The horses were out in Tooradin ready to bring their riders to gold.
Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club held their Dressage Day on Sunday 12 March, an annual fundraiser run by the club.
Entries ranged from eight year old children on their first pony to riders over 60 years old.
“The weather was beautiful and all horse were behaving themselves in such a open space in the beautiful surrounds
of Tooradin Estate,” said Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club Vice President Claire Wilson.
“We had over 100 riders which is a very big turn out for a Dressage competition.”
With lots of local events on on the same weekend, Claire was excited to see such a great turn out for the competition.
The riders were required to take their horse through a set routine inside the dressage arena, being marked on accuracy, technique and ability to communicate with their horses.
Winners placed from 1st to 6th place and included a Champion and Reserve Champion for
each section.
This year the event was open to riders from Riding for the Disabled Association Australia
(RDAA).
“We had two RDA riders joining us,” Claire said.
“One of our riders was blind and had a helper lead her around the dressage arena.
“It was an amazing opportunity for our able bodied riders to watch and feel inspired at the riders achievements.”
The 2 RDA riders used the competition as a warm up for the Special Olympics held in April this year.
The club was thrilled at a successful fundraiser, after the pandemic saw a decline in membership and fundraising opportunities.
“We cancelled our annual event in 2021, and two events in 2022 were also cancelled due to wet weather and wet grounds.
“We applied for a community grant with Bendigo Bank Tooradin and we greatly appreciated their funding to help run the event and help with our fundraising profits to go back into the club.
“The event ran incredibly well with an amazing number of club volunteers running instant raffles and sponsorship from many equestrian businesses.
Local food and coffee vans were also in attendance with many riders commenting on “how friendly and inclusive” Dalmore Pony Club is.
