The Fell Pony Society
South East Area Support Group

In June Lynette Walker organised a Fun Ride starting from Plumpton Racecourse. The Riders then followed bridleways along drove ways and the old Roman Way up to the top of the Southdowns. We had hoped that the spectacular views would be enjoyed by all, but typically mist shrouded the hills and nothing was seen of the Wealden splendour. One group got lost!! covering the best part of 15 miles (they had maps!) almost necessitating a search party, but all was well in the end. Everyone much enjoyed the ride and the lunch supplied at the end.

On August Bank Holiday weekend a 'Le Trec' event was organised by the local 'Hairy Pony' enthusiasts and of course Fells were there. The strange tests proved baffling for some but most took them sensibly in their stride and all competitors left for home with several rosettes.

Our annual lunch around Harvest time sadly didn't take place as the organisors were frantically busy, but we hope to remedy this by holding a gathering this year,?and maybe combine a Stud visit if energy permits?

Many of our members supported the Southern Breed Show held once again by kind permission of Sir John Miller at his lovely home near Oxford, and competed successfully, Cloe Jones yet again winning lots of silver ware on her Fell Pony Underwoods Emperor, and from the same East Sussex Stud Lathomdale Crystal for the Points Trophy. From the Meres Stud the Best Turned Out award, and not forgetting Francis Head who did extremely well with Underwoods Brooke in a Dressage Comp: the other day. Well done to everyone. Keep in touch even though geographically we are fairly far apart, and good luck in 2003.

Chairman Ross-Thomson

HELP! The South East Group, ably run by Charmian Ross -Thomson needs more help with "Admin". Charmian's last slave acquired a black pony and a black cat from her and hastily emigrated to France!! If you would like to be involved, and have a good sense of humour, and wish to escape from today's "Gloom and Doom", this is just the opportunity you are looking for!