Club back for first rally

Bridgetown Horse and Pony Club celebrated its first rally since COVID-19 restrictions eased.

Head coach Sarah Pratt and club secretary Jodie Schilders took members through coaching exercises during the rally, which was shortened to a half day.

Club president Teena James said running a normal rally required a lot of equipment to be set up.

“If we were to do any jumping, it takes a lot of people to build the courses and get all the equipment out and to put it away,” she said.

“Just with the limiting of numbers, only having 20 on the ground meant that we couldn’t have as many support workers and a full crew there so to speak, so we just opted to do the easier lessons that didn’t require all the equipment.”

Maddi Doust, 13, said it felt good to be back riding at pony club and seeing her friends.

James said that she knew that the club’s members were happy to return.

“The kids have really missed being able to ride together and get out and do things in groups again,” she said.

The club’s next rally is on June 21 and will feature lessons from specialist showjumping coach Philippa Willis.