All Abilities Dressage, 2025 Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships. Credit: OzShotz.
Participate
Diversity & Inclusion
All Abilities Dressage, 2025 Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships. Credit: OzShotz.
All Abilities Dressage, 2025 Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships. Credit: OzShotz.
Supporting participation for riders of all abilities
Pony Club Australia is committed to providing an inclusive environment where riders of all abilities have the opportunity to participate safely and fairly.
Some riders may need an adjustment to a rule, activity or requirement because of a disability, medical condition or functional limitation. A reasonable adjustment can help a rider participate while maintaining fairness, safety and horse welfare.
Understanding Reasonable Adjustments
What is a reasonable adjustment?
- having a dressage test read aloud due to a cognitive or memory-related disability
- using adaptive equipment
- modifying permitted gear or riding aids
- making another appropriate adjustment to support participation.
- not give the rider an unfair competitive advantage
- not compromise the safety of the rider or others
- protect the welfare of the horse.
Who can apply?
A reasonable adjustment may be requested by a Pony Club member who:
- has a disability or medical condition
- requires adaptive equipment or another aid
- cannot meet a standard Pony Club rule or requirement because of a disability, medical condition or functional limitation.
Applications can be submitted by:
- a rider aged 18 years or over
- a parent or guardian on behalf of a rider under 18 years of age.
What you will need
The application form asks for information about the rider and the adjustment being requested, including:
- contact details and Pony Club membership information
- information about the disability, medical condition or functional limitation
- details of the requested adjustment
- information about any adaptive equipment or aids
- supporting documentation from a doctor or relevant health professional.
The supporting documentation should explain how the rider’s condition affects their ability to participate and why the requested adjustment is needed.
All Abilities Dressage, 2025 Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships. Credit: OzShotz.
How to apply
1
Open the Reasonable Adjustment Application form.
Follow the link to open the online application form.
2
Complete all sections of the form.
Provide the requested information about the rider and the adjustment they are seeking.
3
Attach the required medical verification and any other supporting information.
Upload the required documents with your application.
4
Submit the application online.
Once all sections are complete and the supporting documents attached, submit the application online.
The Application Process
How applications are assessed
Applications are considered by the relevant state or territory body and Pony Club Australia.
Where necessary, we may consult with the applicant and other relevant people to better understand the rider’s needs and determine whether the requested adjustment can be accommodated.
The assessment considers whether the proposed adjustment is appropriate, fair and safe, and whether it protects horse welfare.
What happens after you apply?
You will receive written advice once your application has been considered.
If the application is approved:
- the reasonable adjustment will be recorded as a credential on the rider’s JustGo membership profile
- the rider’s state or territory association and club will be advised of the approved adjustment, but not the medical reason for it
- the rider will need to advise event organisers of the approved adjustment when entering an event or activity.
Providing this information when entering gives organisers time to brief officials and make any necessary arrangements.
Important information
- An approval applies only to the rider and circumstances described in the application.
- Riders must not use a requested adjustment until approval has been granted.
- The rider or their parent or guardian is responsible for advising organisers of the approved adjustment before an event or activity.
- Some approvals may be issued for a set period and require renewal.
- Approval of an adjustment does not remove the usual requirements relating to safety, horse welfare or event eligibility.
Need help?
If you are unsure whether a reasonable adjustment may be appropriate, or need help completing the form, please contact:
- your Pony Club or coach
- your state or territory Pony Club office
- Pony Club Australia at participation@ponyclubaustralia.com.au.
