Kyneton Pony Club held its first Horse Trials event since 2019 at Rollinson Reserve on November 11-12.
The weather was sunny and warm and attracted more than 240 entries from across the state, including riders from Swan Hill to Colac and Healesville.
Earlier this year the committee set a very ambitious goal to upgrade the course after it had suffered storm damage.
Local businesses were approached and the club secured several new sponsors to help buy the materials required for the Grade 1 to Grade 6 jumps.
Most weekends a small group of families volunteered hours of their time to build the jumps and improve the grounds.
Club members were very relieved when the course passed accreditation just in time for the Horse Trials, which is a major fundraiser for the club.
“We have an amazing small group of members and community volunteers who worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months to provide the riding community with a fabulous new cross country course,” said Bridget Fraser, district commissioner of Kyneton Pony Club.
“We couldn’t be more proud of what has been achieved.”
On the weekend, several riders from Kyneton Pony Club had success including Kiara Vallance winning the Grade 2 Horse Trials on her horse Symphonico and sixth on Beau in the Open Grade 4 Horse Trials.
Tahlia Tobin was sixth in the Grade 3 Open Horse Trials on her horse Boy Drama, with Ruby Fraser first in the Grade 3 Pony Club Supercross and sixth in the Grade 3 Pony Club Horse Trials on her horse Racing Tycoon.
Meanwhile, Lucy Tobin won the Grade 4 Pony Club Combined Training on her horse Deck of Cards.
The club was so happy with the success of the event and the positive feedback received by everyone.
“We, as a committee, put a lot of hours and days into building our new cross country course in order to have a successful Horse Trials,” said club president Cassandra Waters.
“We could not have asked for a better weekend, the weather was lovely, the amount of entries was huge and we all as a club pitched in and helped the day run so smoothly.
“We hope everyone had a great time and we look forward to our next horse trials in November 2024.”
Ruby Fraser and Racing Tycoon on Grade 3 Cross Country. Photo: Caitlyn Beer 
Tahlia Tobin and Boy Drama Grade 3 Showjumping. Photo: Caitlyn Beer 
Lucy Tobin and Deck with ribbon. 
Kiara Vallance and Symphonico on Grade 2 Cross Country. Photo: Caitlyn Beer
