Awards & recognition
The highest honour PCV can bestow — for outstanding, active, and continuous service to Pony Club Victoria.
Recognises consistent, sustained contribution at zone and state levels over a minimum of ten years.
For members over 25 who have gone on to make a significant contribution to the horse industry after Pony Club.
Annual recognition for clubs and individuals demonstrating excellence in management, inclusion, and innovation.
Life Membership
PCV Life Membership is the highest award the PCV Board can bestow on an individual for service to Pony Club in Victoria. It is awarded at the PCV Annual General Meeting as required — not necessarily every year — and only to those who truly exemplify what it means to give back to the organisation.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Life Membership, a nominee must have:
Provided outstanding, active, and continuous service that is clearly evident to others involved with PCV
Been an exemplary representative and ambassador for the organisation on all occasions
Served as a state councillor and/or sub-committee member for at least ten years, five of which must have been as a state councillor
Carried out their duties in a competent and efficient manner throughout their service
How nominations work: The PCV Board nominates a person who meets the Life Membership criteria as they deem appropriate. This is not a community nomination process — the Board determines when and whether to award Life Membership based on its assessment of a candidate’s contribution. Life Memberships are presented at the PCV Annual General Meeting.
State Distinguished Service Award
The State Distinguished Service Award recognises individuals who have made a consistent and sustained contribution to Pony Club Victoria at zone and state levels over many years. It is a formal acknowledgement of the tireless service that keeps our organisation strong.
Eligibility criteria
A nominee must have:
Consistent and sustained contribution at zone and state levels for a minimum of ten years
Held office at club or zone level
Respected the aims and objectives of the Pony Club movement at all times
Remained objective and unbiased in all circumstances
Demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively with all Pony Club members and stakeholders
Displayed appropriate presentation and conduct at all activities
How to nominate: PCV Board members, PCV committee members, and Zone committee members may recommend nominees to the PCV Board.
Nomination deadline: Nominees must be received by the PCV office by 30 June each year. All nominations are tabled to the Board for consideration.
Award of Merit
The Award of Merit is the highest service award for Pony Club Victoria members aged at least 19 years and not older than 26 years, at the time of nomination for the award.
Service means carrying out tasks that benefit the club, its members and perhaps the wider community. Service does not include riding ability or competing in teams.
The nominee may receive the award once only.
Each year, PCV will request clubs to submit nominations to their zone.
The zones set their own closing date, however, zone nominations must reach the PCV Office by 30 June.
Eligibility criteria
Must be a current or former PCV member, aged at least 19 but not over 26
Been a riding or non-riding member of a pony club for at least three years and attended rallies as often as possible during that time
Always been helpful, considerate and courteous to all involved with the pony club
Completed outstanding service (as defined above at the least), to the club for a minimum of two years.
How to nominate: Nominations for the Award of Merit can be submitted to the PCV office. Contact us at [email protected] for nomination forms and submission deadlines.
Annual Awards
Pony Club Victoria (PCV) is committed to educating riders in a safe and friendly environment. PCV offers a diverse range of disciplines and supports members to reach their full potential. In so doing, we rely on the capabilities and contributions of all our coaches, officials, supporters and clubs. Recognising and rewarding achievements of our riders and coaches and expressing gratitude to our volunteers is an essential part of our culture.
The key elements of success for our organisation are reflected in the following awards:
1. Best achievement by a rider aged 12 years and under
2. Best achievement by a rider aged 13 – 17 years
3. Best achievement by a rider aged 18 -25 years
4. Best achievement by a rider over 25 years NEW
5. Volunteer of the year
6. Kay Irving Coach of the year
7. Kay Irving Young coach of the year (30 years and under) NEW
8. Club of the year
9. Pony Club Victoria Alumni NEW
There will be one award for each category annually.
BEST ACHIEVEMENT BY A RIDER AGED 12 YEARS AND UNDER
Selection Criteria:
- Participation in Pony Club rallies and activities
- Achievements in riding and completion of Pony Club activities
- Demonstrated partnership with and care for their pony
BEST ACHIEVEMENT BY A RIDER AGED 13-17
Selection Criteria:
- Participation in Pony Club rallies and activities
- Improvement in riding and leadership skills through diligence and effort
- Club citizenship (eg. helpful to others)
BEST ACHIEVEMENT BY A RIDER AGED 18-25
Selection Criteria:
- Participation in Pony Club rallies and activities
- Improvement in riding and leadership skills through diligence and effort
- Contribution to club or zone management and programs
KAY IRVING COACH OF THE YEAR
Selection Criteria:
- Contribution to development of the contemporary coaching program at Pony Club
- Commitment to coaching excellence and professional development through the Pony Club Australia coaching pathway
- Personal passion and resilience, including feedback from students and peers
KAY IRVING COACH OF THE YEAR (30 YEARS AND UNDER)
Selection Criteria:
- Contribution to development of the contemporary coaching program at Pony Club
- Commitment to coaching excellence and professional development through the Pony Club Australia coaching pathway
- Personal passion and resilience, including feedback from students and peers
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
This category is open to club supporters, administrators, club office holders, officials. Selection Criteria:
- Displays Pony Club values
- Contribution to the development of their Pony Club for the benefit of members
- Commitment to good governance and professionalism
PONY CLUB VICTORIA ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
This award is for a current or ex-Pony Club Victoria member over 25 years old who has gone on to be an active participant in the horse industry as a rider, leader or professional serving the horse industry (eg. coach, educator, journalist, vet). The nominee has taken inspiration from their time at Pony Club and been an ambassador for the organisation. Selection Criteria:
- Career achievements and profile
- Contribution to the horse industry
- Links to Pony Club, past and present
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Selection Criteria:
- Implementation of initiatives to attract and retain members, inclusive and responsive to the needs of members
- Good governance processes at club level including member protection, objective decision making, safety and risk management program, succession planning
- Innovation in club management, such as sponsorship programs, financial management, use of online database for management of memberships and events
- Delivery of coaching syllabus, demonstrated achievements by members and coaches (eg. certificates attained, coach accreditation), demonstrated achievements by members and coaches (eg. certificates attained, coach accreditation)
Nominations: Annual award nominations are called for in the second half of each year. Watch the PCV News page and e-newsletter for nomination opening dates and submission details.
Know someone deserving of recognition?
Pony Club Victoria is built on the contributions of thousands of dedicated people. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, we’d love to hear from you.
Meaghan Densley, Executive Officer
[email protected]
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03 8685 8925