Series helping to prepare horses and riders

AUSTRALIA-BOUND: A Gisborne Pony Club team will travel to Sydney in July. They are (from left): Toby Wallbank (standing), Quin Sydney, Phoebe Williams, Ellie Foot, Isabella Collier, Hannah Wallbank and Jack Hirst (standing). Absent: Sage Harding. Pictures by Rebecca Williams

A WET start did not deter many riders from attending the second day of the winter showjumping practice series being run by the Gisborne Pony Club.

The series is running over four Saturdays. The first two days were on May 7 and 28, and the next two will be on June 11 and July 2.

The practice days are being run to help prepare horses and riders for the start of the showjumping season early in spring.

Classes for horses start at 9am and jump heights ranging from 60 centimetres, rising to 1.10 metres.

Pony classes start at lunchtime with jumps starting at 50cm and gradually rising to 1.10m.

The courses are designed by local course designer Pam Hamilton. Each course is designed to build confidence in both horse and rider. These events are being held at Showgrounds Park.

Horse/pony-rider combinations can accumulate points over the series with prize-giving to be held on the final day. This is to encourage riders to attend as many of the practice days as possible.

The event is a fundraiser to help provide coaching and equipment for Gisborne Pony Club. Non-members pay $6 a round and members, $4 a round. A ground fee of $10 a horse applies.

Gisborne Pony Club is sending a team of their senior riders to Sydney, Australia.

A pony club exchange has been operating between the Gisborne and Sydney clubs for many years.

The Gisborne team members travelling in July are doing some of their own fundraising for the trip.