Five talented young Pony Club members from across Australia have been named finalists for the 2026 Best Achievement by a Rider aged 13–17 Years Award, proudly sponsored by Ranvet.
This award recognises much more than results in the competition arena. Finalists are considered for their participation in Pony Club, the improvement they have made in their riding and leadership through diligence and effort, and the contribution they make to their clubs and fellow members.
This year’s finalists have represented Pony Club at club, state, national and international level across an impressive range of disciplines. Just as importantly, their nominations tell stories of resilience, generosity, horsemanship, leadership and a willingness to get involved.
Aleesha Short
Chinchilla Pony Club, Queensland
Aleesha Short has grown from a young rider attending Chinchilla Pony Club rallies into an accomplished equestrian with ambitious goals for the future.
Dressage and rider classes are particular passions, and Aleesha’s dedication to improving her riding has been evident over the past three years. She trains consistently, embraces opportunities to learn and approaches her preparation with the view that she should be ready to ride in whatever conditions competition may bring.
Her hard work has translated into significant results, including being named Reserve Novice Champion at the Pony Club National Championships.
Aleesha has also successfully completed her Pony Club C Certificate and now encourages other members to work towards their own certificates, sharing what she has learned and helping build their confidence.
Her contribution extends well beyond her own riding. Aleesha and her family are regularly among the first to arrive at rallies, and once her horse is prepared she can often be found setting up, helping younger riders or assisting other families.
Her kindness, sportsmanship and willingness to try every discipline were recognised last year when she received Chinchilla Pony Club’s President’s Award.
Whether competing, helping behind the scenes or cheering on another rider, Aleesha has developed into a valued role model and ambassador for her club.
Ruby Atkins
Deloraine Pony Club, Tasmania
Ruby Atkins has taken her Pony Club journey all the way to the international stage while remaining a dedicated and active member of Deloraine Pony Club.
One of her standout achievements was selection for the Australian International Mounted Games team, travelling to Kentucky and helping Australia claim first place.
The experience tested much more than riding ability. Ruby needed to adapt to unfamiliar horses, work closely within a team and compete in an international environment, while representing her club, Tasmania and Australia.
Her versatility is also evident closer to home. Ruby has represented Tasmania in Virtual Nationals Dressage and on National Mounted Games teams, competed at State level in dressage and showjumping, and this year added Pony Club Trials to her growing list of disciplines.
Her nomination describes a rider who continually seeks out opportunities to learn and responds positively to feedback, while always keeping the welfare of her horse at the centre of her riding.
Ruby has also developed into an important young leader at Deloraine. She supports younger members, attends working bees, serves as the club’s Social Media Officer and contributes to the PCAT Awards Night Committee.
She has twice been named Deloraine Pony Club’s Junior Pony Clubber of the Year in the past three years, reflecting not only her success in the saddle but the contribution she continues to make around it.
Zara Harris
Coffs Harbour Pony Club, NSW
For Zara Harris, the past 18 months have combined significant competitive success with an equally strong commitment to her horse and community.
Zara took on Off-The-Track Thoroughbred Bond with no previous jumping experience and has patiently developed him into a versatile Pony Club horse. The pair progressed to C Grade and were preparing to step up again when Bond sustained a splint injury.
During his eight-week recovery, Zara put competition plans aside and focused on his care and rehabilitation, demonstrating the patience and responsibility that underpin their partnership.
Their achievements together have included State-level success in tetrathlon, eventing and combined training, as well as Zara earning Gold Level in the National Tetrathlon High Points Award.
At the Pony Club Australia National Championships in Werribee, Zara competed in both Junior Tetrathlon and 80cm Showjumping. Despite being the youngest rider in the Junior Tetrathlon division, she finished fourth overall and helped NSW to second place in the team competition. She also finished seventh overall in Showjumping.
Zara has completed her C* Certificate and is interested in beginning the PCA Leadership Certificate. She has also been selected for Equestrian NSW’s Future Champions Empowerment Program.
Her contribution to others is particularly evident through the Lacey Legacy initiative, created in memory of a Pony Club friend. Zara designed a website to sell custom saddle pads, with proceeds supporting the I.am Project and its work providing mental health support to young people in regional communities. She also helped organise the Lacey Legacy Six-Bar Competition at the Zone 9 High and Mighty Championships.
At home at Coffs Harbour Pony Club, Zara is equally willing to arrive early, stay late, prepare equipment and help new members feel welcome.
Kye Ford
Monmouth Pony Club, Tasmania
Kye Ford is the sort of Pony Club member who is keen to have a go at almost anything.
At Monmouth Pony Club he participates across disciplines ranging from dressage and showjumping to games, polocrosse, horseball and cattlemans, while also representing his club at major competitions.
His partnership with Bobby has been a particular demonstration of patience and perseverance. Bobby began as a challenging five-year-old with no competition experience, and Kye has steadily developed him into a confident and successful competition horse.
Together they became 80cm Showjumping Champions at the Pony Club Australia National Championships in Werribee, while also contributing to Tasmania’s Champion 80cm Team.
Kye has continued to broaden his skills, stepping up to elementary dressage, competing in showjumping from 80cm to 1.05m and winning a Grade 3 Pony Club ODE. He has also completed his C* Certificate.
But Kye’s contribution to Monmouth goes far beyond riding.
When he did not have a games pony for the Southern Zone Games, he still attended and assisted as an official. He regularly helps other riders, attends working bees, harrows arenas and played a major role preparing the grounds for the club’s 2026 Trials, including helping build and paint new jumps and yards.
At the end of rallies, Kye can also be found helping the District Commissioner lock up and finish the jobs that need to be done.
His willingness to contribute, whether or not he is competing himself, has made him a trusted and valued member of the Monmouth Pony Club community.
Eva Potesta
Riddells Creek Pony Club, Victoria
Eva Potesta combines a passion for dressage with thoughtful horsemanship and an impressive commitment to her club.
With 100 per cent rally attendance, Eva embraces all the activities Pony Club offers. While dressage is her preferred discipline, she also participates in cross country, games and other mounted activities because she values the confidence and versatility those experiences can develop in a pony.
Her approach to training is equally considered. Eva applies principles of equitation science when introducing new challenges, carefully observing how her ponies respond and adapting exercises to suit their level of understanding and confidence.
That dedication has supported considerable success in dressage. Eva has been named Reserve State Champion and placed fourth in Grade 3 Dressage, while also contributing to the Overall State Champion Grade 3 Team. She was part of the winning Central Zone Pairs combination in 2025 and earned selection to represent Central Zone at the State Pairs Championship.
Eva has also completed her Pony Club C Certificate.
Although naturally quiet, she has become an important presence at Riddells Creek Pony Club. She attends working bees, helps prepare for rallies and events, packs equipment away and supports fellow riders at competitions.
Her nomination describes a rider who approaches coaching with an open mind and determination to genuinely master new skills rather than simply complete them once.
That combination of work ethic, kindness, welfare-focused horsemanship and willingness to support others has made Eva a respected member of her club.
The 2026 Best Achievement by a Rider aged 13–17 Years Award is proudly sponsored by Ranvet.
The winner will be announced during the 2026 Pony Club Australia Annual Awards Virtual Presentation on Thursday, 22 October.
