Timmy's turn at show

By DANIELLE CETINSKI

Jan. 22, 2013, midnight

Jamberoo's Grace McGlinchey and her Welsh mountain pony, Timmy, will compete at the Kiama Show. Picture: DYLAN ROBINSON

WHEN Jamberoo's Grace McGlinchey makes her way to the Kiama Show this weekend, she won't be alone.

Grace, 11, will be showing her 13-year-old Welsh mountain pony, Timmy, for the first time.

The granddaughter of Kiama Citizen of the Year Peter McGlinchey has been part of the Kiama District Pony Club her grandfather help to found since she was just four years old.

As a youngster, her mother, Linda, led her around the ring in the tiny tot events.

Now, she competes at Kiama Show by herself in the hack and pony club events.

"It's really fun," she said.

"We do a workout, show what he can do and how obedient he is.

"I get butterflies sometimes," she said.

Grace said it was important for young equine enthusiasts to participate in the show.

"There are lots of people who haven't had the experience and they should, even if they have to borrow a horse," she said.

"One year, my horse was lame and I still had fun even though I was riding another horse."

As Grace prepares Timmy for their test on Friday, Kiama Show Society president David Young said preparation was progressing well leading into the 165th show.

"For a dedicated committee to provide a venue for the Kiama municipality to exhibit its wares, whether it be riding, cattle, fruit, veggies or tapestries - to have that for 165 years is amazing.

"We're gearing up for a spectacular show."

Mr Young said the committee had invested extra funds for the milestone event, including two performances from Circus Monoxide on Friday at 6pm and 7pm and the Heritage Camel Derby on Saturday at 5pm, 6pm and 8pm.

"We still have spaces available if people want to ride," he said.

Mr Young said the society would welcome new members.

"The best thing that people can do to support the show is turn up," he said.