Two riding groups have been presented with a cheque to upgrade the local equestrian facilities at the LB Davern Reserve in Wandong.
The Kilmore and District Adult Riders Club (KDARC) and Standardbred Riding Group share the facilities when they meet to ride their horses, and over the years, their memberships have soared with the population growth in the Mitchell Shire.
The Wallan, Kilmore, and Broadford Bendigo Bank Community Bank has allocated $5000 from their community fund for a new competition size menage with a softer sand surface.
Bendigo Bank board member and horse breeder Jane Lovell jumped at the opportunity to make the presentation, along with Customer Services Officer Leanne Showler.
KDARC appreciated the support from the Bendigo Bank and so did their trusty steeds.
KDARC Secretary Liz Jeffrey has been with the club for around three years now and said the improvements allowed for a safer training surface for members to ride their horses on.
Ms Jeffrey said the new arena had elevated the club, and encouraged others to join in on their monthly meetings, which include family catchups.
“We always dreamed of replacing the blue crushed surface with sand. Ricky Marton from Twin Gums did a great job,” she said.
The Standardbred Riding Group rehome trotters who have been retired from harness racing and are thrilled that the new arena has doubled in size, with President Anita Gisch stating it was more suitable for retraining ex-trotters.
“The surface is better for our horses, it’s less dusty and our horses need more space to turn, and to learn how to canter,” she said.
Rally organiser Nicolle Cheriton said the ‘Standy’ group started in 2006, and they have been using the facilities for around 15 years.
“The toppings on the surface are brilliant. It was getting compacted. This surface is more comfortable for the horses,” she said
The Standardbred Riding Group will be attending the All Breeds three-day carnival commencing on Friday, November 22 at the Elmore Equestrian Centre, and invite all to attend. For more information, call 0411 500 217.
For more information about the KDARC, visit www.kilmoreanddistrictarc.weebly.com.
