Next year, Mid Surrey Branch of the Pony Club should be celebrating its 80th Anniversary.  However, our future is now uncertain due to the impending sale of the field we currently occupy in Hurst Road, Ebbisham Lane, Walton on the Hill, Surrey.

Vacant possession of our field is required when our lease expires in April 2011.  Unless we can raise the purchase price of £480,000 within this time we will lose all that we have achieved over the past 23 years.

Mid Surrey Branch is proud of historic links with Walton-on-the-Hill and the surrounding area.  Many of our past members are now parents and grandparents of current members.  They bring their children along to enjoy the huge benefits, opportunities and life skills provided by membership of our wonderful organisation. It's not just about riding; it's about team work, individual achievement, winning - and learning to lose, physical demand, considering the needs of your animal before yourself, the benefits of the great outdoors (not always so wonderful!) and all the character building challenges our young people face.

Over the past 23 years, since we first moved in to the empty field, our volunteer officials, committees, organisers, members and friends have worked tirelessly.  With thanks to all their efforts our field has been transformed into an excellent training facility for young equestrians.

We have ploughed back the income from our shows, events, etc., into building a huge barn, providing running water and electricity, catering facilites and a superb cross country course which is perfect for training young riders.  Access and parking for horse boxes and trailers has been established and we enjoy good relations within our local community.

None of this would be quickly or easily be replicated elsewhere.

The Pony Club is the only equestrian society that actively promotes sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty amongst its objectives. Our young members, from a cross section of society, have been asked to try to help themselves by setting up their own fundraising campaigns.   However, with such a mountain to climb in a very short space of time, we will be immensely grateful for any additional assistance.

With your help, we can continue to reap the benefit of all this hard work, continue our history within our locality and secure the future of the Mid Surrey Branch of The Pony Club.

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