherwood)
Non-Members
Sherwood National Restricted Final at £20 entry fee
If you have been placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd in a P(UK) qualifying class, this means you will have qualified for the Sherwood Restricted Final, if eligible i.e if the rider has not competed at HOYS in 2011.
Exciting Changes for the Equestrian Life Showing and Working Hunter Championships 2012
“The Championships designed for the Riding Club competitor and keen amateur, not the professionals”.
Here are the dates and venues for the 2012 Equestrian Life Qualifier Shows.
Did you know?
• The Championships started back in 2001 as a way to give something back to the Riding Clubs.
• From humble beginnings with about 40 at the Championships, they have now grown to over 400 competitors on Championship day.
• The Supreme Champion takes away fabulous rosettes, sash, prizes and £200 in cash!
• The Reserve Supreme Champion takes away fabulous rosettes, sash, prizes and £100 in cash!
• Our Championship schedule offers great variety for all ages, breeds and disciplines.
• This year we have more qualifiers than in previous years with more chances to qualify.
• The Supreme Presentation this year will be in front of a large crowd on Newark Showground as part of the Ponies UK Evening Performance, with a great atmosphere, music and lights
To qualify for the Championships, at Newark Showground on 11th August in conjunction with Ponies (UK), you must hold a valid 2012 registration card, available for purchase at £12 either by post or on-line at www.
equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk/ summer-champs.
The qualifier shows will be updated regularly on the website and every month in the magazine. Shows after the 5th August will be 2013 Qualifiers.
The championship schedule and entry form is now ready to download off the website, or by post. Send us an A4 SAE and we’ll get one out to you
If you require any more information please do not hesitate to contact us at alex@equestrianlifemagazine.
co.uk or alternatively 07712811832.
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