MERLIN WORKS HIS MAGIC AT DENGIE

Anna Dawson and her pony Merlin lifted the crown at the Dengie Pony Club Winter Showjumping Championships in a strongly contended class with an entry topping 84.

The Finals which were held on Saturday, 2nd April at Warwickshire College included a very special spectator – Pony Club President HRH The Princess Royal – with a number of Members enjoying a chat with Princess Anne in the prize giving and during her backstage tour.

The winning round was decided midway through the jump-off, Anna Dawson (South Durham Branch) and her consistent 13.2hh grey Merlin pulling out all the stops to cut corners to a minimum and claim the coveted prize.

The versatile all rounder Merlin, an eight-year-old bought for just £5 from the New Forest Sales as a foal, was broken in and ridden by Anna’s elder brother John with success in Pony Club teams until Anna took over the ride two years ago.

The warm-up round was won by 11-year-old Iveagh Pony Club Member Alex Buller who finished third in the Final.

On Sunday, 3rd April, Warwickshire College also played host to the Finals of The Pony Club Salmon Products National Quiz. A record 32 teams qualified including teams from both Northern Ireland and Scotland. In the final shakedown The Enfield Chace Hunt took the top prize, 2nd Cheshire Hunt North, 3rd Chiddingfold Farmers' North. Highest placed Centre Team: Talygarn Equestrian Centre.

For a full set of results see the website at www.pcuk.org