IT was a welcomed turnout at the Heywood Pony Club’s 50th anniversary celebrations on Sunday with past and current members reminiscing days since its inception in 1973.

Around 140 people attended the event with plenty of action across the day including presentations and demonstrations from current riders.

Amid many highlights was awarding 12 new life members to the club for “recipients (who) have gone above and beyond just showing up to rallies and being a riding member. They have 10+ years of continuous club support in numerous ways, roles and responsibilities, with a passion for the club at heart,” the criteria included.

Committee member Wendy McFarlane said they finished Sunday proud of the day and the 50 years beyond that, that the club has lasted through.

“It was an amazing day for everyone and as a committee we just wanted people to have some fun and we got some really good feedback, so we hope we achieved that,” she said.

“We got big numbers in the end, and it was a lot of work but well worth it.

“At the end of Sunday as current club members we said days like that just make it all worthwhile.”

While it was a large celebration of the history of the club McFarlane said it was also a chance to showcase its future.

“We had dressage demonstrations, rotations of flatwork, showjumping, ready to ride obstacles and some other things,” she said.

“We also had a pairs dressage event and there were some members who watched that and ended up in tears because of the memories and feelings it bought up.

“But to see the ready to ride kids out here as the youngest ones, watching the other kids on dressage – that’s what they’re aspiring to and it’s so great to see that that is the future of our club and as a club that is all we want and work towards.”

As the club looks toward its future, they have some key improvements in site to ensure another 50 years of use.

“Right now, the main focus for the club is some renovations – we really need a new roof on our clubrooms, and we also want to improve our cross country course,” McFarlane said.

“We’ve maintained things and put money into it, but we really want to make sure it’s a place people want to be. We have some of the strongest numbers in the region and we want to keep that.”

The club also has plenty of events in the pipeline with their monthly Sunday meets, a Christmas rally break up, the Stockman’s Challenge in February and a navigation ride.