At the anniversary celebrations, original club secretary Janice Cunningham cuts the birthday cake surrounded by life members and past members (from left) Graham Currie, Ron Hutchins, Peter Collins, Rodger Bektash, Jenny Bodankah (nee Bektash), Judy Pedretti, Vince Page, Floss Dohny, Jenny Wood (nee Slee), Trevor O’Dea (back), Moira Cummins, Jan Paige, Margie George, Bruce Ross, Belinda Farley, Deb Hicks, Leeanne Gooiker, Bayden Howe, John Mason, Ken Cuthbert, Sally Ross and Rob Slee.
Past and present members and family connections celebrated the recent Shepparton and District Horse and Horse Club’s 70th birthday.
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The committee and past members Rob Slee and Sally Ross tracked down life members and past members to make sure the day was a success.
Current members demonstrated their skills with a presentation of three lessons incorporating flat work (dressage), showjumping and cross country, with the addition of a games session.
The audience and current members shared stories and reminisced about the friendships that were established; many of which have continued to the present day.
Club president Karen Bond thanked all the attendees of the celebrations for helping make the day a wonderful success.
She also thanked sponsors Cakes Matter, Shepp Hire and Renato’s Florist and Azim of Lutfiyes for providing lunch.
The Shepparton and District Horse and Pony Club was established by a keen group of horse enthusiasts in 1952 using private property. Other venues included Tassicker’s paddock opposite Shepparton Cemetery, Princess Park, sometimes Hawkins Paddock on Verney Rd and Shepparton Showground for rallies.
Past member and respected equine coach David Quick perusing the club’s memorabilia.
The Shepparton and District Horse and Pony Club endeavours to uphold the original committees’ objective: “To encourage young people to ride and enjoy all kind of sport associated with horses and riding and to instil in them the proper care of their animals and offer them an opportunity to receive instruction”.
The club operates at monthly rallies held on the first Sunday of each month at the club’s home grounds in Kailla, behind the Shepparton Harness Racing Club.
Qualified instructors are employed each month to guide the children through the paces to advance in horsemanship and a variety of riding disciplines.
New participants can participate in a ‘come and try’ day before committing to Pony Club Victoria’s annual fee.
The club also offers a Ready to Ride membership for younger riders, as well as family memberships.
The Shepparton Horse and Pony Club will be adding the most recent 10 years to the club’s history book, which is available in hard cover to purchase for $50.
Current president Karen Bond checking over the ‘ranch house’ set up to finalise coordination of the 70th birthday celebration.
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