ROSEWOOD Hack and Pony Club members will reflect on a year to remember at this month’s break-up and awards presentation.
Club secretary Brent Armstrong will be among the proud achievers as he won the masters event for the first time at the 2024 State Tetrathlon Championships in Toowoomba earlier this year.
Armstrong impressed in the men’s over 26 years tetrathlon, which featured showjumping, swimming, running and [laser] shooting.
“You get points from each of the four activities and I got 3,000 points and I won by 24 points,” the club competitor said.
“It was a bit of a bucket list activity for me.”
Eleven riders from the Rosewood Pony Club represented the Zone 3 team at the championships.
Joining Brent as state champion was Bryce Rathjen. He won the male 17-26 years division.
Corey McConnell (men’s masters) and Natalie Riggs (women’s masters) came second.
When Brent’s horse went lame a week out from the event, Corey let his clubmate borrow one of his horses so he could compete.
While that tremendous club spirit was satisfying, Brent was also excited about the progressive club being chosen to host the State Masters Championships at the Rosewood Showgrounds and Equestrian Centre from September 5-7 next year.
Events will be showjumping, dressage, sporting and stockman’s challenge.
That major event will build on a successful 12 months including a growth in membership to more than 100, major team and individual results at state events and regional recognition.
The club was a finalist in the Sporting Organisation of the Year category at the recent Ipswich Sports Awards.
Tireless club president Megan ‘Megs’ Hayne was chosen as a finalist for the Volunteer of the Year award.
She was recognised for her outstanding contribution featuring seven years as president and 12 years as a chief instructor.
The team-minded president is one of the region’s most dedicated volunteers as she is involved in multiple official and club development roles.
Megs actively promotes equestrian activities within the community, leading to greater visibility for the club and increased membership.
Megan is the reigning State Masters 50 plus years champion for her sporting event.
Among other 2024 successes were six club members uniting to finish second, on countback, in the team event at the Zone 3 championships. They were Bryce Rathjen, Summer Lindgren, Addison Hayne, Lynette Kellam, Macy Hews and Kirra Ayala.
Bryce and Summer had individual successes in their Combined Training events at the state titles.
Summer and Addison also finished second in their respective Dressage and Horse Trials at the Queensland competition.
Ella Osborne came second at the gymkhana.
Brent said the introduction of showjumping lessons with Olympian Rebel Morrow was another positive step for the club.
He said the extra training resulted in some “really great advancements” in rider abilities.
“We hope to continue that on next year and get more kids to those state championships or representing the club,” Brent said.
After the Christmas recess, Rosewood club riders will focus on 2025 events including their first major home competition in March – a tetrathlon featuring showjumping, swimming, running and [laser] shooting. The swimming will be at the Rosewood pool.
Club officials are also planning a horse-free muster at the Showgrounds in February to set up the year for officials, current riders and newcomers.
“People come to learn about pony club and what we do, ask all the questions and get introduced to the club,” Brent said.
Before that is the club’s breakup with some deserved awards to be presented at the Rosewood Showgrounds.
