Armidale Riding Club President Kerry Crees, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Club Member Tonia Wheeler and New England Riding for the Disabled’s Robin Cameron.
Friday, 12 June 2020
THE Armidale Riding Club will soon have greater capacity to instruct and develop the skills of the region’s riders thanks to a $13,500 State Government grant to build new horse yards at the facility, announced today by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall said 10 new yards would be constructed by the club, increasing the amount of space where riders can stable their horses during instruction days and competitive events.
“For many years, instructors from the Armidale Riding Club have worked to develop skills and build confidence in the region’s young and inexperienced riders at Armidale Equestrian Centre,” Mr Marshall said.
“To improve safety around the facility the club will build 10, 3 metre by 3 metre steel yards, where children can hold their horses when they are having a break from competing.
“Additional yards will reduce the need for children to hitch their horses to rails, which comes with the risk of their steeds getting free and potentially getting out on the road or knocking someone over.
“The steel yards will be located behind the existing round yard, with plenty of access for horses and their owners.”
Armidale Riding Club member Tonia Wheeler said new horse yards were the first in a number of planned upgrades at the venue.
“Our committee has established a list of projects which we want to undertake, to make the Equestrian Centre safer for users and expand our capacity to deliver different programs,” Ms Wheeler said.
“We currently we have more than 100 members which is why it is important we have a variety of facilities which can cater for various skills levels and riding disciplines.
“Riding is a joyful outdoor experience which offers positive physical and mental benefits to participants.
“By continually improving the facilities on site, the club hopes to make riding more accessible to new comers and help community groups, like New England Riding for the Disabled, continue their great work.
“We are excited about the future of our facility and want to thank Adam and the State Government for its support of this project.”