Pony Club Australia is proud to announce the finalists for the Miss Kay Irving Coach of the Year Award, generously sponsored by Equitation Science International.
This award recognises coaches who exemplify excellence in education, mentorship, and leadership—those who inspire confidence, raise standards, and ensure Pony Club values thrive at every level. The winner will be announced on Saturday 4 October at the Ranvet 2025 Pony Club Australia National Championships Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner.
The Finalists
David Quinn – Pony Club Tasmania
David Quinn is admired for the wealth of knowledge and quiet passion he brings to coaching. With a career background in racing, horse education, and trackwork, he has transferred professional industry expertise into the Pony Club world, making him an invaluable mentor for young riders.
David has a gift for breaking down the technical aspects of groundwork, pacework, and the Ride to Time discipline, helping riders build not just skills but confidence in applying them. His coaching style is calm, approachable, and deeply reassuring, particularly for riders stepping into new and sometimes intimidating environments.
A highlight of his career came when he reunited with The Cleaner, a renowned Tasmanian racehorse he had provided foundation education for, during a visit to Living Legends in Victoria. The emotional reunion, witnessed by the Tasmanian State Games Team, was a poignant reminder of the depth of his horsemanship and the long-lasting impact of good education.
David has also been instrumental in pioneering opportunities for Tasmanian Pony Club riders, particularly through the National Pony Racing Series. His contribution to the sub-committee alongside Thoroughbred Industries Australia, TasRacing, Pony Club Australia, and Pony Club Tasmania was pivotal in opening this pathway. He played a hands-on role at the Longford Racecourse jump-start day, assisting groups and observing delivery, before supporting riders through the excitement of finals night.
A strong advocate for the Ride to Time program, David is committed to establishing a Tasmanian Ride to Time Series, ensuring local riders have access to this important discipline. At rallies, he is a constant presence—coaching pacework, guiding eventing preparation, and providing education that strengthens both performance and horse welfare.
Through his steady leadership and unwavering encouragement, David has helped shape a culture of resilience, skill, and pride among Tasmanian Pony Club riders.
Simone James – Pony Club Victoria
Simone James has become a cornerstone of coaching development in Victoria. Known for her generosity with time and expertise, Simone continually goes above and beyond to lift coaching standards across her state and beyond.
One of Simone’s most significant contributions is her mentorship of coaches-in-training. She leads monthly online training sessions for Pony Club Victoria, delivers tailored one-on-one guidance via email and phone, and proactively surveys coaches to identify the areas where they need support. Her mentoring is always constructive and encouraging, empowering new coaches to feel confident and capable as they progress.
Simone also undertakes regular club visits, helping local committees understand the importance of the Pony Club syllabus and how to embed it effectively. This has been particularly valuable for new committees and District Commissioners rebuilding culture and knowledge after the disruption of Covid-19. Her ability to inspire confidence in others has made her a trusted guide in restoring and strengthening the Pony Club movement at a grassroots level.
Her leadership as Zone Chief Instructor has been transformative. Since stepping into the role, she has reinvigorated her zone by reinstating higher certificate training days, running gear checker accreditation sessions, and coordinating games clinics, C Certificate assessments, and coach assessment days. She has also trained new accreditors and assessors, ensuring sustainability in leadership and spreading the load across more people.
Drawing on her own achievements—including earning her ‘A’ certificate in Tasmania—Simone brings credibility and empathy to her work. She knows the journey of a Pony Club rider and coach, and uses that understanding to encourage others. She is also always among the first to complete additional training herself, including PCA Gear Checking Level 1 accreditation, PCA bridging courses, EA judges accreditation, safeguarding training, inclusive coaching, and PCV cross-country accrediting courses.
Perhaps her most important legacy is the reintroduction of zone-subsidised higher certificate training days, which remove financial barriers for members and ensure riders can keep progressing beyond the C level. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for more riders to achieve advanced certificates, strengthening Pony Club for generations to come.
Simone’s leadership, energy, and innovation make her a shining example of what Pony Club coaching can achieve.
Ruth Hanssen – Pony Club Association Northern Territory
Ruth Hanssen is a passionate and forward-thinking coach whose influence has elevated coaching across the Northern Territory. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to Pony Club Australia’s contemporary coaching framework, which she has embraced and championed at every level.
Ruth’s coaching sessions are learner-focused, safe, and engaging. She adapts her style for different age groups, incorporates goal-setting and self-reflection, and uses clear, age-appropriate communication. The result is lessons that are structured yet fun, and riders who leave more confident, independent, and inspired.
Her impact goes well beyond the arena. Ruth has mentored new coaches, shared resources generously, and encouraged collaboration across clubs and zones. She promotes the importance of accreditation and ongoing professional development, positioning it not as an obligation but as a pathway to becoming a more effective and inspiring coach. She holds national coaching accreditation and regularly attends PCA workshops, treating every opportunity as a chance to refine her methods and ensure her riders and horses benefit from the most up-to-date knowledge.
Ruth’s role at Darwin Horse and Pony Club has been particularly significant. She has overseen a comprehensive coaching program spanning flatwork, showjumping, mounted games, and horsemanship, embedding national standards while fostering a culture of resilience and learning. She has also supported coaching programs at other clubs across the NT, ensuring consistency in quality and accessibility.
Her influence is also felt at a competitive level, where she has prepared and supported zone teams for inter-club and interstate events. Known for her calm leadership, strategic insight, and ability to bring out the best in each rider, Ruth is respected by riders, parents, and fellow coaches alike.
Ruth’s combination of professionalism, warmth, and vision has helped raise the standard of coaching across the NT, while also ensuring the next generation of riders and coaches feel empowered and supported. Her leadership has left a lasting legacy in her region.
Celebrating Excellence in Coaching
Pony Club Australia warmly congratulates David Quinn, Simone James, and Ruth Hanssen on being named finalists for the Miss Kay Irving Coach of the Year Award. Each has demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and dedication to nurturing riders and coaches within their communities.
Their stories highlight the heart of Pony Club—lifelong learning, mentorship, and the joy of helping riders and horses reach their full potential.
We look forward to celebrating these outstanding coaches and announcing the winner at the Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner during the Ranvet 2025 Pony Club Australia National Championships.
