Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 18 – 25 Years
-
- Bec Kendt, Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (VIC)
Rebecca “Bec” Kendt is a senior rider at the Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC), where she has shown remarkable dedication over the past two and a half years, maintaining an impressive 97% attendance rate at club rallies.
Despite being diagnosed with autism as a young adult and experiencing hearing impairment, Bec’s passion for Pony Club has kept her engaged in the community. Although these challenges have affected her confidence in competing, she has found a way to stay involved by attending rallies and contributing as a volunteer, either assisting in the canteen or developing her skills as a club coach.
Bec has made significant strides in managing her anxieties while riding, allowing her to stay longer on rally days, although she consistently prioritizes supporting her club. Throughout 2022 and 2023, she undertook her PCA Preliminary coaching training, successfully completing her assessment in November 2023. In addition, Bec pursued a Diploma in Equitation Science and achieved her National Gear Checking qualifications. She has also taken on roles on the PCV Quiz State Committee and serves as a PCV Ride to Time Coach, demonstrating her commitment to furthering her knowledge and skills.
At the club level, Bec has been an active committee member since the age of 16, assisting with gear checking and ensuring the club’s gear check kit is well-maintained and up to date. She is a familiar face at club working bees and fundraisers, serving as a positive role model for younger riders. As a regular club coach, Bec enjoys expanding riders’ understanding of equitation science and Quiz, while also providing support for lower-level (D*, D, E) certificate training and assessments.
Bec’s influence extends beyond her club to the Midland Zone (Vic). She volunteered as a gear checker at the PCV State Dressage and Show Jumping Championships in February 2024, showcasing her dedication to the broader Pony Club community. Her contributions to the club and zone were recognized when she received the PCV Award of Merit in 2023.
Though she may not often compete due to her anxiety, Bec is a constant source of support and encouragement for MDHPC riders at events. She frequently mentors younger members, guiding them on event logistics and helping them feel prepared. Additionally, she coached the MDHPC Games Team for Zone and PCV State competitions in 2023.
Bec exemplifies the essence of Pony Club, proving that it is not solely about competition but about becoming positive role models and active community members. Her commitment to regular dressage lessons focuses on building and maintaining her confidence, while her leadership skills continue to develop through her coaching roles and participation in committee work.
As a confident and respectful National Gear Checker, Bec interacts with riders and parents with a calm demeanor, earning their trust and admiration. Those who have known her for a long time marvel at her growth—from a young girl struggling with communication due to anxiety to a shining example of leadership and community service.
Bec’s doctors and psychologist attribute her significant improvement in communication and confidence to her involvement in Pony Club and the various roles she has embraced. She actively participates in club meetings as a committee member, volunteering at events and taking on various responsibilities, particularly in gear checking. Additionally, she undertook advanced first aid training to enhance her ability to help at club events.
Bec’s journey and contributions reflect her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Pony Club movement. In August 2024, she was awarded the 2023 PCV Best Achievement by a Rider aged 18 to 25, a testament to her hard work and positive impact on her club and the wider community.