Summer riding camp

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 473, 16 February 1993, Page 12

Summer riding camp

by

Evelyn

cooper

The highlight of the summer holidays for the Ohakune branch members of the Waimarino Pony Club was a camp at Karioi Domain during the second week of January, when 13 children and two adults were in residence, with back-up help from other adults on a daily basis. A two-and-a-half-hour ride in and back at the end with three full days in between made it a worthwhile experience for the riders, many of whom had not been to camp before as this was the club's first for many years. A full rally was held on one day and instruction the other mornings followed by

treks over surrounding farm-land. Emphasis was placed on jumping practise and learning a musical-ride which after three practises was performed to an appreciative audience of a few parents who joined us for a barbecue on Friday evening. This performance was a credit to the riders who worked hard at it and looked very smart in their club uniforms, said a club officer. The following week eight members, children and parents, attended the Kaitieke Pony Club camp for a further week of instruction and trekking with five riding in via Patua road, near Oio and back via Fishers track to National Park.

Both were interesting and saved the car drivers many kilometres as they had to make two trips to transport all the ponies to camp. Some very fit ponies returned from camp. At the King Country area dressage day at Owhango in January, Victoria Duigan gained selection for the dressage team to compete in April against the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne districts. Shelly Gotlieb has been named reserve for the King Country area invitation team to attend the Kumeu Agricultural and Horticultural Show in early March for a comprehensive programme of games and show jumping. Older members are at-

tending A&P Shows and ODE's out of the district and are looking for ward to the Waimarino A&P, Show, Karioi Sports Day and the ODE at Roke's Farm, for all levels of rider and incorporating the King Country Area Horse Trials for team selection for the championships in Whangarei in May. The ODE is open to any rider, including adults. Rallies continue to be held on some Saturday s, when interested nonmembers are welcome, but they are asked to phone beforehand for confirmation. Contact Mrs Gotlieb, phone 3858539; or Mrs Cooper 385-8466.