General News
24 June, 2025
Hooves and harnesses
THE Elmhurst Recreational Reserve was alive with the sound of hooves and the gentle clatter of carriages over the weekend as the Pyrenees Range Pleasure Drivers held a Come and Try Day to introduce newcomers to the unique world of carriage driving.
Local coach and accredited Australian Carriage Driving Society instructor, Margie Bowen, led the day’s activities, showing visitors the ropes, literally, on how to safely hitch and unhitch driving carriages and sharing her lifelong passion for the sport.
With live demonstrations and opportunities to get involved, attendees got a close-up look at what makes this niche equestrian pursuit so beloved.
The club proudly lives by its motto, “The most fun you can have sitting down.” While the event brought spared interest, club member Maree Gunner said more community support is urgently needed.
“There aren’t many harness clubs, Geelong and Bendigo are the next closest,” she said.
With only five official members the club is opening its doors to new people.
“We really need some more members to come along so we can be a more active club,” said Ms Gunner.
The club is fortunate to have access to the Elmhurst oval and nearby yards, making it an ideal base for rallies and events.
“There’s always someone around. One of the best ways to learn is to start as a groom. Because of safety, you should always have two people,” she said.
Ms Gunner gladly takes the role of ‘groom’ helping make adjustments if something goes wrong and the driver can’t step down.
For Margie Bowen, the joy of carriage driving began at age eight.
“There was a man with a harness horse and sulky at the Stawell Show. I asked him for a lift and I never forgot it. I can still see it, looking down over the ponies rump with all the plaits and everything it was just amazing,” she said.
Ms Bowen went on to build a lifetime of experience that she now shares with beginners.
“It’s hard to teach 60 years of knowledge in a couple of hours,” she laughed.
“But my focus is on safety first, if I can make sure people are safe starting out, then that’s what matters most to me.”
Encouraging anyone interested in seeing and taking part in the sport she adds.
“We’d really like people to come and join our club. It’s a great little community, and we have a lot of fun.”
The Pyrenees Range Pleasure Drivers hold rallies on the second weekend of each month from 10am as well as the fourth Thursday of each month.
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