We are researching and building a record of the history of our club - from its beginnings as a local riding and equestrian community to its current form as a formal Australian Pony Club.
This project is a work-in-progress, undertaken in good faith and based on information that is correct as we believe it to be at the time of publication. We will always be grateful if anyone would like to:
- update or correct any inaccurate information
- provide additional information
- provide photos, documents, stories, myths or legends to expand the story!
Beginnings of the club
Paracombe Equestrian Club was started some time in the early 1970s. It is likely that the grounds on which the club operates was sold to the then-Paracombe Progress Association (PPA) by the Verral family, and that Arn Johns lobbied the PPA to lease the grounds to the new Club.
The installation of the toilet block on the grounds was actually a streak of luck, as they were built by the government for people working on the high tension wires and poles being installed in the area at the time.
As far as it is possible to ascertain, the inaugural (or very early) members of the Club were:
The installation of the toilet block on the grounds was actually a streak of luck, as they were built by the government for people working on the high tension wires and poles being installed in the area at the time.
As far as it is possible to ascertain, the inaugural (or very early) members of the Club were:
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Club events and activities
Over the years the club has staged, and participated in, many formal and informal events and competitions. You can enjoy photos and videos from some of these at the end of this page (and on the News & History page of this website for more recent events), including:
- Gymkhanas on Houghton Oval
- Gymkhanas on Paracombe Oval
- Camps at Booloomaninga, Gawler and Willomurra, Kersbrook
- Regional competitions - North East Riding Clubs, Salisbury Riding Club
Famous club members, instructors and visitors
The club has been fortunate to host a number of amazing equestrians throughout its history.
Rumour also has it that Premier Don Dunstan and made an appearance at one Willomurra camp!
- Katri Siltala (nee Salo) - Finnish Olympian
- Scott Keach - Australian Olympian
- Erica Taylor - Australian Olympian
- Leo Berry - mounted police
- Andrew Paech - mounted ploice
- John O'Leary - western riding
- Rob Goldsworth - South Australian equestrian champion
Rumour also has it that Premier Don Dunstan and made an appearance at one Willomurra camp!
Our history in photos and videos
1986: Gymkhana held on Paracombe Oval (possibly a North East Riding Club event) with competitors from Paracombe Equestrian Club and possibly One Tree Hill and Salisbury Riding Clubs.
Paracombe Riding Club members featured
- Start – Phyl Keenihan and Melody, horse closest to camera in the bending race
- 0:49 & 1:10 – Bending race June Carey (in blue on grey horse)
- 1:30 – Peter Carey leading Mark Carey (grey pony)
- 2:59 – Wendy Kristovic nee Holmes
- 4:21 – Kevin Keenihan on Rossiter
- 6:00 – Raylene Uren
- 14:22 – Lisa Keenihan on Rossiter
- 16:30 – June Carey
Some time in the 1980s: horse-drawn drive through Adelaide
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Some time in the 1980s: Adelaide Show
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