5. The Fig Tree Pocket Pony Club
was founded in 1974 by a local family keen to provide a venue for
children to ride in this area.
Initially the club used a paddock
belonging to Lone Pine, the one bordered by Fig Tree Pocket Rd and
Ormsby St. After a couple of years there, the club moved up Fig
Tree Pocket Rd to their present location and undertook the mammoth
task of clearing what was a very overgrown and neglected area.
The Fig Tree Pocket cross-country
course is the only course in Brisbane large enough to cater for
Advanced riders. One of the highlights here has been the Two Day
Event, which is known throughout Australia. It began in 1981 and
ran in July each year until 1985. Top international equestrian
identities such as Australia's former Olympian Guy Crichton and
Captain Mark Phillips have been attracted to the grounds.
August 1988 saw the re-emergence of this event with a new and
challenging Advanced course which took four months to build.
While this demanding event is for
top competitors, the pony club caters predominantly for young
riders who wish to develop their riding skills. Gymkhanas,
dressage days, show-jumping, hunter trials (show-jumping and
cross-country) and one-day events (dressage, show-jumping,
cross-country) are all part of the calendar, along with monthly
club musters.
(Thank you to Debbie Burgess,
President, F.T.P. Pony Club for the above information.)
6
