Several enthusiastic local junior riders achieved new Pony Club ratings March 9 at Beth Younger’s Muddy Creek Farm in Whispering Pines.

National Pony Club rater Rachel King certified five MCPC members at upgraded ratings. The group included Jenna Taylor and Gata at D1; Juliette Nuveau on Webby, Emily George on Gabby, and Campbell Gibson on Callie at D2; and Zoie Howes on Vee at D3.

The riders were tested not only on their mounted riding skills but also on a wide range of horse knowledge topics, including grooming, tack cleaning and safety, conditioning for horse and rider, nutrition, and stable management.

Maggie Tally assisted as jump crew, with Lisa Taylor as photographer, and several Pony Club parents working as scribes.

MCPC secretary Rose George said the rating went smoothly for all of the riders, thanks in no small part to their “wonderfully patient and trustworthy mounts.”

“A lot of hard work and time went into achieving these certifications,” George said.

Club members stay active throughout the year by taking lessons with trainers in the area, participating in clinics, and competing in regional rallies in a variety of disciplines, where riders can qualify for the annual USPC Championships in Lexington, Va., each July.

Avid young equestrians looking to get involved with Pony Club can contact George at tekslady@yahoo.com.

SPHT I Kicks Off Season

A sizable crop of horses and riders came out of winter hibernation for Southern Pines Horse Trials I at the Carolina Horse Park March 9-10, one of the East Coast’s first major shows of the year.

Preliminary level saw some of the most impressive performances, with junior/young riders open preliminary winners Sarah Dunkerton and Matapeake and open preliminary victors Hillary Irwin and Mayday finishing on their dressage scores of 23.0 and 23.9, respectively.

Seasoned local combination Linda Dreher and Remington sat in 10th after dressage in the 17-rider preliminary rider division, but fault-free cross country and stadium jumping runs vaulted the pair to the top of the standings on a final score of 39.4.

Caitlin Romeo, of Southern Pines, and Weekend Escape waltzed through their training level dressage test and lit up the scoreboard with a fantastic 22.7. They added nothing to that total to win open training B.

Other local riders with top placings include Robert Costello and Two If By “C,” second in open training A on 23.2; Mark Weissbecker and High Point, third in the same class on 25.0; Kris Hamilton and Five O, third in training rider B on 39.1; Andrew McConnon and Bacardi, third in open novice B on 28.5; Michele Lobsinger and Glenlara’s Pride, second in open beginner novice on 30.5; and Colette Leber and Indian Summer Kaylee, second in beginner novice rider B on 36.5.

All eyes will now turn to Southern Pines Horse Trials II, scheduled for March 22-24, where many of the same horse and rider pairs in last weekend’s field will take a crack at the horse park’s second recognized competition of the year. SPHT II will also include the thrilling intermediate and advanced divisions for spectators’ enjoyment.

Volunteers are still needed for SPHT II, beginning Wednesday of next week and running through the weekend. Those who can help in any way should contact Pat Gibson at pgibson@embarqmail.com (no prior experience required).

Healing Hearts to Open Store

After years of holding benefit tack sales on Saturday mornings at N.C. Self Storage off Yadkin Road, Healing Hearts Equine Rescue’s sales branch is finally moving into a permanent home.

Healing Hearts will be taking over a third of Moore Equine Feed & Supply’s retail space for their store, thanks to Moore Equine owner Kim Meeks’ gracious donation. The rescue will continue to sell donated tack, horse supplies and riding apparel at the same prices in their new May Street location.

Rescue president Libby Schmittdiel said she plans to have the store open at least three days a week and possibly add one weekend day as well.

“So many people are excited about it,” she said.

The store is scheduled to open on Monday or Tuesday this week. Schmittdiel said people should check the Healing Hearts Facebook page for updates on opening hours. A full rack featuring 250 pairs of brand-name breeches will be selling for $1 or $2 during the first week, she said.