Local MP Sussan Ley officially opened a new all-weather surface at Howlong Pony Club on the weekend, the long-planned facility set to boost a growing membership base and encourage more riders to participate.
According to Ms Ley the all-purpose sand arena will support a range of club activities, rallies, inter-club and regional events into the future.
“It is now safer for riders and horses, and enhances Lowe Square’s reputation as a key sporting and recreation base for Howlong and surrounds.”
Howlong Pony Club Vice President Donna Cross said club rallies had been averaging twenty participants each month, but they now expect a significant increase in new members.
“Other regional pony and horse clubs will also be able to benefit from the new infrastructure with future events, and training days at the grounds.”
“Our club caters for children from as young as five, with the majority between 9-17 years, hosting monthly rallies and regular ‘come and try’ days where anyone, no matter their ability level, can join in and make new friends.”
The Howlong Pony Club arena cost just over $50,000 to build and was delivered as part of the Australian Government’s Move It AUS Community Sport Infrastructure program.
Research shows new sport infrastructure generates social and economic benefits, including improved community health and mental wellbeing by increased physical activity.
Sport Australia has just launched the second phase of ‘Move It AUS’, a behaviour change campaign encouraging Australian children to find 60 minutes a day in heartrate-raising activity every day and thirty minutes for adults.
For more information go to link to findyour30/challenge.