Saddling up for Sydney

Yarra Glen Pony Club members Rose, Tahlia and Milla with Healesville Pony Club members Manon, Kira and Abi. 198478 Picture: JED LANYON

By Jed Lanyon

Several members of the Yarra Glen and Healesville Pony Clubs are preparing to compete at the Pony Club Nationals Competition to be held in Sydney for the week of 7-13 October.

Healesville Pony Club president Michelle Holland said in her 13 years as president, this is the first time the club has sent riders to the nationals event.

“It’s fantastic, they’ve worked hard. Some of them had to earn certificates to be able to go… They’ve attended qualifiers to meet the standards to get there.”

Ms Holland said the clubs will be presented with a unique opportunity to compete on the same team.

“These guys normally compete against each other but instead they’re all going to be riding together,” she said.

“Often it’s a very singular sport and they would be competing for themselves, so to be in a team is something I think will be really good for them.”

Healesville Pony Club member Kira said, “It’s cool to be selected, the whole application process and everything is a bit special. You don’t really get to do it very often.”

While Yarra Glen Pony Club member Rose said it would be an exciting experience to represent Victoria in Sydney.

Yarra Glen members Rose, Milla and Tahlia will be performing in the Junior Quiz Team, Junior Eventing Team and Junior Dressage Team, respectively.

Healesville members Kira, Abi and Manon will be competing in the Junior Quiz Team, Senior Quiz Team and Senior Dressage Team, respectively.

The six members will be representing the Pony Club Victoria Team at the Sydney Equestrian Centre.