Zone 13’s pony clubs marked the end of their interclub calendar with a successful event hosted by Armidale.
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Ninety-four riders from around the region turned out in the heat on Sunday for the Armidale Horse and Pony Club ribbon day at the showground.
The club’s chief instructor Rebecca Cameron said despite the warmer weather, there was a great turnout of riders who enjoyed the day.
"The heat was ridiculous, we got it over and done with by about 3pm,” she said.
"It was fantastic. I think it was one of the better organised events we have had this year. It was the second biggest event of the season.
"There was only one rider from Walcha but all the clubs were there.”
Events on the day included the rider classes, showjumping and sporting events.
"Throwing in a different sporting event like the keyhole, no one else has done the keyhole so it was nice to have something different,” Cameron said.
"Everyone seemed really happy and I have had a lot of positive comments come back.
"Thank you to everyone who put in and helped to get it over and done with as quickly as we did.”
Throughout the warmer months, pony clubs from across the zone have hosted their gymkhana events.
Pointscores from across all age groups have been tallied at each competition to award the overall club the Busby Shield at the end of the competition.
Heading into the final interclub day, it was local rivals Guyra and Armidale battling for first and second place.
Cameron said Armidale were second and managed to close the gap on Guyra but it wasn’t enough to win the trophy.
"There was a massive turnout of Armidale riders and unfortunately we lost the Busby Shield,” she said.
"Guyra won it, Armidale was second by less 100 points.
"Leading into [Sunday], Guyra were ahead from the start but there was only 200 points between first and second which was Guyra and Armidale.”
Both clubs had riders feature heavily in the champion standings in each age group.
The under 7’s category was taken out by two Guyra riders in Mackenzie Ellem and Josh Bourke.
Armidale’s Lilly and Brodie Meredith were champions in seven to nine category. Armidale’s Jazz Kennett and Martin’s Gully’s Cameron Magann were nine to 11 champions, while Kingstown’s Caitlin Croft and Bundarra’s Jack Buckman were the 11-13 winners.
Locals Anna Jarvis and Will Wood were the 13-15 champions. Kingstown’s Chloe Stier and Armidale’s Michael Paull finished with the highest points in 15-17 while Bridgette Lowe was associate champion.