Woodend Pony Club

08/01/2026

* Friday 9th January 2026 * Woodend Pony Club grounds will be open for anyone with horses or other animals needing somewhere to evacuate due to bushfires from 8am Friday 9th January 2026. There are horse yards, water and toilets available - use of the grounds is at your own risk and we request you monitor and remain aware of the progressing fire danger and move if the situation changes. All care is the responsibility of the horse owners. The toilets will remain locked until we know people are there (please call 0406558555). You must stay with your horses they are NOT to be left there for any length of time. Access is provided for emergency evacuation only and any exercising of horses is at your own risk. Please be considerate of others and make sure you collect any manure and put in the designated piles and take any rubbish home with you or place in the bins in the men's toilet (when open). Kyneton Pony Club & Riddells Creek PC (Online booking required) may also open for emergency evacuations - see their FB pages for info. Stay safe & update with info on cfa & Vic Emergency sites.

The facilities and gates are normally locked but we will endeavour to have them unlocked when there is a catastrophic bushfire rating declared or active bushfires in our area. If it is an emergency and you get to the gate and it is locked please call 0406558555 or MRSC

Plan ahead if you have horses and live in a bushfire prone area. There is very good information available on the CFA website - have your own fire-plan and include your animals - Plan & Prepare! See the CFA website for lots of good information www.cfa.vic.gov.au

25/11/2025

🐴🔥 BUSHFIRE & HORSES INFO SESSION TONIGHT 26/11

Hosted by the Bolinda-Monegeetta CFA

The coming fire season has potential to be significant, especially for the Macedon Ranges - if you have horses, ponies or other large animals and livestock, come along to the Victorian Emergency Management Institute (VEMI) at Mount Macedon TONIGHT 26/11 at 6:30pm for a comprehensive information session hosted by Bolinda-Monegeetta CFA with local CFA volunteers and representatives from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Gisborne Veterinary Clinic about preparing your animals to stay safe. More info below - we hope to see you there.

04/11/2025

What a great story & amazing achievement for Jamie & all young women everywhere 🎉🏆💪🦄💜

History made 🇦🇺 💚 💛

A huge congratulations to Pony Club alumna Jamie Melham (née Kah) on winning the 2025 Melbourne Cup aboard Half Yours — and becoming the first woman to claim the Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double.

This incredible achievement comes 10 years after Michelle Payne’s historic Cup victory, marking another unforgettable moment for women in racing and Australian equestrian sport.

Jamie began her journey at One Tree Hill Pony Club before joining Mt Pleasant Pony Club (Pony Club Association of South Australia Inc.), where her talent and determination shone through. She later represented Australia in Pony Club Mounted Games in England in 2010 — a foundation that helped launch a stellar career in racing.

As Jamie has shared with us in the past, Pony Club shaped her path:

“Once you join Pony Club, you start knowing all the Pony Clubs around the area and making more friends and connections. That’s how I got into racing as well — a girl in Pony Club introduced me to the racing stable.”

“A lot of people go right into being a jockey, but I think the games teach a lot about balance. Being able to be part of Pony Club my whole life and grow up with horses has helped me massively.”

Jamie’s journey is a remarkable example of hard work, resilience and community — values at the heart of Pony Club.

Congratulations, Jamie — Australia is cheering!

Pictured: Jamie Melham giving Pony Clubbers the insights and thrill of a lifetime at the National Pony Racing Series SA training day (2024). Photo: Thoroughbred Industry Careers

04/10/2025

Congratulations Maddie well deserved recognition of your contribution to pc & commitment to coaching 🎉👏

🌟 Young Coach of the Year – proudly sponsored by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia 🌟
🏆 Madeleine Manton – Woodend Pony Club (Pony Club Victoria).

Immersed in Pony Club since the age of six, Madeleine Manton began coaching as a teenager and earned her NCAS Preliminary accreditation at just 18. In 2024, she achieved her NCAS Level 1 certificate, becoming one of Victoria’s youngest Level 1 coaches.

At Gisborne Pony Club, Madeleine leads certificate work for 25–30 junior riders — turning what can be theory-heavy sessions into some of the club’s most anticipated lessons. From hobby horses and chalked-out dressage arenas to in-hand activities and vaulting-inspired exercises, she’s made learning interactive, fun and confidence-building. Parents say their children’s enthusiasm and self-belief have flourished under her guidance.

Beyond her own riders, Madeleine supervises trainee coaches, mentors competitors, and advocates for coaches as Vice President of Central Zone, while also serving as Deputy Chief Instructor and a key member of the Zone Chief Instructors Panel. In 2024 she was named Kay Irving Young Coach of the Year by Pony Club Victoria and earlier this year represented Australia as the youngest coach and manager ever selected for the China cultural exchange.

Loved by her riders — who run to greet her car, hug her after lessons, and quote her advice (“You can’t have reins like spaghetti!”) — Madeleine is patient, inspiring and deeply trusted. Carrying on her late father’s legacy of service to Pony Club, she is a shining ambassador for unity, kindness and lifelong learning.

👏 Congratulations, Madeleine — an incredible young coach shaping the next generation of Pony Club riders!

29/09/2025

Sending our best wishes to Madeleine Manton as she heads off to compete at the Pony Club Australian National Championships representing Woodend Pony Club in Team Victoria in both Dressage & Gymkhana 🤞🦄💫

22/07/2025

Congratulations Tayla Desmet & Zaubermaus on your Grand Prix debut 👏🎉🌟 Taylor and her family were member's of Woodend Pony Club for many years and Taylor was coached by Leigh Dunstan who still teaches at our club today. It just goes to show where a good start in Pony Club can take you!

Woodend Pony Club is a small, friendly, inclusive club that is currently welcoming new members - If you are interested in joining Woodend Pony please send us a message via our page to arrange to a 'Come & Try' or to visit us on a rally day for more info.

Tayla Desmet jumped in the deep end when she relocated to the dressage heartland of Germany in 2019. Nearly six years on, she is very much in for the long haul – not only has she embarked on a career abroad, she also has a Grand Prix horse and an up-and-coming young star.

01/07/2025

Entries via Event Secretary opening soon

01/07/2025

Pony Club Australia is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with Scootboot, the innovative Australian brand redefining hoof care for the modern equestrian.

As our newest Major Partner, Scootboot joins us in championing the welfare, soundness, and long-term care of horses across Australia. Their commitment to sustainable riding practices and practical hoof health aligns perfectly with Pony Club Australia’s mission to educate and empower the next generation of horse owners and riders.

Scootboot is best known for its world-class hoof boots — a durable and flexible option that supports natural movement and provides protection for barefoot horses. Used by equestrians in over 100 countries, Scootboot offers a practical solution for horses in transition, those with hoof issues, or riders looking to support sustainable hoof care practices..

💚 What This Partnership Means for Members

Through this partnership, Pony Club Australia members can look forward to:
▪️ Increased access to educational resources focused on hoof health, soundness, and sustainable horse care
▪️ Engaging opportunities to connect with the Scootboot brand, both online and at major PCA events
▪️ Exclusive giveaways and campaigns to encourage learning and participation across the Pony Club community
▪️ Recognition and celebration of excellence in horse care and welfare through a new annual national award

💛 A Shared Commitment to Welfare and Education

This partnership represents more than brand alignment — it reflects a shared vision for better education, stronger horsemanship, and a community that puts horse welfare first.

Scootboot CEO Cheryl Gray said the partnership was a natural fit, driven by a shared commitment to supporting young riders and promoting responsible horse care.

“Scootboot is looking forward to engaging more with younger riders across Australia and across all disciplines. Importantly, we wanted to partner with Pony Club Australia because of their focus on education about the care and welfare of horses. Our brands are very much aligned and we could not be more proud to take a very active role with Pony Club members in the months and years ahead.”

Pony Club Australia CEO Matthew Helmers echoed this sentiment, noting the long-term value of the collaboration.

“Soundness and hoof health are critical to a horse’s wellbeing and longevity. Scootboot’s values strongly align with our own, and we’re excited to be working together to support education and better outcomes for horses across Australia.”

🐴 We look forward to a meaningful and impactful collaboration with Scootboot and welcome them to the Pony Club Australia community.

Learn more about Scootboot and their innovative approach to hoof care at https://au.scootboots.com/

01/07/2025

Did you know Farriery is a highly specialised trade — and the only place to get qualified with a Certificate IV in Farriery (ACM40818) in Victoria is at GoTafe in Wangaratta? 🐎

24/06/2025

🚨 Warm Up Arena Etiquette 🚨 Good etiquette is key to a safe and smooth warm-up for everyone in the arena! It’s essential to follow these rules to keep your horse, yourself, and others safe. Whether you’re competing or just practising, understanding arena etiquette makes all the difference.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Check the Gateway: Always make sure the gateway is clear before entering.
2. Don’t Adjust Gear on the Outside Track: Stay focused and adjust your gear in a safe space off the track.
3. No Halting on the Outside Track: Avoid halting on the outer track to keep things flowing smoothly.
4. Right of Way for Faster Work: Fast work uses the outside track or wall; slow work uses the inside.
5. Lateral Work: Lateral work takes priority in the warm-up arena.
6. Pass Left Shoulder to Left Shoulder: This is the safe way to pass other riders.
7. Warm Up Jumps: Look out for flagged jumps to see which direction you can jump from.
8. Ask for Help if Unsure: Don’t hesitate to ask an official or experienced rider for advice.

⭐ Tip: Practising these etiquette rules with friends can help both you and your horse feel more comfortable in a busy arena.
Stay safe, ride well, and be courteous!

✅ This information is adapted from the Pony Club Australia's C* Certificate Manual.