Waimarino Pony Club

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 667, 17 December 1996, Page 16

Waimarino Pony Club

The fine weather for the Waimarino Pony Club Gymkhana did not quite extend to the Ohakune branch tetrathlon on Sunday 17 November. Although the field was small and the conditions cool especially for the jump judges, the event went ahead and was enjoyed by all. We had one tetrathlon team and one triathlon team and a number of individuals. As usual the swim at Waiouru was the grand finale especially for the youngsters who almost had to be dragged from the pool for prizegiving which was accompanied by hot and cold drinks and biscuits. The tetrathlon team from Ohakune was Adrian Fetzer, Angela Fraser, Natasha Nicholls and Natalie Hodder, and the biathlon team was made up by Mathew Journeaux, Niklas and Daniel Godfrey and Catherine Godfrey. Individual place/age group winners were: running M Journeaux (juniof), N Nicholls (intermediate), A Fetzer (Senior); riding M Fredricksen (J), N Nicholls (I), A Fetzer (S); shooting M Journeaux (J), N Nicholls (I), H Godfrey (S); Swimming M Fredricksen (J), G Godfrey (I) H Godfrey (S). Clubhouse opening There was a good turn-out of riders for the Ohakune and Raetihi branches' combined rally on Sunday 24 November after a wet day postponement. It was followed by the opening of the Ohakune Branch Clubhouse by Ann Roke. The branch has worked hard to gain this building with working bees in which all riders and parents took part, and other fund raising, and donations from the Ruapehu Lions and the Ohakune Hotel Trust, and a grant from the Hillary Commission. "We appreciate all the help very much and thank Mrs

Gotlieb for organising the purchase and erection of the building," said club representative Evelyn Cooper. "It is only 18 months since we decided that a building was a must after so long making do with a small toilet or horse floats, for storage for the first and horse management sessions in the latter. It was a fitting celebration for the 20th birthday of the Ohakune Branch." In the afternoon the same riders took part in the Waimarino Games day, feeling very refreshed after partaking of a scrumptious barbecue prepared by the menfolk. Games played, in three different age groups, were bending, litter race, supermarket snatch, potato picking scramble, barrel race and newspaper race. There is one rally before.Christmas and new members are always welcome. Contact E Cooper, ph 385-8466. Saturday 7 December was a busy day for examiners Jean Jones and Nicky Williams who had five candidates to take through their 'C' Certificate. All were successful making it a red letter day for candidates and instructors. Ohakune' s new 'C' riders are Angela Fraser, Erin Newton, Hone Brausch, Virginia Morris and Natasha Nicholls.