End of summer season spoiled by trailer theft

Then followed the area competitions where over 35 members represented the branch on the teams for show jumping, dressage, tetrathlon, eventing and mounted games and several members qualified for the UK finals; Rosie Alcorn (Dressage and Tetrathlon), Eimear McMahon (Show jumping), Jessica Knipe (Eventing), Lucy Lamont (Dressage).

Rosie Alcorn travelled to Draycott for the Dressage where she finished ninth overall in the dressage and the following weekend competed at Moreton Morrell in the tetrathlon.

The weekly rallies recommenced in August at the show grounds in Ballymoney where good use was made of the facilities there. The final rally on Wednesday 25 was held at Maddybenny and 24 members enjoyed cross country training with Stephanie McLernon, Fiona Thompson, Michelle Dornan and Kyle Hayes.

The branch is now preparing to run their two September gymkhanas however the discovery on Thursday morning of the theft of their trailer, a 14ft x 6ft Ivor Williams flat trailer type LM146G, loaded with some of the show jumps has been a devastating blow. The trailer has been stored in the locked shed at the Showgrounds in Ballymoney and was taken sometime between evening of Tuesday 23 to Thursday morning.

Padlocks on the gates and the shed door were cut and the trailer removed despite also having the hitch locked. The branch is grateful to its supporters (Lee Johnston, farrier and Maddybenny Leisure) who have offered to contribute to a reward of 500 for information leading to the recovery of the trailer and jumps.

Anyone who may have seen the trailer, which has the Route Hunt branch of the Pony Club and the logo (white writing on red background) displayed in on the side and rear panels, please contact the police at Ballymoney or the branch district commissioner Eavan White (Maddybenny, Portrush).

Anyone who is offered a trailer for sale should check with Ter- Europe on 01225 464599 giving the serial number of trailer/vehicle to ensure it has not been stolen.

The branch is encouraged by the support offered to ensure the smooth running of the gymkhanas the first of which is being held by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Alan Campbell at Dirraw Farm Ballymoney on Saturday 4 September.

Show jumping classes, Working Hunter and Showing classes for horses and ponies will be held in three arenas starting at 10am. Mounted games will start at 10.30am. The following week the gymkhana will be at the Bowl Arena, Portrush and classes for horse’s show jumping will start at 10am followed by the pony classes.

The Route branch nominates a charity to support which this year is CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and we hope both shows will be well attended. For further details of the schedules please check Route web site on www.pcuk.org or phone Fred White (07801 693894) or Eavan White (028 70823603).