It’s that time of year again when riders from around the region pack up their ponies and swags and head to the Young showground for the annual Pony Club Camp.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Organisers have spent this week making finishing touches at the venue in anticipation of the 68th camp set to attract over 125 riders aged between five and 18 years old.
The camp kicks off on Sunday when riders are introduced to their 16 group leaders and 13 instructors.
This will be followed by an action packed week featuring a number of new activities such as vaulting and sports.
“A lady offered to teach our children how to vault,” committee member Cheryl Matthews said. “It’s vaulting where they learn to jump onto the horse, do exercises and it may involve kneeling and standing on the horse.
She said the activities will expose riders to new areas of potential interest.
“If they find they’re really interested in doing it they can go out and be part of other events like team sporting, penning and campdrafting at Bribbaree for instance,” Cheryl said. “It gives them more scope.”
While the committee is excited to introduce new activities, they also face the disappointing reality of participation numbers being significantly lower to that of last year.
Cheryl confirmed on Tuesday a number of factors played part in the outcome which has saw numbers drop from 170 participants in 2015. Financial restraints, poor weather and a clash of date with a NSW State Pony Club event all played a part in the decrease of participant numbers.
“We have lost group leaders and riders due to that situation, so it was very disappointing and there’s nothing this year we can do about it,” Cheryl said.
It'll be a lovely camp where the children will be in groups of eight, so they’ll get greater attention in their groups with their instructors.
- Cheryl Matthews
But she reassures readers it’s not all bad news.
“It will be a camp where there will be a reduced income due to the lower numbers,” Cheryl said.
“But it'll be a lovely camp where the children will be in groups of eight, so they’ll get greater attention in their groups with their instructors.”
The hard-working committee consisting of Barry Matthews, Natalie Spring, Genevieve Apps, Marg Pestell, Pam Bennett, Lee and Cheryl Matthews capably helped by Jenny and Ashley Pointer and Ian Fitzsimmons wish to thank the community and businesses who’ve continued their generosity.