Pony Club Australia is delighted to announce the finalists for the Volunteer of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Earlwood Equine.
This award honours those exceptional individuals who give so much of themselves to ensure Pony Club thrives. Our finalists embody dedication, leadership, integrity and the spirit of community that makes Pony Club such a special place for young riders and families.
The winner will be revealed on Saturday 4 October at the Ranvet 2025 Pony Club Australia National Championships Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner, held at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.
Meet the Finalists
Beata Small (41), Darwin Horse & Pony Club, NT
Beata has been the driving force behind the remarkable revival of Darwin Horse & Pony Club. With boundless energy and vision, she has worked to create a club culture where every rider — from beginners on the lead-line to international representatives — feels welcomed and supported. Over the past 18 months, Beata has:
- Organised a steady stream of clinics, rallies and training opportunities, engaging both local coaches and high-profile interstate instructors, including Olympian Sonja Johnson.
- Personally managed logistics such as flights, accommodation, catering and programs to ensure smooth-running events.
- Successfully applied for grants that transformed the club’s facilities, including a $100,000 major grant for new arena lighting and power, plus a $15,000 grant for new national-standard showjumping gear.
- Taken on governance, fundraising and sponsorship drives, while also managing facility hire, grounds maintenance, and annual presentations.
Her efforts have lifted the club’s reputation in Darwin, boosted membership at a time when other NT clubs are declining, and given riders and families a sense of belonging. Parents describe the club as now feeling “like family.” Even while raising two young children and working full-time, Beata finds time to set the highest standards of professionalism, inclusivity and respect. She is regarded as a powerhouse volunteer and an inspiration to all who ride at Darwin Horse & Pony Club.
Megan Hayne (55), Rosewood Pony Club, QLD
Megan has been described as the heart and soul of Rosewood Pony Club — the person who carries the club on her shoulders, while also lifting up every rider and family around her. As long-serving President and Chief Instructor, she is responsible for the smooth running of the club and ensures the highest standards of safety, governance and member welfare. What makes Megan exceptional is that she:
- Leads by example, treating every rider with respect and ensuring horse welfare always comes first.
- Puts in the unseen hours: setting up before dawn, staying late to help families pack, mowing paddocks, fixing gear, painting jumps, and resetting courses.
- Mentors riders with compassion, building confidence and resilience. She is known for her wise words and steady presence during high-pressure competitions.
- Took on the enormous responsibility of hosting the 2025 Masters State Championships at Rosewood Pony Club — coordinating sponsors, merchandise, prizes, catering and compliance — ensuring a professional and memorable experience for competitors.
Megan has also been a constant presence at State Championships as team manager, travelling with her riders, advocating for them and supporting them to perform at their best. With no children of her own, she gives her time generously to other people’s children, becoming the “aunty” figure every young rider needs. Thanks to her encouragement, Rosewood members are not just thriving as riders, but also learning to step into leadership and volunteer roles themselves. Her impact is both immediate and long-lasting, shaping the next generation of Pony Club leaders.
Renee Murtagh (50), Wangaratta Pony Club, VIC
For nearly two decades, Renee has been a cornerstone of Wangaratta Pony Club and the wider North Eastern Zone. She has held almost every leadership role imaginable — DC, Chief Instructor, Secretary, Zone Representative and committee member — and approaches them all with integrity, calm leadership and a strong ethos of respect. Highlights of her contribution include:
- Using her background in mental health to support members and families through challenges, including helping neurodiverse riders thrive with tailored lesson plans and inclusive instruction.
- Leading teams at State level competitions in horse trials, dressage and showjumping, mentoring riders to achieve their best and supporting them through certificate pathways.
- Securing grants to repair flood-damaged grounds, purchase vital equipment like an arena rake, and ensure the club remains sustainable.
- Running major competitions, including the club’s highly regarded Dressage Festival and annual showjumping event, while also managing grounds late at night, organising training days, and coordinating sponsorship.
- Building strong partnerships with local organisations such as Wangaratta ARC, pooling resources, sharing equipment and strengthening community ties.
Renee is known for stepping into any role that is needed on rally or competition days — whether judging, pencilling, scoring, gear checking or first aid — and for ensuring the club meets all governance and compliance standards. Her tireless behind-the-scenes work, calm conflict resolution and determination to keep the club moving forward have earned her deep respect. She has shaped not just Wangaratta Pony Club, but also the broader zone, leaving a legacy of strong, well-run events and a culture of inclusivity.
Celebrating Volunteers
Pony Club Australia congratulates Beata, Megan and Renee on being named finalists for the Volunteer of the Year Award. Each of them exemplifies what it means to be a true volunteer — someone who gives selflessly, uplifts others, and ensures Pony Club continues to thrive for generations to come.
We look forward to honouring their contributions, and announcing the winner, at the Ranvet 2025 National Championships Awards Dinner.
