Inter-Pacific Exchange 2009
STOP PRESS! Due to yesterday's decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global flu pandemic it is with heavy heart that we have decided to cancel this year's event. We hope it will be possible to re-schedule this event next year and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Inter Pacific Exchange (IPE for short) is a competitive and cultural exchange programme, open to all Pony Club members who have attained their B level of riding and are aged between 17 to 21. Participants are drawn from countries within the Pacific Rim; New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan , Singapore, Hong Kong. In the past, Great Britain was also part of the group, not by location but as the 'mother' country of Pony Club and to whom Hong Kong Pony Club is still affiliated.
Hong Kong Host Country 2009
Hong Kong is delighted to be able to 'host' IPE 2009. Following just one year after the Olympics we have a lot to live up too. However, we are ready to take up the challenge and promise that it will be an IPE year to remember.
We are most fortunate to have the support of Hong Kong Jockey Club, through the use of its facilities and horses. We are also indebted to Clearwater Bay Equestrian and Education Centre and Lo Wu Saddle Club for their support.
The Hong Kong team is made up of four people. Three ladies and one man. Jemma Rodgers, Francis Lo, Amanda Budge and Tom Ho are all Pony Club members and ride and compete on a regular bases both in Hong Kong and overseas. As ‘host’ country we of course hope that our Hong Kong team do well however, we enter this "exchange" in the spirit it was set up to be, one of fun, friendship and cultural awareness.
For more information on IPE e-mail secretary@hongkongponyclub.com
Amanda Budge
I am very pleased to be selected for the Hong Kong IPE team 2009. I am 17 years old, was born in Hong Kong and have been an enthusiastic member of the Hong Kong Pony Club since I began riding at nine. I have participated in many Hong Kong Pony Club competitions in Hong Kong and in 2008 was a member of the West Island School team which won the inaugural Hong Kong Inter- School Equestrian Challenge. I am currently studying in England where I have my own horse but return to Hong Kong every holiday to ride at much as possible. I am looking forward to welcoming the members of the other teams to Hong Kong for the IPE 2009 and introducing them to our wonderful city and countryside.
Thomas Heffernan Ho
My name is Thomas Heffernan Ho and I am 20 years old. For many years, I have been a member of the Hong Kong Pony Club and actively participated in competitions in Hong Kong as well as at International levels. I represented Hong Kong to take part in the CSI'Y' India and CSIO Korea, Team and Individual Show Jumping competitions in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
Francis Lo
First of all, welcome to Hong Kong! I am extremely privileged to be chosen on an IPE team again after riding in the Rolex Arena with the HK IPE team in 2007! So much has happened since my last IPE experience! Looking back, I was super lucky to have competed at the Olympics Facilities in summer 2007 for the Test Events and the year after, landed an internship with the Game's Show Jumping Manager! At the moment, I am completing my degree in International Relations at the University of Southern California but still spend time in the saddle as a beginner in polo! In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, EATING, playing rugby and hanging out/tanning under the Californian sun. I am looking forward to meeting every one of you and make you all fall in love with my home town and favourite place in the world.
Jemma Rodgers
Jemma Rogers, 17, Hong Kong Pony Club, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Outside of riding, Jemma devotes her time to drama, music, traveling to exotic places and hanging out with friends.