2009 Gosling Cup Report
The heat was turned up a notch last Sunday, and we’re not just talking about the weather! Competition was fierce at the annual Gosling Cup event, which was hosted this year by the Essex Union South Pony Club- who were also the defending champions.
Ellie Weller-Poley taking on fence 10 & 11 Barry Taylors Brushes
It was a blistering summer’s day for the inter-pony club event, but both the riders and ponies coped well throughout all five phases of the competition. The day began with the turnout phase, which was won by the very smart East Essex Hunt A Team, followed by the individual and team dressage rides.
This year’s venue, Church Hall Farm in Paglesham, provided a spectacular stage for the competition; spectators were even able to climb aboard a double-decker bus to see the entire cross-country course.
One jump that had the crowds talking was fence seventeen on the cross country course. The final jumping effort was a spectacular silhouette of the Gosling Cup Trophy, which rider’s had to jump through before going through the finish line.
Essex Union B Team completing their team ride
The Gosling Cup was pioneered by former district commissioner, Mrs Gosling, who first held the event in 1945 between her own pony club, East Essex Hunt, and four other branches. The continued success of the competition has led to its expansion over the years, and now includes twelve branches across Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
The forth stage, a technical cross-country course, proved to be the prominent phase this year. The most influential fences being the tricky combination at 5a and b, consisting of the Carl Butler’s Anvil on a tight turn to The Tree Stump.
Riders who fared well in the cross-country were then through to the final and deciding element, the show-jumping. The track, designed by Michael Paveley, was a twisting course with some jumps on a ‘dog leg angle,’ catching a few riders out as it was on a slight hill.
East Essex Hunt A Team member winning team turn-out
Once the final rider had completed, riders gathered around the stands as waiting began for the final results. It was a tight finish between the top three teams, but Suffolk Hunt A Team triumphed, taking the much coveted prize for 2009.
The delighted team included Ellie Reay-Glover riding Irish Dancer, Izzy Star riding Tim, Molly May riding Willie Go Far and Ellie Weller-Poley riding CJ.
The Puckeridge Hunt B Team were hot on their heels coming in at second place, closely followed by Essex Union Hunt A Team.
There was only one serious faller on the day, Mollie Clough riding Magic Marker, who hit the deck after her horse fell at fence eight. We are pleased to report she is now out of hospital with no major injuries!
Well done to everyone who took part!
