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Finalists Announced in Pony Club Australia Annual Awards
Looking for Australia’s best
When two Olympians and long-time equestrians are impressed by the finalists in the annual PCA awards, you know the future of this sport is in good hands in Australia.
Guest judges this year were Olympic gold medallist Wendy Schaeffer, who at 21 took her Pony Club horse Sunburst to Atlanta 1996 and was the best placed Australian in the gold medal winning three day event team, and Megan Jones, another Pony Club graduate, who was a 3DE silver medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
“I was excited to be involved with the Judging of the 2020 PCA awards,” Wendy said. “I was very impressed with the standard of nominees in all categories and felt that there is much to be learned on the governance front from the nominated PCA clubs.”
Megan was quick to agree. “I was honoured to be a part of the judging panel for the national Pony Club awards - and was blown away by the level of commitment to Pony Club and what generally amazing people the candidates were.”
From a huge field of worthy nominations, the finalists for the 2020 Pony Club Australia annual awards were announced on the weekend.
The awards acknowledge the best achievements, dedication and service by riders, coaches, volunteers and Club. With over 800 Clubs and 40,000 members, competition is always keen.
Pony Club Australia CEO Dr Catherine Ainsworth said the annual awards are not just about achievement. “It’s about participation, citizenship, giving back to Pony Club and showing initiative,” she said.
The winners will be announced online in late September.
The finalists are:
Best achievement by a rider aged 12 years and under
Chloe Daun, Huntingfield Pony Club, Tasmania
Stella Phillips, Cranbourne Pony Club, Victoria
Tehani Badke, Coffs Harbour Pony Club NSW
Best achievement by a rider aged 13-17 years
Cohen Wade, Stratford Pony Club, Victoria
Holly Pulford, Murrumbateman Pony Club, NSW
Morgan Lane, Horsham Pony Club, Victoria
Best achievement by a rider aged 18-25 years
Georgia Laird, Buderim Horse and Pony Club, Queensland
J’Aime Mallon, Riddells Creek Pony Cub, Victoria
Sarah Gant, Hendra Pony Club, Queensland
The Kay Irving Award for Coach of the Year
Margrete Erling, Watagan Pony Club, NSW
Michelle Despax, Southern Metro Zone, Victoria
Rachael Edwards, Seville Pony Club, Victoria
Volunteer of the Year
Belinda North, Mudgeeraba Pony and Hack Club, Queensland
Erin Hunn, Hobart and Districts Pony Club, Tasmania
Lois Dawes, Babinda and District Pony Club, Queensland
Club of the Year
Arcadia Pony Club, NSW
Lilydale District Pony Club,
Tasmania Londonderry Pony Club, NSW
More information:
Dr Catherine Ainsworth
CEO, Pony Club Australia
M: 0438 174 222
E: ceo@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
Bronwyn Wheatley
Marketing and Development Officer, Pony Club Australia M: 0423 823 190
E: marketing@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
