Sophie Pearn participating in the Kerang Pony Club 2025 Horse Trials. Photo by Grain and Mane.
The Deniliquin Pony Club will get the chance to put its new cross country course to the test this weekend when it hosts horse trials.
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The club has received more than 80 entries from across the region for the event on Sunday, which serves as a state qualifier for horse trials grades three to five.
The club, established in 1958 and part of the Northern Zone of Pony Club Victoria, was forced to rebuild its cross-country course following the devastating floods of 2022 and 2023.
The new course has been constructed by well-known course builder Stuart Bellingham, known for his work on the Finley State Horse Trials and Adelaide Horse Trials.
Committee member Prue Field said local support has been instrumental in the rebuild, with significant contributions from long time member Glenda Atkinson and her husband Darryl.
Deniliquin High School teacher Emily Pearn also coordinated Year 9 students from the Boys Community Program to assist with preparation work, such as removing trees and scrubs, painting jumps and putting up bunting in preparation for the horse trials.
The club currently boasts 26 active members, some of whom represent Deniliquin and competing at state and national levels.
In 2024, Deniliquin Pony Club had four members representing the Northern Zone of Pony Club Victoria in horse trials, dressage, show jumping and games.
Tomorrow, Violet McMahon will represent the Northern Zone at the Kay Irving Victorian Mounted Games Championships at Bacchus Marsh.
This is her second year representing the zone.
Spectators are welcome to attend the horse trials at the Deni Pony Club on Sunday. Entry is free, and canteen facilities will be available.
The Pony Club grounds are in Smart St, Deniliquin. With parts of Smart St closed for the event, entry is via Hay Rd.
Violet McMahon will represent the Zone in Bachus Marsh tomorrow.
Skye Starritt at the State Championships 2024. Photo by Harlequin Photography, Moama.
Emma Wettenhall in action at zone events last year. Photo by Grain and Mane.
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