Pony Club Changes

The Pony Club has announced that Chairman Mary Anderson will retire from the post at the end of the year.

Mary has served four years – two, two-year terms – as Chairman since she took over the position at the beginning of 2004. Prior to her terms at head office she was The District Commissioner of the Brecon and Talybont Pony Club for seven years followed by a time as the Area Representative for Area 10 when she first came onto the Council.

During her time as Chairman Mary has introduced Pony Racing to the Pony Club, and Polocrosse to the National Championships. She is also credited with widening the entry base for the National Championships to Centre Members who now have their own National Championship competition.

“I have had a wonderful four years at The Pony Club, enjoyed every minute and will be taking many happy memories with me,” said Mary.

The new Chairman, Mrs Cherry Michell who has been the Vice-Chairman for the last four years, will take over on January 1 2008.

Cherry’s association with the Pony Club began when, as a child, she joined the Romney Marsh Branch. She went on to be the DC of the Branch that is based on the Kent and Sussex border and was then the Representative for Area 11 – the South-East.

“During my term I aim to get out and visit all of the 19 regions and as many of the branches as possible simply to see and watch members of all ages enjoying riding for fun as safely as possible in the best traditions of The Pony Club,” said Cherry who is based in East Sussex.

It has been mutually agreed between The Pony Club and Mr Stuart Buntine that The Pony Club Championships will not be held at Shelford Manor in 2008.

Notes to Editors: The Pony Club has 35,000 Branch members and another 15,000 members through the Centre membership – open to those who do not own a pony through joining their local Pony Club linked Riding Centre. There are 486 linked riding centres around the country.