Tomorrow marks 30 years since the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Australian coach Allan Hession and rider Paul Coulson (TAS) during the 1995 International Mounted Games Exchange in Kentucky, USA. American team member Frances Pitts also died in the crash, and several others were injured, including Tracey Godden (QLD), Carlie Waller (WA), and team manager Nicole Smith (NT).
The accident occurred just days before the competition was scheduled to begin at the Kentucky Horse Park. It was a significant loss felt across the international Pony Club community.
Allan Hession was a long-serving Pony Club volunteer and a driving force behind the development of Mounted Games in Australia. After becoming involved through his children, Allan went on to serve as President of Zone 26 in Queensland and became a respected instructor, judge, and team manager. He played a key role in establishing the National Prince Philip Mounted Games and was instrumental in developing the concept of national competitions on borrowed horses — to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all riders.
In 1994, Allan led the first National Showjumping Championships and Zone Teams Challenge at Caboolture Showgrounds. The event was a success and continues today, with the Alan Hession Memorial Trophy awarded each year to the highest scoring team in his honour.
Paul Coulson was a valued member of the 1995 Australian team and a talented young rider from Tasmania. His loss, along with Allan’s, is still remembered by many in the Pony Club community.
In 1996, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Virginia dedicated part of its Intensive Care Unit to the memory of Allan, Paul, and Frances — a tribute to their contribution to international Pony Club and to the strong friendships formed through the sport.
Thirty years on, we remember those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and all who were affected. Their contribution to Pony Club, and their place in its history, are not forgotten.
