Bairnsdale Pony Club

16/11/2025

Racing Australia is currently surveying horse industry participants on their perceptions of Thoroughbreds and the pathways available for them after racing.

We’re aiming for 10,000 responses to build the most comprehensive picture ever of how Thoroughbreds live, work and thrive across Australia. Every response adds value to this important research – from all horse owners, even from those who don’t really like Thoroughbreds.

The National Thoroughbred Demand & Pathways Survey is live now, and you can contribute by clicking on the link. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete and closes on the 24 November 2025.
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RacingAustraliaTBSurvey

All survey responses for the purpose of the research will be anonymous.

Any questions related to the survey can be addressed to tbsurvey@racingaustralia.horse

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

10/11/2025

💚💛💚💛 Thanks for all that you do Dallas!! 💚💛💚💛

If you were at the Ranvet 2025 Pony Club Australia Nationals, you may have been lucky enough to cross paths with showjumping judge extraordinaire, Dallas Golby.

Dallas is not only a world-class official — she’s a Pony Club legend through and through. She earned her A Certificate in 1981 and has been a proud member of Bairnsdale Pony Club for the past 18 years. Her dedication to Pony Club and the next generation of riders is nothing short of inspiring.

And how’s this for wholesome? Dallas even has a bespoke hobby horse (pictured) made to look exactly like her childhood pony Buttons (also pictured) — an 11.1hh superstar who could jump over 1 metre! She brought it to Nationals for Hobby Horse Night to share the story… but didn’t compete in case it got damaged. We love that level of Pony Club dedication!

Just in the past year, Dallas has judged at:
• Pony Club Victoria State Showjumping Titles
• Pony Club Victoria State Horse Trials
• Buchan Pony Club, Toongabbie Pony Club & Stratford Pony Club events
• Stonewall Winter Festival of Showjumping
• Agricultural shows across NSW including Candelo, Eurobodalla, Dalgety, Cooma, Bombala & more
• The Elms World Cup Show (for the 15th year running!)
• SMGS Interschool Gymkhana
…plus her own club’s shows every spring, judging everything from Grand Prix classes to Six Bars, Accumulators, Rescue Relays and jump-offs .

Dallas, thank you for everything you do for Pony Club and the sport of showjumping — from inspiring riders to setting the standard for fair, positive and passionate judging.

Once Pony Club, always Pony Club!

07/11/2025

Most recent calendar for this year and next. Updates ongoing

05/11/2025

05/11/2025

Hoping to see lots of our members as well as riders from other clubs coming to the show!

PONY CLUB COMPETITORS
CHAMPION RIDER
Nance Jennings memorial trophy rug
CHAMPION BEST PRESENTED
CHAMPION P.C. HANDLER
CHAMPION P.C. MOUNT
$50 Gift vouchers sponsored by
BAIRNSDALE HORSE CENTRE 🐎

02/11/2025

Don't forget that entries close for the horse section of the Bairnsdale Show tomorrow, Monday the 3rd. There's a pony club ring for all our members to compete in as well as jumping and open hack rings. Get on board everyone.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xQoKh_iyPPP5HDmFB1PiuOAIeIEdm0UI/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawNnuYVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHp5chvPKzkix2mzoacBOhfLaZof8wJDSXbiqVK8YTaCquFD5u2hx2NGj5wNc_aem_0hedZPEOR-HU--yZnSdOMQ

31/10/2025

Great day for our pony club members competing at the Sale Show yesterday. Lily winning the high points Interschool for Prep and Grade 1, Lexie reserve champion Interschool for years 8 and 9 and Mia had a great day in the Pony club ring gaining Champions and reserve champions in the handler, rider, hack and best presented. Well done to our riders.

31/10/2025

PCV State Events 2025/2026
Save the Dates
Entries are now open for the Tetrathlon State Championships. See JustGo for all details and entry: https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=D4183D88027C0B43DC2F09F35EA017EE30C2BA98

29/10/2025

It’s important for all horse trainers and riders to learn how to identify the flight response.

For centuries, the world’s best trainers have emphasised the importance of rhythm and straightness — what we now call self-carriage. A horse that maintains his own rhythm and line shows confidence and relaxation. By contrast, a horse that accelerates suddenly or without being asked — whether under saddle or in hand — is likely showing a fear response.

A common example is the jumping horse that rushes towards a fence. This behaviour is often mistaken for enthusiasm or a “love of jumping”, but in reality, it’s a sign of anxiety. When early training is rushed or unclear, the horse learns to associate fences with fear. The obstacle becomes a trigger to run — both toward and away from it.

Physiologically, a horse showing a strong flight response on a cross-country course has a blood profile similar to one fleeing from predators. That’s why training for rhythm and self-maintenance of speed is essential for both welfare and rider safety. The jump should never cause acceleration; the horse must be trained to maintain a steady rhythm and tempo on his own.

In dressage — and across all disciplines — we should recognise tension as a sign of fear, not excitement or energy. The great classical masters understood this deeply:

▪️ Quickening legs signal the flight response.

▪️ A hollow back reflects tension and fear.

▪️ True impulsion comes only from calm, progressive training.

Understanding the difference between rhythm and rush protects both horse and rider — and ensures training remains fair, ethical, and safe.

18/10/2025

Looking forward to our Tetrathlon and novelty day tomorrow!

Mixing it up a little to get things done before the heat gets up.

Timetable/Helpers Roster and running sheet for tomorrow has been emailed to all competitors.

Canteen in operation - don't forget to put your order in early!!

Can't wait to see you all there bright and early

14/10/2025

This looks like a great camp! Would be great for some of our members to attend!

Not long now until our first official pony club camp! We have locked in some amazing instructors!

We would love to see riders for all clubs joining in (both young & old). We love supporting your events and hope you will do the same.

Saturday night bonfire & barn dance with the Mallacoota Line Dancing crew!

https://pca.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/EventsAndBookings/booking-details/F6F2A64E3F4F339DC8554AB122E5B9BE0FEA1DC7

No need to book yards and camping!

Approximately 8 lessons per rider across 2 days. Includes most meals.