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  • Writer's pictureFran Cleland

Club determined to nurture riders to be their best selves

Updated: Feb 8, 2023


ABOVE: Sienna Burning and Terrific D’ Amour. Picture: CAITLYN HOW

LILYDALE District Pony Club was established in 1985 and has become a significant part of the Lilydale community in Tasmania.


Based at Karoola hall and recreation grounds where they host rallies and camps, the club has a number of riding surfaces as well as a small cross country course.


“Our values are based on ‘RIDERS’, which stands for respect, inclusiveness, diversity, enjoyment, relationships and success,” club secretary Lisa O’Rourke said.


“This speaks volumes for what our club stives for in everything we do.


“In 2020, we were awarded Australian Pony Club of the Year and over the past few years, we have had a number of riders achieving at high levels at national competitions.


“We are able to support these riders as well as our younger riders who are just starting their journey.”


The club’s cross-country course at “Fairlands” is owned by Marion Dalco and hosts two one-day events (ODE) each competition season with the support of the Northern Tasmanian Eventing Club (NTEC).


The club’s ODEs are open to all child and adult members from all Tasmanian pony clubs, as well as all Tasmania Eventing Association riders. They offer five different grades, ranging from 50cm to 105cm jumping, with the dressage phases varying in difficulty.


The Horse Trials held in late January had 130 horses entered.


ABOVE: Paige How and Visscher. Picture: CAITLYN HOW

The Coulson Grand Slam shield and rug was presented at the event and went to Bronte McShane riding Kingsclere. The award goes to the grade one horse and rider combination with the highest combined placings across three of the four Northern Zone events.


Bronte’s Eagle Elms Buddha led from the dressage phase in the one-star class finishing just one point ahead Kiah Mansfield’s Tjet Rising Phoenix.


Other EA class winners were Alexandra Scott on Dreams Can Come True in the EvA 95, Madalan Morgan’s Phar Word in the EvA 80, Carole Coates’ Lethal Promise in the EV 65 and Jackie Harvey’s Dolly in the EV 50.


In the pony club classes, Maddy Handbury on Lanis Dubai won grade one, Maya Stephens’ Sahara Sun won grade two.


There were four division of grade three won by Tully Anderson’s Morning Echo on a countback from Bridie Davis and Captain PJ, Isabella Gibbons on All Or Nothing, Britney Arnold on Omega and Hannah Ryan on PEC Tomahawk.


In grade four, winners were Alex Spillane’s Against the World and Jo Hendley’s Milton. The grade five winner was Piper Erbet and Abbey.


Possibly one of the most important mention is the fact that each year for the past five years at the January event there is a raffle for Dolly’s Dream, a group with works for young people with problems. This year more than $800 was raised.


ABOVE: Sarah O’Grady and Asyoudo. Picture: CAITLYN HOW
ABOVE: Lily Blundstone riding Gotta Good Reason. Picture: CAITLYN HOW
ABOVE: Dakota Corey and Up Town Funk. Picture: CAITLYN HOW

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