CROOME Pony Club, whose members come from the Evesham/ Pershore and Worcester areas, is holding a social event on Sunday for anyone wanting to know more about the organisation.

Pony Club branches up and down the country hold regular rallies when members are taught everything from how to look after their ponies to mounted games, show jumping, dressage and cross-country riding.

Many of the country’s top riders, now household names, began their equestrian careers as Pony Club members.

Area competitions are held in all disciplines, culminating in annual championships for area winners – teams and individuals.

But the highlight of the year is summer camp, when members and their ponies spend several days together enjoying fun, fellowship, tuition and branch competitions – with a vast array of trophies up for grabs.

All the Croome PC discipline managers will be at the event on Sunday, at the Lenches Club, Church Lench, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, to answer questions from current and prospective members.

Booking is not required – just turn up for a warm welcome.

Meanwhile, tickets are selling fast for a charity event aimed at promoting one of the UK’s most versatile equine breeds.

The Irish Draught Horse Society has chosen to host its fund-raising event at Kings Equestrian, near Bromyard, for the first time on Tuesday, March 12.

Owner Gerry King says tickets are selling fast.“We are delighted to be hosting this event with international and Olympic show jumper Tim Stockdale, who will be bringing his own team of horses and riders as well as giving a talk,” said Mrs King.

“Tickets are selling fast and we have capacity for more than 250 people.”

The Irish Draught Horse Society was launched 34 years ago to help promote the breed, which is known for its versatility, athleticism and power.

The breed has substance and quality with a pleasant head, good bone and a short shin.It has strong loins and hindquarters and an active powerful stride.

Known for its good temperament, docility and willing nature, it has a robust constitution and is inherently sound.It is also a foundation breed which is crossed with all types of leisure and performance horses, especially within the world of show jumping.

Liz Langford, the IDHS representative for this area, said: “The society aims to preserve and promote the horse throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

This will be a popular event to help a popular breed. So please get your tickets quickly.”

Tickets are available from Kings Equestrian, Sturts Farm, Winslow, for £17.50 in advance or e- mail Liz Langford on lizlangford@hotmail.co.uk.