2025 Inter-Pacific Exchange

Horsemanship, International Friendship and the Rise of the Off-the-Track Athlete

The Inter-Pacific Exchange has long stood as one of Pony Club’s most treasured traditions — a meeting place for young equestrians across continents, a proving ground for horsemanship and sportsmanship, and a bridge between cultures connected by their shared love of horses. In 2025, the Exchange returned home to Australia, and with it came a new chapter in its proud history.

Over two weeks in Little River, Victoria, riders from Pony Club Australia, New Zealand Pony Clubs, United States Pony Clubs, and Canadian Pony Club immersed themselves in a program that honoured the essence of Pony Club while embracing a bold, future-focused format. Proudly presented by Off The Track, the 2025 Inter-Pacific Exchange placed the spotlight firmly on partnership, education and ethical horse training — with off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTs) as the heart and heroes of the experience.

Instead of a brief familiarisation followed by competition, riders were paired with OTT Thoroughbreds and given the time and support to form meaningful, educated partnerships. The result was a program that balanced performance with empathy, learning with leadership, and tradition with progress.

A New Era for a Long-Standing Tradition

Dating back to the 1960s, the IPE has seen generations of Pony Club riders form friendships and memories that last a lifetime. But in 2025, Australia reimagined the model. The goal? To give riders the opportunity not only to compete — but to understand, train, and bond with their horses in a way that reflects Pony Club’s evolving standards of welfare and rider development.
Partnerships were cultivated through flatwork, jump schooling, groundwork and daily care, supported by the expertise and generosity of:

• Barton Equine & Pateman Racing
• Lever Equestrian
• Equitation Science International
• Pryde’s EasiFeed
• Newtown Saddles
• Hairy Pony
• Off The Track

Riders trained under elite guidance from Jess Barton (Barton Equine & Pateman Racing) and Phil Lever (Lever Equestrian), whose knowledge, mentorship and expertise in developing Thoroughbreds into confident, thoughtful athletes set the tone for the Exchange.

They were also joined by Pony Club Australia Patron and Equitation Science International CEO, Dr Andrew McLean, who delivered a welfare-centred session on how horses learn and the foundations of ethical training — reinforcing the Exchange’s focus on evidence-based, horse-centred education.

A Partnership That Captured Hearts: Britney & Kevin

The Exchange produced many highlights, but few were as moving as the partnership between Tasmania’s Britney Davey and Deal Blaster, known affectionately as Kevin.
From their first rides together to the competition arena, their connection deepened each day. Britney’s dedication to Kevin’s wellbeing, understanding and confidence was recognised with the Overall Horsemanship Award, supported by Hairy Pony.

And in a fitting reflection of the program’s philosophy, Britney has now purchased Kevin. He travelled safely to Tasmania and is settling beautifully into his new life — a testament to the power of patience, empathy and the special bonds Pony Club riders build with the horses entrusted to them.

A borrowed horse became a best mate.A competition pairing became a forever partnership.

Showcase Events: Skill, Style and Sportsmanship

Kangaroo Cup 6-Bar Challenge

The much-anticipated 6-Bar Challenge delivered a spectacular evening of suspense and soaring fences as mixed-nation teams put their bravery, balance and partnerships to the test.

Team Results

1. In Sickness & In Health
2. Jillaroo Jumpers
3. Global Gallopers
4. Baby Got Baak Rack

Teams & Combinations

In Sickness & In Health — TM Jacqui (CAN), Coach Jenn (USA)

• Hannah Fountain (USA) & My Four Oh Nine (Scone)
• Caitlin Pritchard (AUS) & Saint Eustace (Dave)
• Samantha Jones (NZ) & Alakahan (Alan)
• Ariel Carver (CAN) & Senza Dubbio (Zeb)

Jillaroo Jumpers — TM Alex (USA), Coach Kelly (CAN)

• Hadley Jack (CAN) & Lord Tycoon (Limo)
• Lilian Oakley (USA) & Perfect Panda (Panda)
• Lily Taylor (AUS) & Al Gala Yel (Al)
• Katie Fitzsimmons (NZ) & Comeuppance (Scotchy)

Global Gallopers — TM Janet (AUS), Coach Shay (NZ)

• Matilda Seppelt (AUS) & Historic (Henry)
• Vanna Johnston (NZ) & Mapping
• McKenzie Saker (CAN) & Eulong Rising (VIN)
• Mia Valdez (USA) & Supersonic Surge

Baby Got Baak Rack — TM Shirley (NZ), Coach J’Aime (AUS)

• Katie Wilson (NZ) & Constantinople (Con)
• Acacia Gifford (CAN) & Starwisp (Ralph)
• Amira Cooney (USA) & Chase on the Case (Chase)
• Britney Davey (AUS) & Deal Blaster (Kevin)

Individual Results

1. Hadley Jack (CAN) & Lord Tycoon
2. Caitlin Pritchard (AUS) & Saint Eustace (Dave)
3. Matilda Seppelt (AUS) & Historic (Henry)
4. Hannah Fountain (USA) & My Four Oh Nine (Scone)
5. McKenzie Saker (CAN) & Eulong Rising (VIN)
6. Katie Fitzsimmons (NZ) & Comeuppance (Scotchy)

Best Presented
Katie Wilson (NZ) & Constantinople — supported by Hairy Pony

Nations Cup Team Tournament

A packed, standing-room crowd gathered under lights for the Nations Cup finale — a true showcase of international talent and Pony Club spirit.

Team Results

1. New Zealand Pony Clubs
2. Canadian Pony Club
3. Pony Club Australia
4. The United States Pony Clubs

Australia’s Matilda Seppelt (NSW) delivered a standout performance to finish second individually with Historic, capping off a brilliant two-week campaign.

Team Australia

• Australia proudly fielded:
• Matilda Seppelt (NSW)
• Britney Cooper (TAS)
• Caitlin Pritchard (WA)
• Lili Taylor (VIC)
• Reserve: Jade Binns (TAS)

Supported by Coach J’Aime Mallon (VIC) and Team Manager Janet Hamblin (NSW).

A Collective Effort, a Shared Success

The 2025 IPE was made possible through the dedication of partners, horse owners, volunteers, officials and industry supporters:

• Off The Track — presenting partner
• Barton Equine & Pateman Racing — hosting, horse preparation & coaching
• Lever Equestrian — coaching
• Equitation Science International — welfare and training education
• Newtown Saddles, Pryde’s EasiFeed, Hairy Pony — equipment & support
• Tiffany Joyce — course building
• Oz Shotz — photography
• Erin McGavin — Pony Club Australia IPE Coordinator

A very special thank you goes to the owners and trainers who shared their horses with our riders — Pateman Racing, Amy McDonald Racing, Matt Laurie Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing and Fulmen Park. Offering talented Thoroughbreds for young people to learn from is an extraordinary gift, and their support ensured each participant experienced the true depth of connection and horsemanship that sits at the heart of Pony Club.

Their generosity ensured every rider and horse had the platform to shine.

The Legacy Continues

Held alongside the Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships, this year’s Inter-Pacific Exchange celebrated:

• International connection
• Young rider development
• Ethical training and horse welfare
• The incredible versatility of OTT Thoroughbreds
• Lifelong friendships — between riders, coaches, and horses

From the first arrivals to the last victory lap, the 2025 Exchange embodied Pony Club values at their highest: horsemanship, empathy, resilience, leadership and global community.

And somewhere in Tasmania, a horse named Kevin is grazing in a new paddock — a living reminder that the greatest gifts of Pony Club are not always medals, but the partnerships that shape our lives.