The Berrima District Pony Club unveiled a new water jump in memory of one of its members.

The club hosted a ceremony to unveil the Olivia Inglis Memorial Water Jump on May 7. 

The renovation and rebuilding of the water jump had been on the club’s agenda for many years, but when Olivia passed away at the Scone Horse Trials in 2016, former president Dave Wansey said the job no longer seemed out of reach. 

“In the blink of an eye, on the afternoon of March 6 2016, everything we understood as too big, too dear or too busy or too difficult all changed forever,” he said. 

“In the days following we struggled to comprehend the news of Olivia’s accident and sought comfort among our friends.”

Club members thought about naming a trophy in Olivia’s honour but decided upon the jump, something spectacular to remember a much-loved young girl. 

“Our trophy cabinet was filled with so much heartbreak already, stories of children and horses who lost their lives too young,”  Mr Wansey said. 

‘We thought why don’t we do something spectacular, why don’t we rebuild this jump the way the club has always wanted in Olivia’s honour, and build something so amazing that people who pass by here will ask the question, who is Olivia Inglis?”

The Trustees of the Olivia Inglis Foundation donated $15,000 to the planning and building of the jump.  Donations were also made by club members and people throughout the Highlands. 

The project was designed by talented jump builder Brett Ryan and features multiple entry points so riders of all skill levels can practise. 

Mr Wansey said he hoped the jump would allow the equine community to remember Olivia for years to come. 

“It is our hope that for as long as the sound of hooves splash through this water and the laughter of children rises like the smoke from these beautiful trees, the name of beautiful Olivia will be on our lips,” he said. 

A plaque was also built near the jump in Olivia’s name. 

Olivia’s parents Charlotte and Arthur Inglis unveiled the jump and thanked the club and equine community for their support. 

“On behalf of Olivia we are touched and honoured by the work that has gone into this project,” Mr Inglis said. 

“This project is symbolic as it’s where it started for Olivia. This is where she first rode when she came away from home and it’s where she spent so many happy times and made so many close friends.” 

After the unveiling of the jump, Olivia’s sisters Antoinette and Alexandra, along with other club members were the first to try the new jump.