Pony campers saddle up to start school holidays

This week, the Gunnedah Showground has been buzzing with the return of the annual pony camp.

Unable to run since 2019 due to COVID, the Gunnedah and District Pony Club was thrilled to host it once again.

About 50 riders turned out, with their ever-faithful steeds and patient parents and carers for a week of fun, games, comradeship and equestrian action.

Riders came from as far away as Sydney and Newcastle to Gunnedah to enjoy a week of all things horses.

Gunnedah and District Pony Club president Flo Palmer said the weather has been perfect and the children excellent.

“We have had a great turn out of riders, including 18 riders on the lead and 32 full camp riders,” Flo said.

“The children have been perfectly behaved and it is great we can use the new kitchen and bathrooms.

“The grounds have also held up beautifully after the rain and we are so pleased to finally be back holding the camp.

From showjumping to dressage, big ball to bareback, polo to mechanical cow and even working live beasts, the riders have been doing it all.

“It is a wonderful atmosphere and everyone has been having a great time,” Flo said.

“It is great to be back into the swing of things.”

For Prue and Rob Galton it was an early start on Tuesday morning, getting a truck load of cattle into Gunnedah for the riders to learn and practice how to work a cow.

“We had to walk them to our neighbours’ yards, about two kilometres to get loaded as our yards were too wet for a truck to,” Prue said.

“It is great to see the children getting back out and enjoying pony camp after a few years.”