FPS North East Area Group

After the wettest summer that I have ever experienced, I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous and dry 2013. Fortunately our last event of 2012, which was the pleasure ride, was blessed with glorious sunshine to enhance the views over Durham City. Last year will not only be remembered for rain, rain and more rain resulting in the abandonment of the Great Yorkshire Show but also for the week of extra special events held to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Fell Pony Society. A commemorative book titled ‘Fell Diamonds: Celebrating 90 years of the FPS’ is currently being prepared and will be available to buy later this year. It will include reports from the week together with lots of photographs as well as current details of active Fell pony studs and entries from the writing competition. Sadly, 2012 ended with the death of one of our most dedicated supporters: Mrs AAD Newall breeder of the Dene Fell ponies.

Your North East Group committee currently consists of: Eileen Walker, Margaret Murray & Ruby Williams (Co Durham), Anne & Heather Mawrey (Yorkshire), Sarah Charlton, Christopher Grant & Sarah Pringle (Northumberland), & Helen Miller (Cleveland). If anyone would like to volunteer to help organise events then please discuss this with your representative. We have a varied and full calendar of events organised for 2013 and full details of each and application forms will appear on the website as soon as they become available. The North East Group have a page on Facebook where you can let everyone know what you are up to and where we will remind you of our forthcoming events.

 

Forthcoming Events 2013

April – Sunday 21st NPS Area 4 Spring Show, Richmond Equestrian Centre
NE Area In-hand Qualifier for the Inter-Area Competition to be held at the Southern Show in September 2013.

May - Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th Pony Camp, Linnel Wood, Hexham
Joint Fell & Highland pony camp organised by the Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club & North East Area Group. Email hpenortheast@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01912671610 for more information. Application forms will be available at the end of January and will be sent to all 2012 participants. Names will be drawn out of a hat after the closing date.

May - Saturday 18th Study day at Stonechester Farm near Willington, Co Durham.
‘Preparing for ridden showing’ with Jan Grant. Details and Application Form.

July – Sunday 7th Lanchester Show
In-hand Fell classes sponsored by the N E Area Group.

July - Sunday 21st Hexham Native Horse & Pony Show, Linnel Wood, Hexham
NE Area Group Fell classes and Area Qualifier leading to Inter-Area Competition to be held at the Southern show in September 2013 + picnic lunch.

September – Sunday 22nd or 29th TBC Native Pony Performance Trials, Linnel Wood, Hexham
Dressage, cross country and show jumping, plus a special section just for Fell ponies.

October - Sunday 6th North East Area Annual Pleasure Ride
Venue to be arranged – all suggestions will be considered.

IMPORTANT: If you are prepared to receive your free annual newsletters by email and help save the NE Group funds, please forward your email details. Forthcoming events are updated in the Area Support Groups section on the Fell Pony Society Website (www.fellponysociety.org.uk) and on my own website (www.rackwoodfellponies.co.uk). Eileen Walker Tel: 01388763607 Mobile: 07990521205 Email: eileen@rackwoodfellponies.co.uk

 

Riders setting out on the Hamsterley Forest ride in 2011.