24/04/2026
As the Pony Club Queensland State Championships for Dressage and Combined Training approach this July, the way the event has come together is already a strong reflection of Pony Club at its best.
Samford Golden Valley Pony Club has stepped up to host the 2026 Dressage and CT Championships. Hosting an event of this scale is a significant undertaking, and what has made the difference is the strength of the relationships Samford has built across Pony Club Queensland.
“With the Championships coming together relatively quickly, we knew it was never going to be something our club could do on its own,” said Samford Pony Club event coordinator Kathryn Fuhrmann.
“What really stood out was how many people reached out and offered to help.”
When additional support was needed, Pony Club members from across both zones came together around Samford Pony Club, offering their time, experience and hands‑on skills with genuine generosity. It was a powerful reminder that Pony Club is more than clubs and competitions - it’s a community built on relationships, trust and a shared willingness to support one another.
“One of the real strengths of Pony Club is the connections built across zones over time,” Kathryn said. “Because those relationships already exist between Zone 1 and Zone 26, people didn’t hesitate. Everyone simply wanted to help make sure the Championships could go ahead.”
This cross‑zone collaboration has seen volunteers from both zones working quietly behind the scenes in event coordination, logistics and operational planning. While much of this work happens out of sight, it is essential to delivering a safe, well‑run and positive Championship experience for riders and their families.
“For us, it has never been about one club or one zone doing it all,” Kathryn added. “These Championships show what’s possible when Pony Club people support one another and put riders first.”
While Samford Pony Club is acknowledged as host, the Championships represent a shared effort across the broader Pony Club network.
Support from multiple clubs and zones - including Burpengary Pony Club providing the Championship venue - highlights how Pony Club communities work together to create opportunities for young riders.
As competitors prepare for July, the PCQ State Championships stand as a reminder that behind every successful event is a group of volunteers committed to teamwork, service and shared responsibility.
It is moments like these, built on collaboration across zones and a genuine sense of community, that show exactly what Pony Club is all about.
📸 Samford, Southside Pony Club, Qld and Northern Suburbs Pony Club riders (Zones 26 and 1) representing their teams in State Teams Dressage. Years of shared experiences at Pony Club events have built the friendships and trust that now underpin this cross-zone support.
