Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 13 – 17 Years
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- Isabel Ford, Toongabbie Pony Club (VIC)
Isabel is an exemplary member of her pony club, contributing far beyond her role as a rider.
Her active participation includes not only representing the club at events but also supporting the club and its members in various capacities. Isabel consistently runs C certificate education sessions for club members, instructs at rallies, conducts gear checks, pencils at events, and takes part in working bees. Her dedication to helping the club run smoothly is evident in her involvement in all these activities.
As a rider, Isabel’s commitment to self-improvement and her achievements speak volumes. She is currently working towards her C* certificate, and her competitive record is equally impressive. Isabel has qualified for the state level in dressage, musical rides, and pairs events. She is leading the East Gippsland Zone Grade 3 Combined Training Series and has won several OTT (Off the Track) awards at zone events. Her success with her OTT thoroughbred, whom she brought up from just three weeks off the track, is a testament to her skill and dedication as a rider. Isabel is also a proud member of the East Gippsland Zone Young Ambassador Program, highlighting her commitment to leadership and representation in the pony club community.
Isabel’s contributions extend beyond her riding. She regularly volunteers at other clubs’ events, helps younger riders from her club, and even test rides horses for those seeking new mounts. She is known for taking on green, misbehaved, or out-of-work ponies for younger members, showing her patience and willingness to help the next generation of riders. Isabel is always among the first to arrive and last to leave at rallies, assisting with both set up and pack up. Her presence is felt not only within her own club but throughout the zone, as she also volunteers to instruct at other clubs.
In addition to her hands-on work, Isabel has created educational resources for others, such as C* educational videos (which have been promoted by Pony Club Victoria) and Quizlet study guides for riders preparing for their C and C* certificates. She is always eager to go the extra mile, recently helping to fundraise for Mallacoota Pony Club after their facility was damaged in bushfires and offering support to riders at other clubs preparing for their C certificates.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Isabel’s contribution is her unwavering positivity, supportive nature, and respect for others. She constantly offers assistance to other riders, often sacrificing her own time and riding opportunities to help junior members. Her enthusiasm, maturity, and dedication to her club, fellow members, and the wider pony club community are truly inspiring. Isabel’s humble attitude, leadership qualities, and cheerful demeanor make her an invaluable asset to her club and a role model for all.
Isabel is not only a dedicated rider and leader but also a quiet achiever who works tirelessly behind the scenes, never seeking recognition for her contributions. She embodies the spirit of pony club, making a lasting positive impact on everyone she encounters.