AFTER flexing its muscle against bigger rivals at the Zone 13 Jamboree in Armidale on the weekend, the volunteers of Kingstown Pony Club will now roll up their sleeves to improve facilities.
The club was presented with a $10,000 cheque on Sunday to build new fencing at its Kingstown base.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall MP, who handed over the money to club president Greg Stier, said he was happy to help out the small community organisation.
“I was very pleased to obtain the funding for the club after it approached me mid-last year and invited me out during their pony camp,” Mr Marshall said.
“They have about 40 youngsters aged seven to 19 participating in the club’s activities and a very active committee and parent group.
“The club continues to grow each year and is relatively young compared to some of the others in the region.”
Mr Stier said the club was appreciative of the funding.
“We were overwhelmed when we got approved for this grant,” he said.
“For small clubs like ours this kind of funding is important to allow us to continue to function.”
Mr Stier said said Kingstown was unique in Zone 13 as it was the only pony club to not have a public space.
“We actually operate on someone’s property,” he said.
“The club is only 20-odd years old, but in the last few years we’ve managed to grow our membership.”
Mr Stier said the fencing would improve safety at the quasi-showgrounds, particularly for younger riders.
