North Coast Equestrian Club back in the saddle after fires, floods and Covid pandemic

Against all odds it’s giddy-up for a Coffs Harbour sports club flogged by natural disasters and Covid lockdowns. See why this weekend will be extra special for a band of volunteers.

North Coast Equestrian Club members Kathryn Dykstra, Shannon Marsh and Lucy-Jane Pearce at a dressage training day in February. Picture: Supplied

The last rites were all but read for Coffs Harbour’s North Coast Equestrian Club after fires, Covid and three floods saw its facilities at Nana Glen fall into wrack and ruin.

The waves of disaster had the club on its knees as many hard working committee members realised “oh yeah, I’m done”, treasurer Lilli Bowen said.

“Everything that happened pretty much wiped out ring events,” she said.

“We had three floods in one year and it was in disarray. The jumps were falling to bits.”

But a dim glow of determination flickered.

Long standing club secretary Narelle Hayes. Picture: Supplied

Life member and secretary Narelle Hayes pushed the idea for a rebuild, while Ms Bowen and vice-president Lucy-Jane Pearce put their shoulders to the wheel to drum up support from local stores.

“We had not a lot of money in the club, but local businesses jumped on with sponsorships,” Ms Bowen said.

North Coast Equestrian Club treasurer Lilli Bowen at a Rebel Morrow training clinic at Nana Glen. Picture: Supplied

The little club that could had some high profile help too, as Olympian Rebel Morrow came to Nana Glen to run a riding clinic.

The recovery has been slow but assured.

Olympic eventer Rebel Morrow with one of the cross country jumps at the North Coast Equestrian Club's Nana Glen facility. Picture: Supplied

This weekend marks something of a milestone for the North Coast Equestrian Club 2.0 as it prepares to host its first open event on the permanent course since 2021.

“We’re so excited,” Ms Bowen said.

“My dad has even made a podium which I’m painting.”

The two-day competition smacks of an economic bonanza for Nana Glen and Coffs Harbour with some 100 entrants.

“Horses will come from all over NSW and interstate to camp and spend the weekend to experience the three phases of the competition,” Ms Pearce said.

“We are so excited to bring the joy of eventing back to the local community.”

Originally published as North Coast Equestrian Club back in the saddle after fires, floods and Covid pandemic