By Callum Ludwig
The Seville Pony Club and Open Horse Trials are set to kick off next month.
The event is the key fundraiser for the club for the year and will be held at the Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre in Gladysdale on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February.
District Commissioner for the Seville Pony Club Lori Hill said they are hoping to have about 200 competitors across the two days.
“We have riders all the way from (Pony Club Victoria’s) 110 level, the championship level, all the way down to grade five, which is the lower level and it’s usually a really good event and we’re hoping for another great event this year,” she said.
“We’re lucky to have quite a strong club and it’s great that they can all have the chance to compete, obviously the event is run by the committee and we get lots of help from the riders and their parents, but all our riders love that they get to compete, from the riders starting in grade five all the way up to those in grade one, they’re all doing so well.”
Yards are available for $30 for the weekend and free camping is available, though rubbish must be picked up and placed in bins or taken home as well as all manure to be picked up and placed in relevant locations.
Ms Hill said they are very lucky to be able to hold the event at Shirley Heights.
“It’s a beautiful property, always improving, the facilities are well kept and wonderful and it’s set up purpose-built for events like this,” she said.
“All are welcome to come down, we have trade stands, the canteen and coffee. Sunday is an especially exciting day when we’re having the cross country, even if you’re not really that horsey, it’s still an amazing sport to watch, to wander around the cross-country course and see these amazing athletes, both horse and rider, tackle these events,”
“I’m very proud of our club, we’re all super friendly, everyone’s always got a smile on their face and everyone’s super supportive of each other, regardless of what level you are at.”
Entries close on Wednesday 7 February and can be booked in on Event Secretary: eventsecretary.com.au/equestrian/18555.
