Meet PCA’s Team for Canada’s IMGE

This September, Pony Club Australia is excited to send a fantastic team to the International Mounted Games Exchange (IMGE) in Canada. Our team members, each bringing their own unique experiences and dedication, are eager to compete and represent Australia. Let’s get to know them:

Ali McLachlan, Murrumbateman Pony Club, NSW
Ali has been riding at pony club for eight years, growing up on a property with about 30 horses. He has loads of experience handling different horses through mustering and trail rides. Ali’s passion for mounted games has been a big part of his pony club journey. Besides riding, he plays rugby, where he’s learned the value of teamwork. Growing up on a farm, he’s picked up a lot of practical skills from working with his family. Ali’s goals include winning the Australian Mounted Games Championships, making the Australian Mounted Games U18 Team, improving his rugby skills, and finding work that makes a positive environmental impact.

Ember Van De Rydt, Corner Inlet Pony Club, Victoria
Ember, a 15-year-old from Corner Inlet Pony Club in regional Victoria, has been part of the Victorian Mounted Games Squad for about seven years. She loves all pony club disciplines, but mounted games are her true passion. Representing Australia in Canada is a dream come true for Ember, and she’s excited about the competition, meeting new friends, and exploring a country she’s always wanted to visit.

Lauren Bassola, Swan Valley Horse and Pony Club, Western Australia
Lauren has been a member of Swan Valley Horse and Pony Club for ten years, competing at zone, state, and national levels. She’s proud of winning the State PPMG Championships in 2022 and the subjunior girls Tetrathlon at the Pony Club Australia National Championships in 2021. Lauren loves mounted games for the friendships and the thrill of combining skills and speed. She’s excited to represent Australia at the IMGE, meet new people, and travel. When not riding, Lauren plays WAFL for the Aveley Avengers, works as a barista, studies, and hangs out with friends.

Meg Kilby, Tasmanian Pony and Riding Club
Meg, from Westwood in Tasmania, has been with the Tasmanian Pony and Riding Club for eleven years. She’s been part of the games team since age seven, competing on various horses in both junior and senior teams. Meg’s first national mounted games competition was in 2021, which became a virtual event due to COVID-19. She continued to compete for Tasmania in 2022, traveling to NSW and riding pool horses. Although she couldn’t ride in 2023 due to a broken collarbone, she still attended to support her team. Besides mounted games, Meg enjoys eventing, showjumping, and dressage, having recently won a state showjumping competition. She loves her horses and aims to excel in all riding disciplines.

Asha Schmidt, Katherine Horse and Pony Club, Northern Territory
Asha, a 15-year-old rider from Katherine in the NT, has always loved mounted games and has dreamed of representing Australia since she was six. She participates in many sports like rugby and netball and loves meeting new people and learning from them. Asha started Pony Club at four years old and now rides at Katherine Horse and Pony Club, a small, tight-knit group of passionate riders where she has made many lifelong friends. She values the opportunities like IMGE that Pony Club provides to grow as a rider and horsewoman, and the sense of community pride it brings to her small town. Asha owns two horses: Felix, her all-rounder being introduced to games, and Moonlight, her experienced games pony. She is honoured to represent Australia and hopes to make her small town and country proud.

Dan Foster, Coach
Dan has been part of Pony Club Western Australia since 1986, participating in all disciplines at the state level and representing his state in National Mounted Games. With over twenty years of coaching experience at club, state, national, and international levels, Dan has led teams to five national wins and a close second place at IMGE 2023. He’s passionate about coaching and is looking forward to leading the 2024 IMGE team.

Niree Weybury, Team Manager
Niree started pony club at age 10 and fell in love with mounted games at 14. Now, she’s the president of Woodlands Pony Club and Central Zone – PCV, as well as the development squad coach for National Mounted Games in Victoria alongside Dan Foster. Competing with MGA Vic with her two sons, Niree dedicates her time to coaching, mentoring, and giving back to the association that has given her so much.

We wish our team the best of luck in Canada and can’t wait to see them shine at the IMGE!