The equestrian pursuit was a different beast in 1980 when Joy Charlton went to Sutherland Shire Council to help solve some issues horse owners were experiencing.
New Mayor Allan Andrews and Charlton started a life long association with council that still exists today when he helped them acquire Carina Bay Reserve, Como.
Last month they held their 30th anniversary dressage championships at Como Equestrian Park and due to ill health it will be the last one with Joy at the reins.
After 36 years of service Charlton is retiring from her role as president of assocation to which she is also patron.
“Its sad to leave – like leaving a baby as it grows,” Charlton said.
“It’s too much commitment physically and technically equestrian has changed a lot with government control and plenty of paperwork – a lot different to when we started.”
Charlton, who has ridden all her life, was short listed as a rider for the 1980 Moscow Olympics before the boycott and no Australian horses or riders were sent to compete.
An international judge, champion show and dressage rider, Charlton was also a tutor at the Spanish riding school before starting the Sutherland association 36 years ago, helping nurture generations of young riders to live and love the equestrian life.
Charlton’s 80th birthday is just around the corner and she has been awarded the highest honour with both the NSW and also the Australian Equestrian Volunteer of the year in 2016.