For the first time in more than one year, Oxley Island Pony Club members have set foot on their home grounds.
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Last month, the club held a registration and training day at the ground (off Saltwater Road) to begin the 2021 program.
It's a positive sign for the club which was heavily impacted by drought and bushfires and later the global pandemic.
With sports clubs now able to continue activities while adhering to COVID-19 safety, club official Heidi Southwell said the pony club is on the hunt for new members.
"We had nine riders to the first training day (in January)," Heidi said.
Club members have worked around the clock to prepare the grounds for the year ahead.
The perimeter fencing was recently repaired while the arena was resurfaced through a bushfire grant and soil donated by the community.
A follow-up training day on February 21 was cancelled due to excessive rain. Weather permitting, riders will return on March 7.
"The ground is good and dries out well," Heidi added.
The club accepts riders from four years and up. Adults are welcome at the discretion of the club.
"We still have a focus on children," Heidi said.
"Lots of adults who ride didn't do pony club so it's still a learning experience."
The club has also called for new instructors.
"We need instructors all the time," Heidi said.
Heidi was proud to continue the club's long history in the Manning, which dates back to 1979.
"It's a great sport for kids," Heidi said.
"It gets them away from things like iPads."
Contact Heidi on 0480 281 641 for more information or follow the club on Facebook.