THE Kilmore and District Pony Club had a successful edition of its Combined Training Day for 2025, bringing over 100 riders in a wide range of disciplines to the Kilmore Racing Club for a day of celebration with their horses.
A wide range of competition was on offer, particularly in the showjumping and dressage classes for riders of differing skill levels, while the club scored support from a bevy of sponsors as well as the Kilmore SES, who helped direct parking for the day.
Kilmore Pony Club secretary Debbie Dougall said the event brought riders from all over the state on a perfect day weather-wise.
“It’s fantastic. There are over 100 riders coming from around the state to participate, and some even came from Deniliquin in New South Wales. Kilmore turned on the weather for us, which is beautiful,” she said.
“It’s a really good event, and it’s great to see the kids having fun. We are a little club, looking for more members, but always with plenty of enthusiasm.”
Ms Dougall said the club had plenty to offer for riders of all ages from four to 25.
“Our club has lots of smaller, younger riders, but we offer for kids four or five years old to 25, and we cater for all ages, from the little kids on the lead, who are only learning, to the ones who are more experienced, competing every weekend at high levels in showjumping, dressage and other disciplines,” she said.
“On our rally days, we don’t just do showjumping, dressage and cross country, we would also have Western, and we have different interest groups come along. We’ve had a Light Horse club come along from Seymour, a paramedic has come and taught the kids first aid as well, so it’s all about setting the kids up for a life not just with horses, but life skills as well.
“We do a lot of kilometres of walking, but it is so nice to have it all spread out with plenty of room. We’re grateful for a centralised Pony Club.
“We are welcome for anyone, even if you don’t have a horse, you can come through on the third Sunday of every month and watch the kids have a great time.”
