Day one was dressage and showjumping and day two was gymkhana events.

It was the first major outing for Olivia Wass and her new horse, Rocket. The pair proved they will be a force to be reckoned with by taking first place in the preliminary dressage and fourth in the novice dressage.

Olivia put in a solid performance in the E grade showjumping, earning a fifth place in the AM7. On the second day Olivia was second in her riding class and then paired up with former clubmate Alex Hamblin to win the pairs in their age group. Rocket showed he is an all-rounder by finishing the weekend with a pair of fifth ribbons in the barrel race and the keyhole.

Maddison Harley was also competing on a new horse, Aladdin, and they too will be solid performers this year.

They didn’t arrive in time to do the dressage, but put in three consistent rounds in the E grade showjumping on the first day. On day two Maddison was second in her riding class, third in pairs (with Jack McLaughlin) and Aladdin won the pony club mount class.

Mitchell Harley was one of the youngest competitors in the D grade showjumping ring and had a few good rounds. On day two he won ribbons in his riding class, pairs and also did well in the sporting events with mostly seconds and thirds.

Jack McLaughlin participated in his first formal E grade showjumping competition and surprised most people, including himself, with a couple of clear rounds - marred only by a buster over one of the more challenging obstacles. With some more pace he might find himself in the ribbons in future competitions.

On day two Jack was second in his riding class, third in pairs, and his horse, Angel, was second in the pony club mount.

Jack was fifth in the flag race, keyhole and fourth in the bending.

Alex McLaughlin took on the mini-E grade showjumping course in her usual determined style. She was unlucky to knock a pole in her first round, putting her in fourth place - but came back fighting to win the “power and skill” round.

Alex and Peter Pan also won their riding class and the keyhole. She came second in the pairs, pony club mount, the bending, ben bar aft; third in the barrel and the flag race; and fourth in the three mug race.

Nyngan’s littliest competitor on the weekend was Amy Motley. Amy and Mitzy participated in the beginners ring and won a swag of ribbons including a second place in her riding class.

It was a great start to the pony club year for Nyngan, with all the riders having a great time representing their great club.