Pony Club Victoria Celebrates a Spectacular Weekend at the 2025 Kay Irving Games, Flat & Musical Ride State Championships

Bacchus Marsh, Victoria – June 21, 22, 2025 – The Pony Club Victoria (PCV) community came together for an unforgettable weekend at the 2025 Kay Irving Games, Flat & Musical Ride State Championships, hosted at the Bacchus Marsh Pony Club grounds. This vibrant event, held annually to honour the legacy of the legendary Kay Irving, showcased the skill, teamwork, and creativity of young riders from across the state.

A Tribute to Kay Irving and Ian Wardell

The championships pay homage to Kay Irving, affectionately known as “Miss K,” a trailblazer in Australian equestrianism who served as PCV’s Chief Instructor from 1958 to 1983. Her vision of Pony Club as a youth organization fostering cooperation and community spirit continues to inspire riders today. The event also celebrates Ian Wardell, a dedicated PCV member whose passion for inclusive competitions like mounted games and musical rides left a lasting impact. The PCV State Office, named Irving House, stands as a testament to their enduring contributions.

A Weekend of Thrills and Teamwork

The championships, held over two action-packed days, featured three distinct disciplines: the Kay Irving Memorial Games on Saturday, and the Flat and Musical Ride events on Sunday. Riders, selected through rigorous zone qualifying competitions, displayed exceptional horsemanship and camaraderie.

• Kay Irving Memorial Mounted Games: Saturday’s games were a whirlwind of energy, with teams of Six riders and one reserve competing in fast-paced challenges of bending, mug shuffle, carton race, two-flag race, baton relay, tent pegging relay, milk bottle race, and finishing with the exciting flag and drum. The  spirited performances brought the arena to life, delighting spectators and judges alike. The games emphasized teamwork and agility, with NMZ Back to the Future clinching first place with an impressive 370 points, followed closely by Woodlands Jets and Bealiba & Charlton Girls from the Bush, both scoring 360 points, with placings determined by countback. Bacchus Marsh 1 and Colac rounded out the top five with 320 points each. A special mention goes to Saint Judd, ridden by Bonnie Cutting, who was awarded Best Performed Off-The-Track Thoroughbred (OTT).

• Flat Teams: Sunday’s Flat Team competitions included the Team of Four Ride, and Pairs Team Ride. Riders executed precise, formation movements, in both their rehearsed and unrehearsed events.  Macedon Pony Club’s Team of Four took top honours in the Central Zone, earning their spot at the state level, while  Merricks/Balnarring impressed in the Pairs event.

• Ian Wardell Musical Ride: The Ian Wardell Musical Ride stole the show with teams of 4 riders performing choreographed routines set to music. From “Wicked to Teddy Bears Picnic the creative costumes and synchronized movements captivated the audience.  PCV tradition of inclusive musical rides, inspired by Wardell’s philosophy of involving every rider, was evident as ponies and horses of all sizes and abilities moved in harmony.

Highlights and Community Spirit

The 2025 championships were marked by standout performances and a festive atmosphere. NMZ Back to the Future dominated the games with consistent wins  in bending, mug shuffle, carton race, and tent pegging relay. Woodlands Jets and Bealiba & Charlton Girls from the Bush showcased fierce competition, with Jets excelling in baton relay and flag and drum, and Bealiba & Charlton shining in bottle race. Bacchus Marsh 1 and Colac also delivered strong performances, with Bacchus winning heats in bending,  bottle race, and flag and drum.

Beyond the competition, the event highlighted PCV’s commitment to inclusivity. As Kay Irving once emphasized, Pony Club is not just about producing elite riders but about fostering a love for horses and teamwork. The championships provided opportunities for riders of all skill levels to participate, with costumes and music adding a playful flair to the weekend.

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2025 Kay Irving Games, Flat & Musical Ride State Championships underscores PCV’s role as a cornerstone of equestrian youth development. With events like these, the organization continues to nurture the next generation of riders while honouring its rich history.

For those inspired to join the fun, PCV welcomes new members through its Ready2Ride program for young riders and Come & Try sessions. Visit www.ponyclubvic.org.au to learn more about membership and upcoming events.

As the dust settles on another spectacular championship, the PCV community is already looking forward to next year’s celebration of horsemanship, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Kay Irving and Ian Wardell.