Pony Club Australia is delighted to announce the finalists for the Club of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Gow-Gates Insurance.
This award celebrates clubs that set the benchmark for excellence in Pony Club life. Finalists were assessed on:
Implementation of initiatives to attract and retain members, and being inclusive and responsive to their needs
Good governance processes at club level, including member protection, objective decision-making, safety and risk management, and succession planning
Innovation in club management, such as sponsorship programs, financial management, and use of online systems like JustGo
Delivery of the Pony Club Australia coaching syllabus, with demonstrated achievements by members and coaches through certificates and PCA National Coaching Accreditation
The judging panel also looked at overall membership growth, certificate completions, governance standards, and the successful hosting of events through the JustGo platform.
The winner will be revealed on Saturday 4 October 2025, at the Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner.
The Finalists
Rosewood Hack & Pony Club (QLD)
With 105 members in 2024 and 40% growth from the previous year, Rosewood Hack & Pony Club has grown to be the largest in its zone.
Membership & Inclusivity:
RHPC runs at least two rallies per month and five annual events, offering everything from walk-trot dressage to cross-rail jumping. Their approach ensures riders of all levels feel included. The club also extends its influence regionally, assisting neighbouring clubs — including providing direct support that helped Lowood Fernvale Pony Club successfully launch their first event.Governance & Safety:
RHPC is recognised for strong governance and leadership beyond its own boundaries, with its Secretary helping restructure the zone constitution. Safety is prioritised with thorough risk assessments and gear checking at every event. Succession planning is evident, with senior riders progressing into coaching roles and five members currently working towards instructor accreditation.Innovation:
A professional sponsorship program has secured three gold and six silver sponsors, funding nine new show jump sets and other resources. Financial management is transparent, while digital tools like ClassDoJo, Google Sheets, and group chat streamline communication and rally planning.Coaching & Achievements:
The club delivers consistent, high-quality education. They are set to host the 2025 State Masters Championships, the largest PCAQ event of the year. A Junior Development Camp with guest professionals (including an Olympian) and bimonthly clinics with Olympian Rebel Morrow highlight their focus on rider development. RHPC now has nine accredited instructors, the highest number in their zone.
Bendigo Pony Club (VIC)
Bendigo Pony Club has shown resilience and growth in the face of enormous challenges, increasing to 46 members in 2024 (a 48% rise) despite losing their long-term home.
Membership & Inclusivity:
The club has kept members engaged during a difficult relocation period by fostering fun and supportive experiences. Their annual camp at Glenlyon drew 41 riders, including Come & Try participants, and featured teamwork activities like an “Amazing Race” and horse management sessions on topics such as Faecal Egg Counts.Governance & Safety:
Strong governance has carried the club through its relocation to a new site at Goornong. Safety and risk management are top priorities, with pre-rally checklists, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring. Bendigo has also introduced biodiversity and weed management plans for their new grounds.Innovation:
Bendigo is one of the clubs to sign up to Game Plan, Pony Club Australia’s strategic planning and self-assessment tool, which helps clubs benchmark progress and set goals for the future. This sits alongside their creative fundraising efforts — including online auctions, monthly raffles, and Christmas Bunnings BBQs — and extensive use of JustGo to manage rallies, memberships, and governance.Coaching & Achievements:
Half of all members hold PCA certificates, with coaching embedded into rallies to progress riders from E to C* levels. Older members are stepping into leadership and coaching pathways, with one rider already enrolled in PCA’s Foundation Coach program. Parents, too, are advancing their coaching qualifications, strengthening the club’s instructor base for the future.
Carnarvon Horse & Pony Club (WA)
Carnarvon Horse & Pony Club has flourished with 94% membership growth in 2024, reaching 60 members.
Membership & Inclusivity:
Traditionally focused on mounted games and showjumping, the club now also offers tetrathlon, archery, troupe riding, and speed safety. Training “focus series” culminate in events, keeping riders engaged and broadening community appeal. Inclusivity is central, with adjustments made so that everyone — from ledline riders to adults — can participate.Governance & Safety:
The committee demonstrates transparency and encourages junior representatives to participate in governance. This not only trains future leaders but ensures members’ voices are heard. Facility improvements are ongoing to safeguard rider safety.Innovation:
Social media promotion and their training-to-event model have strengthened community engagement. The troupe riding series, which showcased riders of different ages and abilities at a public event, was a standout example of inclusivity and innovation.Coaching & Achievements:
Three members became PCA preliminary coaches in 2024, and more riders are actively working toward proficiency certificates. This reflects the club’s commitment to rider education and pathways in line with the PCA syllabus.
Litchfield Horse & Pony Club (NT)
With 122 members in 2024 (a 7% increase) and 23 events run on JustGo, Litchfield is one of the NT’s largest and most active clubs.
Membership & Inclusivity:
Partnerships with organisations like Exact Contracting and the NT Government have secured grants and facility upgrades, including a new dressage arena and safer boundaries. The club has also used Sports Vouchers and sponsorships to keep Pony Club affordable and accessible.Governance & Safety:
Litchfield’s governance is built on transparency and inclusivity, with an open-door policy encouraging feedback and participation. Risk management and safety planning are embedded into every rally. Succession planning is evident in the number of members now moving into coaching pathways.Innovation:
Litchfield effectively uses JustGo reporting tools to analyse membership trends and inform strategic decisions. They also maintain active communication via social media, strengthening engagement within their community.Coaching & Achievements:
The club delivers the PCA syllabus with structure and consistency, with multiple riders achieving their C* and D certificates in 2025. PCA-accredited coaches ensure lessons are aligned with national standards, and the addition of the Stockmen’s Challenge provides unique, real-world horsemanship experience.
Harden Pony Club (NSW)
Harden Pony Club is thriving with 59 members in 2024 (a 48% increase), driven by a reputation for inclusivity and community spirit.
Membership & Inclusivity:
Harden goes the extra mile — even arranging horse transport for members without floats so they can attend. Their reputation for being welcoming and proactive has attracted many new families.Governance & Safety:
The club works hand-in-hand with local organisations including the Murrumburrah Showground committee and Harden Horse Trials, ensuring effective governance and shared community goals.Innovation:
Harden has raised funds through canteens, the Riverina Outback Car Rally, and most impressively, by winning $50,000 through the 2024 Melbourne Cup National Sweep. They also hosted the Cup tour, turning it into a community-wide celebration with a fair and evening function. JustGo is used effectively for event and membership management.Coaching & Achievements:
Harden invests in education through parents gaining PCA coaching and gear checker credentials, and riders achieving proficiency certificates across all levels. They also incorporate theory sessions into rallies, ensuring members have both practical and theoretical knowledge.
Celebrating Excellence
Congratulations to all five finalists! Each has demonstrated exceptional commitment to members, coaches, and community while upholding the values of Pony Club Australia.
We look forward to celebrating their achievements — and announcing the winner — at the Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner on 4 October 2025 during the Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships.
