The Margaret River Horse & Pony Club, located in Margaret River, Western Australia, has a long and storied history in the equestrian community. Affiliated with Pony Club Australia in 1986 as the Margaret River & Districts Horsmans Association and Pony Club Incorporated, the club has been organising events, rallies, and competitions for many years.
Today, the Margaret River Horse & Pony Club is home to three organisations: Pony Club, Adult Riders, and Horsepower. The Pony Club is designed for riders under the age of 25 who have their own mounts. Membership provides riders with 24/7 insurance coverage, access to the club's grounds, and opportunities to participate in rally days. The Adult Riders programme welcomes riders of all levels, from newcomers to experienced competitors.
They meet every Tuesday (excluding the festive season) for dressage, flatwork, or showjumping lessons in the morning, followed by a social catch-up. The club's talented coaches ensure that every rider is included and has the chance to improve their skills and knowledge. Horsepower, another programme operating at the grounds, offers therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with diversabilities. Accredited HorsePower coaches and trained volunteers conduct structured programmes that provide physical and emotional rewards.
The Margaret River Horse & Pony Club offers a range of facilities to accommodate its members. The club has around 21 large outdoor yards and 12 smaller undercover yards available for use during rallies and events. Additionally, there is a 30m sand round yard for lunging and exercising. The spacious clubrooms cater to the needs of members, with a large canteen area, coaching materials, indoor and outdoor seating options, and a comforting potbelly fireplace for the colder months.
The club also boasts a large grassed arena, perfect for clinics, showjumping events, and show horse competitions. The arena can accommodate two dressage arenas and is fully fenced for a picturesque setting. A smaller grassed arena provides a beautiful backdrop of the bush and is suitable for showjumping or warm-up purposes. The club features an open sand area that can accommodate two dressage arenas or host clinics.
Additionally, there is a Horse Rail arena, a large space for various equestrian activities.
The Margaret River Horse & Pony Club is led by a dedicated committee. Gerlinde Watson serves as the President, while Ingrid Manson fulfils the role of Vice President. Penny Lee is the Secretary and Dressage Event Coordinator, while Sharon Schaafsma handles the treasurer duties. The club's committee members include Jane John, Lee Gillian, Ash Harris, and Janine Pedrick, who oversees social media.
For anyone looking to engage with the Margaret River Horse & Pony Club, it is conveniently located at 98 Roxburgh Road in Margaret River, Western Australia. The club welcomes new members and volunteers, and there are multiple ways to get in touch with them through their website and social media platforms. Whether you are a young rider, adult enthusiast, or interested in the therapeutic benefits of horse riding, the Margaret River Horse & Pony Club offers a welcoming and inclusive community for all equestrians.