PCA Club of the Year

 

Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC), located in the Central Goldfields Shire, Rural Victoria, is a thriving and rapidly growing club that offers a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment for riders of all ages and abilities. The club is known for its strong sense of community, with a focus on friendship, support, and, above all, the welfare of the horses and ponies that members ride.

With 71 riding members, ranging from ages 4 to 73, MDHPC caters to a wide demographic through its Ready2Ride Program for riders 10 and under, as well as Junior, Senior, and Adult memberships. Rallies are held on the first weekend of each month over two days, providing flexibility for those with work commitments. This unique structure also supports riders bringing on young horses and those with mental health disabilities, offering a quieter rally atmosphere on Saturdays.

MDHPC’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its inclusive approach, with 23% of its members having a disability or medical condition. The club actively supports NDIS participants and ensures that gear exemptions and all-abilities inclusion are provided. This ethos is further reflected by the fact that four committee members are disability-trained, and one member has a disability, ensuring that all riders have equal opportunities to participate.

The club’s membership growth, even during times when many other clubs are seeing declines, is attributed to its positive, supportive culture. At MDHPC, riders are encouraged to learn at their own pace in a non-judgemental environment where achievements, no matter how small, are celebrated.

MDHPC offers a range of flexible payment options for club membership fees, including instalment plans and layby options, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation. In addition to rallies, members enjoy access to the club grounds, which include dressage arenas, a show jumping arena, a round yard, and a cross-country course, fostering a community of riders who meet for training and trail rides.

Safety and risk management are key priorities, and MDHPC has demonstrated its commitment by cancelling events and altering rally schedules in response to extreme weather risks. The club’s transparency is ensured through regular committee meetings and open communication with all members, helping to maintain trust and engagement.

MDHPC’s dedication to coach development is a standout feature, with several members recently achieving PCA coaching qualifications. The club encourages parents, older riders, and members to pursue coaching roles, ensuring that the club is well-supported with qualified coaches. The club also places a strong emphasis on rider education, aligning its lessons with the PCA Syllabus.

Recently recognised as Pony Club Victoria’s Club of the Year in 2023, MDHPC continues to innovate with projects like an online uniform shop and proactive grant applications. These efforts have led to improvements in facilities, such as the installation of solar power and repairs to flood-damaged areas.