Clarke Family Trophy
Awarded to the: Pony Pair Winner
The A&Y Clarke (Jika Farm) trophy come about because of Alan & Yvonne Clarke’s association with the Thill and Gilmour families. This is their story.
About thirty two years ago, Michael Thill and the late Ron King broke in our first harness horse, a Clydesdale, Waverley Lucinda.
Alan had owned and ridden horses since he was a boy but had never driven them and with strict tutoring from Michael Thill and lots of driving thought he would have a go at showing his filly, which the Thills and Gilmours thought was a handy type.
Our first show was run by the Harness Horse Society at Flemington Racecourse and the Gilmours were kind enough to loan us a two wheel milk cart and heavy harness.
The late Pauline Thill taught Yvonne how to groom and plait and stressed how important it is to present your horse, harness, vehicle and self, in impeccable condition.
We were able to find our first vehicle and had harness made and that was the beginning of our love of this sport.
We have always tried to support local clubs (Oaklands) and events (Whittlesea & Melbourne Royal) where possible.
Over the years we have pleasure driven and completed very successfully at many shows in singles and multiples and just in the last couple of years have cut back after selling Jika Farm.
We now have a young horse which Alan is having some fun with: so who knows?
Many thanks to Alan and Yvonne Clarke and Debra Fuller for putting this story together.