Diamond anniversary in the saddle
• Celebrating 60 years of the pony club on Saturday were L-R: Layla Oliver, Eliza McGregor, Alisa Cassidy, Savanna McLeod, Sophie Binns, Kiera Cassidy and Nicole Mallinson.
Front L-R: Sophie Nichols, Dakota McLeod, Lilly Elphinstone, Zoe Nichols and Mackenzie Heazlewood.
By Taylor Clyne
December 14, 2022
One of the oldest riding clubs in the state is celebrating its diamond anniversary this month, marking 60 years of the North-Eastern Pony Club.
The inaugural meeting was held on March 5, 1962 with twenty foundation members in attendance including Jeff Lohrey, Derris and Keith Targett, Neville Petrie and Joan Shipp.
The very first rally was held a month later in April 1962 at the Scottsdale Recreation Ground with Spencer and Tui Lawrence, Sue Ibbott and Helen Napier present assisting and instructing on the day.
Membership grew rapidly with approximately 60 riders joined by 1971 and by 1975 their numbers had increased even more to 76.
This included 53 girls, 20 boys and three associates.
Judy Jones recalls joining when she was about 15 years old.
“Most of the ones who joined already knew how to ride but we had no idea what a diagonal was on and what lead was the correct one to canter on,” she laughed.
“I had six years as a member before I was too old at 21, but enjoyed many more years with my daughter riding and instructing myself.”
Mrs Jones said the club was an important foundation for instilling responsibility, forming friendships, and improving the standard and care of riding.
“It’s a family sport and we’re now seeing the third generation of those local families coming through.”
Rallies soon moved out to the grounds at Springfield, with camps being held in Scottsdale.
The club serviced the North-East district with many members often riding their horses to rally days from places like Cuckoo, Jetsonville, and others as they didn’t own a float.
John and Di Lette helped build the current clubrooms while their children were riding, around the late 90s.
By 2000 the club had a membership of 27 riders which consisted of 23 females and four males.
Former pony clubber Julie Targett said it was more than just a sport, it was a youth movement.
“People form lifelong friendships through pony club.
“There is a large scope for testing and more opportunities to compete and set that foundation with your horse.
“NEPC has produced wonderful horseman that have gone onto the national stage such as Rohan Hadley as a reinsman, Jane, Vicky and Karen Symons in polocrosse, Kylie Hall nationally on the eventing stage.
“Anna Elphinstone and Fiona Atkins represented the state in jumping, Stuart Lester was shortlisted for the Olympics, Debbie Johnston and Katelyn Coniston are both FEI dressage riders, plus numerous others,” she said.
“It’s pretty impressive when you think of what people have done.”
Current committee member Helen McGregor said the story of how the uniform colours came about was a funny one.
“I was told a team were on their way down to a games competition when they realised they didn’t have a uniform, so the instructor swung into a local school and bought a uniform.
“That’s how its royal blue and white with no real colour tie to the area,” she laughed.
Mrs McGregor said there were many instrumental families that have kept the club alive and fundraised throughout the years.
“We currently have 21 active riding members and have made many improvements to the space over the past 15 years.”
This included a new verandah on the clubrooms, refurbished interior with new kitchen upgrade, purchasing of a ride on mower, installing a 60 x 20m sand arena, upgrade to jump poles and wings to safety standards, building of a cross-country course opposite pony club on Anderson’s property with permanent and portable fixed jumps.
“Another milestone is the North-Eastern Adult Riders combining with NEPC to be included under pony club umbrella and our share facilities,” she said.
“Thank you to the North-East community for supporting 60 years of Pony Club, especially all past and present office bearers and community volunteers.”