EQ Volunteer Thank U Series with Lynne Larkin

The series provides an opportunity for peer to peer recognition with certificates awarded to each nominated volunteer as an appreciation.

Each month we look forward to introducing a dedicated volunteer nominated from our equestrian community, while encouraging others to join in volunteering in equestrian activities.

Congratulations to those who all received a certificate with their nomination last month.

Recently we asked Lynne Larkin what being a Volunteer means to her (see below EQ Volunteer Thank U profile).

To nominate and thank a volunteer, follow the link below. 

EQ Volunteer Thank U Nomination

Lynne Larkin

My involvement with Equestrian sports stretches back to the late 70s early 80s when I became a member of the Northern Victorian Show Jumping Club based in Shepparton, Victoria. I had been riding since age 11 but had not had the opportunity to pursue competitive Equestrian sports or any formal training until then. So, within 6 months of getting my driver’s licence, I got my Kara Kar horse float and with a friend’s recommendation, I began a 12-year involvement with Showjumping.

I had a very handy mare but Summerfields Charleston (a thoroughbred from Echuca horse sales) really got me out and about, beginning like everyone in D grade and then progressing through to A and B grade, with some very good placings at World Cups in D grade Championships and other very recognizable events in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

I was Treasurer of the Showjumping club for 8 years and always enjoyed being a committee member, as during this time the club ran one of the best World Cup Qualifiers in Australia, each year in November.

After 2 years overseas in Africa and England, I came back with my husband to live in Hervey Bay in Queensland. During the first couple of years, I became involved with Hervey Bay Active Riders, being President and Secretary for 5 years, managing to get grants for sheds and equipment and helping to get the new grounds established. I then became involved with Maryborough Active Riders Club (MARC) in 2009 as I pursued my new passion for Dressage, taking up the challenge to compete my Clydie X, Digger. I became a committee member and for the past 7 or so years I have been the Dressage Coordinator for MARC. During this time, I have competed with a bay thoroughbred (Law and Order) and have had many memorable experiences with him.  My best would probably be winning 5 Championships in Elementary and being placed top 10 in the AAOR national event the same year of 2017.

When MARC was awarded a 2 Star Dressage event 4 years ago and then proceeded to run a really fantastic show, it was a very proud moment for us all, and yes it’s a lot of hours and time putting together such events but working with like-minded people who are very supportive and communicative makes you feel lucky to be part of something pretty special. And its not just the big events - we are very proactive putting together fun days for our members to encourage them to have a go, gain confidence to expand their riding and in so doing, then to get involved from a committee point of view. So, without being surrounded by wonderful volunteers our club could not run as well as it does. Remember that without Volunteers such events wouldn’t happen. Even if you can only donate a small part of your valuable time to assist it goes a long way to the success of our Equestrian Sports and Events. Best of all you make very special friends for life.