Pony club award winners

WOODLAND Hunt Pony Club held its annual awards ceremony on January 21 to celebrate the successes of its members in 2023.

More than 150 members and parents attended the event, which was held at Henley Rugby Club.

A raffle and silent auction were held in aid of the Thames Hospice in fond memory of Mick Rainer, the husband of Woodland coach Julie Rainer and daughter Steph Read, also a Woodland coach.

The raffle was organised by the branch’s junior committee and raised more than £1,200.

As well as celebrating the many competition accomplishments over the year, many of the members were recognised for their effort and contribution to the branch. These included:

Kyra Stokes, 12, from Stokenchurch, was given the District Commissioner’s Award in recognition of a member who has quietly made a difference to other members or volunteers throughout the year.

Max Dag,17, from Goring Heath, was awarded the Spirit of Woodland Trophy, which is awarded to the member who embodies the essence of the branch.

Someone who pitches in, shows flexibility and grace under pressure and commitment to teams and treats others with respect, all with a smile.

Max, who has been a member of the branch for 12 years, was honoured for his enormous and continued support of his peers, volunteer committee and junior members.

He was presented with the trophy by Woodland Hunt president Michael Skinner.

Maisie Jenssen, 17, from West Hagbourne, won the Wynmaylen Spurs for winning her section at the Area Dressage Championships in July.

She was also presented with the Horsemanship Award for demonstrating welfare, harmony, partnership, fluency, technical ability, courage and turnout throughout the year with her horse Gertie.

Other prizes awarded:

All Rounders Award

Awarded to the members who act as role models for the other members, actively participate in branch activities through rallies, volunteering, attending camp and representing the branch at competitions.

Senior: Jack Dag

Junior: Isla de Wolf

Endeavour Awards

Awarded to members who have put in a serious and determined effort to achieve. Working towards a test, a competition or just to be consistent or better.

Senior: Cicely Properjohn

Junior: Mia Burrows

Mini: Milo van Tongeren

Best New Combination

Evie Wright

Most Improved

Senior: Purdy Lenigas

Junior: Daisy Bruce

Mounted Games

Most Improved: Summer Swift

Most Determined: Daisy Bruce

Best Team Player: Bethan Hill

Volunteers Award

For recognition of the member and parent/guardian who clocks up the most volunteering hours on behalf of the branch

Member: Molly Leigh

Parent: Posy Jenssen