Sport
16 November, 2025
Pony club gets a facelift
THE Innisfail Horse and Pony Club is riding into its 65th anniversary in 2025 with a bold new look, courtesy of a generous donation from the Dulux Community Donation Program. Dulux donated 100 litres of paint in shades of Shale Grey, Lexicon, and Colorbond Monument, which enabled local painter Jibbles McMan to give the club’s buildings a much-needed facelift.
The makeover marks more than just a cosmetic upgrade, it’s a symbol of resilience. Over the decades, the club has weathered cyclones, two break-ins and the COVID-19 pandemic. This project has reignited a sense of pride and belonging among members, reinforcing the club’s role as a cornerstone of the local equestrian community.
Dulux’s community initiative supports not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs and grassroots groups by providing paint to protect and uplift the places that matter most.
The club’s story began in 1958, when passionate rider Archie Gordon, one of the club’s life members offered horse rides to locals beneath the towering raintrees at the Innisfail Showgrounds. Gordon felt it was important to provide young riders with a safe and professional space to learn. He secured land behind the racetrack from council and with help from volunteer parents and community members, the scrubland was cleared and ready for use by 1960.
The first clubhouse was a repurposed iron building from the Show Society, originally used by a church group to serve food at the local show. In 1987, a new masonry block building, the current canteen was constructed and named in Gordon’s honour.
Today, the club continues to thrive, with members competing successfully at gymkhanas across Far North Queensland, including Babinda, Mareeba, Malanda, Ravenshoe, Gordonvale and Earlville, as well as hosting its own sporting rallies and gymkhanas.
Local rider Lahni Madsen recently represented zone 18 at the Pony Club Queensland State Equitation and Showjumping Championships in Toowoomba and finished in the top 10. The club also took home the Best Gymkhana award at the zone 18 formal Gymkhana and Sporting Championships in Gordonvale.
Junior and senior riders Chelsea Daley, Ella-Rose Holst, Lahni Madsen and Claire Dailey received nominations for the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Youth Sports Bursary Awards this year, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Thanks to the dedication of members Clarry and Kyle McDermid, the club boasts some of the most manicured grounds in the Far North.
The executive committee led by president Julianne Madsen, secretary Tara Daley, vice presidents Brielle Hohnke and Danielle Cini, treasurer Janelle McDermid and chief instructor Brielle Hohnke continues to drive the club forward, with all members contributing to canteen operations and grant applications.
For updates and more information, visit the Innisfail Horse and Pony Club Facebook page.