Education & Accreditation
Coaches
Expand your impact as a Pony Club® coach!
Become an Accredited Pony Club® Coach
Whether you’re new to coaching or seeking to progress your skills, our flexible learning options allow you to work at your own pace with mentor support.
As a coach, you’ll have the opportunity to deliver our internationally-recognised Syllabus of Instruction, which blends tradition and Equitation Science to offer a comprehensive equestrian education for all members.
Blending Tradition With Science
The PCA Syllabus of Instruction enhances members’ riding, horsemastership, and horse knowledge skills by blending decades of expertise with modern scientific insights into rider safety, horse behaviour and welfare.
Guided by Dr Andrew McLean, CEO of Equitation Science International and Patron of PCA, the syllabus upholds a commitment to evidence-based and ethical training methods. It emphasises the dual role of riders as both riders and trainers, featuring eight proficiency certificates, each supported by a manual to facilitate learning and progression.
The Syllabus integrates:
- Ethology: The study of natural horse behaviours,
- Learning theory: Insights into how animals and humans learn,
- Biomechanics: Understanding horse movement dynamics,
- Recognition of horses’ cognitive and physical capabilities.
This approach promotes a comprehensive application of equestrian practices, equipping coaches and riders with the knowledge for responsible horsemanship.
Eligibility for Pony Club Australia® Coaching Qualifications
To be eligible for PCA qualifications, you must be aged over 18. Prospective coaches must complete the following steps and record their progress in PCA’s JustGo database:
- Complete Required Courses from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC):
- Complete the Gear Checker Accreditation module
- For additional prerequisites, visit our FAQs
PCA Coaching Levels
We offer three coaching levels: Foundation Coach for basic skills, Preliminary Coach aligned with D* Certificate, and Level 1 Coach for advanced riders.
We also provide continuing professional development (CPD) webinars covering topics like Inclusive Coaching, Horse Archery, and Mounted Games, along with recognition of prior learning (RPL) for alternative coaching qualifications.
Foundation Coach
The Pony Club® Foundation Coach is an entry-level qualification that’s optional but can be credited towards the Preliminary Coaching level. To get started:
- Course Familiarisation: Download and read the Foundation Coach course outline.
- Complete Required Courses: Complete the ASC Community Coaching Essentials course and Gear Checker Accreditation.
- Purchase the Manual: Log into your JustGo profile, go to the Shop, and buy the Foundation Coach manual, which includes a workbook.
- Study the Material: Either follow our online webinar series or work through the manual with a mentor.
- Mentored Teaching: Complete 10 hours of mentored teaching at a club and record your coaching hours in the practice log.
- Assessment: Take the written and practical assessments with a Level 1 Coach.
Preliminary Coach
The Pony Club® Preliminary Coach Qualification covers general coaching principles and Pony Club®-specific skills, techniques and scientific approaches to our sport. It is also a pre-requisite for the Level 1 coaching qualification. To get started:
- Course Familiarisation: Download and read the Preliminary Coach course outline.
- Complete Required Courses: Complete the ASC Community Coaching Essentials course and Gear Checker Accreditation.
- Order & Complete the Manual: Purchase the Preliminary Coach manual from Pony Club Australia through the JustGo shop.
- Complete Mentored Coaching: Gain 10 hours of mentored coaching experience to put your new knowledge into practice.
- Register for Assessment: Register online to be assessed for your Preliminary Coach Qualification.
Level 1 Coach
The Pony Club® Level 1 coaching qualification is our highest level, designed for those who will be instructing at the C*/B Certificate rider level. Here’s how to get started on your journey to becoming a Level 1 Coach:
- Begin the Assessment Process:
By purchasing your Level 1 coaching manual on JustGo. Next, reach out to your club or zone chief instructor, who will assist you in finding a mentor. If you have any questions, feel free to contact PCA’s Participation & Development Manager, Sally Wiseman. - Complete the Required Unit Assessments:
Already A Qualified Coach?
Create an account and log-in to access PCA’s lesson planning templates, lesson plans and other valuable resources.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) & Accreditation Renewal
At Pony Club®, we believe in the importance of ongoing development.
We offer in-person seminars, webinars, and external third-party resources to help you stay updated and skilled. Each course or webinar is assigned a points value to track your progress. Preliminary Coaches need to earn 12 points over four years, while Level 1 Coaches must earn 24 points in the same period to maintain their accreditation.
When it’s time to renew your coaching qualification, you can complete the online form, provide evidence of your activities, and submit your Coaching Activity Log.
Explore the list of activities to earn CPD points and access the online Coaching Activity Log:
Interested in Becoming a Coach Assessor?
Pony Club Australia® has established nationally-consistent standards for assessors of our qualifications. Here’s what you need to qualify as an assessor:
Foundation Coach Assessor
- Must be a Level 1 Coach re-accredited since the 2019 syllabus was introduced.
- Some specifically-approved PCA Preliminary Coaches may also assess Foundation Coaches.
Preliminary Coach Assessor
- Must be an approved Level 1 Coach re-accredited since the 2019 syllabus was introduced.
- Must have attended an in-person refresher clinic within the past 2 years.
- Must have completed the ASC Coaching Essentials Course.
Level 1 Coach Assessor
- Must be an approved Level 1 Coach re-accredited since the 2019 syllabus was introduced.
- Must have held Level 1 accreditation and been an active Pony Club coach for at least 8 years.
- Must have delivered at least one Coach Education Session at a Zone, State, or National level in the last 4 years.
Join us in maintaining the high standards of Pony Club® coaching and help shape the next generation of club coaches!
FAQs: Requirements for Becoming a Pony Club® Coach
Do I need to be a member of Pony Club® to become a coach?
Yes, all Pony Club® coaches must be financial members of a club, accredited riding centre, or state.
What is the minimum age to become an accredited coach?
You must be 18 years old to be accredited. However, training can commence from the age of 16.
Is a Working With Children check (WWC) required?
Yes, you need to have a current Working With Children check applicable to your state.
Are there any courses I need to complete?
Yes, you must complete the following Australian Sports Commission (ASC) courses and record them in JustGo:
Do I need to complete any additional modules?
Yes, you must complete the Gear Checker Accreditation module.