Prealene Khera
A local equestrian team has come out on top at a state-level competition after successfully taking on more than 300 riders.
Representing the Gisborne & District Adult Riding Club, four Sunbury and Riddells Creek residents scored their win with an extremely narrow margin at the Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria’s Top Teams Trophy Dressage 2024.
Aptly named ‘Gisborne Gunners’ — the team was gunning for a victory on and off the track.
“We actually named ourselves in honour of my first horse that was put to rest a couple of weeks before the event,” team member Rachel McDaniel said.
“To win is amazing on its own but it’s also a great way to honour his memory.”
Ms McDaniel and her fellow teammates’ performances over the course of the three-day competition earned them their trophy — with a mere 0.4 scoring difference ensuring their win.
“When the [points] were tallied, we had the highest score but we were leading with what I believe is one of the closest margins in recent history,” Ms McDaniel said.
“All of it was so exciting, and the win was so prestigious.
“At our level, this competition is like the Olympics so we’re really stoked.”
Being awarded the first place title also has a number of benefits for the local riding club, according to Ms McDaniel.
“The winning group has the option of hosting the event the following year and for our club that could be a major fundraising opportunity,” she said.
“Although [we] haven’t decided if we’ll go ahead with it, if it were to happen, we’d be able to put that additional money towards our facilities and equipment.
“We need more funds to continue developing our grounds, to make them better for our members and attract new riders.”
For people sitting on the fence about joining the Gisborne & District Adult Riding Club, if Ms McDaniel’s equestrian wisdom is anything to go by, then you simply can’t rein in the benefits.
“It’s such a special experience,” she said.
“It gets you outside, you’re exercising, socialising and having fun — nothing beats it.”
