Volunteer of the Year Mary Tuckett © Horse&Hound/Peter Nixon/Jon Stroud
Mary Tuckett’s long association with The Pony Club began as a child, when she was an active Member who achieved her C Test. In the mid-90s her daughters joined the Whaddon Chase Branch, and Mary became involved as a Volunteer; later being elected as DC from 2002-2008. In 2010 she became Area 12 representative, and in 2014 Mary took up the role of Pony Club Chairman; a post in which she continues to give her tireless support to give Members and future Members the chance to fulfil their talents, dreams and ambitions.
In an interview with Horse & Hound, a ‘gobsmacked’ Mary said she could hardly believe it and advised anyone thinking about volunteering to ‘give it a go – there is something for everyone.’
Willow Farm Pony Club Centre, based in Skegness, picked up the Riding Club of the Year Award. Senior Instructor Lora Hawkins gave credit to their ‘small but loyal’ Pony Club membership, some of whom are aged just three years.
The NAF Riding Club of the Year was Willow Farm being presented with their award by Jonty Evans © Horse&Hound/Peter Nixon/Jon Stroud
The Amateur of the Year award went to Garth South Branch’s Alice Goring who said it was a ‘dream come true’ and a fitting end to her ‘fairytale’ season, in which she won her Open Eventing section at the Pony Club Championships and competed in her first 2* event with her horse, The Little Frenchman. At just 15hh, she describes him as her ‘horse of a lifetime.’
Amateur Rider fo the Year Alice Goring with David Stuart-Monteith of Shaws © Horse&Hound/Peter Nixon/Jon Stroud
