Known as the matriarch of the Kyabram Pony Club, Dorothy Miles has been remembered for contributing more than 60 years to its ongoing success.
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The co-founder and life member, who was instrumental in the club’s foundation, was being recognised for her consistent support following her death last month.
Club member Bev Parsons referred to Miles as the backbone of the club, an easy-going lady who never failed to encourage young members.
‘‘She was a fun lady who would always laugh with you and at you but never belittle you,’’ she said.
‘‘She always had a sense of happiness and encouragement about her ... she was truly passionate about Pony Club.’’
Raised in Shepparton, Miles moved to Kyabram after marrying a veterinarian who opened a practice in the town.
A passion for horses and a strong involvement with the Shepparton Pony Club led to her initiating a similar club in Kyabram.
‘‘Dorothy was a keen young horse rider herself and she believed the area needed an opportunity for young people to learn how to ride and care for their horses in a safe environment,’’ life member Nadine Edwards said.
Miles, alongside eight other passionate community members, founded the club in 1958, with the first rally held that same year on August 23.
The following year, the club registered its colours as a pig skin coloured jumper with green bands, green tie and a brown cap. However, the choice of colour proved difficult to sustain during the next 20 years.
Edwards said despite the club’s efforts to buy every ball of wool in the right shade, the club was forced to change its colours in the mid-1980s to the navy blue, which is still retained today.
In the early days it was evident Miles was passionate about helping young riders better their skills.
‘‘Pony club was a youth movement, it was previously only for riders under 21, (the club) aimed to promote good care of horses and safe riding practices,’’ Parsons said.
‘‘Its original purpose wasn’t to produce superstars, it was to assist children in becoming safe and competent.’’
A keen horse rider and competent show jumper herself, Miles made sure her sons attended the club, along with her grandson in later years.
Never failing to lose her spark, Miles went on to spend many years examining young members on their skill and technique after riding was no longer an option.
‘‘Over the (past) 60 years she rarely missed a rally, she was active with proficiency testing and she was always keen with examining ... she did instruct and she used to teach until more recently when her health deteriorated she used to come along and assist the new mums,’’ Parsons said.
‘‘She strongly believed in encouraging all pony club activities, the type of pony or skill you had didn’t matter everyone was equal it was about participation in pony club and enjoying it.’’
With the club going from strength to strength, Miles maintained a guiding position to help new and existing members better their skills.
Following her death members expressed their gratitude for the co-founder, acknowledging her contribution to help the club cement its proud history.
‘‘She’s the backbone of our club and an inspiration, she was always level headed and gave advice to everyone, she was held in high esteem by members and parents of the club,’’ Parsons said.
‘‘She left a legacy of successful, competent and passionate riders with many of their children also taking up the reins and attending our club.’’
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