Among the hundred or more members and ex-members celebrating 40 years of the Carterton Pony Club at the Clareville Showgrounds on Sunday, will be several families who cover two generations of membership. Donna Cuthbert, above, seen jumping Secret Gift at the Adelaide three-day event in Australia, brought this horse off theracetrack as a three year old for the insignificant sum of $250 and trained him up for this prestigious event to successfully compete in the advanced section. Donna's mother Maureen, a strong driving force in her daughter's success, was herself a foundation pony club member, and is now known as an official horse and pony show judge. Craig Mason, also from the Carterton Pony Club, is pictured right with his horse Ocean Rhythm at the Tauherenikau One Day Event. This big bay thoroughbred was also taken straight from the track by Craig to become a successful dressage horse, winning against tough competition at Taupo and in many competitions in the lower North Island. Craig, like Donna, started at the pony club at an early age (5 and 7 respectively) both passing horsemanship certificates to go onto instructing and horse training. There have been many creditable riders emerge from this club over the years, competing in a variety of equestrian pursuits, such as racehorse training, stud breeding horse showing, harness activities, horse breaking, hunting, polo, international games and P.C. national games. A remarkable 40 years later from the small beginnings of a 12-rider club started by the late Tiwi Scott and Vera Hawke to a club with members reaching international success.
