Riders earn top prizes

MEMBERS of Smythesdale & District Pony Club are riding high in the saddle after taking first and third place at the recent Barwon Zone championships.

Hosted at the club’s home area just outside of Smythesdale, the comp saw riders from Pony Club Victoria member groups in the Ballarat, Geelong and Colac regions compete.

Smythesdale’s first place team, made up of Adelaide Donald, Clay Donald, Sydney Orwin, Heidi Donald, Billie Donald, Mel Billings, Spencer Donald and Matilda Donald are all brothers, sisters and cousins.

The third placed squad included Sigrid Black, Sophie Munn, John Munn, Bonnie Stewart, Abigail Kent, Rowie Donald and Isabella Thomson.

Mel Billings coached both teams.

Smythesdale & District Pony Club will now send a team to the state championships set for Melbourne in June.