A huge congratulations to 17-year-old Asha Fiedler from Horsham Pony Club, VIC, on achieving her Pony Club Australia B Certificate.
For Asha, this milestone became much more than “a name on a badge”.
“Recently, I have been fortunate enough to have achieved my Pony Club Australia B Certificate which was an experience that reinforced just how important education and animal welfare are at every level of riding.
“I must be honest, for a long time I wasn’t that motivated to strive for my B Certificate. Like many of you I felt that it was just an assessment, a ‘name on a badge’ or that it was too overwhelming to cover all the requirements.
“The humbling truth is that there’s so much to learn but it’s the necessary step that’s required to ensure your horses are being looked after properly. Everything I learnt in that manual helps me train my horses and keep them happy in day-to-day life, yet so many people give up that opportunity to take that knowledge on board.”
Throughout the assessment process, Asha was challenged across multiple disciplines, requiring preparation, awareness and dedication. Looking back, she recognises just how achievable it was — and how much support surrounded her.
“The three ladies who assessed me; Shelley McCrae, Meagan Sutherland and Rachel Edwards were so encouraging. They helped me through the process and took any pressure away. How can I forget to thank my mum, Kylie, who went for her B Certificate alongside me, and encouragement from my sister Paris who completed her B prior, and finally to Debbie Warne my incredible coach!”
Asha hopes her experience inspires others: “I hope other young riders take on the opportunities that PCA gives to us just like I have.”
Well done, Asha. Your commitment to education, horse welfare and continual learning is exactly what Pony Club is all about.
