PAST and current members of the East Down Branch of The Pony Club gathered at Downpatrick racecourse last Saturday for an evening of nostalgia and laughter, as they celebrated the Branch’s 90th anniversary.

The Dunleath Suite was packed to capacity for the milestone event. Decades of rich club history were beautifully stitched together through a series of emotional speeches, shared memories and fascinating photo archives that traced the Branch’s journey from its origins to the present day.

District Commissioner Margaret ‘Maggie’ Newsam took to the stage to reflect deeply on East Down’s beginnings from 1936, as the very first Pony Club branch established in Northern Ireland. Adding to the deep family roots on display, Maggie spoke movingly about her own family’s connection to the club, she proudly shared memories of her son Jim’s time as a member, followed now by her grandson Jamie.

The evening features spanned across the club’s generations. Fran Rowlatt-McCormack, the current Area 17 Representative, shared an affectionate look back at her own tenure as District Commissioner of East Down, delighting the room with fond memories of watching her two boys progress through the club. Representing the current membership, Senior Member Emma Morrison spoke warmly of her past five years with the Branch, highlighting the incredible fun, shared adventures and lifelong friendships that the Pony Club has given her.

Milestone

The milestone celebration also provided the perfect backdrop for a very special presentation, as Fran presented Maggie with the highly prestigious Pony Club Cubitt Bar Award, in recognition of her exceptional long service and lifelong dedication to The Pony Club.

The event also marked a significant passing of the torch, as Fiona Linehan, who has served as Joint District Commissioner alongside Maggie, has now taken over the reins on her own. Fiona took the opportunity to warmly thank Maggie for her long and dedicated service to the Branch.

Following a superb three-course meal catered by Posh Nosh, the celebrations continued with a highly successful raffle. Local businesses and supporters generously donated a wealth of fantastic prizes, raising much-valued funds that will directly support the club’s future training.

The formalities concluded with a lively celebration featuring music from ‘The Disco King’ that stretched long into the night. With 90 years of proud heritage officially in the books, the East Down Branch looks forward to its centennial.

History

Now for a little bit of history about the East Down Branch which, when formed in 1936, was, as stated above, the first Pony Club Branch to be established in Northern Ireland.

For nine decades, East Down has provided opportunities for children and young people from across the local area, including Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Killyleagh, Castlewellan and the surrounding countryside. The Branch is part of Area 17 (Northern Ireland) and welcomes members from across the wider East Down catchment area.

Run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Branch provides rallies, camps, training and activities covering riding, horse care and animal welfare. It caters for both competitive and non-competitive members, including those who simply have a love of horses and want to be part of the Pony Club community.

At the heart of East Down is a shared passion for horses and a desire to give young people the opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy equestrian sport. Members can take part in a wide range of disciplines, while also developing confidence, leadership and teamwork skills.

The friendships made through the Pony Club are often just as important as the riding. Many become lifelong friendships, and East Down has a wonderful tradition of families remaining involved across generations.

Over nine decades, thousands of young people have passed through the East Down Pony Club, with many returning as parents and grandparents and introducing the next generation to the same love of horses. Today, the Branch continues to thrive thanks to the commitment of its volunteers and the enthusiasm of its members and families.

The Branch is also proud of the opportunities it provides for young riders to compete beyond the local area. Children and teenagers have travelled to Scotland, Great Britain and further afield to represent East Down and Northern Ireland, creating experiences and memories that stay with them long after their Pony Club years.