THE Malvern Pony Club recently held their annual Junior camp on their home ground of the Three counties show ground.

Around 30 members brought their ponies to the show ground for a week of fun and learning about all things equestrian.

The Malvern Pony club feel very honoured to have the use of the show ground and its excellent facilities under the beautiful backdrop of the Malvern Hills.

The ponies all bedded down for the night in comfort in the stabling accommodation leaving their owners to compete in teams and as individuals for the kept best yard, best kept stable and best turned out pony putting all their skills to the test.

The children enjoyed daily tuition including the the eagerly awaited bun run each morning for hungry and thirsty riders. The children undertook daily

stable management sessions and were awarded badges for confidence and a number of children took and successfully passed the E and D level proficiency test during the camp.

The club even turned part of the three counties into a cross country course for the children to practise on, including woodland jumps, hedges and steep banks.

The children didn't have all the fun during the week families and pony club member old and new were invited to an evening barbecue with gymkhana games on foot which turned out to be enjoyed mainly by the many dogs in attendance racing in teams with all the children and adults!

To round off the camp Saturday was competition day where the children competed against one another putting all there new found skills to the test. They

competed against one another in dressage, show jumping, gymkhana and handy pony. When all the scores were in for the week and the competition day was complete the children got suited and booted for the eagerly awaited awards ceremony with rosettes, certificates and trophies galore on display for the winners.

All the children went home with bags of rosettes to proudly show off and with memories of a great pony club camp. Everyone can't wait for camp 2015!

The District commissioner of the Malvern pony club Maria Hardy is keen to recruit new members to the club which is known for being " a friendly and encouraging club where many children make friends for life". The senior members don't miss out on camp either they held their camp earlier on in the summer at Hartpury equestrian college. All members can expect excellent tuition through the summer months at the three counties and during the winter at various local indoor and outdoor locations to suit the weather. During winter time younger members can also enjoy unmounted rallies and gaining more knowledge and earning badges. If you are interested in joining the Malvern Pony Club you can contact Maria Hardy on 01531 641782 or email hardy700@btinternet.com.