Pony Club Australia’s 2026 International Tetrathlon Exchange has concluded after three memorable weeks of competition, cultural experiences and friendships, with athletes from Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States coming together for an unforgettable international tour through Queensland.
The exchange combined high-level youth competition across tetrathlon’s four disciplines of swimming, running, showjumping and shooting with a uniquely Australian itinerary showcasing the country’s landscapes, history and hospitality.
Competition was staged across three venues, beginning on the Sunshine Coast with Yandina & District Pony Club, continuing on the Gold Coast at Mudgeeraba Pony & Hack Club, before concluding at West Toowoomba Pony Club and the Toowoomba Showgrounds on the Darling Downs.
Along the way, athletes experienced everything from Australia Zoo and surfing at Broadbeach to Outback Spectacular, Emu Gully’s leadership and military history program, and time spent with local Pony Club members and host communities.
Representing Australia
Australia was represented by a talented group of athletes from five states.
The Australian girls’ team comprised:
- Emma Wiese, Western Australia
- Darcy Miller, Tasmania
- Chloe Leen, Victoria
- Emily Maxwell, Western Australia
- Tessa Leen, Victoria
The Australian boys’ team comprised:
- Oliver Homer, Victoria
- Campbell Black, Western Australia
- Dan Wiese, Western Australia
- William Nieuwenhuis, Victoria
- Hayden Taylor, Queensland
Three additional Australian athletes competed as members of mixed international teams:
- Emma Grave, Victoria
- Abbey Coxon, New South Wales
- Ryan Frantom, Western Australia
The Australian contingent was supported by Coach Darcy Wade from Victoria and Team Manager Sharon Hutton from Queensland, who guided the athletes throughout the three-week tour.
The competition produced strong performances across all three legs, including individual phase victories, podium finishes and top-10 placings. Australia’s boys’ team also secured bronze in the team competition during the final leg in Toowoomba, while Australian athletes made valuable contributions to mixed international teams throughout the exchange.
A major team effort
Pony Club Australia Programs & Events Manager Michelle Newham said the exchange had been an enormous success because of the commitment of the many people involved.
“The 2026 International Tetrathlon Exchange was an incredible success, and that success belongs to every one of our committee members, volunteers and Pony Club Australia staff. It wasn’t the result of one person or one role. It was the result of an amazing team all working together towards the same goal.”
Michelle said the event showcased the very best of Pony Club Australia.
“Over three incredible weeks, we welcomed teams from around the world, showcased the very best of Pony Club Australia, created lifelong memories and friendships, and delivered an event we can all be immensely proud of.”
Hosting an exchange of this scale required months of planning, together with countless hours contributed by committee members, officials, volunteers, host clubs and families across the three venues.
“There were early mornings, late nights, countless kilometres travelled, endless phone calls and messages, last-minute changes and unexpected challenges. Through it all, everyone put the success of the event first, and that’s something I will never take for granted.”
The international visitors also experienced one of the defining features of Pony Club exchanges: competing on generously supplied loan horses.
“The feedback we have received from the international teams, coaches and officials has been overwhelming,” Michelle said.
“They have spoken so highly of the organisation, the hospitality, the volunteers, the venues, the horses and, most importantly, the people who made them feel so welcome.”
Recognising the Tetrathlon Committee
Pony Club Australia especially acknowledges the members of the Pony Club Australia Tetrathlon Committee for their significant contribution to the planning and delivery of the exchange:
- Kate Thompson, Shoot, Swim and Run Technical Delegate
- Kev Walsh, Ride Technical Delegate
- Janet Hamblin, Event Support
- Christine Topalov, Tour Coordinator
- Clare Martin
- Phyliss Pike
- Sarah Wiese
A special thank you goes to Christine Topalov for her outstanding work as Tour Coordinator, bringing together the many moving parts of an international exchange and supporting the tour from planning through to delivery.
More than competition
While the competition was fiercely contested, the results tell only part of the story.
Throughout the three weeks, athletes built friendships across national borders, adapted to unfamiliar horses and competition environments, experienced different coaching approaches and gained confidence representing their countries on the international stage.
Michelle said those shared experiences would be among the exchange’s most lasting outcomes.
“While there were certainly moments that tested us, I think we can all agree that we achieved something truly special. We worked as one team, supported one another, had plenty of laughs along the way, and delivered an exchange that will be remembered for all the right reasons.”
Pony Club Australia extends its sincere thanks to the Tetrathlon Committee, Australian team officials, organising committees, volunteers, technical officials, host clubs, families, loan-horse owners, sponsors and supporters whose generosity, expertise and hard work made the exchange possible.
As the athletes return home with medals, memories and friendships spanning the globe, the 2026 International Tetrathlon Exchange stands as a wonderful example of the opportunities Pony Club creates through sport, horsemanship, cultural exchange and international connection.
