Riding club launches new environmentally-friendly clubrooms

THE Anglesea Riding Club is more than 30 years old and has long been a relaxed and friendly horse riding club for members to enjoy dressage and jumping lessons in a tranquil bush setting.

The club was delighted to recently receive a grant from the Surf Coast Shire for a clubhouse update.

“After a long process dealing with permissions, architects and builders, we built the new clubrooms which were completed earlier this year,” club president Miranda Thomson said.

“The new clubrooms are made from shipping containers that are removable and have a very low impact on the environment – no large trees were removed for the construction and there is no power or plumbed water, although there is the possibility to add a solar facility in the future.”

Ms Thomson said the club’s aim was to have as little environmental impact as possible, as the Anglesea Riding Club was on grounds owned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

“The containers are also quite secure and able to be locked up when not in use.

“The front container features a little sitting area with cheap quirky second-hand furniture and a recycled kitchenette whilst the rear is storage for jump poles and other horsey bits and pieces.

“A roof and small tank give us a water supply that we use for the horses and a little drop toilet out the back is a proper outdoor dunny, complete with resident spiders.”

The Anglesea Riding Club has just launched the new clubrooms, just in time for its new membership year. The club encourages members and horses of all ages and skill levels, and hosts a wide range of instructors from Victoria and interstate, with regular rally days and weekend clinics as well as the occasional organised trail ride.