Pony Club Australia is proud to announce the team selected to represent Australia in the upcoming International Mounted Games Exchange in the United States this July.
Over ten days, the team will travel through Atlanta, Cincinnati and Kentucky, taking part in competition, cultural experiences and team activities alongside international riders. The exchange includes a friendly competition, a final competition day and gala, as well as a range of shared experiences designed to build connections and broaden perspectives.
Riders will visit some of the United States’ most well-known equestrian destinations, including the Kentucky Horse Park and Churchill Downs, while also taking part in activities such as hiking, ziplining and kayaking. The exchange is as much about cultural connection and learning as it is about competition.
Meet the Team
Bailey Logue (NSW) – Aberdeen Pony Club
Bailey, 15, has been involved in Pony Club for five years and described his selection as both exciting and an honour.
“I was very excited to be selected. It’s an honour to represent Australia and wear the green and gold.”
He is particularly looking forward to the team experience and the opportunity to connect with riders from around the world.
“I’m most excited about becoming friends with my teammates, travelling together and meeting international riders and families. I’m also really looking forward to competing at the Kentucky Horse Park.”
Bailey is keen to learn from both the competition and the broader experience.
“I’m looking forward to developing under a new coach and learning from other riders, as well as seeing how horses are managed and trained in the USA.”
He acknowledges the support of Aberdeen Pony Club, Zone 7, the NSW Mounted Games squad and Pony Club NSW, along with his family. He also credits his horse Woody for helping shape him as a rider.
Chelsea Davidge (NT) – Darwin Horse and Pony Club
Chelsea, 15, has been part of Pony Club for six years and described her selection as both exciting and a little daunting.
“I felt excited but also a bit nervous.”
She is most looking forward to the opportunity to travel and meet new people.
“I’m really excited to go to America and meet new people.”
Chelsea is hoping to use the experience to continue improving her riding.
“I want to improve my skills.”
She credits her family and friends for supporting her along the way.
Jack Hamilton (VIC) – Woodlands Pony Club
With 12 years in Pony Club, Jack described his selection as a dream come true.
“It’s a dream come true to be selected for the team.”
He is looking forward to both the social and competitive aspects of the exchange.
“I’m excited to meet new people and see how mounted games is run in America.”
Jack, 15, is hoping to take away new skills and experiences from the tour.
“I’m hoping to learn new skills and make new friends.”
He acknowledges the support of his family, coaches and friends throughout his Pony Club journey. Outside of Pony Club, Jack is currently rebuilding a 1981 HJ60 Land Cruiser.
Ellie Steele (WA) – Swan Valley Pony Club
Ellie, 15, has been involved in Pony Club for 11 years and said she was incredibly excited and honoured to be selected.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to represent Australia and be part of a team that shares the same passion for mounted games.”
She is particularly looking forward to the international experience and the connections that come with it.
“I’m excited to meet riders from around the world, learn from them and experience new places.”
Ellie is keen to develop her skills further through the exchange.
“I’m hoping to learn different techniques and gain more experience competing at an international level.”
She credits her family, coaches and teammates for their support throughout her journey.
Ruby Atkins (TAS) – Deloraine District Pony Club
Ruby has been part of Pony Club for 10 years and described her selection as something she had dreamed of for many years.
“I was in disbelief that it was really happening. It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time.”
She is most looking forward to the opportunities the exchange will bring.
“I’m excited to meet new people, make friendships and train and compete with other games riders and coaches.”
Ruby is hoping to further develop both her skills and confidence.
“I’m looking forward to refining my games skills and building my confidence and problem-solving in new situations.”
She acknowledges the support of her family, her coach Jo and her club community at Deloraine District Pony Club.
Team Officials
Karen Pearce (Coach) – Leven Pony Club, TAS
Karen brings more than 20 years of Pony Club experience and said she felt honoured to be selected as coach of the Australian team.
“I feel very honoured to be coaching the Australian team.”
She is particularly looking forward to working with the riders and building connections through the exchange.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the team and building lifelong friendships with people from all over the world.”
When asked what she hopes to learn, Karen added:
“I’m hoping to learn the eleven secret herbs and spices from KFC.”
Karen acknowledges the support of her family, Leven Pony Club and the Pony Club Tasmania community.
Edwina Hare (Team Manager) – Apsley Pony Club, VIC
Edwina brings extensive Pony Club experience and described her selection as both humbling and meaningful.
“I felt incredibly humbled and honoured to be selected as Team Manager. Pony Club has played such an important role in my life, so this opportunity means a great deal.”
She is particularly looking forward to travelling to Kentucky and experiencing an international Pony Club environment.
“I’m excited to meet the riders, coaches and volunteers, and to see how Pony Club operates in another country. Being part of an international competition environment is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Edwina is keen to take as much as possible from the experience.
“I’m hoping to learn as much as I can, particularly different coaching approaches, training systems and how competitions are run.”
She credits her parents, mentors and the broader Pony Club community for their support throughout her journey.
A Unique Opportunity
International exchanges are a valuable part of the Pony Club experience, giving riders the chance to represent Australia, challenge themselves in a new environment and build connections with riders from around the world.
We wish the team the very best as they prepare to compete in the United States and represent Pony Club Australia on the international stage.
