History of the Geary's Gap Pony Club
Geary's Gap Pony Club was affiliated in June 1978 and grew out of an unofficial group called the Creekborough Riding Club which had begun in February 1977. The new club was accepted into Zone 16 to serve the Geary's Gap area which is between Bungendore, Gundaroo and Sutton Villages, to the North East of the ACT .
This location created special needs in the Club as many families were new to animal keeping, let alone riding.
Two rallies per month were held, one a working rally covering syllabus work for PCA certificates, competition rounds and preparation for any special events and the second rally generally took the form of some kind of activity, not necessarily at the club grounds, such as treasure hunts, camps, visits to Gymkhanas and shows, combined training days etc.
Contact with neighbouring clubs was part of the programme with half the activity days involving participation with other Clubs. There was generally an annual instruction camp in the summer holidays, a stock camp biannually and several packhorse trips into the hills above Lake George with the assistance of Jack Maloney and Les Reardon. A vet day was held each spring at which members ponies were drenched, vaccinated and had their teeth checked.
The Grande Finale was the Club Games day followed by a Christmas party. The Club offered two activities for K Certificate candidates in the form of harness driving and supervised schooling by the candidates of small ponies for younger children. With the support of the ACT Orienteering Association the Club has also pioneered Pony-O in NSW -ie orienteering on horseback.
A squad was sent each year to the Zone camp at Yass and riders participated in Zone competition days. Three Club members took part in Droving Australia (a Bicentenary event) and members were also encouraged to attend at least one gymkhana run by a Zone club. The Club has hosted the Zone Dressage day and assisted at other championships.
Inexperienced parents have been assisted with ongoing educational programmes including Parent Days, Vet Days, a library and briefing meetings for their participation at rallies camps and activities.
The Club maintained a pony at Pegasus- fund raising for this included an Obstacle-a-thon with Pegasus children participating and an afternoon musical recital.
After years of lobbying, the Club obtained community grounds and a club house was built. Since obtaining these grounds in 1984, a Cross-Country Course, and Dressage arena, fenced showjumping area (with jump lane), some tie rails and a dam have been erected.
Taken from A Brief History of the Pony Club Association of N.S.W. from 1952-1988 (with minor changes to allow for past tense). This was written in preparation for the club's 21st anniversary.
2002 Update
In the last 4 years since this the above article was written, the club has continued to be well supported by the local children, their families and horse enthusiasts.
An equipment storage shed sits snugly and attractively under the eaves of the Hall. GGPC now boasts two 20 x 60 metre fenced, sand, Dressage Arenas. Last year, enormous energy and effort went into the launch of a new Cross-Country course. Upgrade on equipment for the Showjumping Arena continues. Current plans include extension of the hitching rails, building some holding yards and provision for sprinkling the surface of the main dressage arena.