4 minute read
Pony Club Australia is proud to announce the team selected to represent Australia in the upcoming international exchange with China Pony Club this March.
Over 10 days, the team will travel to Gold Saddle Equestrian Club in Guilin and Capitano Pony Camp in Nanning, taking part in riding, cultural activities and shared learning experiences with Chinese riders. From competition days and trail rides to bamboo rafting, sightseeing and travelling by high-speed train, the exchange promises to be both an equestrian and cultural adventure.
Guilin is world-renowned for its dramatic natural scenery, while Nanning is often described as the street food paradise of China. For our riders and officials, this is far more than a riding trip. It is an opportunity to build friendships, broaden perspectives and represent Pony Club Australia on the international stage.
MEET THE TEAM
Izzy Ryan
Age: 15
Club: Londonderry Pony Club, NSW
Main Disciplines: Showjumping and Show Riding
Years in Pony Club: 4
Izzy was “really excited” and felt honoured to be selected to represent Australia.
“I felt honoured to be considered for this opportunity not only to ride horses and meet others but to experience the overall cultural diversity that members from Pony Club across the globe will bring to this event.”
She is most looking forward to meeting riders who share her love of horses, experiencing Chinese culture and developing new connections. Izzy hopes to learn how Pony Clubs in other countries come together across disciplines, how they care for their horses, and to continue developing her overall horsemanship and writing skills.
Supported by her parents and coach, who has previously experienced an overseas opportunity, Izzy enjoys taking her horses to new places, including trail rides, the beach and rivers. She also loves teaching her horses tricks and can get them to smile on command and even “fist pump”.
Rylee Dentler
Age: 17
Club: West Tamar Pony Club, TAS
Main Disciplines: Eventing and Mounted Games
Years in Pony Club: 4.5
Rylee was “super excited” when she received the news, especially as this will be her first time travelling outside Australia.
She is most looking forward to meeting other riders and exploring China, and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how Pony Club exchanges operate, with an eye on participating in more in the future.
Rylee credits her mum and dad for their ongoing support and has a particular soft spot for Gypsy Cobs.
Maya Whalen
Age: 15
Club: Woodlands Pony Club, VIC
Main Disciplines: Showjumping, Eventing and Mounted Games
Years in Pony Club: 5
Maya described feeling “taken aback” when she was selected.
“I feel I’m pretty good at riding, but I didn’t expect it to be me chosen of all people. After the moment of shock I obviously felt extremely excited and it really brightened up my day.”
She is especially excited about the venue and touring, and the professionalism of riding in China. Having studied Japanese and learned about aspects of Chinese culture, she is eager to experience it firsthand.
Maya hopes to learn more about equestrianism in another country, including the differences, similarities and riding techniques, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and religions.
She acknowledges the support of her mum, her Pony Club instructors Jackie and Paul, her DC Jo, and fellow competitors. A familiar sight in a beanie, sometimes even two, Maya promises she will take it off to put her helmet on.
Abbey Grills
Age: 14
Club: Guyra Pony Club, NSW
Years in Pony Club: 10
Abbey was “so happy and excited” to be selected and hopes to make her local Pony Club proud.
She is most excited about visiting China, experiencing the culture and horses, and building lifelong friendships with both her Australian teammates and Chinese riders.
Abbey hopes to learn more about Chinese culture and riding practices. She thanks her parents, siblings, grandparents and her supportive local Pony Club community for helping her along the way.
Outside Pony Club, Abbey plays polocrosse on her dad’s horse, enjoys playing handball at school and loves cats.
Coach: Amanda Wunderlich
Club: Kenthurst Pony Club, NSW
Years Coaching: 12
For Amanda, being selected as coach was a special full-circle moment.
“Pony Club has always been a big part of my life. I started out as a rider and now I get to give back as a coach.”
She is most excited about the cultural exchange and the opportunity to create a positive, confidence-building environment for the riders.
Amanda hopes to learn how another country approaches training, coaching and horsemanship, and to return home with fresh ideas and a broader perspective.
She credits Pony Club NSW, her daughter’s coaches and her own children for shaping her journey. A fun fact is that she finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning a Great Dane, which she describes as “another small horse” in the family.
Team Manager: Joanne Downes
Club: Tamborine Pony Club, QLD
Joanne feels “very excited and honoured” to join the tour.
She is looking forward to experiencing another culture, learning from others and discovering different approaches to equestrian skills. Supported by her parents, daughter and Pony Club friends, Joanne brings enthusiasm and experience to the role.
Fun fact: she has double-jointed thumbs.
MORE THAN A RIDING TRIP
International exchanges are a strong reminder of what Pony Club does best, building confident and capable young people through horses.
We wish Izzy, Rylee, Maya, Abbey, Amanda and Joanne every success as they represent Pony Club Australia with integrity, curiosity and pride.
We can’t wait to follow their journey!
