Five dedicated volunteers from across Australia have been named finalists for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Earlwood Equine.
Volunteers are at the heart of Pony Club, helping clubs deliver safe, welcoming and well-run programs for riders and families. This award recognises people who demonstrate Pony Club values through their service, make an outstanding contribution to club development and member experience, and help build strong, professional and sustainable clubs for the future.
This year’s finalists contribute in very different ways, from governance and event organisation to coaching, grounds maintenance, fundraising, member support and major club development projects. What they share is a willingness to step in, take responsibility and keep their clubs moving forward.
Janine Slocombe
Balnarring Pony Club, Victoria
Janine Slocombe’s contribution to Balnarring Pony Club extends well beyond her official role as Treasurer.
She carries significant responsibility for the club’s financial management and is recognised for approaching that role with professionalism, transparency and integrity. Her work helps provide the financial stability needed for the club to continue delivering programs, maintaining facilities and running events for its members.
Janine is also heavily involved in organising Balnarring’s annual Horse Trials, one of the club’s major events. Her contribution includes planning, coordination, sponsorship, volunteer management and logistical support, helping ensure the event runs successfully year after year.
Her involvement also extends beyond Balnarring. Janine supports Southern Metropolitan Zone activities, including State Horse Trials hosted at Balnarring, and her business sponsors the Southern Metropolitan Zone Series.
She is also known for supporting new families, sharing her knowledge and helping create a welcoming environment for members and volunteers.
One of the most significant aspects of Janine’s contribution is that it has continued long after her own children finished Pony Club. She remains actively involved because of her commitment to the organisation and the opportunities it provides the next generation of riders.
Through her work in finance, events, sponsorship, facilities and day-to-day club operations, Janine has made a lasting contribution to the sustainability of Balnarring Pony Club and the wider Pony Club community.
Rebecca Elston
Maleny & District Horse & Pony Club, Queensland
Rebecca “Bec” Elston is one of those volunteers who seems to be involved wherever help is needed.
At Maleny & District Horse & Pony Club, she plays a key role in organising the club’s annual Combined Training and Dressage events, contributing to the planning and practical work required to deliver them successfully.
She has also worked with the committee on grant applications, helping pursue opportunities that will benefit the club into the future.
Bec’s contribution is just as visible in the everyday jobs that keep a club functioning. She is regularly involved in working bees and maintenance, including cleaning the wash bay and water tanks, maintaining arenas and helping keep the grounds safe and welcoming.
Beyond her own club, she volunteers at events hosted by other clubs and supports Zone 6 camps and activities.
Her nomination also highlights the important role she plays in governance and member support. Bec helped lead a well-attended Annual General Meeting where committee and volunteer roles were clearly explained, helping members feel more confident about stepping into positions.
During 2026 she has placed particular emphasis on governance and child safety, including helping ensure Blue Cards are current and compliance requirements are being met.
Bec is also described as approachable and generous with her time, regularly checking in with committee members, answering questions and helping new families feel welcome.
Her contribution reflects the broad reality of Pony Club volunteering: leadership, administration, events, compliance, maintenance and member support, often all happening at once.
Alannah Vandewater
Hawkesbury Pony Club, NSW
Over the past year, Alannah Vandewater has played a central role in reshaping the future of Pony Club in her local area.
When Kurrajong Pony Club was at risk of closure, Alannah stepped in to help revitalise the club through promotion, leadership and member engagement. When the club subsequently lost access to its grounds, she helped negotiate a shared arrangement with Hawkesbury Valley Pony Club at Glossodia so members could continue riding.
Recognising that two small clubs operating from the same grounds was unlikely to be sustainable long term, Alannah then helped lead the merger of Kurrajong and Hawkesbury Valley Pony Clubs to create the new Hawkesbury Pony Club.
The process involved extensive administration, consultation and communication, as well as the practical task of relocating trailers, jumps, equipment and other infrastructure. Alannah also developed a new club identity, including logos, uniforms and signage.
The newly formed club has since grown to approximately 35 active members, ranging from young beginners through to adult riders.
Alongside this work, Alannah has continued in several volunteer roles, including Secretary, Social Media Coordinator and Senior Instructor.
As Senior Instructor, she places strong emphasis on horsemanship, horse welfare and helping riders of different ages and abilities build confidence. She has also undertaken Bronze Instructor and showjumping course-building education to strengthen the club’s coaching and event capabilities.
Alannah is now helping lead the redevelopment of the club’s ageing cross-country course and has secured grant funding to begin construction of new jumps and restore some of the infrastructure salvaged from Kurrajong.
Her contribution over the past year has helped turn a period of significant uncertainty into a new beginning for Pony Club in the Hawkesbury area.
Amanda Hill
Wanneroo Horse & Pony Club, Western Australia
Amanda Hill has been recognised for the energy and care she brings to creating engaging experiences for riders at Wanneroo Horse & Pony Club.
Her nomination highlights the effort she puts into helping rallies feel educational, inclusive and enjoyable for riders of different ages and abilities.
Amanda has introduced initiatives such as a buddy system between riders and has helped organise a variety of experiences for members, including an educational veterinary visit and dressage coaching opportunities.
She has also supported activities for Off The Track horses and helped with practical club tasks such as making costumes for Zone riders.
Her contribution has helped add variety to the club program and create memorable opportunities for members both in and out of the saddle.
Leagh Chaplin
Toorbul Pony Club, Queensland
After more than 40 years with Toorbul Pony Club, Leagh Chaplin remains one of the club’s most dependable sources of knowledge, leadership and support.
As Club Secretary, instructor and mentor, Leagh plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the club and in guiding members through Pony Club rules, procedures and expectations.
She is known for sharing her knowledge freely, particularly around horsemanship, horse welfare and safe participation. At musters, she works to ensure riders of different ages and experience levels are included and supported, while encouraging members to progress through certificate work, instructing and other Pony Club pathways.
Her contribution also extends beyond the club itself.
Leagh supports Zone meetings, camps and events and encourages clubs to work together, share musters and exchange knowledge.
During 2026, she has been involved in discussions with local council about improvements to the club grounds, assisted with grant applications, helped organise musters and contributed to the annual Gymkhana and Combined Training events.
Her role in governance is particularly important. As committee members change over time, Leagh provides continuity and helps ensure the club continues to meet its responsibilities.
Her nomination describes her as a steady presence who members regularly turn to for advice and guidance, whether the issue involves horse management, an event, a grant application or the practical challenges of keeping a volunteer-run club functioning.
After four decades of service, Leagh continues to contribute to the sustainability of Toorbul Pony Club and to the wider Pony Club community around her.
The 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Earlwood Equine.
The winner will be announced during the 2026 Pony Club Australia Annual Awards Virtual Presentation on Thursday, 22 October.
