Benalla Pony Club has been rewarded on the national stage, taking out second place in Pony Club Australia’s ‘Pony Club of the Year’ nominations.
The club was a finalist for the top three pony clubs across Australia, finishing equal-second alongside Mt Duneed Pony Club, while Queensland’s Yandina Pony Club took home first prize.
Benalla Pony Club secretary Lynda Burley, who’s family has been involved at the club for a number of years, said the club had enjoyed a stellar year and wanted to celebrate the hard work of its riders and members.
“We’ve had a change of committee and there’s a lot of young, up-and-coming riders this year,” Burley said.
“Lots of pony clubs have been dropping off in numbers, especially with COVID and the associated costs.
“We have worked really hard on building the club back up again, there’s lots of junior riders and we’re just trying to keep kids motivated and involved at the club.”
Burley said a thriving equestrian community in Benalla had come together in support of one another, improving its community connection and the culture of the club in the past year.
“The committee is very hard-working and we’ve made lots of changes around the equestrian centre in conjunction with the Raise the Roof committee and the Big Valley Quarterhorse Association,” Burley said.
“We’re lucky to have brand new, beautiful facilities, it’s constantly being upgraded and there are a number of events and fundraisers we hold each month.
“Everyone at the club is very passionate about what they do, it’s all about the kids and that’s what it comes down to — we want to make it a place to be and it really is.
“That’s our social outlet and our community connection.”