On returning from Tokyo, some of Australia’s top equestrian Olympians have pitched in to help Pony Club Australia with their Virtual National Championships this year.

Andrew Hoy, Shane Rose and Kevin McNab took time out of their schedules to record questions for the National Quiz competition. All the Olympians were Pony Club alumni (past members) who have previously shared their enjoyment and knowledge gained from their Pony Club years. Atlanta gold medallist Wendy Schaeffer, who rode her Pony Club horse at the Olympics, also contributed questions.

Competitors from almost every state competed in one of the three age groups for Quiz, giving them a chance to test their horse knowledge in a fun and friendly team environment. It does not require a horse, and teams can even compete nationally and even internationally in this Pony Club sport! Team members will now be vying for a place in the PCA team for the International Quiz in December 2021.

The Quiz competition and results are being broadcast as a discipline of the Thoroughbred Industry Careers Pony Club Australia Nationals Championships in November; details will be available on the PCA Facebook page.

Dr Catherine Ainsworth CEO of Pony Club Australia said, “It is not the same as the best in the country getting together for a major event, but for the first time, riders’ extended families, friends and Pony Clubs will be able to see the whole competition unfold and cheer on from home.”

To find out when the events will be screened, please follow the dedicated Facebook page Thoroughbred Industry Careers PCA National Championships or check www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au

Follow us on Facebook for details on this broadcast: Pony Club Australia | Facebook

Go to our website for more details on quiz: QUIZ – Pony Club Australia or answer the quiz questions at Pony Club Australia – Olympian Quiz Questions

Fast facts

• The biennial Nationals were due to be held in late September in Benalla, Victoria for around 300 competitors from every state and territory, but border closures and lockdowns put an end to that. Pony Club Australia along with the naming rights sponsor Thoroughbred Industry Careers have been innovative in their ability to pivot and provide a digital solution.
• The Nationals involve seven sports – showjumping, dressage, eventing, quiz, mounted games, Ride to Time and tetrathlon (running, swimming, shooting and riding). Other than reducing the eventing to a combined training competition we are running everything as planned, but in State hubs with identical courses.