Pony club needs community support
Neerim District Pony Club needs the community’s help as it looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in four years’ time.
With tired facilities needing a spruce up and new equipment needed for members, the club is appealing for community assistance or sponsorship.
Once a month, a number of years ago, a young mum would walk beside her daughter riding her pony from Neerim South to the Neerim showgrounds for pony club – it was about seven kilometres each way.
Over the years many young riders from local farming families have ridden their horses to pony club as this was their only means of transportation.
The enthusiasm, love for their horses, long lasting friendships and being part of a welcoming, supportive equine family has kept young riders going to Neerim District Pony Club for 46 years.
The club anniversary.
The longevity of the club is founded on having fun, socialising, teaching members about teamwork and horsemanship.
The club is based at the Neerim showgrounds on land which the local community has used since the 1900s.
The club is proud of its facilities but they are tired and sub-standard. With no electricity, the shed is hot in summer, extremely cold in winter and there is no running water.
Club members ese a barbecue to keep warm in winter and are looking forward to one day putting a verandah around the shed for shade in summer.
The horse yards between the toilets and the is looking forward to its 50th shed are in need of redevelopment as they are too close to the septic system and are unsafe.
The club operates on the third Sunday of each month.
The club is looking for help to keep their facilities up to scratch and any donations will be gratefully received.
Club members need new jump poles and a tandem trailer for carting equipment.
If anyone has a trailer they don’t use, jumping poles or equipment they would like to donate please contact district commissioner Daina Custance (0457 950906) or chief instructor Trish Field (0439 899300).
The club is already planning a big celebration for its 50th anniversary and wants to use the next few years to spruce up their facilities and equipment to ensure the club is around for another 50 years.