More than 60 horses and their riders will parade through Dorrigo’s CBD on Friday (30-9) to climax a five day intensive pony club camp.
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The parade will pass through the CBD at 3pm, then return to the Showground for presentations.
Young riders have come from Queensland, many areas of NSW as well as the North Coast and New England.
The annual camp has been held for more than 45 years and represents a major undertaking by the North Dorrigo Pony Club.
Riders, horses and officials must be housed, fed and cared for and the families of many participants camp at the grounds.
Highly experienced instructors maintain a gruelling schedule for the five days working with riders aged 18 down to four or five years.
To add to their workload, all instruction must contain an element of fun and an ability to switch from experienced show-ring competitors to youngsters whose horses are led by a parent or family friend.
As well as the usual pony club events and the basics of riding and care of horses this year’s camp is expected to include: campdraft training, a mechanical cow, dressage training, jumping, sporting, polo cross, flat work and more.
The camp is strongly linked to Australian history and the importance of horses and the need to ride well, a club spokesperson said.
“The maintenance and extension of the Australian tradition of horse riding and competition is of vital importance, especially to people living in country areas.
“Pony clubs in general and intensive training programs like this one are essential if young Australians are to become competent, safe riders and carry on this rich heritage.”
The general public are most welcome to visit the Showground and watch the riders in action. To meet safety requirements visitors are requested to check with officials about possible restricted areas.