The National Mounted Games held their annual training camp at the Phillip Island Pony Club last weekend. 

Mounted Games is a team sport that requires agile and accurate riders and ponies, and is popular with riders and spectators alike.

The (usually) six events at a competition include skills from horse and rider such as turning around barrels or flags on poles, baton handovers, vaulting or mounting quickly, and galloping against other teams.

Teamwork, accuracy, agility, concentration, speed, hand to eye co-ordination and good sportsmanship are required, all the while having fun.

Squads of different age groups from senior down were put through their paces by their coaches, with riders working hard to for an opportunity to compete at the national event in September. 

The squads were selected at Yarrambat Pony Club a month ago, and this was their second training weekend since then. 

The days were action packed to say the least, with an  adrenaline rush for riders and spectators alike, and nothing like the final gallop to the finish line to get the heart racing. 

The training and riding calendar is tight with most riders also being members of the Mounted Games Association; a separate affiliation where the competition extends to open riders. 

The combination sees the riders and their steeds travelling all over the state to compete and train. 

The local riders involved are excited to be holding a training camp so close to home. 

A strong incentive is being able to have a swim at the beach at day’s end, rather than a dip in the ice bucket that is the alternative at other venues.

As Phillip Island is a small club it relies on the community for support. 

The Pony Club thanks the numerous local businesses which  have donated goods and services to help raise some much needed funds. 

Phillip Island Pony Club, located at the Ventnor Recreation Reserve holds its club days (rallies) on the first Sunday of the month, and always welcomes new members and their ponies!

More photo available in our photo gallery...