Thumbs up: The Victorian team members enjoying their time at the Benalla Pony Club during the Pony Club Australia 2023 National Championships.
There is plenty of time for horsing around at the Benalla Pony Club this summer.
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The club recently hosted the Petstock Pony Club Australia 2023 National Championship at its facilities.
Benalla Pony Club president Tim Ward was honoured to have an event of this calibre held in Benalla.
Looking back: The Northern Territory Pony Club team at the Benalla Pony Club.
“(It is) a testament to how good the facilities are,” Ward said.
“We (Benalla Pony Club) did coaching and then had entertainment for the kids Wednesday night, which went off well.
“They enjoyed it and are still talking about it.
“I think it must have been a bit of a thrill for them.
“It was great to see it (come here).”
Many hands make light work: Benalla Pony Club members Rylee and Isla help pack up the jumps.
The Benalla Pony Club meets on the first Sunday of each month.
Participants aged five through 18 are grouped depending on their age and ability, each with an instructor who guides them through different disciplines.
The day starts at 8.30am and finishes around 2pm. Members are required to help set up and pack away equipment for the day.
These meets provide the riders with all the skills necessary for the biggest day on the club’s calendar, the horse trials.
Ward is expecting a large number of attendees from around the region at the event.
“We had excitement here last year when we remapped our cross-country course, which is part of the final stage of the horse trials,” he said
“It was such a monumental effort from Benalla Pony Club.
“We physically built the course in two weekends, and people volunteered their time to build it.
“We start off with the dressage, and then we do show jumping, and then the cross-country happens.
“It relies on a lot of generous people. (They) donate their time to assist with the medical side as far as making sure everyone’s well looked after, and we do always very much appreciate that help, really.
“It’s our biggest event of the year.
“We’re expecting it (the attendance) to be a lot more in March here.”
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