IMAGINE performing as a young rider in front of a large crowd in an arena.

The competitors in the Pony Club Horse and Hound Show Jumping Challenge at this year’s Westcountry Equine Fair at Westpoint, near Exeter, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will do just that.

Introduced to the annual Westcountry Equine Fair eight years ago, the Challenge has a dedicated following from both pony clubs and audiences alike.

The event, now in its 20th year, is pleased to announce the four Pony Club teams will be taking part this year: Axe Vale, Devon and Somerset; East Cornwall and Silverton.

The clubs will compete against each other in this fast-paced and thrilling competition.

Riders will jump a course followed by runners and their dogs.

The Pony Club has a long tradition of being the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners including Geoff Billington, Ed Chanin, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Oliver Townend, Pippa Funnel and many more.

Not only does the Pony Club offer nine exciting disciplines including Eventing, Dressage, Polocrosse and Tetrathlon but also provides instruction in horse care and riding for people up to the age of 25 years.

There are more than 500 Pony Clubs across the UK.

In addition to the unrivalled entertainment, the Westcountry Equine Fair will also feature a dedicated shopping village “for the horse, for the rider and for Christmas”, with more than 200 companies offering helpful advice and great show offers on thousands of products for horse and rider including many big name brands including Joules, Ariat, Toggi and Thorowgood. Also look out for the BETA Equestrian Knowledge Zone in hall two.

For those who don’t want to carry heavy shopping bags around with them at the Fair, there will be a shop and drop facility in the foyer - all donations to Breast Cancer Care.

The Fair is certainly the total equestrian experience for the dedicated rider!

To book tickets in advance and save money visit: www.westcountryequinefair.co.uk or telephone 01392 421500 (office hours).

The Fair will be open from 8.45am to 5pm each day.

Alan Quick