Riders representing east Auckland’s Whitford Pony Club enjoyed success at the recent President’s Trophy showjumping competition.
Its team, comprised of riders Millie Al Khalaf, Sophia Van Den Brink and Florence Haxton, won the Lorna Stewart Trophy in the event staged on April 25.
Club president and district commissioner Denise Berry says April was a very busy month for the Whitford Pony Club.
“On Sunday, April 13, we hosted a junior showjumping team event which was attended by teams from as far away as Pukekawa, Waiuku and Waiau Pa.
“The weather was fine and our grounds were perfect underfoot, making for a wonderful social and fun family day.
“The second big event on our grounds was our annual Easter Ribbon Day held on Monday, April 21.
“Once again, we had a great turnout of riders from all around Auckland.”
The week prior to that had been “rather tense”, Berry says, due to Cyclone Tam which moved down the country and brought strong winds and heavy rain to Auckland.
“We held our nerve and went ahead despite heavy fog on Monday morning.
“Luckily this didn’t put off the riders and the fog did clear, making for a great day.
“On Anzac Day we sent three teams to the Auckland Area Pony Club Teams Show Jumping Championships, held at Abderry Equestrian Centre near Glenbrook.
“All our teams rode well and all placed. Our senior team came first in the President’s Trophy and our junior team won the Lorna Stewart Trophy in a field of 10 teams.”
Berry says this season has been one of the most successful for the club.
The warm and sunny weather, combined with the great condition of its grounds, has enabled it to host many other riders and clubs and run more competitions.
The Whitford Pony Club’s current season will finish at the end of May with its annual general meeting and prizegiving.
