Wairoa Pony Club Season Wrap-up...

Wairoa Pony Club members reflected the past 12 months when they gathered together recently for the end of season prize giving. Club membership has been gathering momentum - from a mere two members three years ago to 24 riding members at the end of the 2017 season. Wairoa Pony club oozes enthusiasm from willing parents and this has been instrumental with the club growth. 

The variety of different activities Wairoa Pony club offer is key to keeping our keen riders motivated. Wairoa is very fortunate to have so many riding options available, unlike many urban clubs who only have their rented grounds for rallies!

The season began in September 2016 with members attending regular rallies as well as the WPCI Christmas Cracker gymkhana, annual dressage competition, Wairoa A&P show, Waitangi camp weekend and hunting with the Mahia Hunt.  A highlight was the club fielding a team to compete at the Hawkes Bay Area Zone Games trials – a first for many years. Members continue to work towards their certificates and Georgia Tizard, Joe Powdrell, Tattie Bayly and Isobel Bayly passed their D certificates towards the end of the season.

During the annual pony club camp, it was fantastic to see riders really pushing themselves to achieve something new throughout the three very full days of workshops. 

Adult members attended a first aid course hosted by the Hawkes Bay area while coaches attended the national coaches conference in Taupo.

Club members continue to raise funds and during the past 12 months the club has received funding for new uniforms and a new equipment shed which will commence once the weather and ground conditions improve.  Funding has been secured recently enabling the club to bring a national coach to Wairoa during the new season that begins this September. 

After the very successful fundraiser with the Dave Dobbyn Concerts the club is now hosting a movie night with the classic ‘The Man from Snowy River’ at the Gaiety Theatre this Friday 21 July.  “This movie is an all-time favourite with the young old and in-between” Sue Wilson, President of Wairoa Pony Club commented, “we encourage anyone to pre-purchase your ticket to avoid disappointment.”

2016 - 2017 Prize Giving end of season awards

Hill Family cup for Diligence: Penny Wilson; McArdle Cup for Effort and Attitude: Harriet Morunga; Falconer Trophy for Improved Confidence: Ellie Newman; Powdrell Cup for Overall Improved Rider: Oliver Newton; Heather Grant Cup for Best Combination: Isobel Bayly and Wilbur; Kendra Pye Turnout Trophy: Maisey Alexander.

Attendance Award: Olivia Morunga.

Improved Rider Senior: Ellie Newman; Improved Rider Intermediate: Tattie Bayly; Improved Rider Junior: Georgia Tizard;

Excellence for Jumping: Grace Cooney.

Rising Star Certificates: Lara McDonald; Annabel Alexander; Jess Alexander, Harrison Alexander, Myra Harris and Heath Morunga.

Best Surprise: Saba Green; Awesome Effort: Ava Swann and Sophie Allott; Prettiest Pair: Lilly Begley-Dean and Kyra McCormack; Raciest Rider: Regan McCormack and Josh Beale.

Certificate Achievements:

D Certificates: Joe Powdrell, Georgia Tizard, Tattie Bayly and Isobel Bayly.

Lead Rein Certificate: Maisie Alexander.

Wairoa Pony Club Zone Games Team 2017 Representative: Olivia Morunga; Joe Powdrell; Georgia Tizard; Tattie Bayly and Grace Cooney.