An additional one-off cash grant from Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) – on top of an existing multi-year sponsorship deal – will boost safety at the state’s 49 pony clubs.
TRSA has pledged $27,000 to fund a key safety initiative that Pony Clubs Australia has set as a compliance requirement for all its member clubs.
Pony Club Association of South Australia’s (PCASA) Southern Zone president Debbie Cook said the money would be spent on show jumping safety equipment designed to ensure jumps are safer – for horse and rider.
“The funds will primarily go towards breakaway safety cups and tracking for said cups, which are designed to release when placed under 140kg weight or more – remembering that the average horse weighs 500kg,” Ms Cook said.
“Should a horse jump short and knock the rail, the rail doesn't have to snap – which requires a large force – but gives way under the horse and drops.
“This is much safer for horse and rider, and easier on the equipment.”
TRSA CEO Nick Redin said the funding commitment continued TRSA’s mutually beneficial partnership with PCASA, aimed at promoting thoroughbreds’ adaptability as pony club mounts, and as competition horses in dressage, show jumping and eventing.
“The partnership with PCASA is going from strength to strength and it’s great to be able to partner PCASA to support off-the-track events and initiatives for thoroughbreds,” Mr Redin said.
“Via a raft of platforms, the ongoing partnership allows us to promote the many rewarding careers in racing, plus the ongoing care of retired racehorses.”
The cups to be purchased by PCASA will be from a Federation Equestre Internationale-approved manufacturer to meet international standards.
Ms Cook said the purchases would be a “massive boost” to the individual member clubs.
“It’s so exciting that we can do this for our member clubs,” she said.
“When you’re a not-for-profit organisation you run on the smell of an oily rag, so this makes a big difference.
“It’s great to be supported by TRSA and it’s a genuine win-win arrangement.”
Meanwhile the PCASA Southern Zone Showjumping Series was held at Jupiter Creek on Sunday.
