It was 20 years ago that one of Australia’s greatest thoroughbreds, Saintly, won the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup, so when this pint-sized look-alike chestnut pony came along weeks later he was given the same name.
That’s six-year-old Henry Pearce pictured on him, and being young-and-old represents an amazing bond with the Victor Harbor Riding Club at Scott Grounds, Bacchus Dr, Victor Harbor.
The club, which was formed in 1964, will celebrate its 40th anniversary of being at Scott Grounds with a special end-of-year gymkhana and luncheon, and is inviting past and present members to share in the celebration on Sunday, December 4. And, of course, there will be plenty of guests with long faces – the horses, of course.
As these events decree, there will be a lot of reminiscing about the club’s embryonic days and proud moments having taught so many adults and children about dressage, showing, jumping, horsemanship and caring for their horse.
Club president Tracey Leigh, who has been with the VHRC since 1976 – the first year at Scott Grounds – said the 40th year celebration was also an opportunity to acknowledge all of the past committee people since the club’s formation who worked hard to help the sport and provide ideal facilities.
“We feel the club and these wonderful facilities have provided a great starting point for children and adults to learn how to ride a horse, and we have been thrilled to see so many succeed at a high level, including Jess Marnie, who went to the United Kingdom with a special youth development group in August, and Scott Keach, who competed at the 1988 Olympics and at Rio this year,” Tracey said.
“Australia’s equestrian team at the Rio Olympics had a saying that the rider and hose represented ‘two hearts and one passion’, and that sums up so well what the sport is all about. Riding is very much a solitary thing; the rider preparing and working with the horse and loving every moment. The partnership is so special.
“The kids gather here with a common interest, and they see and perform different disciplines of the sport. In the process they become part of a community and form wonderful friendships as they strive to achieve with the support of those around them.”
The Victor Harbor Riding Club has members aged as young as three with a focus on sharing a passion and helping each other. They have a monthly riding sessions or a gymkhana at Scott Grounds usually on the first Sunday of each month.
Hey, if they didn’t have fun here Saintly would have headed for the track 20 years ago, and also won the hearts of a nation.
If you would like to know more about the club or join the members in the 40th year celebration contact Tracey on 0409 280 963 or Nicki Pearce on 0459 250 316.
victorridingclub@yahoo.com.au
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