Another Narrabri Pony Camp is underway

The 2019 Narrabri Pony Camp began on Sunday and has seen about 80 riders travel to the Narrabri Showground to participate in the week-long camp.

The riders will test themselves in a range of different events during the week before concluding with the Gymkana on Friday and Saturday,

Narrabri Pony Camp president Steve Falkiner thanked all of the local businesses that have donated $2500 worth of raffle prizes as well as the camp sponsors.

“We have a lot of stuff donated to us,” he said.

“We’ve had a beast donated, we’ve had sheep donated.

“We thought we were going to have to buy hay but that was gifted to us.

“I also have to thank the businesses that donated to us.

“Between four businesses we received $5,500, and that helps keep the prices down for the children.”

Falkiner said that the entire week always runs smoothly because of the kindness of the volunteers.

“Everything is voluntary,” said Falkiner.

“We don’t pay any of the instructors, everyone that is here gives up their week.

“Some people turn up and they don’t even have children or haven’t had children come here for 20 years.

“It just gets in your blood.”

Falkiner told The Courier that the kids at the pony camp make all of the volunteers’ time worth it.

“There’s just something about Pony Club that is special,” he said.

“You see these little kids come in and they’re just like a mob of bees.

“And by the end of the week they’re a fair bit quieter.”

The Narrabri Pony Camp involves kids of all ages and skill levels with seven groups participating in many different activities.

“We do a lot of different sports and we have different instructional groups for the ability of the riders,” said Falkiner.

“We have the purple group coming in [on Tuesday].

“They’re all lead ponies and they range from ages four to six or seven.

“They’re too young and their ability isn’t good enough, so they come in for a three-day camp.

“They do everything and just learn how to ride from scratch.”

The Gymkhana with riders competing against one another will begin on Friday.

“Friday and Saturday is the Gymkhana weekend,” said Falknier.

“That’s where all the troops compete against each other in age groups.

“Then we have the highest points score in the four senior troops and as well in the junior troops.

“We will finish that on Saturday with a grand parade and presentation with all of the trophies that afternoon.