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Continuous Maintenance on Grounds

Below is the list of jobs that need to be done on a regular basis to keep the grounds in good condition and safe for riders, horses and pedestrians.   

Agisters need to do 20 hours per year per agisted horse.   

Our groundsmen (from either paddock) may ask for particular jobs to be done that will contribute to working bee hours eg: removing show jumps or sporting equipment so mowing or weedspraying can occur, etc. 

There will be working bee days set aside for getting big jobs done and there is always a chance of an emergency at the club that may need a large group to help quickly, eg: trees or fences down or major construction etc.

Agisters need to keep a record of their own working bee hours and update the HPC Agisting Maintenance Hours facebook page (one post per family) with hours completed.

Weed Spraying

Weeds need to be sprayed, but we do not want the grazing grass killed, check with a groundsman prior to spraying so safety precautions for the horses can be put in place if necessary. Some poisons have no grazing periods, and it may not fit into schedule of paddock rotation at the time.

Members are to buy and use their own spraying equipment with their own safety gear. It is up to members to read safety leaflet and to follow directions to avoid poisoning, as it is at your own risk that you choose to use poison.

Children under the age of 18 should not be asked to do this job by their parents as the club does not support children being exposed to chemicals.

Areas that require spraying with Round up "which kills grass"

1. On borders of paddock fences to stop weeds and grass over growing up fences eg: chain mess fence, barbwire or steel fence.

2. Around the bottom of all posts eg: dressage arena, SJ arena, canteen, fixed cross country jumps, edge of round yards, or areas that can not be reached by mower or tractor.

Areas that require spot treatment in grazing areas eg: Broadside, Kamba, Grazon etc.

1. Only spray the weed. Certain weeds can only be killed by particular poisons.

2. Using a cup over the end of a spray wand to reduce the spray spread will ensure you target the weed only and will reduce the amount of weed spray needed.

3. Use of weed wands are highly recommended as individual plants can be simply painted with the weed treatment and there is no overspray.

Tree or Bush Trimming

Members choosing to trim trees or bushes do so at their own risk and must provide their own equipment and safety gear. 

Areas that require constant trimming are below:

1. Hedges around canteen front area.

2. Trees above side of canteen to not touch roof.

3. Trees in canteen yard cut to above head height.

4. Tree at front gate on Hendra side so floats and trucks can entry and exit grounds.

5. Over hanging trees around grounds cut to head height of riders eg: gully back fence etc.

6. Along side fence to houses in front yards on Hendra side.

7. Side of bridge on Nudgee Road for safe viewing for crossing the bridge.

Whipper Snipping Around Grounds

Members choosing to do whipper snipper do so at their own risk and provide their own equipment and safety gear. 

Areas that require constant whipper snippering are below and include all areas that the mower or slasher can't do:

1. Under trees with big roots like at front driveway

2. Under fence line or posts where poison has killed weeds or grass to tidy up.

3. Gully area near front gate on Hendra side as too steep for mower.

4. Mound with brick wall near dressage arena and pedestrian area (old loading ramp)

5. Around floats, round yards and all feedyards.

7. Rocky areas or muddy areas where mower or slasher cant reach.

8. Logs in paddocked used for jumps or in parking area.

9. Around cross country jumps.

Rocks and Hole Filling

As the grounds are on top of an old dump, rocks and debris will continue to come through to the top, for several years to come.

Rocks can be used to fill pot holes in south paddock access road and any hoof holes that may appear in both paddocks, where horses have walked in the mud. Dirt will also need to be placed in some of these hoof holes so horses do not twist a leg or a horse trip and a rider come off.  

If you find a rock or piece of metal stuck in the ground which is higher than the ground and grass, it will need to be dug out and if a hole is left, fill it with smaller stones and spare dirt.

Note:   If you see a large hole appear anywhere at the club you must report it to a Committee member immediately.

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