Sport
30 September, 2022
Kilcoy hosts pony club championships
KILCOY riders made their presence felt at the Queensland State Pony Club Championships at the Kilcoy Showgrounds from September 21 to 25.
There were 188 riders and 234 horses, and there were five different disciplines as riders came from various Queensland locations as well as NSW locations including Grafton and Tenterfield.
The event was hosted by Zone 26 East Moreton Pony Club, while Kilcoy is a member.
The first day was the Formal Gymkhana, with Amanda Mills named champion of the 21-25 age group while Jayda Jeffrey was champion of the 9 years age group.
Other Kilcoy riders were Kaylah Ford (6th), Jack Jeffrey (11th) and Bronte Brannigan (7th).
As a result of rain, the events from day two were postponed to the afternoon of day three, meaning two events took place on the Friday.
On the Thursday night, the youngsters had a movie night so they could socialise with other riders and make new friends.
The Mounted Games competition took place on the Friday morning, with each team consisting of five riders from any club within a zone.
Senior champions Gina Youles, Amanda Mills and Pypa Green combined with two Mt Mee riders. They won each event except one, when they were runners-up.
In the junior competition, Hayley Pratten was in the team which placed 6th. Jayda and Jack Jeffrey and Kaylah Ford were in the team which placed 7th, and the team featuring Faith Hanton placed 9th.
Kilcoy members made their mark in the Sporting Gymkhana as Gina Youles placed 3rd, Jack Jeffrey 4th, Kaylah Ford 5th, Amanda Mills 7th, and Jayda Jeffrey 12th.
Harrison Brannigan was champion in the 17-25 age group for the Stockman’s Challenge on day four. Gina Youles placed 3rd, and Pypa Green came 9th.
In the 11 years and under age group, Kaylah Ford placed 2nd and Jayda Jeffrey 12th.
In the 12-14 years age group, Jorgie Jeffrey placed 10th and Jack Jeffrey 16th.
Bronte Brannigan placed 10th in the 15-16 years age group.
The campdraft was on day five, with Pypa Green coming 3rd in the 17-25 age group, followed by Gina Youles (5th), Amanda Mills (18th) and Harrison Brannigan (19th).
Bronte Brannigan (14th) was Kilcoy’s only representative in the 15-16 age group.
In the 12-14 age group, Jorgie Jeffrey placed 4th and Jack Jeffrey 5th.
A spokesperson from Zone 26 East Moreton Pony Club said “the grounds held up extremely well with the heat drying it out”.
“The grounds had been ripped the week before in case of any rain so the footing for the horse was better,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the event was a great success.
“All events were done with minimal fuss,” the spokesperson said.
“We had helpers from all teams work over the event, judging, pencilling, time keeping, line people and the back end yard workers for cattle.
“The canteen was done by Pine Rivers Pony Club and had homemade burgers, and delicacies.
“Riders had success in being winners or supporting their teammates.
“This is a State Championships (event), so they are the best riders that have qualified to come to the event, (and it) was very competitive in all age groups.”
The spokesperson said perpetual trophies had new winners, and that the riders could see who previously won the shields.
“Without the support of the sponsors, we could not have had the event: Somerset Council Grant, Off The Track program grant.”
