Five coaches from across Australia have been named finalists for the 2026 Young Coach of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
This award recognises young coaches who are helping shape the contemporary Pony Club coaching environment. Judges consider their contribution to coaching programs, commitment to professional development through Pony Club Australia’s national coaching accreditation pathway, and the way they bring the PCA Rider Syllabus to life through engaging, inclusive and innovative lessons.
This year’s finalists are developing riders at every stage, from those taking their first steps in Pony Club through to higher certificate candidates and State-level competitors. They are also investing in their own development, sharing knowledge with fellow coaches and finding new ways to make learning effective, practical and enjoyable.
Nicole Dragovich
Baldivis Equestrian & Pony Club, Western Australia
As Chief Coach at Baldivis Equestrian & Pony Club, Nicole Dragovich has brought organisation, energy and variety to the club’s coaching program.
Since stepping into the role, Nicole has brought organisation, energy and variety to the club’s coaching program. Rallies are carefully planned around the Pony Club Australia Rider Syllabus, with a focus on ensuring riders’ certificate levels reflect their knowledge and riding ability while providing quality instruction for members across different ages and stages.
Nicole has also broadened the experiences available to members by bringing specialist coaches and activities into rallies. These have included polocrosse, vaulting, veterinary education and coaching involving Off The Track WA, giving riders opportunities to develop skills well beyond their regular discipline.
One nomination also highlighted Nicole’s work in incorporating broader club activities into the rally environment, including Baldivis’ involvement in the Do It For Dolly campaign, where members contributed their handprints to a blue bench seat.
Nicole is currently progressing through her own coaching pathway, working towards her Preliminary Coaching accreditation and B Certificate. Importantly, she is also encouraging other young coaches to pursue Pony Club accreditation.
Her support extends beyond rally days. Nicole regularly attends State events to support club and zone riders and is described by nominators as patient, approachable and genuinely invested in the progress of every member.
Her contribution is characterised by organisation, enthusiasm, inclusiveness and a determination to make each rally worthwhile for both riders and horses
Michelle Woodcroft
Riddells Creek Pony Club, Victoria
Michelle Woodcroft brings creativity, structure and enthusiasm to a diverse range of coaching roles at Riddells Creek Pony Club.
She has played an important part in the development and delivery of the club’s Ready 2 Ride program, helping newer riders build strong foundations in an environment designed to develop confidence, participation and practical skills.
Michelle has also coached the club’s Games teams and contributed to its Team of Four program, developing choreography and selecting music for a team that went on to qualify for the State Championships and place fourth.
Her coaching development has continued alongside her practical work. Michelle completed her Preliminary Coaching Certificate in 2025 and is now a Trainee Level 1 Coach, with plans to complete the qualification in 2027.
She actively seeks further opportunities to learn and contribute. At the Central Zone State Workshop for coaches, Michelle presented and coached a session on how to deliver an effective Games lesson. She has also sought guidance from the National Games Coach to refine the way she breaks skills down for riders, with an emphasis on developing understanding and technique rather than simply competition speed.
That philosophy carries through her wider coaching.
Michelle designs lessons to suit different learning styles and uses varied activities to help riders understand and apply core skills. Her approach is described as encouraging but structured, giving riders room to work through challenges, reflect when something does not go to plan and build confidence from the experience.
Her nomination particularly highlighted the consistency of her coaching across flatwork, poles, jumping and theory, as well as the positive feedback she receives from riders, parents and fellow coaches.
J’Aime Mallon
Riddells Creek Pony Club, Victoria
J’Aime Mallon combines a high level of technical knowledge with a practical approach designed to help riders continue learning beyond the lesson itself.
A Pony Club Australia Level 1 Coach and A Certificate holder, J’Aime is also a Central Zone Deputy Chief Instructor and contributes to coaching and rider development across the zone.
Her particular strengths include jumping and cross-country, where she creates exercises using equipment that riders can often replicate in their own arenas. This allows riders to practise and consolidate skills without always needing access to specialised facilities, helping make their training more accessible and sustainable.
J’Aime is also strongly involved in the Pony Club certificate pathway. She mentors higher certificate candidates and contributes to workshops and assessment days, providing practical guidance and encouraging riders to continue progressing through the PCA Rider Syllabus.
At zone level, she contributes to programs aimed at increasing competition participation and certificate progression and is involved in the annual review and development of the Central Zone showjumping series rules.
Her coaching ability has also been recognised internationally. In 2025, J’Aime was selected as the Pony Club Australia Inter Pacific Exchange Coach, working with riders, coaches and managers from around the world.
During the exchange, she supported riders competing on unfamiliar horses in demanding environments, using clear guidance and a calm, positive approach to help them build confidence and perform at their best.
Her nomination describes a coach who combines high standards in horse management and riding with a bright, encouraging manner and a strong commitment to helping riders become increasingly independent in their own learning.
Megan Norman
Leeton Pony Club, NSW
Megan Norman has played a major role in the re-establishment and growth of Leeton Pony Club, combining coaching with significant involvement in club and zone administration.
As well as coaching, Megan serves as Leeton Pony Club Secretary and sits on the Zone 21 Committee. Alongside her sister Rachel and husband Michael, the Zone 21 Chief Instructor, she has helped drive a wide range of activities designed to create more opportunities for riders in the region.
These have included Leeton Pony Club camp, participation in the SunRice Festival Street Parade, a Peter Gillis clinic, Combined Training and Stockman’s Challenge competition, a Pony Club ring at the local show and plans for a Sporting Day.
Megan also instructs at zone rallies and gives additional time outside scheduled rally days to grade riders so they can participate in competitions.
Her nomination credits this active program with helping increase club numbers and attracting members from neighbouring clubs to Leeton’s rallies and events.
Megan recently achieved her Silver Level coaching accreditation, further developing her knowledge of evidence-based and ethical training methods, modern learning theory and structured rider development pathways.
She applies this knowledge flexibly, adapting her coaching to individual riders while maintaining a focus on safety, engagement and horse welfare.
Her contribution shows how contemporary coaching can extend well beyond delivering a lesson, helping create the programs, pathways and opportunities that allow an entire club community to grow.
Melissa Chugg
Tasmanian Pony & Riding Club, Tasmania
Melissa Chugg’s transition from Pony Club rider to coach came naturally to those who had seen how readily she shared her knowledge with other members.
Even before becoming accredited, Melissa was known as someone younger riders could approach for help with a horse, a riding problem or simply some advice.
When her time as a Pony Club rider came to an end, her club and peers encouraged her to pursue coaching. Melissa completed her Preliminary Coaching Certificate and has since achieved her Level 1 coaching qualification as well as the Mounted Games extension.
She now coaches regularly at Tasmanian Pony & Riding Club and has also been invited to coach at other clubs, including Brighton & District, Leven District and Deloraine District.
Her experience in Mounted Games has become another important part of her coaching contribution. Melissa has coached the Tasmanian Pony & Riding Club B team for the past four years and, in 2025, stepped in to support the A team when its regular coach was unavailable.
Her nominators describe her as knowledgeable, approachable and extremely generous with her time.
Just as importantly, the riders themselves enjoy learning from her. Their feedback consistently describes Melissa’s lessons as fun and supportive, with a coach who is always willing to help when something becomes difficult.
That combination of knowledge, accessibility and enjoyment has made Melissa a coach clubs continue to invite back and a trusted mentor for the young riders she works with.
The 2026 Young Coach of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
The winner will be announced during the 2026 Pony Club Australia Annual Awards Virtual Presentation on Thursday, 22 October.
