After almost a decade since last being held, recently “graduated” associates Matilda and Sharne revive Londonderry Pony Club’s prestigious Horsemanship Challenge.
Why some traditions are worth protecting
We are often told that we have to stay modern; grow and adapt with the changing times. But sometimes the best kept traditions defy generations and are worth protecting.
The Londonderry Pony Club Horsemanship Challenge is one of these anomalies, recently resurrected by two of the club’s young instructors to bring to light and celebrate a broad range of Pony Club-taught skills to a new generation.
A challenge dating back to the 1980s
The Londonderry Pony Club Horsemanship Challenge has a rich history dating back to the 80s, run as a multi-station challenge that asked riders to demonstrate a series of skills, all upon a single nominated horse.
Riders and horses all present in full formal uniform, with turnout marks awarded in every division.
From there, depending on the age and rider level, stations are adapted.
Beginners complete tasks including a workout, rein drill, led class, bending and identifying various horse parts, grooming items and gear.
Transition riders elevate to include the likes of rein drill, a led class, show workout, a jumping equitation course, bending and two flag dash.
Junior Open riders share a similar set of tasks, with canter and jumping heights included, as well as the addition of the gate.
The 13 years and over Open challenge
The most comprehensive challenge of the day is that set to the 13 years and over Open riders.
Six stations with six judges cover turnout, gate, leading a horse whilst mounted, rein drill, saddle and unsaddling, led class, loading onto a float, bareback, a stockman’s workout, jumping equitation and two flag dash.
All tasks completed are done so by the Pony Club standard and drill.
Thankfully, the judging panel consisted of LPC alumni who had themselves completed the very challenge many years ago!
Rewarding the all-rounder
Riders receive scores for each task at each station, culminating in an overall score used for final age division placings.
The challenge ultimately rewards the rider and horse combination that is most consistent throughout all stations, exhibiting the “all-rounder” rider foundation Pony Club establishes.
Matilda and Sharne bring the day back
After taking on greater instructor responsibilities at the club this year, Matilda and Sharne made the revival of the LPC Horsemanship Day a top priority.
Both riders, now 26 years old, have spent over two decades in Pony Club, and had themselves fondly recalled the fun of horsemanship days growing up in LPC together.
When it came to re-establishing the 2026 version, the girls didn’t want to change anything.
In fact, they looked back on their old, carefully stored score sheets to recollect the tasks set!
Whilst a few adjustments were made to jumping heights, the competition was run to the same format it has stood by for decades.
Revisiting lost skills
The young instructors, supported by their committee and fellow instructing team, prepared the riders across the club for the challenge ahead, refining the skills tested.
“It was overwhelming to think that of all our riders at our club today, only a handful of us associates had ever done a horsemanship challenge before,” Sharne stated.
“But it made it even more rewarding to everyone involved, especially the many of us who have a deep history with the day. It was equally as exciting to our riders as it was to our instructing team to be revisiting some of the lost skills.”
A successful return
The day was a huge success with over 30 LPC riders participating across the divisions.
The results eventuated to the climax: the presentation of four major perpetual awards.
Two with a longstanding history, and two being presented for their inaugural time.
Inaugural Debbie Gray Memorial Horsemanship Award
The Inaugural Debbie Gray Memorial Horsemanship Award for a Beginner Rider was won by Hailey G.
Debbie was a highly valued and dedicated member of the LPC community, holding roles as secretary, treasurer and canteen coordinator.
Debbie was always found wherever help was needed.
At the time of losing our original grounds in Penrith, Debbie was instrumental in securing LPC’s new home, coordinating meetings and negotiations to settling the successful deal; an arrangement that still provides the club with incredible facilities to this day.
Debbie loved Pony Club, and continued to spend much time at rally days, watching her grandchildren learn and grow, before she devastatingly lost her battle with cancer in 2019.
Inaugural Annel Lyell Perpetual Horsemanship Award
The Inaugural Annel Lyell Perpetual Horsemanship Award for a Transition Rider was awarded to Sofeyah M.
It was with no hesitation that the committee, to Anne’s surprise, unanimously decided that no individual would be more fitting for the namesake of the new transition award.
Anne has donated decades of service to LPC, but has most profoundly changed our transition riders’ program to the success it is today.
For any coach, the transition ring can be the most challenging. A diverse mix of riders, ages, experiences and even horses, and only the very best coaches can truly leave a positive mark.
Anne achieves this year after year, fostering the development of many generations of young LPC Riders, preparing them for the big wide world of horses, and the open ring!
Kate Szekley Memorial Horsemanship Award
The Kate Szekley Memorial Horsemanship Award for an Open Rider U/13 years was presented to Elsie W.
Kate Szekley was a young and ambitious rider, and a much-loved member of Londonderry Pony Club.
At the age of eight, Kate lost her life in a tragic farming accident.
She had a heart of gold and was dearly treasured by the family and friends whom she left behind.
This award ensures her memory lives on, celebrating the ambitions, hopes and dreams of some of our youngest riders.
Graeme Lloyd Memorial Horsemanship Award
The Graeme Lloyd Memorial Horsemanship Award for an Open Rider 13 years and over was awarded to Jared N.
The Lloyd family has a longstanding connection to Londonderry, dating back well into the early 1980s.
Graeme was instrumental in establishing our clubhouse, pouring his own time, efforts, resources and machinery into it.
Graeme spent amongst his final hours at an LPC working bee he had arranged.
The task at hand: completing the canteen end of the clubhouse and outdoor lighting.
Graeme never got to see the clubhouse finished in all its glory after his unexpected passing, but when the clubhouse was officially opened a year later on March 14, 1987, it was dedicated to Graeme’s legacy.
It still stands to this day, having hosted many decades of riders passing through, with his dedication plaque highly hung.
The legacy continues
The LPC team couldn’t be happier with the success of the day, and are determined to ensure its legacy in the club continues to live on.
And as for Matilda and Sharne’s ambitions, well, we are told their next focus is on reviving the NSW Area 1 Horsemanship Challenge!
Photo credits: Stolen Moments Photography
