Main Photo Credit: Mane Memories Photography
For Kangaroo Ground Pony Club member Angus Walker, Pony Club has always been an important part of his life with horses. Joining at four years old, Angus was always trying to keep up with his two older sisters, who also ride. His eighth birthday couldn’t come soon enough, as he eagerly awaited being old enough to compete in Horse Trials.
Now 18 years old, Angus is preparing to step onto the big stage later this week and compete in the CCI2* at Melbourne International Three Day Event.
“Pony Club has been a massive party of my riding journey”, says Angus.
“I’ve developed lifelong friends and enjoyed trying different disciplines including games, showjumping, pairs riding, dressage and of course horse trials.”
Over the past 14 years, Pony Club has provided Angus with the opportunity to travel and compete across the state, and have fun while doing so. Participation in the Brenda Mitton eventing clinics hosted by North Metro Zone helped prepare Angus for Horse Trials competition, helping riders like him understand the rules and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
At 12 years old, Angus represented Pony Club Victoria at Nationals. Although the Horse Trials competition was modified to a combined training due to COVID, Angus still had a great time, and was able to claim second place.
More recently, Angus has enjoyed competing in both the State Showjumping Championships and State Horse Trials Championships, whilst focusing on qualifying for Melbourne 3DE. Interestingly, Angus has only managed to ride in two State Horse Trials Championships due to either horse or rider injury. The last time he competed was on his current horse, Jaspers Promise (Jasper), in the Grade 4 section.
Jasper, an Off The Track Thoroughbred, had very little experience before coming to Angus. The opportunity to attend Pony Club rallies and competitions has been an invaluable experience in teaching Jasper about the life of a competition horse. Now, nothing phases him, and he thinks the big events are like another day at Pony Club!
Photo Credit: Mane Memories Photography
Beyond the competitive side of his time at Pony Club, some of Angus’ favourite memories have simply been trying new things and having fun with friends.
This year has been particularly busy for Angus, as he balances his Year 12 studies with Pony Club and EA competition. Despite his busy schedule, he has never lost focus on his goals. In the future, Angus would love to one day ride at the top level of eventing, and has his sights set on the 5* at Adelaide Equestrian Festival. For now though, he can’t wait to contest Melbourne 3DE this week.
Pony Club Victoria wishes Angus and Jasper the absolute best out at Melbourne, and hopes to see him succeed at the top level of the sport one day, as he continues to demonstrate the pathway that Pony Club can provide riders from grassroots to the highest levels.
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