Pony Club Camp is the fifth and final book in the Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). Despite it's title, it is not related to the books Pony Club Cup, Pony Club Challenge and Pony Club Trek. It was first published in 1957. It was republished in 2021 as an ebook and in 2022 as an paperback by Jane Badger Books. It was illustrated by Sheila Rose although the illustrations do not appear in the ebook.
The blurb reads:-
For the Pony Club member it is the high spot of the summer. Out come the tents and sleeping bags and torches. Into boxes go grooming kits, headcollars, mugs and plates, haynets, pyjamas, and buckets. Children and ponies arrives in one glorious great confusion as camp begins at last.
The first night is full of surprised! A week of mounted games, jumping, schooling, picnic rides and midnight feasts is crowned by the Pony Club Gymkhana - and some very surprising results.
The blurb reads:-
This is the latest if Josephine Pullein-Thompson's well known pony stories. Many of the characters who appear in her earlier books such as One Day Event and Pony Club Team appear again here. The story revolves round a fortnight camp which is run by Major Holbrooke and in which a variety of all ages and sizes come to learn more about their difficult and enthralling hobby.
Although the first blurb refers to the later paperback edition I am using the full text in order to conduct my review: so as a consequence there may be references to things that are missing from paperback editions (bar Jane Badger's edition who uses the original text). I no longer own a edited edition to check.
The beginning of the book sets the scene. Noel and Henry who have left school (there is talk of Henry and the army) are promoted to camp instructors by the Major. There is a mad dash by the rest of the members to find the money for the camp; naturally they are all excited. A Mrs Quayle (interestingly enough there is a Alison Quayle in the Woodbury Pony Club series. Though it has to be pointed out they are 2 completely different characters. A fact of note is that both Quayle's appear in the last book in the series) is introduced as head of the Pony Club Camp.
The second chapter is taken up by the setting up of the camp. Henry organises them by way of a whistle which proves effective. There is some new junior members appear such as Merry, the Barkhams and Judith Quayle.
The next chapter is taken by practical tasks of the camp. Personally speaking i found it ok, nothing offensive. It certainly sets the scene.
Chapter 4 is mainly taken up by the riding part. As per typical fashion as seen in the previous books, both rides (Noel is in charge of one and Henry the other) are completely useless. They do some schooling and mounted games.
The fifth chapter is taken up with practical horse care with some schooling from Noel. As per typical Josephine style there is some schooling technique but it's so brilliantly woven in you dont notice you're being taught. There's also a scavenger hunt taking place with interesting results.
Chapter 6 is taken up with a Sound Hunt. It's full of adventure. Interestingly Gay Milwood says it would be super if Noel and Henry married, the first hint of romance in the book.
The next chapter is taken up with the preparation for the forthcoming inspection by 3 friends of the Major (something announced towards the last of the previous chapter). It is remarked by Gay how Noel and Henry would make a good couple; there are plans by her to get them together. There is jumping of which there is mixed results. There is also practice for an activity ride. The inspection commences and there is also Pony Club C and B tests taking place. That is done with mainly excellent results.
The eighth chapter is taken up by practising for the ride that is going to take place that afternoon. It is referred to as Parents Afternoon and Gymkhana. The Mounted Games takes place during the chapter, with rosettes won. There is also a jumping competition and a relay race. All of which are witnessed by parents.
The ninth chapter is taken up by a ride on the Downs. Noel and Henry reminisce over events that took place in previous books. Gay talks about marriage, particularly by young people. This is rebutted by the Major. There is a party in this chapter too, which is enjoyed by all members.
The 10th and final chapter is about the end of the camp. All members want to do it again as they are sad to leave. There are prizes given and that is the end of the book.
It is generally a good book and gives a hint of an experience of Pony Camp. There is alluded to whether a kiss appeared in this book between Noel and Henry. Personally speaking I like to think it happened even if it was just a peck on the cheek. It's because of the romance that Josephine did not write any more books in this series as it was generally frowned upon at the time it was published. Still worth reading as it's not too explicit if you dont enjoy romance.
