Moree Pony Club receives $11,000 state government grant to assist move to new temporary home

With the prolonged drought had taken its toll on its current home at Winima Equestrian Park, Moree Pony Club has been forced to temporarily relocate.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced a $11,000 state government grant to support the club in relocating and purchasing new safety equipment.

"Sadly Moree Pony Club has not been spared the fallout of the devastating drought, with the small volunteer committee unable to do the work needed to keep its previous grounds maintained and safe," Mr Marshall said.

"As a result the club has saddled up and moved camp to Ashley, using part of this grant to cover the cost of hiring machinery to transport its equipment.

"The funds will also be used to provide mentoring to club instructors and parents, to help build capacity, knowledge and the skills needed to confidently teach riders.

"This year the club welcomed the inclusion of senior riders and it now provides instruction and competition opportunities for Pony Club riders aged from two to 80 years.

"Finally, much of the clubs equipment will be upgraded with the jump trailer to be re-purposed, new mandatory riding vests purchased, and improvements made to the cross country course and riding surfaces at Ashley.

"It's heartening to see the way Moree Pony Club is taking these operational challenges head on and I'm glad the State Government has been able to provide this funding to help."

Moree Pony Club secretary Kate Brennan said new equipment would help the club make a fresh start.

"At the end of the day our focus is instilling a love of Pony Club, sharing knowledge and building the skills of our future equestrians," Ms Brennan said.

"We envisage the club will run all small events including rally days, small competitions and camps from its base at Ashley, but what's exciting is that when we want to hold larger events at the Moree Showground we will be able to easily transport our fantastic new equipment.

"Along with our own club members these projects will also support other riders throughout Zone 8, other local equestrian organisations and the Moree Show Society which borrows our equipment each year for the annual agricultural show.

"With the ever increasing cost of equestrian sports we are very focussed on building safe, affordable and accessible club facilities that will help build the future of equestrian sport in rural areas.

"This generous funding has really eased the financial pressure on our organisation and I thank Adam for his support."

Article courtesy of Australian Community Media and the Moree Champion News website