March will not only be a big month for International eventing but also Pony Club eventing as An Eventful Life will have Benalla, Tooradin and Riddells Creek Pony Clubs in Victoria in our focus and on our calendar for cross country videos.
We all know that Pony Club is the cradle of good riders, with many of the Australian Olympians starting their journeys at Pony Club, moving up through their careers towards the pinnacle of our sport.
Indeed, as we discovered in the book "An Eventful Life – Life Stories of Eventing Champions", Shane Rose and Edwina Tops-Alexander not only started out in Pony Club but even rode in Pony Club showjumping teams together!
Benalla Pony Club Horse Trials
The Benalla Pony Club Horse Trials, sponsored by Marshall+Dent+Wilmoth Lawyers, will be the first cab off the ranks in a month that also sees the eventing calendar kick off in earnest around the world. Hosting Pony Club and Open classes from Grade 1 – 5 on 2nd & 3rd March plus some Combined Training, the event takes place at the Benalla Sports Equestrian Centre where all cross country will be happening on Sunday.
SMZ JB Tooradin Estate Pony Club and Open Horse Trials
Two weeks’ later we’ll be closer to Melbourne at the Francis family’s Tooradin Estate for the SMZ JB Tooradin Estate Pony Club and Open Horse Trials on 16th & 17th March 2024. This event will also be a State Horse Trials Qualifying Event, offering classes for Pony Club and Open competitors at various levels.
PC Grades 1, 2, 3 Individual, PC Grades 4 & 5 Individual & Club Teams
PC Grade 1 to 6 Horse Trials and Combined Training G3 to G6 (CT only G3 to G6)
Open Grades 1 – 5 HT and Combined Training G3 to G5 (CT only G3 to G5)
Riddells Creek Pony Club Horse Trials
We’ll be rounding off the month at Riddells Creek Pony Club where the Easter bunnies will be hopping around the cross country courses along with ponies and riders.
Held during the Easter weekend on 30th & 31st March at the Clarke family’s property Candlebark, the event hosts classes from Grade 1 – Grade 6 for Pony Club and Open competitors, plus a PCV State Qualifier at PCV110.
Find out more about An Eventful Life Cross Country Videos here
