Wairoa Pony Club shows strong growth

Wairoa Pony Club - WPCI PrizeGiving2017: End of Season trophy holders from left: Ellie Newman, Harriet Morunga, Isobel Bayly, Oliver Newton, Maisey Alexander, Penny Wilson with Head Coach, Kendra Pye.

THE turnout at Wairoa Pony Club’s end-of-season prize-giving reflected the growth in membership over the past three years.

From two members three years ago, the club built to a riding membership of 24 at the end of the 2017 season.

Wairoa Pony Club president Sue Wilson said the enthusiasm of parents had been instrumental in this growth.

The variety of different activities the club offered was key to keeping riders motivated, she said.

“Wairoa is very fortunate to have so many riding options available, unlike many urban clubs who only have their rented grounds for rallies,” she said.

The season began in September 2016 with members attending regular rallies as well as the Christmas Cracker Gymkhana, annual dressage competition, Wairoa A&P show, Waitangi camp weekend and hunting with the Mahia Hunt.

The club fielded a team at the Hawke’s Bay Area Zone Games trials — the first time it had done so in many years.

Members continued to work towards their certificates, and Georgia Tizard, Joe Powdrell, Tattie Bayly and Isobel Bayly achieved their D Certificate towards the end of the season.

During the annual pony club camp, riders pushed themselves to achieve something new throughout the three days of workshops.

Adult members attended a first-aid course organised from Hawke’s Bay, while coaches attended the national coaching conference in Taupo.

The club was active in its fundraising efforts. Funding had been secured for new uniforms, a new equipment shed and the visit next season of a national coach to Wairoa.

Following the success of the Dave Dobbyn concerts as a club project, the club decided to host a movie night — Classic Australian film The Man from Snowy River will screen at the Gaiety Theatre tomorrow night.

“This movie is an all-time favourite with the young, old and in-between,” pony club president Sue Wilson said, urging people to pre-purchase their tickets.

Tickets are available from The Vanilla Bean, Wairoa Pony Club members, by email from tickets@smwdesign.co.nz or by phoning Sue Wilson at 027 446 7261.

Awards announced at the 2016/2017 end-of-season prize-giving —

Hill Family Cup for diligence: Penny Wilson.

McArdle Cup for effort and attitude: Harriet Morunga.

Falconer Trophy for improved confidence: Ellie Newman.

Powdrell Cup for overall improved rider: Oliver Newton.

Heather Grant Cup for best combination: Isobel Bayly and Wilbur.

Kendra Pye Turnout Trophy: Maisey Alexander.

Attendance Award: Olivia Morunga.

Improved rider, senior: Ellie Newman.

Improved rider, intermediate: Tattie Bayly.

Improved rider, junior: Georgia Tizard.

Excellence for jumping: Grace Cooney.

Rising star certificates: Lara McDonald, Annabel Alexander, Jess Alexander, Harrison Alexander, Myra Harris and Heath Morunga.

Best surprise: Saba Green.

Awesome effort: Ava Swann and Sophie Allott.

Prettiest pair: Lilly Begley-Dean and Kyra McCormack.

Raciest rider: Regan McCormack and Josh Beale.

Certificate achievements —

D Certificate: Joe Powdrell, Georgia Tizard, Tattie Bayly and Isobel Bayly.

Lead Rein Certificate: Maisey Alexander.

Wairoa Pony Club Zone Games team members for 2017: Olivia Morunga, Joe Powdrell, Georgia Tizard, Tattie Bayly and Grace Cooney.