THE East Antrim Branch of The Pony Club held their annual ball at the Dunadry Hotel last Saturday night when over 170 members and family were in attendance.

In a lengthy ceremony all the members presented with their special area representative rosettes while some were called forward to accept cups for the highest-placed member at each area discipline for each category.

There were also awards for most improved and endeavour, camp best boy and girl, the Hunt Cup (presented by East Antrim Hounds), the best senior girl and boy and best member cups. Also, everyone who travelled with or without their pony to Pony Club UK competitions to represent East Antrim received a photo frame.

The Branch also recognised the best performances by two members outside of Pony Club activities this year. These were C.J. O’Brien, who did so well at the European mounted games championships in France in early August, and Amelia Logan who, riding her mother Ruth’s Thistledown Angelo, finished third in the Shine Source Footwear 123cms show hunter pony of the year class at the recent Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham.

The night’s music was provided by Gaz Entertainment who doubled up by taking the award presentation photographs.

Most improved Under 8 at the East Antrim Awards were Charlotte Morton, Maisie Wallace and Thomas Forbes

Endeavour Awards at the East Antrim Awards nighht went to Flora Campbell, Laura Dale and Luisa Langsford

The Games teams who won Best Overall Junior Performance at the East Antrim Awards for winning at the Zones in Scotland and retaining the Balmoral Show Sword included CJ O'Brien, Harlow Robinson, Ruby Healy, Sarah Wilson, Leah Millar, Hannah McCammond, Leigh Graham, Abbie Millar, Mya McKay and Lucy Johnston

Dates for your diary

Also in Area 17, they are holding a Halloween polocrosse training day next Friday at the Gransha Equestrian Centre, Bangor for which booking is now open.

There will be training in ball skills, match play and horsemanship. All the equipment, lunch and snacks will be provided so all you have to bring is yourself and your pony/horse.

The Area has also organised dressage training with FEI judge Joanne Jarden (a former member of the East Antrim Branch).

This is open to all but is targeted at those who wish to be selected to represent Northern Ireland in the Home International competition at next year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show (May 13th to 16th).

Training will take place between 11am and 2pm at The Meadows Equestrian Centre on Sunday, November 8th, Sunday, November 22nd and Sunday, December 6th.