The Ivel Valley branch of the Pony Club held its annual Open Show at Greenfield Farm in Ickwell on Sunday and while the organisers were delighted to see so many people, they can only apologise for the severe weather!

Anyone who organises an outdoor event runs the risk of falling foul of the English weather and for the first hour or so, the Ivel Valley group had to endure torrential rain with many being soaked to the skin and considering going home again.

Fortunately then came blue skies and for a couple of hours it was too hot and there was even queuing for the ice cream van!

The showground had been watered during the previous week and was almost perfect for the show jumping while the showing standards were also extremely high, with competitors from various parts of the region.

The Peter Pan team jumping was won by a team of three, the Ivel Valley Rockets (Chloe Wesley on Billy, Hettie Rogers on Oliver and Caroline Franklin on Comanche) who was also first individually.

The 2ft 6in team jumping was won by the Puckeridge & Western Pony Club (Anna Randall on Elizabeth, Emily Tollafield on Harry, Harriet Theze on Kia-ma-tow-a, Emily Tollafield on Squirrel) who was also first individually.

The Pony Club Pony Championship was also won by Harriet Theze for the Puckeridge & Western club while Reserve Champion was Ivel Valley's Ella Rogers on Hollilock.
The In-Hand Championship was won by Clare Bunyan with Aldermoor Penny Farthing, the Reserve Champion going to Charlie Gurney with Alfie.

The Best Turned Out Championship was won by Lisa Duncan with Charlie while the Reserve Champion was Jennie Young with Rocky Rock Star.

There were a few novelty classes like Prettiest Mare – won by Hannah Darrington and Millie. – the Horse & Hound won by Annie Tomblin and Darcy and the Hound & Handler won by Katie Roberts and Bernie.

Numerous rosettes and sashes were presented, including commemorative rosettes to celebrate the Pony Club's 80th anniversary.

The results have been posted on Ivel Valley Pony Club website at www.pcuk.org/ivelvalley

Ivel Valley hope to run a fun ride and a jumping day so keep checking its website for more details.