Members 2011 Update

2011 commenced with our AGM held at Bretherton Village Hall.  Once again there was a disappointing lack of attendance from our valued area members.   The AGM should be seen as a great opportunity to put forward ideas for new classes, showing clinics etc that could be subsidised with the area’s funds.

The main area of development for this year was focussed on overhauling the area’s website.  We are now in a position to update the website ourselves rather than via a separate company which ensures that information can be posted quickly and amended where necessary.  In addition competitors at our summer show where able to enter classes online and make payment via Paypal which is a great step forward in today’s online revolution and for those with busy lives.  This also benefits pre entries which can then be held open for longer without having to wait for cheques to clear.  We plan to follow this format for our 2012 shows – please visit the website for further details.

The spring show had a mixture of sunshine and showers over the course of the day at our new home Bold Heath in Widnes.  The mainstream M & M classes were well supported however the plaited equivalents unfortunately were not and therefore we will review whether these classes will continue to run in 2012.  The M & M WHP classes relocated into the indoor schools for both phases which worked extremely well and this will be repeated in 2012 for both the spring and summer shows.

The summer show held a full complement of HOYS pony plaited, M & M and working hunter qualifiers with strong support from area members and also competitors travelling from far and wide for a chance to gain their ‘golden ticket’.  Unfortunately an oversight saw the in hand pony breeding classes removed from this show however I am pleased to confirm that they will return to the summer show for 2012. 

Due to the success of the area we were once again in a position to sponsor at the 2011 NPS Summer Championships for the junior classes which appear to be gaining a stronger following each year.  In addition sponsorship was also given to the newly introduced young judges competition.

November saw a new venture for the area with an end of season ball held at the Norbreck Hotel in Blackpool.  A great night was had by over 180 people who got glammed up (and were barely recognisable from their usual horsey attire) to party the night away.   

The Area 5 committee wishes you all a successful and enjoyable 2012 showing season