Genesee Valley sent 13 riders to the Western New York Regional games rally on June 12, 2010. The pony club motto is “a happy child on a happy horse”. My observations included many happy children. Huge smiles were seen on Carly Lloyd and Sophie Muxworthy as they participated on a mixed team ending with the annual tie for first place in the walk/trot division. They were helped with a healthy dose of enthusiasm from their team advisor, Maddy Muxworthy. I was especially proud of the Junior team as they proved not only their riding and games ability but their independence and ability to work together. Logan Ellis, Paul Cripps, Emily Gray and Josef Thorne were first overall and in horse management. Our Juniors have learned from the best as they had several good role models and mentors competing on advanced and senior teams. Greta Muxworthy, Ingrid and Gibson Donnan and Ashley Stappenbeck joined with Margot Miller from Red Jacket to win the Senior division. Our Advanced team of Maggie Lloyd, Seamus Donnegan and Amanda Moreland welcomed Jake Bryson from Red Jacket. Unfortunately there wasn’t another Advanced team to compete against so they gave the Seniors a real challenge as they rode with them. All exhibited fine horsemanship, excellent sportsmanship and games expertise.
The games, more than other pony club disciplines, really emphasizes teamwork. The three teams we sent have been playing games together since being in pony club and their ability to gel and work together was evident yesterday. As a line judge I was in a position to witness the team work and sportsmanship in both the ring and warm up area first hand. They knew their orders and plotted their warm-ups depending on what they needed to work on. They reminded their teammates when they forgot something, be it a rule or a helmet. They looked out for each other's well fair sharing water. They reminded their teammates that care of their mounts was paramount, not overtaxing them in the heat and keeping them cool under the shade tree. They cheered for all the teams including those from different clubs. They shared their mounts within the team and with the walk/trot division leading the youngest pony clubbers to a good time!
This was my first rally of the year and I was proud to be part of this organization. Thank you to our wonderful coach Amy Stappenbeck and rally organizers Meg Lloyd and Mary Donegan as well as all of our hard working volunteer moms and dads. We all wish Ingrid and Gibson Donnan good luck as they qualified for the National rally.
Submitted by Sheila Cripps, DC
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