Isle of Man Pony Club held its annual prize presentation and overview from 2020 at the Comis Hotel recently.

Around 100 guests enjoyed a carvery meal before Cheryl Curphey reflected on the past 12 months which included watching training videos throughout lockdown.

During the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations in 2020, the Pony Club managed to hold no fewer than 45 events which included socials, numerous rallies, event training, hunter trials and show jumping, one-day and mini events which were all very well attended, also fitting in two camps.

It was also the end of an era as the club held its last event at Oatlands which had been its base for the past 12 years. As such, the club expressed gratitude to the Shacklock family.

Isle of Man Pony Club is particularly excited about the future and held its first hunter trial at Ballacorey (see above). The club look forward to this new venture with support from the Morrey family.

The new course was displayed on the screen, the course itself had taken months of working and planning. Thanks was given to Peter and Linda Bond plus Alice and Bill Corrin.

Additional thanks were also given to the man power ensuring the jobs behind the scenes were completed: Aaron Curphey, Adam Huxham, Isla Curphey, Rory Lavin, Sam and Charlie Morrey and everyone who painted the jumps, Adrian Preston, Ed Callow and Tim Bennett in assisting getting the course signed off ready for competitions.

Sue Davies was the guest of honour for the evening and presented awards to the following:

Calvert Fisher for Attendance - Annabelle and Breesha Byers and Alfie and Barnaby Phythian; Blaize Trophy for Tack and Turnout at Garran Beg - Emilia Lace; Ramsey Crookall Trophy for Senior Tack and turnout - Emma Parsons; Boodle and Dunthorn Trophy for Dressage - Faye Qualtrough; Carlton Blue Boy Trophy for most Improved seven-and-under - Neave Wheldon; Stewart Angus Trophy for most improved nine and under - Emilie Katjkaer; Tommy Merrill for most improved nine and under - Isla Caine; E. N. Christian most improved 12/13 - Lola Bass; Farrants Froy most improved 14/15 - Lauren Batty; Palace Trophy most improved 16/18 - Lola Bea-Bryce; Associates Trophy - Isla Curphey; Garry Parker Trophy most Improved boy - Tommy Bass; Country Music Trophy for best games pony - Jacko (owned by Julie Sansbury and ridden latterly by Lucy Parsons; Melody Trophy for best all-round Pony Club pony - Greystones Pilgrim (ridden by George Hotchkiss; Michael Trophy for most improved horse - Sheer Diamond ridden by Lucy Parsons; Mike Brackett Trophy for most improved pony - Malrose Mystical Grace ridden by Eve McGeown; Jean Burns Trophy for courage and achievement - Lillie Carter; Cheryl Bond for achievement (eventing) - Blae Richardson; Marmite Trophy for achievement in showjumping - Sophie Bateson (Riding Jimmy); Cardington Trophy for best Manx bred - Sienna Curphey (Riding Conrhenny Alice Springz); Joanne McCubbin Trophy for good Pony Club member - Aislinn Lace; Blue Moon Trophy most improved tetrathlete - Jemima Mylchreest; Jolliffe Trophy best tetrathlete - Blae Richardson; Dean Burns Memorial Rosebowl (awarded by the district Commissioner for service to the club) - Peter Bond.

The evening was concluded with a disco by Emily Shimell.

PAUL HATTON AND AMY ROTHWELL