North Dorrigo has edged out nearly 300 other clubs to win the NSW Pony Club of the Year Award for 2018.
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Horse and riding enthusiasts have described the win as remarkable, given that it is one of the smallest clubs in NSW, with 25 active members, aged five to 17 years.
The club’s strength lies in its support base of parents, relatives and friends.
Earlier this year North Dorrigo was chosen to host the NSW Pony Club Championships, a marathon undertaking of planning, organising, catering and responsibility.
It was the first time the championships had been held in Dorrigo since 1988, and it demanded months of detailed planning.
The event was so successful that many competitors and officials said they wanted to come back to Dorrigo next year.
To be selected as host for a state championship a pony club must meet stringent conditions related to vision, leadership, risk management and community engagement, as well as all day meals and lots of bathing facilities.
Senior members privately concede the club’s organisation and running of the state championships would have influenced their award of NSW Pony Club of the Year.
Other important factors would have been that:
- It is one of only two clubs in the Mid North Coast Zone which still conducts annual residential camps for training and competition, drawing participants from NSW and Queensland.
- These intensive camps utilise highly experienced horse men and women as tutors coaching young riders in broad range horse and riding fields. Each camp is organised and run by volunteers.
- North Dorrigo is thought to be one of the only pony clubs in Australia to parade in public. This occurs as a highlight to the annual camp when more than 60 young riders parade through the streets of Dorrigo.
- The club has its own training arena, a former recreation ground in the village.
- The club has been operating for 60 years and offers members a combination of traditional Australian values, modern technology and an understanding of the place of the horse in Australian history and culture, past and present.
- The Club actively uses Facebook to promote interest among riders and attract and maintain its membership. Its Facebook coverage of the state championship attracted more than 1.5k likes.
- The club pursues a policy of improving facilities and conditions for members and visitors. Recently, it secured a grant from Bellingen Shire Council to install mobile panels for a dressage arena and team penning. These facilities are loaned out for community events.
- Undercover and outdoor stables have been contracted to facilitate overnight camps.
A club spokesperson said to win the state award was a “tremendous confirmation” of the club’s direction, the commitment of volunteers and the enthusiasm of its young members.