A double header beckons for pony clubbers from across the region when Armidale and Kingstown launch their interclub competitions into action this weekend.
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Armidale Showground is set for riders to descend for the ring events, the speedy sporting and exciting jumping events on both days.
Armidale Horse and Pony Club chief instructor Nat Meredith said they’re hoping for huge numbers and the local club is the first to introduce the keyhole sporting event this season.
“I think last year we had close to 100 so I am hoping to get around the same,” she said.
“We are hoping to get some Tenterfield, Emmaville and all of those as well being a double weekend we are hoping they will travel a bit better for it now.
“We are running a keyhole instead of a bonfield [bounce] to save a little bit of time but also to give the kids something different.
“We are hoping to have our four rings and our jump will be run on Saturday afternoon on Sunday.”
The events running over the course of the weekend ensure clubbers have the chance to try their hand at different disciplines rather than specialising in one.
“They gain experience from competition with other kids as well as making some really good little friends that have the same interest, that are doing the same sort of thing,” she said.
“A lot of the pony club disciplines are done because it gives kids opportunity to do different things, try different things and try it in an environment that's safe and it doesn't cost them a fortune so if they do want to go into the eventing they have had a go at their dressages, their jumping and all of that.”