Pony Club shows support for Willberry Wonder Pony
Pony Clubbers will be allowed to show their support for Hannah Francis and Willberry Wonder Pony at championships this year.
The Pony Club has relaxed its rules on logos to allow Willberry-branded hat silks and saddlecloths or numnahs at all its championships for the remainder of 2016.
Previously, only plain equipment, branch logos or clothing (for horse or rider) presented by sponsors from previous Pony Club championships was allowed.
All profits from the sale of the Racesafe Willberry hat covers — available in pink or navy — and £10 from the sale of each Nuumed saddle pad will go to Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony charity.
Pony Club chairman Mary Tuckett described Hannah as an “enthusiastic and talented” member of the Wylye Valley Branch of the Pony Club.
“The setting up of the Willberry charity was a further example of her enormous commitment and enthusiasm despite the enormous challenges she was facing personally,” she told H&H.
“Willberry Wonder Pony will provide a lasting legacy in her name for others who find themselves meeting similar challenges.
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“Pony Club members along with other equestrians are delighted to be able to support her charity.”
British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping have all also confirmed the saddle pads are allowed in their competitions.
Hannah, a keen eventer, passed away aged 18 on 31 July. Since her diagnosis of osteosarcoma in May 2015, she wrote a blog from the point of view of her cuddly toy pony Willberry about her treatment and fundraising for various charities.
Related articles:
- Willberry Wonder Pony merchandise: what’s on offer and where to buy
- ‘An inspiration to us all’: flood of tributes for event rider Hannah Francis
- Riders to shave off their hair for Willberry Wonder Pony
In May, Willberry Wonder Pony received official charity status, with funds going towards research into bone cancer and the Willberry’s Wishes arm giving seriously ill people the chance to fulfill their horsey dreams.
The remaining national Pony Club championships of 2016 are the tetrathlon championships on 11-14 August at Bishop Burton, Yorks; Pony Club Championships on 19-23 August.
There are also three further regional championships to be held this year.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.