RUN by volunteers, this year’s Wonthaggi Pony Club Annual Camp was an overwhelming success.
The weather couldn’t have been better for the three-day event from January 7 to 9, as 86 riders from across Victoria and into New South Wales received coaching across three Olympic disciplines including dressage, show jumping and cross country.
Attending from East Gippsland through to Tocumwal riders ranged from five years to their 40s broken into 15 groups of all levels from on-lead to advanced.
And whilst a strict heat plan is adhered to, it didn’t have to be invoked with rain perfectly preparing the arenas earlier in the week, and spectacular sunshine making for warm days and cool evenings; ideal conditions for riders to learn and improve upon existing skills.
Esteemed coach Laurie Cruise was on hand on the final day, last Thursday, as riders opted to add in games this year.
Joining Laurie was an exceptional list of instructors from the local area through to Melbourne and the Yarra Ranges.
Group one Racing Victoria jockey Carleen Hefel popped into her old stomping ground, talking with riders about the industry and showing off her racing saddles and gear.
Having spent time in her youth at Wonthaggi Pony Club, Carleen was very positive about the changes happening within the racing community, particularly towards females in the industry; with more young women having entered the profession in recent times than men.
On Tuesday night, international level, local riders India Curtis, Gabe and Giselle Smith delighted audiences with their fast paced highly trained ponies and incredible skills in games.
“There has been a huge improvement not only over the first two days, but of riders from the previous year’s camp,” Dressage instructor Matt Archibald stated.
Organisers were incredibly pleased with the level of skills and improvement across all riders.
“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers and people have been very impressed this year,” organisers Tanya and Erin explained.
“We’ve had many appreciative campers and riders provide such positive feedback. They commented not only on our facilities and instructors but also all that the local community has to offer, such as
The Clubhouse meals at Wonthaggi Golf Club, who are one of our sponsors.”
The grounds were also in tip top riding condition with Tanya noting “local contractor Pat James does a fantastic job at slashing and mulching our larger grassed areas.”
“Wonthaggi Pony Club members and their children have worked exceptionally hard to get the grounds looking so spectacular and as safe as possible for riders to enjoy. It takes many, many working bees to get the grounds into the current conditions as presented.”
“The weather has been very kind to us. The rain had the arenas ready, and the breeze was just enough to keep the flies away,” added Erin.
Riders and support teams were fuelled up for lessons by lovely volunteers in the canteen. A trip down memory lane for those of the Boys Home Road Newhaven College.
Professional photographer, Taylah Clark was also on hand capturing rider’s special moments throughout the camp.
Showjumping and cross country were definitely popular choices amongst participants with Prudence, Abbigal and Frankie all favouring the earlier, whilst Ella, Grace and Asher were pleased on the cross-country tracks.
Whether you have always wanted to jump on a horse and pursue equine at a local level or have ambitions for competition, reach out to Wonthaggi Pony Club via their Facebook page for more information. Whether young or mature, there’s never been a better time to learn.