Giddy up: Olivia Burke and her horse leap through the air at the Bamawm Extension Pony Club. Photo: Supplied
Riders and horses will be out to impress at the Bamawm Extension Pony Club gymkhana this weekend.
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Over 50 competitors from across the state are expected to take part, with the event showcasing local riders and animals.
District commissioner for Bamawm Extension Pony Club Jodie Irwin said the gymkhana was set to be a fantastic event.
“It’s a great day,” she said. “It’s a good environment out there — it’s nice and safe and everyone has fun and we do it purely for our kids in our district to have some fun and show the horses off.
“Seeing the kids arrive and getting out and presenting the horses and the smiles and the fun that they are having, that’s why we do it.”
The event is a major fundraiser for the pony club, raising money that goes towards financing instructors, jumps and safety equipment.
Riders: Sam Dyson, left, Olivia Burke and Sarah Hilet at the Bamawm Extension Pony Club. Photo: Supplied
The club relies almost entirely on fundraising to survive, adding extra importance to this weekend’s event.
“We run purely on fundraising,” Irwin said.
“We hold two major fundraisers a year — the first one this weekend is our gymkhana and our dressage event is in October — and that’s how we raise money to keep our club afloat.
“Fundraising helps keep our club fees lower and we can have qualified instructors at every rally.”
She thanked the sponsors for this year’s event, saying they had played a massive role.
“We couldn’t survive without them,” she said.
“The local support that we’ve received this year from Drovers Saddlery, Blue Pacific Fish and Chip Shop, WB Hunters, Ridleys and Scentral Fragrances and Flavours — we couldn’t do what we do without them. We couldn’t put on an event such as we do and offer the prizes that we do.”
The gymkhana will be from 9am on Sunday, with competitors across junior and open divisions.
Prizes will be awarded in categories such as best presented and mount most suitable with overall prizes for supreme rider and supreme ridden too, as well as jumping competitions.
There will be a special fun ring for junior participants who don’t usually compete, with each participant receiving a special gift bag.
The club will be running a full canteen on the day, with the entire event being run by volunteers.
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