by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jan 8, 2025 | NEWSLETTERS
This week’s Welfare Wednesday focuses on a critical and timely topic: protecting the welfare of horses, riders, and all participants during hot weather conditions. Extreme heat can have serious impacts on performance, health, and safety, so it is...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Dec 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting*. People often book a bitting consult because they’ve come up against a training challenge, and they’re keen to see if a change in their bit will assist them through it. I’m always quick to let them know that a bit—or...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Dec 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Arcadia Pony Club in NSW recently partnered with Wellington Park Equestrian for an ‘Introduction to Equestrian Vaulting’ clinic to highlight Equestrian Vaulting as one of Pony Club Australia’s ‘disciplines of the month’. Riders from Arcadia Pony Club and other Zone 23...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Dec 2, 2024 | MEDIA RELEASES
November 12, 2024 The Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) and the International Pentathlon Association (IPA) have signed a historic agreement to work together to develop, promote and manage equestrian multi-sport. Equestrian multi-sport combines horse riding with...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Dec 2, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Get your ponies in on the festive fun with these simple and safe gingerbread treats! Ingredients 2 cups of rolled oats 1 cup of whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon of ground ginger 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 1/4 cup of molasses 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup of...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 13, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Grooming isn’t just about making your horse look clean and polished; it’s a vital part of their daily welfare. Through grooming, you can check for injuries, support coat health, and even strengthen your bond. Done regularly and correctly, grooming will keep your horse...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 6, 2024 | NEWSLETTERS
Report from Teach Coach, Carol Hobson The Pony Club Australia team embarked on a rewarding and action-packed trip to China, departing Australia on September 27 and returning on October 14. This was a longer exchange than most, but it offered invaluable experiences for...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 6, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
In the world of sports horse evaluations, rideability—the comfort and ease a rider feels while riding a horse—is often a key trait used to judge performance quality. But is rideability truly objective? A recent study, “Rider effects on horses’ conflict...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 4, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine. A couple of months ago I wrote about how to bit the off the track thoroughbred. It would be remiss of me to not also write about our off the track standardbred friends. Did you know the standardbred tolerates the most bar, or lower...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 4, 2024 | NEWSLETTERS
Is your young rider ready to saddle up with confidence? At Pony Club, our D Certificate members start learning how to saddle their horses independently, under a coach’s watchful eye. Knowing the basics of saddling is a crucial part of safe and responsible riding—and...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 4, 2024 | NEWSLETTERS
Horses, like humans, require quality sleep to maintain optimal health and well-being. However, their sleep patterns, environment, and social needs differ significantly from our own. Linda Greening, in her research on equine sleep behaviour, highlights a crucial...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 4, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
From the ranks of Huon Pony Club in Pony Club Tasmania to international eventing, Yona Lloyd’s story is a testament to passion, dedication, and a deep love for Pony Club. Yona started like so many young riders in Pony Club, climbing through the levels and...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 4, 2024 | NEWSLETTERS
Turlinjah Park Equestrian Centre is proud to announce its official accreditation as a Pony Club Australia (PCA) Accredited Riding Centre. This exciting milestone brings new opportunities for local riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy top-tier equestrian coaching...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Nov 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
The Pony Club Australia Mounted Games National Championships at Woodlands Pony Club in Greenvale, Victoria, delivered an unforgettable weekend of high-speed action, skill, and camaraderie. Junior and senior riders from across Australia gathered for thrilling...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 21, 2024 | MEDIA RELEASES
Pony Club Australia has once again demonstrated its exceptional talent at the Pony Club International Alliance Virtual Dressage Show, which saw more than 230 competitors from 11 countries. Australian riders delivered outstanding performances, securing top spots in...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 11, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Gillian Rolton Memorial Alumnus Award Rachael Edwards, Seville Pony Club (VIC) Rachael Edwards has been a dedicated and passionate member of the Pony Club community for over 37 years, contributing as a rider, coach, mentor, and parent. A recipient of the...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 11, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Gillian Rolton Memorial Alumnus Award Nellandra Henry, Pony Club Western Australia Nellandra Henry’s journey with Pony Club began at Perth Horse and Pony Club when she was just eight years old, and continued until she reached the age of 21 – the maximum age for...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 11, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Gillian Rolton Memorial Alumnus Award The Atkins Family, Birralee and Districts Pony Club (TAS) The Atkins family is a name synonymous with equestrian sports in Tasmania, with their legacy stretching across three generations. Their passion, expertise, and...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 11, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Gillian Rolton Memorial Alumnus Award Bev Shandley, Corner Inlet Pony Club (VIC) Beverley (Bev) Shandley first joined Berry’s Creek Pony Club in West Gippsland Zone at the age of eight in 1962, the minimum joining age at that time. Throughout her early years,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 10, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Club of the Year Midlands Pony Club (TAS) Midlands Pony Club (MPC) is a dynamic, inclusive club dedicated to attracting, retaining, and responding to the needs of its members. The club’s Committee actively analyses its membership, considering age...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 10, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Club of the Year Dungog Pony Club (NSW) Dungog Pony Club has undergone a transformation in recent years, as older members moved on, making way for a new, enthusiastic committee. Now in their second year, this fresh team has embraced the opportunity to shape...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 10, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Club of the Year Black River Pony & Hack Club (QLD) Black River Pony and Hack Club has demonstrated a strong commitment to member engagement over the past 24 months, focusing on two key areas: attracting new members and enhancing the experience of...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 10, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Club of the Year Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (VIC) Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC), located in the Central Goldfields Shire, Rural Victoria, is a thriving and rapidly growing club that offers a welcoming, supportive,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 9, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Accredited Riding Centre of The Year Kurshonbrooke Lodge (QLD), a proud finalist for the Pony Club Australia Accredited Riding Centre of the Year, has been a cornerstone of equestrian learning and community since 1993. Catering to riders of all ages and...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 9, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Accredited Riding Centre of The Year Bees Creek Pony Club & Riding Centre (BCPC), operated by a talented mother-daughter team, began offering Pony Club in 2024, contributing to a rise in new members in the Northern Territory. BCPC not only nurtures...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 9, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA Accredited Riding Centre of The Year Claremont Therapeutic Riding Centre (CTRC) has been named a finalist for the Pony Club Australia Accredited Riding Centre of the Year. As a fully inclusive centre, CTRC caters to riders of all abilities, providing a...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 9, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
A Key to Promoting Welfare and Safety At Pony Club Australia, horse welfare is our top priority. This means understanding not only the needs of horses but also their deep-seated natural behaviours. One of the most critical instincts that both riders and trainers must...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 8, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Volunteer of the Year Sonia McWhirter, Blacktown Pony Club (NSW) Sonia McWhirter epitomises the core values of Pony Club, including teamwork, respect, and dedication. Always willing to help in any capacity, often behind the scenes, Sonia’s selflessness...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 8, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Volunteer of the Year Debbie Ruff, Maryborough Pony Club (VIC) Debbie Ruff has been a dedicated supporter of Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC) for 25 years. Just two years after joining, Debbie became a committee member and swiftly took on...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 8, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Volunteer of the Year Jo Humphries, Oxenford Pony Club (QLD) Jo Humphries, a dedicated volunteer from Oxenford Pony Club, has been instrumental in the club’s survival and success throughout 2023 and 2024. Known for her kindness and unwavering support for...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 8, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Volunteer of the Year Dior Fletcher, Katherine Horse & Pony Club (NT) Dior Fletcher, from Katherine Horse & Pony Club, has been a passionate advocate for fostering unity, inclusion, and good sportsmanship within the club. She ensures that both new and...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 8, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Volunteer of the Year Pauline Campbell, Bendigo Pony Club (VIC) Pauline Campbell, from Bendigo Pony Club, embodies the core values of Pony Club Australia in everything she does, always with the best interests of current and future riders in mind. Through...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 7, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Coach of the Year Dan Foster, Orange Grove Pony Club (WA) Dan Foster stands out for his exceptional ability to coach riders of all ages and skill levels, from grassroots led riders to elite international competitors. While Dan is a versatile coach across...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 7, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Coach of the Year Paul Seuren, West Gippsland Zone Chief Instructor (VIC) Paul Seuren is a highly respected leader in Pony Club coaching, recognized for his unwavering dedication to coaching excellence and his extensive contributions to the equestrian...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 7, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Coach of the Year Anne Lyell, Londonderry Pony Club (NSW) Anne Lyell is recognized for her instrumental role in developing Londonderry Pony Club’s coaching program. Her influence extends well beyond the club, as she consistently brings fresh, contemporary...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 7, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Coach of the Year Julie Targett, Deloraine District Pony Club (TAS) Julie Targett, affectionately known as Jules, is recognized for her extensive contributions to Pony Club Tasmania over several decades. As one of the Northern Zone Committee’s coaching...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 4, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Young Coach of the Year Adeline Collins, Corner Inlet Pony Club (VIC) Adeline Collins has been a dedicated and accomplished coach at Pony Club from a young age, earning her Preliminary Coach accreditation at 16 and Level 1 accreditation at 18. Since then, Adeline has...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 4, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Young Coach of the Year Sharne Haskins, Londonderry Pony Club (NSW) Sharne Haskins has made a remarkable contribution to the development of contemporary coaching at Pony Club, demonstrating unwavering dedication to fostering young riders’ growth and learning....
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 4, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Young Coach of the Year Nikita Mawhirt, Dryandra Pony Club (WA) Nikita Mawhirt has been the driving force behind the development of a successful coaching program for the WA State Tetrathlon Squad over the past four years. Her innovative approach has combined in-person...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged Over 25 Years Aleisha Guest, Huntingford Pony & Riding Club (TAS) Aleisha Guest has been an integral member of Huntingfield Pony Club for the past 15 years, dedicating her time and energy to enhancing the experience for both adult...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged Over 25 Years Alison Eyles, Vines Pony Club (NSW) Alison Eyles, Vines Pony Club (NSW) Alison Eyles has been a passionate and dedicated participant in Pony Club, consistently attending rallies and events with enthusiasm and a positive...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged Over 25 Years Lisa Streeter, Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (VIC) Lisa Streeter, a passionate horsewoman with lifelong experience, joined the Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC) as an adult riding...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged Over 25 Years Mallory Walker, Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (VIC) Mallory Walker has been a dedicated member of the Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC) for over 25 years, beginning her riding journey...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 2, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Young Coach of the Year Madeleine Manton, Woodend Pony Club (VIC) Madeleine Manton has been a coach at Gisborne Pony Club for nearly two years, bringing with her a reputation for being a dynamic, versatile, and enthusiastic young coach. Highly sought after within the...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 2, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 18 – 25 Years Sharne Haskins, Londonderry PC (NSW) Sharne has been a dedicated and active member of Londonderry Pony Club in Sydney for the past 12-18 months, though her involvement in Pony Club extends over two decades. With...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 2, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 18 – 25 Years Bec Kendt, Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (VIC) Rebecca “Bec” Kendt is a senior rider at the Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC), where she has shown remarkable dedication over...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 2, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 18 – 25 Years Vanessa Davis, Gidgegannup Horse and Pony Club (WA) Vanessa Davis is a highly valued senior rider at Gidgegannup Horse and Pony Club (HPC), renowned for her dedication, leadership, and active involvement within the...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 2, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 18 – 25 Years Anika Piket, Huntingfield Pony & Riding Club (TAS) Anika Piket is a standout member of Huntingfield Pony & Riding Club, recognized for her unwavering commitment to rally attendance and participation in...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 1, 2024 | NEWSLETTERS
Why it’s time to rethink pony bitting for comfort and performance. By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine . Email Fiona: bitrightequine@gmail.com Our amazing pony friends have for a very long time had very limited choices for bits. I’m sure you’re all...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Understanding the Evolution from the Five Freedoms to the Five Domains When it comes to horse welfare, opinions can vary widely. What makes a horse truly content? While it’s easy to fall into the trap of projecting our own needs onto animals, the truth is that their...
