2021 EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA
CLUB OF THE YEAR FINALIST

MACEDON RANGES
DRESSAGE CLUB

MEET MACEDON RANGES DRESSAGE CLUB

The Macedon Ranges Dressage Club was officially formed and incorporated in 1995. Since this time, the club has grown and has gone from strength to strength and always focussed on a commitment to the furtherance of dressage, while maintaining a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment.

Over the past 12 months, the MRDC has been a forerunner with returning to competitions post COVID. The club was one of the first to hold a very successful competition at WPNEC in November 2020. The club invested much time in ensuring COVID management plans were developed in order to run a successful competition while at the same time keeping everyone safe.

Following on from this the Club ran its April competition, attracting 172 entrants with classes from Prelim to Advanced and FEI. Club rallies recommenced following lockdowns with numerous riders on waitlists for highly regarded instructors such as five-time Olymian Mary Hanna who is also the club patron.

The MRDC provides an annual prize to the highest scoring unplaced rider at the Victorian Young Rider Championships and sponsors the Dressage Festival.

Communication to members also includes articles of interest and is provided through the very popular Facebook page (which has over 400 members) and via email. The Facebook page is open to all like-minded equestrians and is not just restricted to members. Being a member of the MRDC allows riders to feel very supported in participating in their sport of choice and encouraged to go as far as they are able to without judgement or criticism.

During COVID and subsequently the club has had a very high focus on safe practices including the appointment of 5 COVID Safe Officers.

Over the past 12 months, the Macedon Ranges Dressage Club successfully applied for a number of Sporting Grants which are being used to ensure the club has adequate medical equipment such as a defibrillator machine and fully equipped first aid kit. The MRDC ensures that the rallies are subsidised and are kept affordable for all members at all times. The MRDC membership fee has been kept the same for the last number of years to ensure that membership is available to all. At every rally, lunch is provided by the club and is prepared by various volunteers. This provides a welcoming and safe space for riders to talk about their lessons and experiences with the coach and other members.