Bobby Catalano and Betty. Bobby was one of the lucky raffle winners, with thanks to WB Hunter, Shepparton.
Another successful equine weekend for the Shepparton and District Horse and Pony Club, running a freshman’s show jumping day on Saturday, May 2 followed by a members’ sleepover at their home grounds that night leading in to the Sunday, May 3 club rally.
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Freshman’s show jumping events are practice days where riders are invited to complete up to five show jumping rounds. The total rounds jumped is the choice of each rider-and-horse combination.
Freshman’s show jumping days are a great confidence-building tool for horses and riders, allowing them to complete their rounds in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, without the pressure of a competition.
For Shepparton’s feshman’s, two show jumping courses were set up in separate arenas; one beginning with poles on the ground moving up in 10cm increments to 50cm in height, the second starting at 50cm, working up to a height of 100cm.
The day was shared with riders from as far as Broadford, and the pony club was stoked with the extremely positive feedback received from visitors; communicating they’d experienced a very enjoyable, laid back and welcoming encounter.
Saturday night’s campers brought their caravan, swag or set up bedding in front of the clubhouse fire, shared lasagne and a delicious sweet, before settling in for a movie.
It’s never a late night after a busy day with the horses.
In the morning, a yummy breakfast of bacon and egg sandwiches was served before the monthly rally.
Sunday’s rally kicked off with gear check at 9am completed by Pony Club Victoria’s North Eastern Zone deputy chief instructor, Julie Duffy.
This led into a session of poles/show jumping or games for the two groups participating, instructed by Julie and event rider and coach Ashlee Slavich.
Due to Mother Nature’s choice of seasons for the day, the more advanced riders finishing off with a cross-country lesson prior to lunch, finishing earlier than planned just as the skies truly opened.
Some warm lunches were made and shared; schnitzel rolls, dim sims or pies and drinks, while learning was completed on certificate work for riders to advance to the next level of equine competency.
May’s rally was the second last for the pony club membership year.
If you are looking at joining your local club, now is the perfect time.
If you join prior to the June rally, it will be a bonus rally for the 2026-27 financial membership year.
For further information, contact club president Karen Bond on 0418 578 755 or membership co-ordinator Peta Stumpo on 0425 803 877.
Alexis Telford on Major and Sophie Fifield on Euro, having a rest after some jumping practice.
Sophie Fifield jumping Euro out of the cross-country water jump.
Julie Telford jumping Hugo in a 100cm freshman’s round.
Alexis Telford riding Denny over a 100cm freshman’s obstacle.
Karen Bond on Rou, proving you are never too old to be a pony club member, Sophie Fifield on Euro and Alexis Telford riding Denny. All soaking wet after their cross-country session.
