Sport
30 May, 2026
Nyngan Pony Club takes on big fundraising ride
Around 25 horses and sulkies travelled 46km from Nyngan to Hermidale on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Around 25 horses and sulkies travelled 46 kilometres from Nyngan to Hermidale on Saturday, May 23, to raise money for four local riders to travel to the United States next month.
The ride was organised by Nyngan Pony Club and included riders and drivers aged eight to a “bit more than 70” from the local area as well as Dubbo and Tottenham.
Pony Club vice-president Laughlin Ross led the ride which departed from the Nyngan Showground at 8am, and reached Hermidale just short of 3pm – with a stop at Miandetta for lunch.
Four pony club members from the zone – Isla Ross, Lilly Robb, Jade Potter and Chloe Fanning – have been chosen to participate in the first Phillip Dutton exchange.
They will leave Australia on June 30 and fly to Dallas and Philadelphia to spend just over a fortnight with the gold medal winning equestrian – who grew up at Hermidale and learned to ride through the Nyngan Pony Club.
Nyngan Pony Club vice-president Laughlin Ross said the local community had generously supported the fundraising campaign, donating money and also goods to be raffled.
“We walked the main street in Nyngan and the local businesses were very generous. When we got to Hermidale, we had raffles and an auction at the pub, and the locals there plus a few travellers who were passing through, really supported us making it very successful.”
Around 18 riders and one sulky started the ride, which took four hours to reach Miandetta where lunch of sandwiches and cakes was served by the support crew.
More riders, two sulkies, and vintage car joined the ride at the halfway point and around 23 finished.
“I think the slowest part of the ride was through Nyngan. We went up Bogan Street and crossed the river over the Peter Sinclair bridge. We had to hold up the traffic there to get across in one big group,” Mr Ross said.
“We were very well supported along the way with food and drinks for the riders, and Josh Drady drove the water truck so we could give the horses a drink every couple of hours.”
Most of the riders and supporters camped at the Hermidale sports ground and drove home after breakfast on Sunday morning.
“I think everyone was pretty exhausted. It was a big ride. Some of the adults had probably not ridden that far in a couple of years, let alone on one day. I reckon everyone would have been pretty sore the next day,” Mr Ross said.
“However, it was very successful and financially rewarding. It will certainly ease the pressure with the cost of the airfares, accommodation, and car hire for those who are going over. It will be a great opportunity for the girls.”
Phillip Dutton won three Olympic gold medals for Australia in eventing, before switching allegiance to the United States.
The girls will work with him at his yard in Philadelphia gaining first-hand experience of a top level equestrian operation.