Glenlyon and District Pony Club is in full swing in preparation for its annual horse trials on Sunday February 24.
Whenever the club holds this event, riders travel from all across the state to take part in the competition, which involves three phases over the day including a dressage test, show jumping round and a cross country course.
Riders’ points are tallied up for each combination for the day.
Many riders who’ll compete next Sunday will be seeking qualification for state-level events.
The day caters for pony club and open riders, from grade five up to grade one. There is a level for riders of all ages and backgrounds.
Horse trials are a great challenge to both horse and rider and test education, skills and knowledge and require a great balance between fitness and energy, agility and accuracy and calm control.
The wonderful reserve the Glenlyon Pony Club uses offers a lovely backdrop for the event and provides a unique terrain for the cross country phase through undulating bush tracks and flat clearings which test the control and endurance of both horse and rider.
The course consists of a great range of fences and many new jumps will be on show.
Of course, competitions like this cannot run with out the huge efforts from club members, volunteers and the wider community working together. The event’s sponsors must be thanked too. They include Daylesford Pet and Stockfeed, Perrys Stockfeeds and Saddlery, Hardwicks Kyneton, Bakers Delight Kyneton and Kyneton IGA.
“We are very grateful for everyone’s support to assist us in being able to run this competition for the benefit of riders seeking competitions in the area for both young or inexperienced riders and experienced or senior riders,” Glenlyon Pony Club secretary Sarah Klas said.
“It’s so wonderful to see so many riders of all abilities come together and enjoy horse riding.
“A lot of effort goes into keeping the grounds in great condition so its fantastic to see riders challenged and succeeding in the event.”
Entries to complete in the horse trials are still open via event secretary.com.au
Hosted every February, the club has a strong history of more than 50 years, with a growing membership from all around the Daylesford, Glenlyon, Kyneton and Malmsbury areas.
If you are interested in joining the club please visit www.glenlyon.ponyclubvic.org.au
