The Grand River Pony Club (GRPC) is one of hundreds of Pony Clubs around the world.
This national organization’s purpose is to interest young people in riding and sport and at the same time offer an opportunity for increased levels of equine education.
GRPC recently held its annual general meeting to recap the activities of the club and to elect its new executive.
Elected for 2016 were Colleen Weber, district commissioner; Denise Ronan, assistant district commissioner and Betty Weinstein, secretary-treasurer.
The 2015 year was successful for the club as a number of its members participated in national events throughout the summer and fall.
Pony Club provides both educational and riding skill competitions at the local level and successful members may qualify for national and international competitions.
The major educational competition is Quiz Day. Several GRPC members took part in the local quiz and Janet Weinstein and Alex Smith scored in the top ranking locally, qualifying for the National Quiz in Calgary. in October. Weinstein travelled to Calgary with others from western Ontario who made up the team of four in their level.
Alycia Zdolski travelled to Virginia in July to compete in the International Mounted Games Exchange (IMGE). Competitions at the IMGE feature various mounted relay competitions. Teams from Canada, the United States, Australia, and Great Britain took part.
Staying in Canada, Alex Smith, Mercedes Weber and Melanie Weinstein took part at the National Rally in Coldbrook, N.S. The competition features different events including stable management, dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. The participants also had the opportunity to visit Halifax to explore the city.
A few days after returning from Nova Scotia, Savannah Weber and Melanie Weinstein travelled to the National Prince Philip Games (PPG) in Edmonton. PPG features teams of four riders and ponies in various challenging relay races. The team placing second overall.
It was agreed at the AGM that the club had a great year, officials state, as six of its members competed successfully at national and international levels.
They are already looking forward to spring so they can get back on their ponies for competition.
The club always welcomes new members from ages 7 to 25. There are a wide range of disciplines available for competition. The non-riding educational opportunities are exceptional.
For more information, visit the club website at www.grandriverpc.com or contact Colleen Weber cweber296@gmail.com.
