Community in Focus: Cobram Barooga Equestrian Club

An essential ingredient for safe horse riding is a suitable surface for horse and rider.

This is especially important when elements of showjumping are included on the riding agenda.

So when the Cobram Barooga Equestrian Club’s grounds were damaged by burrowing rabbits, it was a problem that needed urgent attention.

The rabbits had decided to make their home on part of the grounds and its surrounds, leaving their mark in a way that caused considerable safety concerns.

The club’s committee identified the work that was required but, with limited available financial resources, then had to investigate funding opportunities to help pay for these repairs.

“The rabbit holes had become a serious physical threat,” explained the club’s President Sally Marsden.

The club is understandably proud of the impressive amenities it has been able to build up over the past three decades.

But with a smooth and safe riding surface paramount to any equestrian competition, the club needed to respond swiftly to restore the rabbit damaged grounds.

Machinery was hired to move dirt and fill in the holes, as well as fill in burrows on the sandhill and level out areas which had deteriorated from rabbit scratchings. 

Successful completion of the work has paved the way for competitions and training to proceed this year.

Cobram Barooga Equestrian Club caters for riders who want to try their hand at most equestrian disciplines, and provides quality instruction for Dressage, Showjumping, Eventing and Showing.

The club generally holds five official competitions per year, with the first four of these being held over two days. The Official Dressage Championships and Official Showjumping Jackpot take place in early April. In October, the Official Show Ring is held at the annual Cobram Show.

In between these major events, training days are held, usually on the fourth Sunday of the month.

The club’s riders cover a vast area across the NSW Murray region. While many are from Cobram/Barooga and its immediate surrounds, others come from Mulwala, Deniliquin district, Jerilderie and beyond.

“We offer a safe and inclusive club for riders of all ages,” Sally said.

“Currently we have riders as young as nine years-old, through to our most experienced at 74. Most of our members are over 50.   

“We believe there are significant health benefits from horse riding, and as such we actively promote exercise and fitness for all our riders.  

"They do not only benefit from a physical perspective, but also mental wellbeing through events and monthly social interaction.” 

The club organises events for its own members, as well as competitions that attract riders from throughout NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

This provides an additional economic benefit to the Cobram/Barooga district, with visiting competitors enjoying the hospitality provided by local clubs, restaurants, shops and motels.

The equestrian club’s members reciprocate by regularly attending events hosted by other clubs, both across NSW and interstate.

“We are very proud of the fantastic success that has been enjoyed by our members for many years,” Sally said.

 “We have won many prestigious events, which is a positive reflection on the tutoring our riders receive.”