President's 2023/2024 Welcome

Welcome HVPC members, new and returning, to another Pony Club season.  Following such a wet and wild year so far, I'm sure we are all looking forward to the warm sunny Wednesday evenings that encompass all things Pony Club, the furthering of riding and horsemanship, the nurturing of friendships and the growth of strength of character and self discipline through the love of equestrian sport.

This coming season we welcome our Head Coach – Bianca Shaw! Bianca is a past member of HVPC and competes competitively at show jumping on her horse. Bianca has had a busy winter organising her team of coaches and rally groups. Please reach out to Bianca if you have any questions regarding the coaching of your child.  Bianca is there to share her knowledge, advice and passion for Pony Club.  

If competing is your thing, this season we have a full calendar of Branch and Area events to look forward to. West Auckland District is hosting the Area Interclub Teams Games (Inca Cup) on the 25th November at Massey Pony Club. Starting at lead rein level, this is a very inclusive event and we encourage taking part.  We also have the Area Interclub Teams Dressage at Wainoni Park Pony Club on the 3rd December, the Area Interclub Teams ODE at Coatesville Pony Club on the 21st January, the Area Interclub Teams Show Jumping at North Harbour Pony Club on 7th April, and the Area Interclub Teams Show Hunter at Warkworth Pony Club on the 28th April. These events start at an introductory level and if you think your child would like to participate as part of a West Auckland District team please reach out to Bianca or myself.

On the HVPC home front we have our first Show jumping event on the 4th November, definitely one to look forward to and put on the calendar.

Here at HVPC we are completely volunteer based which means we rely on the help of members/parents to run events and maintain the grounds and facilities. Your enthusiasm is appreciated and any extra expertise that you have is invaluable. No task is too small with an all hands on board approach. Partaking in working bees also offers a great opportunity to socialise with other members, without the distraction of kids on ponies.  

Thanks again for choosing HVPC to be your branch as we look forward to a great season ahead, roll on summer.

Kind regards, Helen Miller, President, Henderson Valley Pony Club