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, Kentucky. The USPC will assume the mantle for the next two years.
The PCIA unites Pony Club organisations worldwide, including Pony Club Australia, Pony Club New Zealand, The Pony Club (UK), the Irish Pony Club, Pony Club South Africa, Pony Club Hong Kong, and the Canadian Pony Club. Outgoing PCIA Chair, Heather Disher of PCA, expressed her gratitude and pride in leading the alliance through COVID-19 and beyond.
“I would like to thank my amazing PCIA member colleagues for their dedication to pony clubbers globally. The openness and contributions from each of you have been crucial in achieving so much for our Pony Club communities,” Ms. Disher said.
This year’s PCIA meeting marks the 20th anniversary of the alliance, which held its first official meeting in Calgary, Canada, in 2005. The founding nations included Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, with Hong Kong and South Africa joining later.
In 2018, representatives signed the Pony Club International Alliance Charter, establishing goals to promote Pony Club membership globally and collaborate on international programs. This includes cooperative promotion of PCIA programs and initiatives to attract and retain members, develop coaches and volunteers, and share ideas on fundraising, income generation, and communication and marketing.
Over the years, senior representatives have discussed various operational and program structures, sports/disciplines, and membership numbers. They reviewed each organisation’s experiences, sharing successes and addressing challenges to improve their respective Pony Club programs.
One of the most impactful PCIA initiatives is the International Exchange program, where Pony Club Australia participates with other nations in Quiz, Tetrathlon, and Mounted Games exchanges.
“These cultural and educational opportunities allow participants not only to compete in various disciplines as a team but also to travel within the hosting country to experience cultural, historical, and natural sights,” Ms. Disher said.
The International Quiz Exchange runs concurrently with the PCIA meeting in Lexington during the 2024 USPC Festival. Additionally, PCIA member nations participate in the International Virtual Dressage Show from September 15 to October 27 this year, hosted by the United States and Hong Kong.
Ms. Disher noted an annual increase in individual competitors and countries, including entries from non-PCIA countries and riders who may not be Pony Club members. “PCIA is leading the way in inclusion, welfare, safety, and fun,” she said.
USPC Executive Director Teresa Woods stated, “There is so much strength behind this alliance as member nations strive to expand Pony Club initiatives and reinforce the Pony Club identity worldwide, all while honouring the traditional values that make Pony Club such a worthwhile global community.”
For more information about the Pony Club International Alliance, please contact PCA Chair Heather Disher at chair@ponyclubaustralia.com.au.
About Pony Club Australia
Pony Club Australia is the largest organisation for horse sports in the country. We champion education, safety, horse welfare, enjoyment, and community, supporting over 750 clubs and more than 40,000 members. We pride ourselves on being the foundation of equestrian excellence across Australia.
PCA Contacts
Matt Helmers, CEO: ceo@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
Emma Le Grand, Marketing & Communications Manager: 0408 145 518 / marketing@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
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