As a young pony club rider, Sally Ross is pictured on her pony Sadie (back), with Jenny Bektash and Dawn Bently in front. They were at a camp on a property in Raftery Rd.
Sally Ross has spent a lifetime learning and teaching about horse riding, but the ponies have also taught her a few things.
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Shepparton and District Horse and Pony Club recently turned 70 and Sally is about to turn 70 this year.
She is a passionate lover of horses, an ardent coach and dedicated to the role of pony clubs.
Sally was only five or six years old and living in Hayes St, Shepparton, when her parents agreed to buy her a pony.
Her father, Noel Ross, a Shepparton fuel agent, and her mother, home maker Dorothy, agreed that they would sign up as non-riding club members.
So began the ritual of feeding and caring for the little grey Australian pony, Sadie, and attending regular pony club meetings at Tassicker’s paddock, near the cemetery.
Sadie was kept in a paddock on Melbourne Rd and Noel Ross built a horse float out of a trailer.
It was a long association with Sadie as she lived into her 30s.
Shepparton Pony Club veterans Sally Ross (left) and Robyn Slee, reading up on some of the club’s history.
Sally finished riding with the club when she was 17 and moved to Melbourne to attend a business college, after which she embarked on a world holiday, riding western style in Canada and equestrian events in Europe.
Sally has been with the pony club through their moves from Tassicker’s to Princess Park and then to the Shepparton Showgrounds until their current location behind the Shepparton trotting track.
“It’s been rewarding and fulfilling, and I have just wanted to be able to share my experience with young people,” Sally said.
As well as learning how to handle animals, she credits the experience with teaching her confidence and patience.
Sally has seen young men and women develop in character and independence as they master the unique relationship between rider and horse.
Two of her daughters and two of her granddaughters have followed in her footsteps with Shepparton Pony Club.
Sally still coaches with the club, which is believed to be the second oldest club in Victoria.
The club was established in 1952 by a keen group of horse enthusiasts using private property to come together and ride.
The club will celebrate its 70th birthday on Sunday, March 3.
Former members have been invited to attend and can contact the club through sheppcsec@outlook.com for an invitation.
Coralie Francis, who recently passed away, was a founding member of the Shepparton Pony Club.
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