THE Derwent Hunt Pony Club has had a good August with 10 members participating in two pony club championships - and with success at both individual and team levels.

On August 18, having won the team area dressage qualifier earlier in the summer, Lauren McNichol, Hester Hardy and Harriet Stephenson travelled to the Berkeley Group Pony Club championships at Cholmondley Castle in Cheshire.

A club spokesman said: “Competing against pony clubs from across the country, the riders had a fantastic time with Lauren coming individually sixth in her arena and the team was placed tenth overall - particularly impressive as they only had three team members.”

On the same day, Steph Else, having successfully qualified as an individual for the novice showjumping, completed two rounds against stiff competition in increasingly slippery conditions.

Then on August 27 and 28, having qualified two teams in showjumping and eventing, six more members of the pony club went to the Land Rover Pony Club regional championships at Eland Lodge in Derbyshire.

As a team, Emily Hamilton, Beth and Nicole Barnes and Ellie Evans were placed 12th in the eventing competition, and Emily achieved second place as an individual.

Emily and Ellie were also members of the showjumping team along with Ellie Allen and Charlotte Thompson.

Charlotte jumped a double clear and going for the win, set the fastest time of the day, but unfortunately tipped one pole in the jump off.

A club spokesman said: “For nine of the 10 girls, it was their first experience of being at a Pony Club Championship.

“They are all keen to work hard and qualify again next year.”

Becky Robinson, the Derwent Pony Club district commissioner, added: “The girls represented the Pony Club extremely well and were a credit to one another.

“I was so proud of them all as it was for most of them it was their first experience of Pony Club championships.

“We have a thriving pony club at the Derwent with talented younger riders coming through the ranks.

“A big thanks goes out to Lois Teal for her support and training throughout the year and we all looking forward to a successful year.”