South West riding club wins regional club of the year award

A South West Riding Club has been recognised as one of the best in the State, with the club’s committee proud to be part of a lasting legacy.

The Hently Riding Club was awarded Equestrian Western Australia’s regional club of the year this month, with the committee and the club’s members delighted to have earned the accolade.

Starting in 1979 just outside Burekup, the club has grown from just more than 40 members to now more than 300, making it one of the biggest riding clubs in the South West.

President Lucinda McAlpine said over the decades they had been recognised several times as a standout club, though this most recent accolade had her feeling privileged to be able to build on an impressive legacy.

“Today we are able to just enhance it and do special projects that just make it even better,” she said.

“Membership is coming up, and there’s more and more activities going on all the time, and we have huge enthusiasm from our members which is great.”

Mrs McAlpine said there were several factors helping the club stand out, from the facilitates to the events.

But, she said, it was the enthusiasm of the club’s committee and members which made it excel.

“It’s the volunteer spirit,” Ms McAlpine said.

“This award helps with that enthusiasm, giving us a pat on the back for what we’ve done so far.”

Founding member Jacky Ynema said the accolade was another “feather in the cap” for the club, which would help when they looked to expand further.

“We’ve got amazing facilities, for all sorts of sports from dressage to show jumping,” she said.

“Things may ebb and flow a little bit, but when you’ve got a great committee leading us, things are pretty happy.”