Our article was published by NZ H&P Mag online - here's the original article as it was published before being 'cut'
Saddleview Pony Club – “Respecting Our Past – Building Our Future”
On Wednesday 28th June 2017, Saddleview Pony Club held our annual prize giving celebrations at The Commercial Tavern Restaurant and Bar in Green Island. The club (formerly named Fernhill) has had its roots in the Greater Green Island area for over 40 years with the last 20 years having been based at the Dunedin Riding for the Disabled (RDA) grounds in Flower St, Fairfield.
Given our branch held our 40 year celebrations in December last year, we felt it fitting that instead of presenting the usual 1st, 2nd & 3rd Turnout and Attendance sashes to the riders, that we would design a commemorative sash instead. All members received one of these sashes along with some prizes as a mark of their commitment to attending pony club and for the effort involved in turning their horses, gear and themselves out to a standard to be proud of.
Our long term and loyal Patrons, Mr Robert (Bob) Fairhurst and his wife Toni attended the prize giving and were presented with a commemorative sash. Bob has a long standing association with this Pony Club as the founding President with Toni a founding member and coach back in 1976. They along with 3 generations of their families have been in involved with our Pony club and the Dunedin Group RDA. Bob is also a long serving member of the Greater Green Island Lions Club and many more community organisations. He gave a lovely speech filled with stories of his time as Dunedin RDA President and Fernhill Pony Club President and the wealth of knowledge and fun that they, along with their children and grandchildren experienced being a part of both organisations over the past 40+ years. He reiterated the benefit that pony club has for riders and their families and reminded everyone what a great life skill it is to have a pony to take full responsibility for, to work with as a partnership through highs and lows and not to forget to have a ‘friend’ to have fun with.
As a branch we believe it’s very important to celebrate Bob and Toni’s commitment to our branch, Pony Club and other activities that involve horses. Their support is much appreciated and highly respected. Without Bob's vision and commitment, the Dunedin RDA grounds where we are based, may never have been purchased. Bob ensured the RDA property was freehold and his vision of the shared facility was in place, before stepping back to take on less active roles but still maintaining an interest in both organisations. We feel it’s very important to respect and acknowledge the work of those before you, those who have worked hard and paved the way for the benefit of future generations and it’s wonderful to have some of those people still heavily involved with our club decades later.
SVPC membership numbers may not be as high as they have been in recent years, but membership numbers come and go, all clubs experience these fluctuations. What we don’t currently have in membership numbers, we make up for in enthusiasm, spirit and comradery. We have a great bunch of members, a passionate committee and a team of experienced coaches, so we have a lot to offer and plenty to build on. We have new ventures and plans for the coming seasons and our branch will continue with the same drive, spirit and integrity we’ve always had.
We welcome interest from any new members whether you have a pony or not, as there are NZPCA programmes available to cater for all.
If you would like further information on Saddleview Pony Club, please contact Kathy Fuller (head coach) at [email protected] or Louise Lawrence (President) at [email protected]
Admin Login