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 โBecโ 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 Equineย . Email Fiona: bitrightequine@gmail.com Our amazing pony friends have for a very long time had very limited choices for bits. Iโm sure youโre 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 itโs easy to fall into the trap of projecting our own needs onto animals, the truth is that their...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 13 – 17 Years Natasha Schilling, Mildura Alchering Pony Club (VIC) Natasha has been a dedicated member of her local pony club since she was eight years old, consistently participating in rallies and a variety of club events. Over...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 13 – 17 Years Isabel Ford, Toongabbie Pony Club (VIC) Isabel is an exemplary member of her pony club, contributing far beyond her role as a rider. Her active participation includes not only representing the club at events but...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 13 – 17 Years Shelby Turl, Cambooya Pony Club Shelby Turl is an enthusiastic and dedicated member of Cambooya Pony Club, actively participating in rallies and club activities. Over the past year, Shelby has consistently placed in...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Oct 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 13 – 17 Years Charlotte Crowley, Huntingfield Pony & Riding Club (TAS) Charlotte, a dedicated member of Huntingfield Pony & Riding Club, rarely misses a rallyโonly ever skipping one if she’s attending another horse...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 12 Years & Under Isabella Kunde, Harcourt Pony Club (VIC) Isabella Kunde is a dedicated and hardworking rider who has been a consistent attendee at Harcourt Pony Club’s rallies, clinics, and competitions, always willing to...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 12 Years & Under Chloe Anderson, Gearys Gap PC (NSW) A true role model for her fellow club members, Chloe eagerly attends rally days and makes it a point to participate in Zone 16 camps every year. Sheโs always up for a challenge,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 12 Years & Under Oliver Sinclair, Inverell PC (NSW) Oliver Sinclair is a passionate and dedicated young rider who actively participates in every Rally Day organised by the Inverell Pony Club. His enthusiasm for trying new...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 12 Years & Under Abigail Graham, Mt Lofty PC (SA) Abigail Graham, Mt Lofty PC (SA) Abigail Graham, Mt Lofty PC (SA) Abigail Graham, Mt Lofty PC (SA) Abigail Graham, Mt Lofty PC (SA) Abigail Graham, Mt Lofty PC (SA) Abigail Graham...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 12 Years & Under Shea Egan, Dungog PC (NSW) Shea Egan is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Dungog Pony Club, known for his eagerness to represent his club at rallies, competitions, and various events across New South...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Transporting horses during the hot Australian summer requires careful planning and extra precautions to ensure their safety and comfort. Whether heading to a Pony Club rally or a competition, the risk of heat stress and other health issues increases when traveling in...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Pony Club Australia, in partnership with Thoroughbred Industry Careers, is thrilled to bring back the National Pony Racing Series for its second season! After a successful launch in 2023, this exciting program is expanding across six statesโTAS, SA, NSW, VIC, WA,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
As our horses grow older, knowing when itโs time to consider retirement is essential to their long-term well-being. While some horses can continue working into their 20s or even 30s, every horse is unique. Their health, activity level, and comfort should be the focus...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
PCA is excited to announce the release of the highly anticipated A-Certificate manual, now available for purchase on JustGo. This release marks a special milestone as it coincides with the five-year anniversary of our updated Syllabus of Instruction! The A-Certificate...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Sep 3, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting Many Pony Club members choose an off the track thoroughbred as their first large horse. Theyโre often a super choice. For a young person prepared to put in the work required theyโll repay you ten-fold. Of course, learning...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Aug 28, 2024 | NEWSLETTERS
As spring approaches and the days start getting longer and warmer, itโs time to think about how we care for our horses in this transitional season. One of the key areas to consider is ruggingโparticularly, the risk of over-rugging as the temperature rises....
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Aug 21, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
As the days grow longer and warmer, spring brings a significant change to pasture quality and availability. This seasonal shift is a favourite for many horse owners, but itโs not without its challenges. The surge of fresh spring grass can impact your horseโs diet,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Aug 5, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
We are thrilled to welcome Equinade on board as a sponsor of the PCA Annual Awards coming up in October! 100% Australian made and owned, Equinade has been creating premium quality horse and leather care products for over 45 years. Their sponsorship is for the...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Aug 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Weโre in the middle of the Olympics and of course, this generates much commentary around equine welfare issues and the โHoly Trinityโ of Whips, Spurs and Bits. Some of this commentary is from well-informed sources, some of it from...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 23, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
This September, Pony Club Australia is excited to send a fantastic team to the International Mounted Games Exchange (IMGE) in Canada. Our team members, each bringing their own unique experiences and dedication, are eager to compete and represent Australia. Let’s...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 18, 2024 | MEDIA RELEASES
Media Release 18 July 2024 Lexington, KY, USA: After a successful four-year term, Pony Club Australia (PCA) hands over the administration of the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) this week at the 2024 United States Pony Club (USPC) Festival in Lexington,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 17, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
At Pony Club, our horses participate in various activities, and it’s essential to consider their well-being. As responsible owners, we need to be mindful of how much work is suitable for our horses. Researchers have studied the ideal weight-carrying capacity of...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 16, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Pony Club Australia is thrilled to welcome VIPA Body Protection Vests as a sponsor of the PCA Annual Awards. VIPA is an Australian-owned and operated business founded by retired champion jockey Greg Childs and his wife, Diane. They will be sponsoring the category...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 9, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Meet Natasha Schilling, a 15-year-old from Mildura Alcheringa Pony Club in Victoria. Natasha has been a part of Pony Club since she was eight, and she recently achieved an exciting milestone by graduating from the Pony Club Australia Leadership Certificate Program....
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 8, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Take on the challenge of embedding strong integrity and safeguarding practices at your club with these eight simple actions. Can your club complete them all by December 31, 2024? For any questions, contact PCA Integrity Manager Suanne Waugh at...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Meet Hanna Bailey, a 15-year-old member of the Midlands Pony Club in Tasmania. Hanna recently graduated from the Pony Club Australia Leadership Certificate Program. This program is designed for members aged 14 to 18 and aims to develop leadership skills and personal...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
We are excited to announce that Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) will continue its generous sponsorship of the Pony Club Australia Annual Awards. TBA, the national peak body for the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry, provides free learning courses for...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jul 1, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting One of the questions I ask groups at Pony Clubs when Iโm there is if they clean their knife and fork after eating dinner each night. Itโs a question that often produces some interesting answers, โmy mum doesโ is a...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 28, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
We are excited to announce that applications for the 2025/25 Pony Club Australia (PCA) Leadership Certificate Program are now open! This is a unique opportunity for our members to develop and showcase their leadership skills in horse sports and beyond. Key Dates:...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 27, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Did you know that a horse’s spine from withers to tail has a very limited range of movement, while their neck is much more mobile and can bend in all directions? This helps horses graze and groom themselves, but for trainers, it can affect balance in a negative...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 27, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
North Dorrigo Pony Club’s Peyton Lee has had an exciting tetrathlon journey, demonstrating that anyone who sets their mind to something can achieve it if they are prepared to put in the work. Over the Christmas period in 2020, Peyton saw a YouTube video of a...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 26, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
We’re thrilled to announce that Ranvet is continuing its sponsorship of the PCA Annual Awards, coming up in October. This year, they are sponsoring the category “Best Achievement by a Rider aged 13-17 years.” Ranvet are experts in equine nutrition,...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 26, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Today, we’re discussing the fascinating topic of dominance patterns in horses. The social dynamics of horses are intricate and reveal unique dominance patterns among individuals. While the idea of a strict dominance hierarchy has been popular, recent insights...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 17, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Today, weโre discussing into the important topic of horse welfare when it comes to trimming. Proper grooming not only keeps your horse looking their best but also ensures their comfort and health. Hereโs how to trim your horse with care and consideration for their...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 13, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Whether you’re buying a new horse or assisting a less experienced friend, riding unfamiliar horses can be a daunting task. At Pony Club Australia, we believe in prioritising safety and adopting a systematic approach to ensure a positive experience. Hereโs a...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 7, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
We’re thrilled to introduce the Pony Club Australia Tetrathlon International Exchange Team! This July and August, our team will head to the UK to compete in the Irish Tetrathlon Championships, the UK Senior International Tetrathlon Competition, and the UK...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 6, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Meet Brydi Fittock, a 15-year-old from North Dorrigo Pony Club in NSW. Recently, Brydi graduated from the Pony Club Australia Leadership Certificate program. This program is designed for members aged 14 to 18, aiming to develop leadership skills and personal growth...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | Jun 5, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Isabella Hughes, a dedicated member of the Hinton Wallalong Pony Club, NSW, recently graduated from the Pony Club Australia Leadership Certificate program. Designed for members aged 14 to 18, this program helps develop leadership skills and personal growth. It...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Pony Club Australia is proud to announce a significant advancement in our educational offerings. We have successfully mapped our proficiency standards with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and now offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 30, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting This is a question I ask groups often at pony clubs and the answer I usually receive is along the lines of every twelve months. Itโs a fair answer as many people would think about it in a similar way to your dental...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 28, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Thorough preparation for travel will reduce the risk of problems while travelling your horse. The float, gooseneck or truck should be roadworthy, regularly serviced and in good condition. There are different rules in each state regarding towing weights and legalities...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 27, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Horses are very similar to humans in many different aspects of their brain and behaviour. We are both social species, we like to play and we both have excellent memories. But in order to truly understand the horse, you must get to know the difference between a...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 27, 2024 | IN THE NEWS, MEDIA RELEASES
May 27, 2024 Pony Club Australia (PCA) is pleased to announce the election of three directors at the Annual General Meeting held in Melbourne on Saturday, 25 May. Nick Hassett and Tonia Murtagh have been re-elected for another two-year term, and we are excited to...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 22, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Emily Marshall Age: 15 Pony Club:ย Ararat Pony Club, Victoria Pony Club Journey: Q: What do you enjoy most about Pony Club? A: I enjoy spending time with people who have the same interests as me and making friends with people of all ages. Q: Can you share a memorable...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 22, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Meet Emilia Savage, a 12-year-old rider from Bangalow Pony Club, NSW. With her pony, Aspenview Aylan, she won the National Pony Racing Series in the large pony category at Royal Randwick in April. Her journey showcases hard work, determination, and a strong bond with...
by Bronwyn Wheatley | May 20, 2024 | IN THE NEWS
Letโs meet Charlotte Wright, an active member of the North Dorrigo Horse and Pony Club in NSW. Charlotteโs journey through the Pony Club Australia (PCA) Leadership Certificate Program has been a rewarding experience, offering growth and new opportunities. Tailored for...