ON Saturday, August 4th, the Iveagh Pony Club is hosting a Ruby Show in honour of Vanne Campbell’s extraordinary 40 years as District Commissioner of the Branch. She was elected on October 10th, 1978 following the retirement of Mrs Di Watson.

Throughout Ireland (and England) in the pony club and eventing worlds, Vanne is instantly recognisable with her Indiana Jones hat and clipboard. She is a familiar figure in the start box at events wishing all competitors good luck while possibly booking them to teach at camp or enrol them for a B test at the same time!

The Iveagh Pony Club was founded in 1962 with Vanne’s mother on the Committee and both her parents instructing. She and her brother Ralph Cowdy were active members and Ralph subsequently joined the Cadre Noir, one of the most prestigious horsemanship schools in the world.

Vanne admitted that she was a nervous rider which explains why she is so good at encouraging the less confident members of the Pony Club.

The Iveaghs have always had a higher ratio of boys to girls than other clubs and, at one stage in the 1990s, the Junior games team comprised all boys. Vanne encouraged the boys by ensuring they tried Tetrathlon, games, polo-crosse and even had a camp ride of reluctant boys (plus Emily) who spent just as much time running beside ponies as on them!

She was delighted to be photographed tying Declan McParland’s stock at the Pony Club Championships having a similar photo with his father Phelim “several” years earlier.

Vanne’s children Jamie, Georgina, Nicola and Duncan, and now grandchildren, Finn, Thea and Lorne were all active members of Iveagh. Its large membership is a tribute to Vanne’s policy of inclusivity –all are made to feel welcome – and it’s very hard to escape when a member.

Her “pincer” technique is famous, if you refuse one request to help she has an alternative plan ready for you! One of her other main contributions was the development of the E test, for very Junior members, which subsequently was taken on board by all the other Pony Clubs.

Vanne also delights in all the Pony Club competitions and under her watch the Iveaghs have been a force to be reckoned with at the Dengie and Pony Club Championships, winning individual and team awards in most disciplines. Vanne usually insists on travelling on the lorries with the teams, often coaching them on route, firing out quiz questions during the journey, and even providing help on science papers (to be sat on return).

The Ruby Anniversary Show will be held at the Iveagh Pony Club grounds at Moyallon (between Portadown and Gilford) where there will be have something for everyone. Full details on the competitions and the following hog roast with music can be found on the Branch’s website and the Area 17 Facebook page.

One of the events will be a Mini Major competition and among those who have committed themselves to the August 4th challenge are Vina Buller, Becky Cullen, Ronnie Ross and Dermott Lennon.

The Iveagh Branch would be delighted to see as many Pony Club friends as possible from all over Ireland celebrate 40 years of Vanne.

Enquiries to aine.lavery@gmail.com.