From humble beginnings in regional Victoria to a statewide network of more than 170 clubs, Pony Club Victoria has helped generations of young people develop confidence, horsemanship, leadership and lifelong friendships.
What began as a small movement driven by passionate volunteers has grown into one of Australia’s most enduring youth organisations. Through changing times, Pony Club Victoria has remained committed to developing capable riders, responsible citizens and strong communities.
The story of Pony Club Victoria is, above all, a story of people. Riders, coaches, volunteers, parents and supporters who have shaped the organisation and carried its values from one generation to the next.
1940-1949
Where It All Began
Victoria's First Pony Club
The Pony Club movement in Victoria began with the vision of one determined woman. Inspired by the success of the first Pony Club in New South Wales, Miss Margaret Douglas recognised the opportunity to create something similar for young riders in Victoria.
In 1944, the Mountain District Horse and Pony Club was established in Croydon as Victoria's first Pony Club. With horses playing an important role in everyday life during the war years, interest grew quickly, and membership expanded rapidly during the club's first year.
The success of Mountain District inspired other communities to establish their own clubs, laying the foundations for what would become a statewide movement.
1950-1959
A State Association Takes Shape
Founding the Association
January 1954 marked a defining moment in Victorian equestrian history. Representatives from seven clubs gathered at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds to formally establish the Pony Club Association of Victoria.
Bringing together Berwick, Eltham, Footscray, Mountain District, Shepparton, Vermont and Western District Pony Clubs under one organisation created a shared vision for education, horsemanship and youth development across the state.
The decade also saw the emergence of Miss Kay Irving as a driving force within Pony Club Victoria. Appointed Chief Instructor in 1958, her influence on rider education, coach development and Pony Club culture would shape the organisation for decades to come.
1960-1969
Building a National Movement
Growth Across Victoria and Australia
The 1960s were a decade of expansion and cooperation. As Pony Clubs emerged across Australia, the need for greater coordination between states became increasingly clear.
Victoria played an important role in discussions that would eventually lead to the establishment of Pony Club Australia, helping to create a stronger national framework for rider development and competition.
Closer to home, Pony Club Victoria continued to grow, introducing regional zones, strengthening its governance structures and employing its first staff member to support an increasingly active membership base.
1970-1979
Finding a Permanent Home
Irving House and a Growing Organisation
The 1970s marked a period of stability and growth. Pony Club Victoria purchased its Brighton headquarters, creating a permanent home for the organisation and providing a foundation for future expansion.
The office was named Irving House in honour of Miss Kay Irving, recognising her extraordinary contribution to Pony Club education across Victoria.
With membership continuing to grow and State Championships becoming firmly established, Pony Club Victoria entered a new era of organisational maturity.
1980-1989
A Thriving Community
Membership and Momentum
By the 1980s, Pony Club Victoria had become an important part of communities across the state. Membership continued to grow as families embraced the opportunities Pony Club provided both in and out of the saddle.
This decade also marked the retirement of Miss Kay Irving after more than twenty years as Chief Instructor. Her legacy remained firmly embedded in the organisation's approach to education, safety and rider development.
Through rallies, camps, competitions and volunteer leadership, Pony Club Victoria had become woven into the fabric of rural and regional Victoria.
1990-1999
Victoria Takes the National Stage
Hosting the National Championships
The 1990s reflected a growing confidence within Pony Club Victoria.
The organisation successfully hosted National Championships, showcasing Victorian riders, officials and volunteers on the national stage. State Championships were increasingly shared across regional zones, creating greater access for members throughout Victoria.
Pony Club Victoria also entered the digital age, appointing its first Executive Officer and launching its first website, opening new opportunities for communication and member engagement.
2000-2009
Change, Challenge and Opportunity
From Brighton to Mulgrave
The new millennium brought both opportunity and challenge. Australian equestrian sport reached a global audience during the Sydney Olympic Games, while the Equine Influenza outbreak of 2007 tested clubs and riders across the country.
In 2008, Pony Club Victoria relocated from Brighton to Mulgrave, beginning a new chapter in the organisation's history.
Throughout this period, Pony Club Victoria remained one of the largest Pony Club organisations in Australia, supporting more than 200 clubs across the state.
2010-2019
Modernisation and New Facilities
Building for the Future
The 2010s were characterised by investment, renewal and strategic growth.
Pony Club Victoria aligned its branding with the national Pony Club identity and acquired the Pony Club Victoria Equestrian Centre (PCVEC), creating a dedicated state facility capable of hosting competitions, training and major events.
While participation patterns within the broader equestrian sector began to shift, Pony Club Victoria remained focused on ensuring the organisation continued to meet the needs of future generations of riders.
2020-Present
Resilience and Renewal
Navigating Change and Looking Ahead
The decade began with unprecedented disruption as COVID-19 impacted communities, events and competition across Victoria.
Clubs adapted quickly, embracing online activities and new ways to keep members connected. As restrictions eased, Pony Club Victoria emerged with renewed energy and a clear vision for the future.
Governance reforms strengthened leadership, participation stabilised and the organisation proudly celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Today, programs such as Ready2Ride, Riders Without Horses, Off The Track pathways and inclusive participation initiatives ensure Pony Club remains relevant and accessible for future generations.
“Our Story Continues”
More than seventy years after Victoria's first Pony Club was established, the values that inspired those early members remain unchanged.
Pony Club Victoria continues to develop capable riders, confident young people and strong communities across the state.
Every rally, event, certificate, volunteer and rider contributes to the next chapter of our story.
The future of Pony Club Victoria is now being written by the next generation.
