THE wait was worth it for Pakenham Pony Club, finally getting on course to hold the Pakenham Produce and Saddlery Horse Trials on Sunday with champions from across the state and the country descending on the pristine course.
After postponing the trials on account of the extreme weather warning on 7-8 February, the club was full to the brim with riders as 190 entrants descended on the club. The extended car-parking for floats was generously provided by the adjacent Holcim Quarries and allowed a bumper crop of riders to attend.
Trials included dressage, show jumping and cross country disciplines, that tested riders from the Pony Club Grade 5 category all the way up to elite category Pre-Novice class.
Taking out the top class Pre-Novice was Toni Shave riding Springtail Miss, edging out Leara Keysers on TC Phoenix and Jessie Fleming with Waitangi White.
The preliminary category was claimed by the Elinor Hannay/Karrik Ludo tandem while the introductory class and last of the adult categories was won by Mellisa Wheeler on Black Jack.
Three of the Pony Club grades were won by male riders to further promote male equestrian riding in the area, with Matthew Benson on Henry Handsome Pants (Grade 1), Will Hatfield on Kylandee Jack In The Box (Grade 4) and Kyle McLeod on Lolly (Grade 5) taking victories.
“The standard of competition was fantastic, the grounds looked amazing and were prepared by our club’s members, so everyone did a great job,” club president Stuart Benson said.
“It’s a team of people that run the event – amazing club committee, horse trials committee and the great team allowed us to run a great event.”
Benson wanted to thank Pakenham Produce and Saddlery, Holcim Quarries and mayor Graeme Moore and the whole Cardinia Shire Council for their continued support of the Pakenham Pony Club.
