Open E Grade Champions, Safari Murphy and Chico (Langwarrin Pony Club). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Sunshine and smiles at Merricks Pony Club Showjumping Day
By Equestrian Life
At the end of October, Merricks Pony Club ran a Showjumping Day at its picturesque grounds on the Mornington Peninsula. It was an event met with not only lovely Spring sunshine, but also smiles from all the Pony Club and Open riders that took the opportunity to compete.
For Pony club riders it was a State Qualifier, while Open riders could enjoy gaining competition experience in a supportive and relaxed environment. A small, family-oriented club with a friendly and happy atmosphere, Merricks Pony Club has been educating riders and connecting families for over forty years – and this event was no exception.
Merricks Pony Club committee members were decked out in RB Sellars vests and shirts for the occasion. L-R: Decima Chadd (Treasurer), Adam Sleep (President), and Sarah Hughes (DC). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Of course, the welcoming atmosphere took nothing away from the quality of competition, with a large field of 88 competitors and 100 horses meaning the event was fully subscribed. Club President Adam Sleep explains that given the size of the facilities at Merricks Station Grounds, they cap entries to ensure the best possible experience for all competitors. A small club with 34 members, Adam says they really bat above their average, with everyone pitching in to make the events the success they are.
Combinations from F up to B Grade showed their skill over numerous rounds, with the followed champions crowned at each level:
Pony Club B Grade: Claudia Grant & Buckwell Park Archer (Merricks Pony Club)
Open B Grade: Christina Vemis & Mulder
Open B Grade Champions, Christina Vemis & Mulder. Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Open B Grade Champions, Claudia Grant & Buckwell Park Archer (Merricks Pony Club). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club C Grade: Claudia Grant & Viewmont Arni (Merricks Pony Club)
Open C Grade: Ethan Height & Charcoal Park Aureo
Open C Grade Champions, Ethan Height and Charcoal Park Aureo. Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club C Grade Champions, Claudia Grant & Viewmont Arni (Merricks Pony Club). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club D Grade: Chloe Wolsley & Kapeta Fantasy (Balnarring Pony Club)
Open D Grade: Kelly Mcconnachie & Tyson
Open D Grade Champions, Kelly Mcconnachie and Tyson. Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club D Grade Champions, Chloe Wolsley & Kapeta Fantasy (Balnarring Pony Club). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club E Grade: Ollie Bardis & Blinky Bill (Merricks Pony Club)
Open E Grade: Safari Murphy & Chico (Langwarrin Pony Club)
Pony Club E Grade Champions, Ollie Bardis & Blinky Bill (Merricks Pony Club). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club F Grade: Ruby Lockyer & Fuzzy (North Eastern Horse & Pony Club)
Open F Grade: Miranda Judd & Ponty
Open F Grade Champions, Miranda Judd and Ponty. Image: Merricks Pony Club.
Pony Club F Grade Champions, Ruby Lockyer & Fuzzy (North Eastern Horse & Pony Club). Image: Merricks Pony Club.
All five Open Champions walked away with woollen trophy rugs courtesy of RB Sellars, who recently launched their highly anticipated RB Equestrian range.
Full results from Merricks Pony Club Showjumping Day can be found here.
Merricks Pony Club hold rallies on the third Saturday of every month, with activities including dressage, show jumping, cross-country, musical riding, and natural horsemanship, as well as certificate work. The club now looks forward to its popular Christmas rally, which not only includes an awards ceremony but also a much anticipated visit from Santa!
You can find out more about Merricks Pony Club via their Facebook page or Instagram.
Published 17 November 2023.
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