Introducing the Pony Club Australia Team
Pony Club Australia is pleased to announce the team selected to represent Australia at the 2026 International Tetrathlon Exchange, to be held in Queensland from 30 June to 20 July.
This year’s exchange will welcome riders from the United Kingdom, United States, Ireland and New Zealand, with competition taking place across three venues in South East Queensland: Yandina & District Pony Club (Doonan), Mudgeeraba Pony and Hack Club (Gold Coast), and West Toowoomba Pony Club, which will host the Pony Club Queensland State Tetrathlon Championships.
Tetrathlon is a unique Pony Club sport that combines four phases: running, swimming, laser pistol shooting and riding (showjumping). It challenges riders to develop not only their horsemanship, but also their fitness, focus and adaptability. At international level, competitors ride unfamiliar horses, making partnership, balance and feel critical to success.
Pony Club Australia’s 2026 International Tetrathlon Exchange team brings together riders, a coach and a team manager from across the country, each with their own story, strengths and reasons for being excited about the experience ahead.
What stands out straight away is the mix within this team. Some have already had a taste of international exchange and are thrilled to do it again. Others are preparing for the opportunity for the first time and are looking forward to testing themselves, learning from others and representing their club, state and country. Across the board, there is a strong sense of pride, gratitude and excitement, along with deep appreciation for the families, clubs, coaches and Pony Club communities that have helped make this moment possible.
Female Riders
Emma Wiese – Dryandra Pony Club, Western Australia | Age 22
Emma Wiese, from Dryandra Pony Club in Western Australia, said she felt relieved and excited when selected. After taking part in the 2024 exchange in Ireland and the UK, she is looking forward to another exchange experience, this time on home soil.
Emma is especially excited about reconnecting with other tetrathletes she met at the 2024 exchange, as well as the opportunity to ride and compete on pool horses. That combination of international friendship and riding challenge is a big part of what makes these exchanges so rewarding.
She is hoping to learn more about how tetrathlon and Pony Club operate in other countries, which is a valuable perspective for anyone involved in the sport.
Emma says it was her mum who got her into tetrathlon and has always been a huge support, but it is also the friends she has made through the sport who have kept her coming back. That says a lot about the community tetrathlon can build around its riders.Her fun fact is that she started competing in tetrathlon in 2013 and has always enjoyed it.
Darcy Miller – Leven Pony Club, Tasmania | Age 24
Darcy Miller, from Leven Pony Club in Tasmania, summed up her reaction to selection in one word: excited. Even in that simple response, there is a clear sense of how much the opportunity means.
Darcy is particularly looking forward to the competition itself, as well as meeting and reuniting with new and old friends. That balance of performance and connection sits at the heart of tetrathlon exchange opportunities, and her excitement for both comes through clearly.
When asked what she is hoping to learn, Darcy said, “Lots!”, which may be brief, but still says plenty. It points to someone heading into the exchange with an open mind and a readiness to take in whatever the experience offers.
She credits her family, friends and running coach for supporting her along the way, showing that her journey has been shaped not only by her horse sport circle, but by the broader people helping her as an athlete. Her fun fact is sharp and memorable: she loves proving people wrong.
Chloe Leen – Drysdale Leopold Pony Club, Victoria | Age 19
Chloe Leen was very excited to be selected, and she is heading into the exchange with a strong sense of enthusiasm for both the sporting and social sides of the experience.
One of the things Chloe is most looking forward to is catching up with friends from a past tetrathlon exchange, while also travelling to new places. That combination of familiarity and newness is a special part of international opportunities like this. They offer the chance to reconnect, while also continuing to expand your world.
Chloe is hoping to learn more about the tetrathlon rules used by the visiting exchange countries. That curiosity is especially valuable in an international setting, where riders are exposed not just to different people, but also to different ways of doing things.
She says her parents and coaches have supported her along the way, helping her build towards this opportunity. Chloe’s fun fact is that she can juggle, which feels fitting for someone balancing competition, travel, friendships and learning all at once.
Emily maxwell – Beverley Horse & pony Club, western australia | age 20
Emily Maxwell, from Beverley Horse and Pony Club in Western Australia, described her reaction to selection with great warmth and energy. She said she felt so excited that she ran into her mum’s room to tell her the news, and her mum was just as excited as she was. She described it as such an incredible feeling.
Emily is excited to make new friends with people from all over the world, while also competing in Queensland and representing Australia. Her answer captures both the joy and the significance of the opportunity.
She is hoping to learn as many horsemanship and sporting skills as possible, and also to learn lots about her peers. That openness to both skill development and connection with others says a lot about what she values in the experience.
Emily says her mum has definitely been her biggest supporter, attending every competition and, for countless years, getting up at the crack of dawn to drive her and her horse wherever they needed to go. Her appreciation comes through strongly in her response.
Her fun fact is that she was the first female apprentice at her workplace of more than 50 men, so they had to change the toilet etiquette for her.
tessa leen – Drysdale Leopold pony club, victoria | age 16
Tessa Leen is excited to be selected for the team, and that sense of anticipation carries through everything she is looking forward to in the exchange.
Tessa is especially excited about making friends with people from other states and countries, which speaks to one of the most valuable parts of these opportunities. While the competition and challenge matter, so does the chance to build connections with others who share the same passion for Pony Club and tetrathlon.
She is hoping to learn how to ride horses that are different from her own, an important skill in tetrathlon and one that takes adaptability, feel and confidence. That willingness to step outside the familiar and learn from the experience says a lot about the approach she is bringing to the team.
Tessa credits her parents and coaches for supporting her along the way, helping her reach this point and backing her as she continues to develop as a rider. And in a fun detail that gives a glimpse of her personality beyond horses, Tessa says she can do a backhand spring.
Male Riders
Campbell Black – Wallangarra Pony Club, Western Australia | Age 18
Campbell Black, from Wallangarra Pony Club in Western Australia, said he was honoured to be selected for the second time to represent Australia in the International Tetrathlon.
Campbell is excited to represent Australia again and to meet new people from around the world who all share a common passion for Pony Club and tetrathlon. He also reflected on how exciting it is to see Pony Club support riders in achieving goals and taking on challenges not only at local and national level, but internationally as well.
He is hoping to learn new horsemanship skills through riding borrowed horses, and also wants to learn more about other countries and cultures and what Pony Club looks like in those places. He said being able to see both the similarities and the differences is interesting, and that curiosity comes through strongly in his response.
Campbell says he has been supported by his family, but also by a very supportive Pony Club community at Wallangarra, particularly the chief coach who has encouraged him from his D Certificate through to international competition. He makes the point clearly that without a supportive Pony Club, he would not have gained the experience or knowledge to ride at this level.
His fun fact is a great one: he did not start riding horses on the lead line. He started in motocross first, before swapping to horses as an eight-year-old.
oliver homer – Macarthur pony club, victoria | age 17
Oliver Homer, from Macarthur Pony Club in Victoria, said he felt shocked and happy at the same time when he was selected, and delighted to be representing Australia in international tetrathlon.
He is excited about meeting other Pony Club members from the other side of the world, competing and travelling with them. His answer captures the sense of adventure that comes with an exchange like this, and the chance to step into something bigger than a normal competition experience.
He is hoping to learn how tetrathlon works in other countries, which again shows the value of these international opportunities beyond results alone. They allow riders to see their sport through a wider lens.
He says he has been supported by his fantastic mother, Kim, as well as his District Commissioner Meaghan Johnson, Kate Thompson from Modern Pentathlon Victoria, and Katherine Cameron from Dunkeld Pony Club. He added that without Katherine, Meaghan and Kate, they may never have known about tetrathlon or continued in the sport. That is a powerful reminder of how important encouragement and introduction can be in shaping a rider’s path.
Oliver’s fun fact is that he much prefers to ride bareback than in a saddle.
hayden taylor – runcorn pony club, queensland | age 16
Hayden Taylor, from Runcorn Pony Club in Queensland, said he felt honoured to represent Australia. It is a simple response, but one that carries real weight.
He is most excited about travelling around with the other competitors, which suggests he is looking forward not only to the sporting challenge, but also to being part of the team environment and the shared experience that comes with an exchange.
He is hoping to learn how other countries use and compete in the same sport, showing a genuine interest in the broader tetrathlon landscape and the chance to compare approaches.
He says his mother has supported him all the way through, giving him every opportunity to succeed in the sport since he was two years old. It is a strong reflection of how long these journeys can be, and how much family support can underpin them.
His fun fact adds a whole different side to his profile. Hayden has had an interest in cars and mechanics since he was eight, taught himself everything he could through videos, and is now working towards an apprenticeship in heavy diesel mechanics with the long-term goal of a FIFO mining career.
dan wiese – dryandra pony club, western australia | age 23
Dan Wiese, from Dryandra Pony Club in Western Australia, is another rider returning to the international exchange environment. He said he is excited to get to go on the International Tetrathlon Exchange again after taking part in 2024, which he described as a great experience.
Dan is looking forward to meeting and spending time with other like-minded people, and to the challenge of riding a variety of horses and testing his skills in high-level competition. His response reflects both the social and technical sides of tetrathlon, and a strong appreciation for what makes the sport so distinctive.
He is hoping to get to know people from other countries who also enjoy tetrathlon, while learning about their lives, countries and horse experiences. He is also looking forward to getting to know the “buttons” of the horses he rides, which is such a horse-person answer and a good reflection of the adaptability required in tetrathlon.
Dan says his whole family is very supportive, but especially his mum, who has put in countless hours throughout his Pony Club journey. He also recognises everyone involved with Dryandra Pony Club and tetrathlon in Western Australia for helping make his time in Pony Club enjoyable and always stepping in when needed.
Away from university and tetrathlon, Daniel says he loves farming in his spare time.
William nieuwenhuis – Drysdale leopold pony club, victoria | age 15
William Nieuwenhuis, from Drysdale Leopold Pony Club in Victoria, said he felt very excited about being selected and cannot wait to compete in the green and gold.
He is looking forward to competing internationally and representing both Pony Club Australia and Drysdale Leopold Pony Club, while also making new friends from all over Australia and the world. There is a lovely pride in the way he speaks not just about Australia, but also about his own club.
He is hoping to learn more about riding strange horses and about how horsemanship differs between Australian states and different countries. That interest in both riding and horsemanship points to a rider who wants to use the opportunity to expand his understanding, not just his results.
He says his biggest supporters have been his parents and his pony club, and adds that of course he could not have done any of it without his horse Lucy.
His fun fact is that he loves building Lego, has many different sets in his collection, and is always looking for something new.
Mixed International Teams (Australian Representatives)
Female
Anastasia topalov – west toowoomba pony club, queensland | age 20
Anastasia Topalov, from West Toowoomba Pony Club in Queensland, is returning to the international exchange environment with a real sense of gratitude and excitement. She said she was honestly so excited and grateful to be selected again, especially after such an amazing first international exchange that left her with great memories and friendships that have lasted.
She is especially looking forward to reconnecting with people she met last time and building even more friendships. For Anastasia, that human side of the experience matters deeply. At the same time, she is also excited to compete on home soil and share how tetrathlon is done in Australia.
Anastasia also spoke about how exciting it is that Australia is hosting the International Tetrathlon Exchange. She sees it as a great opportunity to showcase the sport here and hopefully encourage more people to get involved and help tetrathlon continue to grow in Australia.
She is hoping to gain as much experience as possible by competing at this level again. Riding pool horses, adapting to new challenges and testing herself against athletes from around the world are all things she sees as valuable in helping her grow as a tetrathlete.
When speaking about support, Anastasia’s answer is especially heartfelt. She says she truly would not be where she is without her mum, who has supported her through everything, from early mornings and late nights to driving around the country for competitions, and giving up countless weekends and so much of her own time. It is a moving reminder of the commitment behind the scenes that often sits quietly behind young athletes’ opportunities.
Her fun fact adds another personal layer. Anastasia lives on the Gold Coast with her best friend and her dog Pepper, and gets to ride horses as her job.
abbey coxon – vines pony club, new south wales | age 18
For Abbey Coxon, selection means more than just making a team. She described it as a privilege to have the opportunity to wear the green and gold, and said she is really excited for what is ahead.
Abbey, from Vines Pony Club in New South Wales, is looking forward to competing across all aspects of tetrathlon as part of a team and learning from experienced international coaches. Her response shows both ambition and openness, with a clear focus on making the most of the high-level experience around her.
She is hoping to improve her performance across the sport and gain experience competing alongside athletes from around the world. That mindset reflects a rider who is not just attending the exchange, but looking to absorb as much as possible from it and come away stronger.
Abbey says she has been supported by her family, friends, coaches and Vines Pony Club, highlighting how many people and influences can sit behind one selection. Her fun fact is that she is currently studying to become a secondary teacher, adding another dimension to who she is beyond Pony Club.
Male
Ryan frantom – gidgegannup horse & pony club, western australia | age 23
Ryan Frantom, from Gidgegannup Horse and Pony Club in Western Australia, said he felt really proud and grateful to be selected. He explained that this is something he has been working towards for a long time, so it means a lot to have that effort recognised and to be given the chance to represent Australia through tetrathlon.
Ryan is most excited to meet like-minded people from different countries who share the same passion for tetrathlon, while also competing against a high standard of international competition and challenging himself through the opportunity.
His answer about what he is hoping to learn is especially thoughtful. Ryan says that, as someone who enjoys giving back to Pony Club and the sport of tetrathlon, he wants to learn as much as he can from the experience so he can share his stories, experiences and insights with up-and-coming tetrathletes and hopefully inspire them to pursue similar opportunities in the future. It shows a rider already thinking beyond himself and toward what he can bring back to the sport.
Ryan says he has been fortunate to have his parents supporting him throughout his entire Pony Club journey, as well as coaches and peers who have played a significant role not only in his development as a rider, but also as a person.
His fun fact is unforgettable: he once won the best loaf of bread award at an agricultural show.
Coach
Darcy wade – stratford pony club, victoria | age 26
Darcy Wade, from Stratford Pony Club in Victoria, joins the team as coach. He said it was pretty unreal when he found out, and that he did not think he would get the role, so it is awesome to be able to do the job and be part of the exchange.
Darcy is most looking forward to helping the riders get the most out of the trip and aim for the best results they can achieve. He also said it will be an awesome experience to be part of the exchange from a coaching point of view, which gives a sense of both his enthusiasm and his commitment to the team.
He is hoping to learn more about the riders and about himself, particularly in the areas where he can better help young riders improve on the big stage. He sees the role as something that will also teach him how to help riders overcome their own individual challenges more effectively.
Darcy says he has been supported by his parents, his club Stratford, a lot of Pony Club Australia individuals, and particularly Janet Hamblin, who has been a long-time supporter of him in coaching roles.
His fun fact is very relevant to the exchange: he has competed in two tetrathlon exchanges himself, in 2016 and 2018.
Team Manager
Sharon Hutton – maroochy pony club, queensland | age 64
Sharon Hutton, from Maroochy Pony Club in Queensland, is part of the team as Team Manager. She said she feels very honoured and privileged to be involved with a team of young people who are passionate about their sport.
Sharon is most excited about helping create a positive environment where all athletes have the opportunity to shine. It is exactly the kind of answer you would hope for from a team manager, with the focus firmly on supporting the group and helping each rider perform and enjoy the experience.
She is hoping to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities Pony Club Australia has available for members, and she brings a broad and thoughtful perspective to the team.
Sharon says she has been supported by her family, her pony club, and Hayley Leorke and Charlie Matthews, owners of the riding school and agistment where her daughter started riding 20 years ago and where Sharon’s own learning began.
Her fun fact is that she loves long-distance running and skiing.
A Team with Depth, Character and Strong Support Behind Them
This team reflects so much of what Pony Club does well. It brings together riders from different states, different clubs and different backgrounds, but with a shared willingness to learn, represent Australia proudly and make the most of a unique experience.
There is excitement about competition, of course, but also about friendship, travel, horsemanship, pool horses, learning from other countries and being part of something bigger than any one individual. There is also a very clear thread running through every profile: the support of parents, clubs, coaches, Pony Club communities and mentors who have helped these team members reach this point.
From Drysdale Leopold to Gidgegannup, from West Toowoomba to Maroochy, and from Wallangarra to Stratford, each team member brings their own story to the exchange.
Together, they make up a Pony Club Australia team that should be incredibly proud of what they have already achieved, and excited for what is still to come.
