NEARLY three years after being literally washed away, Wagga Bidgee Pony Club was back in action yesterday giving young equestrians a chance to show their skill.
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Inundated with floodwaters in 2012, Wagga Bidgee Pony Club was left high dry with no clubhouse and no riders.
However, after a lengthy break - and with the help of great volunteers and donations - the club made a remarkable comeback on its North Wagga site yesterday.
Around 60 young riders and their horses of all shapes and sizes gave the Wagga Bidgee Pony Club a rousing return in magnificent conditions.
For one of the club's great stalwarts, the comeback gymkhana yesterday was the dawn of a fabulous new era for Wagga's equestrian fraternity.
Elaine Furze has been involved with Wagga Bidgee Pony Club for 40 years and was thrilled and delighted the club was "back in the saddle".
"It's been a wonderful day," Furze said yesterday.
"We've 60 kids from little tots through to the older children.
"Everyone has enjoyed themselves."
Riders as young three-year-old Hope Lean and her Shetland pony Herbie converged on the North Wagga venue for the full range of gymkhana events.
"They've done it all," Furze said.
"Every event on the gymkhana program - and the weather was perfect."
Rider from pony clubs "around the area", including Lake Albert, Junee, Coolamon and Ganmain, joined their Wagga Bidgee counterparts for a full day of fun and competition.
Furze is adamant yesterday's successful re-launch of the Wagga Bidgee Pony Club will only strength equestrian numbers in Wagga.
"The reaction was really positive," she said.
"This will only help boost the sport."
Taking stock of the event, Furze made special mention a group of judges who took time to officiate at yesterday's gymkhana.
"They did a great job," she said.
"We certainly want to thank every judge for their efforts."