Gymkhana fun back in Smythesdale

THIS Sunday, there’ll be plenty of horsing around at Smythesdale and District Pony Club’s annual Gymkhana and Show Jumping Day at the Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre.

With riders of all ages involved, secretary Janet Jackson said there are five show rings planned including tiny tots and topsy, pony club, open, and juniors.

Freshman’s showjumping will be in action in the afternoon, and competition classes will feature ponies and horses, riders, best presented competitors, handlers, pairs, and the longest tail for tiny tots and topsy.

There’ll even be an egg and spoon race.

“There’s also a stockman’s challenge,” Ms Jackson said. “The horse can be led or ridden, and there’s a number of obstacles for them to tackle.

“We also have a fun fancy dress at lunchtime in three age groups, where the children and horses can wear a matching costume.

“That’s a pretty spectacular part of the day, and the stockman’s challenge is a new addition.”

Ms Jackson said the event has been running for at least 20 years, and it not only benefits their local members, but other clubs who travel from as far as Melton, Geelong and Colac to present.

“There’s such a variety of events that all of our members can enter something at some point in the day and get used to competing,” she said.

“It’s been running for a long time, so people know it’s coming up every year in October, and we generally get about 100 entries.

“It’s a low-pressure, fun day out for equestrians in the region.”