No shortage of Pony Club events or competitors as winter digs in
THERE’S an old expression “Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”.
Well, pony club kids are too smart to go out in that sort of weather without sunscreen, but they also showed on the weekend that they aren’t scared of a bit of very cold weather either with events being run all over the place.
There were good numbers in each class at all locations.
As well as the South Metropolitan ride-to-time qualifier, Langwarrin and Bacchus Marsh clubs held combined training, Cobram and Gisborne had showjumping competitions and if anyone wanted to train for cross country, Sam Jeffree and Hannah Klep had a training day at Werribee Park.
At Langwarrin, the club ran both pony club and open classes, which meant that adults could compete as well as the juniors.
The open classes were won by Katelyn Thompson riding Classic Censation in grade one, Courtney Thompson on Mighty Moses in grade two, Jaimee Hayes won grade three with Hayes Park Orlando, Courtney Thompson took home her second blue ribbon in grade four with River Tavi and Anthony Nemaric won the open grade five class riding Spierwood Esprit.
(It was at this stage that intrepid photographer Tazzie Eggins called stumps and decided it was simply too cold and dark to continue and took her camera home.)
In the Pony Club section, the classes run were for grades three, four, five and six, and the winners were Jessica Biggins and Regardez Secrets in grade three, Emily Walker riding Pretty Hill Stardust in grade four, Amber Langenhoff and Tak Ne won grade five and the grade six winner was Katelin Fakira riding Mr Magic.
At Cobram Horse and Pony Club’s jumping day, the course designer and judge was Selena Harmen, with event organiser Jemma Beilharz saying the day was a great success.
“The weather was testing at times however, overall, it was a good day and the rain didn’t impact the competition or the spirits of our riders,” she said.
“As we are a reasonably new club this was our first competition event. As a committee we feel it ran smoothly and on time most of the day, which led to fantastic positive feedback from parents and riders asking when we were going to hold another event.
“We are very thankful to those who were not part of our club who generously put their hand up to volunteer for the day.”
Results from Pony Club events over the weekend can be found below.
Cobram H&PC Jumping Day (click to download)