If ever a pony club could lay a claim to having produced famous riders, it’s Emu Creek.

Four former members of the Victorian Western District club — Wayne, Barry and Clarke Roycroft and Phillipa Glennen — have become Olympians.

Phillipa was the first female to represent Australia internationally and the Roycrofts have become household names.

Other former Emu Creek members to ride in international events are Suzie Glennen, Michael Smith, Marc Glennen and Megan Glennen.

Like many country clubs Emu Creek ran sections for open and pony club, which gives local riders a chance to get young horses out quietly around good courses.

The young riders at this year’s event might not have such high expectations, but they are out enjoying their riding and their ponies in a sport that is hugely popular all over Australia.

Pony club parents don’t seem to mind travelling, and the event drew competitors from across the state.

The grade two section went to Iris Sudholz riding River from Horsham Pony Club, and in the open section, Georgina Birrell’s GE Monaco led right form the dressage phase to take the winner’s sash.

In grade three, local rider Mia Richie rode Pearl Jam for Emu Creek Pony Club to win and in the open section, Janet Williams riding Oh Romeo rose form second after dressage to win from a big class.

The lower classes were at capacity.

The grade four pony club winner was Emu Creek’s Chloe Reimer and Bellaview Spice. The open section was so popular it needed two divisions, which went to Jaimee Van Leerdam riding Sid and Aaron Gore’s Glampied Jack.

Grade five is always a delight. It has the happiest group of riders with the most anxious group of supporters, who tend to cheer, or sigh with relief, when their team comes through the finish flags.

It was Emily McLennan from Lochard Pony Club on Chilli who won from a huge class and in the open, Georgia Harris and Skyfall led from the dressage phase through to win her section.

See the whole gallery at The Regional.
Results
View and purchase Mane Memories images from this event

This article appeared on The Regional on 10 April 2024.

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