Londonderry Pony Club Tickled Pink by Community Support

Londonderry Pony Club riders compare ‘pinkness’ at their recent charity day for the Breast Cancer Network Australia

Junior Committee Event Organisers from Londonderry Pony Club; Sharne Haskins and Jacinta Bell

Tara Seppelt with ‘Bluey’, Georgie Attard riding ‘Tilly’, Holly Burgess on ‘Skipper’ and Charlotte Hawkins with ‘Rusty’

Charlotte Hawkins with ‘Rusty’

Londonderry Pony Club held a charity sports day on Sunday, turning the grounds into a parade of pink ponies and raising more than eighteen hundred dollars for research into breast cancer. 

Over 40 riders aged four to 17 took part, dressing in pink and decking out their horses head to hoof in pink ribbons, feathers, sparkles, spray paint and tutus.

The event was the first of what the club is planning to be an annual tradition, and was the idea of Londonderry’s Junior Committee, headed by 15 year old Sharne Haskins and 14 year old Jacinta Bell.

The pair spent three months planning the event and gathering support from local businesses. “We were amazed how many businesses wanted to help us out, even those un-related to the horse world. It just goes to show the number of people who have been touched by breast cancer and how much the issue means to them”

Twelve local companies came on board, including Saddleworld, Stalco Gutters, Wizard Home Improvements and Newmarket Saddlery donating hundreds of dollars’ worth of prizes.

Rider’s families also pitched in, baking pink treats, running a stall of all things pink, manning the canteen and running a multitude of games and races for the riders.

The $1821.00 raised will all go directly to the Breast Cancer Network Australia, a cause close to many of the riders including nine year old Charlotte Hawkins who has two relatives who have fought breast cancer in the past two years. “It was really fun decorating the ponies but I’m happy that we’re also raising money to help look after people with breast cancer like my Nanna and Uncle”

The Breast Cancer Network Australia carries out crucial work, ensuring Australians affected by breast cancer are provided with the best possible information, services and support possible.

Londonderry Pony Club was thrilled with the support of local businesses, and the efforts of club members to run such a successful event, Sharne Haskins says they raised much more money than they expected.

“Our club is full of young riders who love their horses, and a big part of the reason we decided to run the charity day was to use this passion for something genuinely important, raising money for a cause we feel strongly about. We really encourage other pony clubs to do the same”.

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