Sports Activities
Pony Racing
Pony Racing gives Pony Club members the chance to develop balance, rhythm, fitness and control in a structured, welfare-focused environment.
Through staged preparation and education, riders build confidence, sound judgement and a calm, responsive partnership with their pony. It also introduces young people to career pathways across the thoroughbred and wider equine industries.
The Evolution of Pony Racing in PCA
Pony Club Australia’s involvement in Pony Racing began through exhibition races delivered in partnership with Thoroughbred Industry Careers, introducing young riders to the discipline in a structured, welfare-focused and educational environment.
The former National Pony Racing Series gave Pony Club members the opportunity to develop racing-specific skills through staged preparation, training days and supervised race-day experiences. It also helped introduce young people to the breadth of career pathways available across the thoroughbred and wider equine industries.
Following the conclusion of operations by Thoroughbred Industry Careers in 2025, Pony Club Australia transitioned away from a nationally coordinated Pony Racing Series.
Pony Racing Today
The National Pony Racing Series is no longer running as a national PCA program.
However, the foundations of the program remain valuable. State Pony Club bodies are encouraged to build on this work and, where appropriate, develop Pony Racing opportunities in partnership with their Principal Racing Authorities.
This means Pony Racing may continue to be offered at a state or local level, depending on the interest, capacity and racing industry partnerships available in each state.
Members interested in Pony Racing should contact their State Pony Club Office for current information about any local opportunities.
PCA Position Statement on Pony Racing
Pony Club Australia supports Pony Racing as a structured educational experience, underpinned by the same principles that guide other timed equestrian activities in Pony Club: safety, control, rider education, foundation training, horsemanship and horse welfare.
PCA’s role is to ensure its involvement remains firmly grounded in these core values. Within Pony Club, the focus of the program is on developing calm, responsive and well-prepared combinations through staged preparation, rider education and evidence-informed training principles. Whips and spurs are not permitted. Riders are instead expected to develop and demonstrate balance, rhythm, control, sound judgement and a harmonious partnership with their pony.
Participation involves structured, staged preparation and assessment before any competition, giving riders the opportunity to build skills in a supported environment. Because safety is paramount, progression to a race-day event is not automatic. It is based on the welfare of the pony, the safety of the rider and the demonstrated control and suitability of the combination. The program does not promote gambling, speed at all costs or the use of force.
PCA recognises Pony Racing as a valuable opportunity to introduce young people to the breadth of career pathways available across the broader equine industries. By working constructively with industry partners and supporting riders with a strong foundation in horsemanship, safety, horse welfare and evidence-informed training, PCA aims to help young people carry these values into the next generation of equestrian sport and the wider equine sector.
Explore More Activities
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Show Jumping
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Tetrathlon
Mounted Games
Quiz
Show Riding
Pony Racing
Campdraft
Horse Archery
Ready To Become a Member?
Start by contacting your chosen Pony Club or Accredited Riding Centre to express your interest.
Once you’ve agreed on next steps, return to the PCA website and create a profile on our JustGo membership portal. From there, select your club or centre, request to join, and once approved, select and purchase your membership.
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