Pony Club Australia is delighted to announce the finalists for the Best Achievement by a Rider 12 Years and Under, proudly sponsored by VIPA Body Protectors.
This award celebrates young riders who embody the spirit of Pony Club: commitment, sportsmanship, horsemanship, and a love of learning. Each of these finalists has not only achieved remarkable competitive results but also demonstrated kindness, perseverance, and dedication to their clubs and ponies.
The winner will be revealed at the Ranvet 2025 Pony Club Australia National Championships Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner, on the evening of Saturday 4 October at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, VIC.
The Finalists
Florence Wilson, 12
Kellerberrin Riding & Pony Club, WA
Florence, affectionately known as Flo, has made 2024 a year of extraordinary growth and achievement. She has attended every rally at Kellerberrin Riding & Pony Club, travelling in from a neighbouring town each time, showing her unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Beyond her home club, she has taken part in Eastern Zone and Avon Valley Pony Club camps, the State Tetrathlon training clinic, and a Les Bunning clinic, as well as being selected as a demo rider at the Regional Coach Development Clinic—an acknowledgment of her reliability and ability.
Flo’s quiet determination and positive energy have made her a standout. Coaches describe her as “the first to arrive and the last to leave” and praise her infectious enthusiasm. In competition, Flo and her little grey pony Paddy have proven to be a dream team. Together, they won the State Pony Club Under 12 Tetrathlon Championship, with Flo also securing the highest Junior run score across all age groups. Their season highlights also include wins and placings at Mortlock, Avon and Eastern Zone events, as well as strong results at One Day Events. Flo is currently progressing from her D* to her C Certificate, reflecting her eagerness to keep learning and developing as a horsewoman.
What makes Flo remarkable, however, goes beyond the ribbons. She is deeply devoted to Paddy’s welfare, treating him like a best friend. Her gentle care was recognised with the Patrons Trophy at Kellerberrin Pony Club, awarded for horsemanship, horse care, and sportsmanship. Whether icing his legs after a long day, or ensuring his comfort and happiness at every rally, Flo demonstrates compassion and responsibility well beyond her years. Her achievements are underpinned by this strong partnership—one built on trust, kindness, and hard work.
Audrey Littler, 9
Telegraph Point Pony Club, NSW
Audrey is a rider who consistently leads by example, bringing kindness, maturity, and a tireless work ethic to everything she does. She is a familiar and encouraging presence at rallies, competitions, and regional events across NSW, always the first to cheer for her teammates and support younger riders. At Dorrigo Pony Club Camp, she embraces not just the riding, but every activity, helping build the community spirit that makes Pony Club so special.
Her achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of outstanding. She rose through the showjumping ranks, moving from D Grade to B Grade in just one year, and now confidently competes at 90cm to 1.05m. At the NSW Pony Club State Equitation Championships, Audrey became Under 11 Champion, winning all three rounds. She also took on the challenge of interstate competition at the Queensland State Showjumping and Equitation Championships, producing consistent top-five placings across multiple horses. Most notably, she was selected as the youngest-ever member of the NSW Pony Club National Showjumping Team, and has also earned a place at the 2024 Australian Interschool Championships.
Her horsemanship is equally impressive. Audrey manages her horses with diligence and care, from feeding and rugged management to tackling the unique challenges of her pony Linky, who requires daily medication for Cushing’s disease. She has developed soft, thoughtful riding skills thanks to her first pony Uma, a horse that demanded patience and lightness. These qualities have transferred across to her current mounts, shaping Audrey into a kind and effective rider. Whether it’s managing a Thoroughbred at 16.3hh or a pony at grassroots level, Audrey shows versatility, adaptability, and responsibility.
Frank Hurmez, 10
Woodlands Pony Club, VIC
Frank’s contribution to Pony Club stretches far beyond riding; he is an enthusiastic and reliable member who can always be counted on to lend a hand. At Woodlands Pony Club rallies, Frank helps with set up, pack down, and canteen duty. He also represents his club proudly in competitions across multiple disciplines, demonstrating versatility, dedication, and passion.
Frank has successfully completed his D* Certificate and is working towards his C Certificate, showing his commitment to progressing through Pony Club’s education pathway. His 2024 competition season has been remarkable, with highlights including 1st at the North Eastern PC Combined Training, 2nd at the Mandurang South Horse Trials, and 6th as part of the PC State Games Team. In Showing, he was crowned Champion Child’s Pony at the WPCS Nationals, took out Supreme Open Ridden Child’s Pony, and consistently placed across Agricultural Shows, securing Champion Small Hunter at eight different shows—qualifying him for both the Melbourne and Adelaide Royals. He also earned a Top 5 finalist position for the Beryl Tait Memorial Award.
Behind these results lies an extraordinary level of daily commitment. Frank cares for six ponies, rising early every morning before school to feed, rug, and tend to them—before then travelling 1.5 hours each way to school. In the evenings, he repeats this same careful routine, ensuring each pony is healthy, happy, and well prepared. He also actively seeks out clinics to improve his knowledge in horsemanship, fitness, and horse welfare. His ability to balance a demanding training and competition schedule with genuine devotion to his ponies’ care makes him a shining example of Pony Club spirit.
Andelaine Mackie, 11
Kenthurst Pony Club, NSW
At just 10 years of age, Andelaine has already built a reputation as a mature, capable, and passionate horsewoman. She is a highly engaged member of Kenthurst Pony Club and Zone 23, always present at rallies and actively contributing by helping younger riders, supporting coaches, and volunteering at club events. She also serves as an ambassador for Pony Club NSW, promoting the values of participation, learning, and sportsmanship wherever she goes.
Her results reflect both her talent and her commitment. In 2024, Andelaine became NSW State Tetrathlon Champion, Zone Novice Dressage Champion, and Champion at the Quirindi D Grade ODE. She placed consistently across State Dressage, Show Riding, Gymkhana, Combined Training, and Eventing, while also being selected as reserve for the PCIA Virtual Dressage Championships. At Interschools, she was crowned Primary Preliminary Champion and Novice Reserve Champion at Berry, and went on to secure a place in the NSW team for Nationals across Dressage, Tetrathlon, and Quiz. Remarkably, this marks her third consecutive Nationals selection, a testament to her skill, versatility, and dedication.
Andelaine holds her C* Certificate and is already preparing for her B Certificate, showing her commitment to education alongside competition. With her pony Tom, she demonstrates careful, thoughtful horsemanship. She manages his entire routine—feeding, grooming, fitness, and presentation—and ensures his welfare comes first. Their partnership is based on equitation science and mutual trust, with Tom always responding to Andelaine’s calm and kind approach. Together, they shine across Dressage, Eventing, Showjumping, Gymkhanas, and more, regularly bringing home ribbons but always prioritising Tom’s happiness and wellbeing. Their success as a pair is a clear reflection of Andelaine’s maturity, positivity, and dedication to Pony Club values.
Evie Young. 12
Midlands Pony Club, TAS
Evie is a shining example of determination, resilience, and love for Pony Club. Since joining Midlands Pony Club in 2023, she has achieved 100% attendance, embracing every activity from mountain trail and polocrosse to dressage, games, and eventing. She has represented her club at Northern Zone Games and the State Dressage and Showjumping Championships, stepping up divisions as needed to ensure her club could field full teams—a gesture of maturity and teamwork beyond her years.
In 2024, Evie received the Instructors Award, decided entirely by coaches and based on attentiveness, politeness, resilience, and commitment to pony welfare. She also completed her D and D* Certificates and is now progressing towards her C Certificate. In competition, she has had strong success in Showjumping, winning the Junior Encouragement Award at the EA State Championships and the Keith Target Memorial Award at Northern Zone, alongside placings in Dressage and Eventing with her new, green pony Mister Matari. Her ability to persevere through the challenges of producing a tricky young horse has been a standout feature of her season, showing emotional resilience and a willingness to learn.
Evie’s care for her ponies goes far beyond competition. She has managed her first pony Paris through surgery and recovery, ensuring she could return to happy paddock life and light competition. With Mister Matari, she has worked through setbacks with patience, guided by her coaches and family. Her ponies are always immaculately presented, well cared for, and clearly cherished. Her love of horses is obvious, and her commitment to building strong partnerships is at the heart of her Pony Club journey.
Looking Ahead
Congratulations to all of our finalists—Florence, Audrey, Frank, Andelaine, and Evie. Each represents the very best of Pony Club, where achievement is measured not only by ribbons, but by commitment, sportsmanship, resilience, and the bond between rider and horse.
We look forward to celebrating their achievements and announcing the winner on Saturday 4 October at the Ranvet 2025 Pony Club Australia National Championships Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner.
