Pony club members jumping with joy after passing advanced tests

Cherry Orchard Pony Club proud as they were the first-ever members to pass an Irish Pony Club advanced test, reports Alessia Micalizzi.

Lyndsey Coyle Hennessy, Abigail Bolger, Michella Finnegan and Kian Bingham all passed the Irish Pony Club B Test, which involves riding two horses in the flatwork section, one horse over a show-jumping track and fences, and a stable management section.

As members of the only inner city pony club in the country, Cherry Orchard equestrians don’t have the chance to own their steeds, but have to get familiar with different ones every week.

“This is what makes the achievement so special,” said Orchard Pony Club Manager Fiona Clarke.

“Our branch is about enjoyment, learning, inclusion and progression, we aim to develop and nurture local young people within the pony club.”

The Club celebrated its four high-achievers with an awards ceremony last Friday, September 13, at the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre.

“We are beyond proud that four of our members this year were successful in passing all aspects of the B Test,” said Fiona at the event.

“All of them worked relentlessly throughout 2024 in order to pass it.

“They are a huge addition to our club with the wealth of knowledge and experience that they share, and they’re always kind and helpful to the younger members,” she added.

Cherry Orchard branch of the Irish Pony Club was established in 2005, and the four have been members for numerous years.

The equine centre is a great way for local youth in the inner city to enjoy and explore progress within the horse-riding industry, like many past members already did.

The centre participation and value in the community is huge, as their “Haunted House” had over 1,000 attendees last year at the Ballyfermot Cherry Orchard Halloween Festival.