THE hype of the Olympics will have only just settled as 200 Pony Club riders compete for their chance to become a State Champion at the State Dressage Championships this weekend at the Worrigee Equestrian Common.

A number of this year’s Olympic Equestrian Team began their riding careers in Pony Club and competed at championships like these.

The silver medal winning eventing team consisted of four former Australian Pony Club Members; Shane Rose (New South Wales), Megan Jones (South Australia) Sonja Johnson and Clayton Fredricks (Western Australia). Along with Shane, showjumpers Edwina Alexander and Peter McMahon both attended Pony Clubs in NSW.

Riders ranging from nine through to 25 years of age and their families will come from all across NSW to compete in this two-day competition.

The Illawarra and Far South Coast will be well represented with 45 riders taking part.

Competitors represent the best riders from pony clubs across the State,

Each rider has had to be qualified and selected at a regional level prior to the event.

Dressage is the art of improving the horse, encouraging them to become more supple in their movements, a joy to ride and beautiful to watch.

The principles of dressage can be applied to improve the horse and rider in all disciplines.

During the competition, riders are awarded scores on each required movement performed in a set test.

Each rider will complete three dressage tests over the weekend.

Riders will be looking to achieve some great performances to add to their records, as the long list for the Australian Pony Club Championships is now open.

A great performance at this event could secure the rider a spot on the NSW team.

This time next year will see NSW hosting the National Championships, where up to 250 riders from across Australia will represent their State in dressage, showjumping, eventing and mounted games at Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.

Pony Club is a voluntary youth organisation which promotes the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people, while assisting them to gain knowledge and become proficient in their chosen sport.

There are approximately 285 clubs across NSW, from Bega to Bourke, Cootamundra to Casino and everywhere in between.