Three Dennington Pony Club members honoured at state awards night

Makayla Lowther was awarded the best achievement by rider 13 to 17 years and Shelley McCrae was equal winner of coach of the year. Michael Bottrell was also a finalist for volunteer of the year.

McCrae, 48, who has coached since she was 18, said the win was unexpected but a just reward for her years of dedication.

"People ask me why I coach and the reason is to make a difference to someone not only as a coach for horse riding but a mentor to upcoming coaches," she said.

"Basically I want to make a difference and see them with a smile at the end of the day after they know they can do something."

McCrae, who works as a care coordinator at Lyndoch, said didn't believe she was a chance of winning.

"It was an honour and a shock to be named in the final four as there was some exceptional coaches in that line up," she said.

"I was shocked again at the end of it that I had been named coach of the year."

Lowther, 16, said she would remain humble after receiving the honour.

"I'm not going to think I'm some big superstar I am going to take it as a privilege, as it certainly is a good recognition, but I don't think I will change much," she said.

"I won't be second guessing myself though. I will be more confident in helping others and with our buddy system I will be more willing to help my buddy Milan."

The Warrnambool College student said her emotions were running wild moments before she was announced as a winner.

"I was shaking when they called us up and we were all standing there waiting to be announced and I was still shaking about what was going to happen," she said.

"They called out the two girls before me and then they got to the last award and I thought 'my name hasn't been called and that can only mean one thing' and then they called it out and I was just shocked."

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