Whakatane Branch Pony Club Needs Support Of Adults

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 65, 18 November 1949, Page 5

Whakatane Branch Pony Club Needs Support Of Adults

Next Wednesday night is to see the annual meeting of the Whakatane. branch of the Pony Club. Thiis branch, though the first of this district’s branches to be formed, has had difficulties peculiar to the fact that its aim is to foster a predominantly rural sport in a town community.

Not that there is any lack of interest. Right now there are over 30 children learning to ride' under Pony Club instructors, but Club officials claim the pupils would learn a lot faster with more help from the many local citizens with a sound knowledge of horsemanship whose support of the Club is more moral than active.^ One of the biggest problems here is grazing for ponies, and Wednesday. night’s meeting will be grateful for any helpful suggestions. Executive members have also expressed the hope that parents of children in the Club will be there to discuss ways to help their children to enjoy one of the best of all sports to the full and in the greatest possible safety. The Pony Club organisation is a big thing throughout the world, and a very big thing in New Zealand. Of the international organisation’s 20,000 members, 5,220 are New Zealanders, and over 200 live in this district.

This Sunday’s rally has a novelty touch that should bring a bumper attendance—a horseback paper chase at White Pine Bush. Whakatane members will assemble at* the Domain" at 10.30 a.m., armed witlvpicnic lunches, and will ride to the Bush. There will be limited transport for non-riders, and supporters with spare seats in cars will be more than welcome.