Rating News

Hooray for the Virginia Region! The C3 and B ratings were very successful though not without disappointments.

Every candidate did admirable work showing a high level of maturity. Seven C3 candidates were able to participate and 4 passed the riding and are now called C+ until they pass the HB (or complete the retesting of an HB section): Shannon Barrett of DRPC, Reed Dove of ODHPC, Lindsay Fox of DRPC, Isabel McCagg of BRHPC.

Thirteen B candidates were tested -- 4 from the Virginia Region and others from these states: Maryland, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware. VRPC has 3 new Bs: Christina McKitrick of DRPC, Ginny Horne of LHPC, and Nina Ligon of DRHPC.

The traditional tests were at Frying Pan Park and the Dressage tests were at Millwood Farm. VRPC now has a member with the B Dressage Specialty rating -- Brandi Benedict of Rocky Run.

The entire weekend was full of congeniality and volunteerism from the candidates, their parents and helpers, the staff and helpers at both sites (including the Rigglemans), from the Impartial Observers, and from the National Examiners and volunteer B apprentice (Karen Nutt). Virginia LaRocque of RBPC delivered meals to Frying Pan both days also. Britt Hardy was a special helper as hostess at Millwood Farm -- the two Dressage NEs had wonderful lodging there.

Our Vice RSs -- Katharine Hardy and Marion Miller -- helped out throughout two full days. Katharine also made frequent extra trips to Frying Pan Park and Millwood starting Thursday. This was especially important after Karen Nutt discovered unusual conditions in the Upper ring at FPP and Katharine discovered that the A barn aisle was blocked by a large horse trailer getting a paint job! Katharine and I also served as taxi drivers to and from Dulles for the 5 National Examiners who arrived there.

Whoever arranged for the great weather should be congratulated also!

If you have any questions about specifics, please let me know. (Also, is there anyone curious about the new Pony Club in the Virginia Region?)

Carol Noggle

RS, Virginia Region Pony Clubs