The group, known as Fernhill Pony Club until 2006, is based at the Dunedin Riding for the Disabled grounds in Flower St, Fairfield.
The club, started by then president Bob Fairhurst in 1976, was originally based in Abbotsford.
It moved to its Fairfield premises in 1997 to provide the riders with permanent grounds and a place to store equipment, Mr Fairhurst said.
The grounds are now shared with the Dunedin RDA, of which Mr Fairhurst is also a former president.
Mr Fairhurst said ‘‘everybody could just ride’’ to the pony club when he first started it.
But a lot of people now brought their horses to the grounds with trailers because it was often too dangerous to ride along the busy roads.
Three generations of his family have been through the club, with himself and wife Toni being two of the founding members, before their children and grandchildren became involved.
‘‘[There have been] lots of trials and tribulations but we have [had] a lot of good laughs.’’
Mr Fairhurst said his greatest joy with the club was ‘‘seeing the kids enjoying themselves’’.
Current president Louise Lawrence said club members still took part in a variety of events, including competitions around the South Island, as well as holding rallies and gymkhanas and encouraging riders through a horse-care certificate system programme.
While some people would consider pony club an ‘‘elitist’’ sport, there were many benefits for riders, including the social aspect of team sports and developing a connection with a horse.
‘‘It’s not a cheap hobby, but it’s the connection with the animal [that is special],’’ she said.
CELEBRATION TIME
- Saddleview Pony Club will celebrate its 40th anniversary at Dunedin RDA grounds, 98 Flower St, Fairfield, from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, December 13.
- To register or share your stories of the pony club, visit www.sporty.co.nz/saddleviewpc.
