Club Details
Address
Bullengarook Recreation Reserve, 683 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bullengarook VIC 3437
Website
https://www.facebook.com/bullengarookpc/
Zone
Central Zone
Club Offerings
Bullengarook Pony Club is a friendly, active club based at the Bullengarook Recreation Reserve in the scenic Macedon Ranges (Central Zone). It offers a supportive and fun environment for young riders (typically under 25) and their families to develop riding skills and horsemanship. With regular rallies, well-attended show jumping competitions, and enjoyable events like Christmas Games days, the club provides a broad range of PCV disciplines in a community-oriented setting. It is an excellent choice for local families near Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, and surrounding areas seeking quality coaching and competitive opportunities in a welcoming atmosphere.
Offerings
- Regular rally days with coached instruction following the PCV syllabus, including gear checks, riding lessons, horsemanship activities, and skill development for all levels.
- Come & Try opportunities and support for beginners/new families.
- Proficiency certificate training (D to A levels) and grading.
- Club-hosted events such as Show Jumping days (including graded classes like F Grade), Christmas Games & Spit Roast, and participation in zone competitions (e.g., Lowden Shield).
- Access to Central Zone clinics, events, and pathways to state/national championships.
- Strong community focus with fun activities (e.g., themed games days) and a welcoming environment for members and supporters.
- Agistment: Not offered or mentioned on-site by the Pony Club. The grounds are primarily for rallies and hosted events (arenas are member-only). Contact the club or local Macedon Ranges options for agistment recommendations.
Disciplines Offered
As a standard PCV-affiliated club, Bullengarook Pony Club covers the full range of Pony Club activities, with a noticeable strength in show jumping (they regularly host open and PC show jumping competitions):
- Dressage
- Show Jumping (graded classes from beginner to more advanced; frequent club-hosted days)
- Mounted Games (including fun Christmas-themed games days)
- Horse Trials / Eventing elements
- Combined Training and general horsemanship/quiz activities
- Other PCV disciplines such as flatwork, team events, and certificate-based skills
Rallies and events support riders from beginners through to competitive levels, with opportunities to qualify for zone and state competitions.
FAQs
Qualify through club/zone events using the required tests. Check the PCV calendar for entries and details.
Yes! No advanced equipment is needed — just enthusiasm and a pony. Clubs welcome all levels.
https://ponyclubvic.org.au/dressage/dressage-tests for all current downloadable tests.
Ordinary snaffles are standard; refer to the current National Gear Rules (updated periodically) and PCV Dressage Rules for specifics on bits, saddles, and permitted items.
Dressage first, then Cross-Country and Showjumping (order may vary but specified in programme). Minimum 30-minute break between phases.
Achieve specific results in prior events (e.g., for PCV110: two events with low penalties, one in the championship year). Entries verified by Zone Rep.
Follow PCA Gear Rules; whips limited by grade (e.g., max 120cm for Advanced-Grade 3). No abuse or non-permitted items – elimination for violations.
Yes, with graded levels starting low. No riders under 8; focus on welfare, with veterinary checks and safe courses.
PCV events calendar on ponyclubvic.org.au, including championships and clinics.
Standard Pony Club gear applies, with focus on safe, secure saddlery (snaffle bits common). Body protectors recommended for fast activities — refer to current PCA National Gear Rules.
Clubs form teams at rallies; zone competitions lead to state championships. Top performers may be selected for Team Vic squads via clinics.
Absolutely! It's one of the most fun and accessible disciplines — no prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a suitable pony.
Check the PCV events calendar on ponyclubvic.org.au, including clinics, zone comps, and state championships.
A - Starting Height 1.10m, Max. Height 1.25m, Max. Spread 1.35m
B - Starting Height 1.00m, Max. Height 1.15m, Max. Spread 1.20m
C - Starting Height 0.85m, Max. Height 1.00m, Max. Spread 1.05m
D - Starting Height 0.70m, Max. Height 0.85m, Max. Spread 0.85m
E - Starting Height 0.55m, Max. Height 0.70m, Max. Spread 0.70m
F - Starting Height 0.40m, Max. Height 0.55m, Max. Spread 0.55m
G - Starting Height 0.30m, Max. Height 0.40m (No Spreads)
Attend 2+ rallies, demonstrate skills at required heights; DC approves via form. Separate per discipline/combination.
Yes, via Freshman's or G/F grades. No leading allowed except exemptions.
Third refusal, fall, deviation from course, exceeding time limit, unauthorised aid.
21-22 February at Warrnambool Showgrounds; check ponyclubvic.org.au for entries/qualifiers.
From under 10 (Equathon) to 25 years, in age categories. Minimum age for full Tetrathlon is 10 for shooting.
Yes, uses laser pistols (updated from air pistols) for precision without projectiles – supervised and trained.
Club rallies, zone clinics, or state events. International camps sometimes hosted (e.g., with NZ Pony Club).
A derby course combining showjumping and cross-country jumps, scored on faults and time.
Basic Pony Club gear for riding; swimsuits, running shoes, and provided lasers for other phases. Follow PCA Gear Rules.
Maiden: 120 seconds over 1000m; Open: 109 seconds over 1000m.
Achieve at least two qualifying times in zone events during the year; must have C Certificate (or exempt). One combination per rider; zones submit results for verification.
At racecourses/training tracks like Moonee Valley, Kilmore, Horsham – check JustGo for bookings.
Yes, start in Maiden grade after grading. Ungraded riders can train but not compete until assessed.
Standard PCA National Gear Rules apply; mandatory gear check before riding. No watches or timing aids allowed.
Sub-Juniors: D* min; Juniors: C min; Seniors: C*/K min (or equivalents). Verified for nationals.
No – it's all off-horse! Quiz focuses on knowledge and activities in rooms or stable settings.
Club rallies, question books, or online Hygain challenges. Check the blog for recent winners and tips.
Clubs/zones form teams; nationals via nominations, rally attendance (50% min), and possible assessments.
Always Written; hosts choose from Classroom, Mega-Room, Stable, Games (notified 6 weeks prior).
Varies; Foundation can be quick (weeks), while Level 1 may take months depending on experience.
Yes, for prior qualifications or experience—submit evidence to PCA for assessment.
PCA accreditation is national; transfer via member services.
Yes, for manuals ($20-50), assessments, and optional clinics.
No, but PCA membership is required; coach-specific options available.
Contact your club or PCV for recommendations; state lists available.
Primarily riders aged 10 and under, but some clubs may accommodate slightly older riders—check with your local club.
No! The program supports "Riders Without Horses" with shared ponies, theory lessons, and unmounted activities.
Accredited PCA or EA coaches, ensuring professional and safe instruction.
Similar to standard membership—personal accident and public liability for approved activities.
Absolutely! Clubs can register with PCV, get accredited coaches, and access lesson plans. Visit the PCV website for setup guidelines.
It's an entry-level entry membership focused on basics and fun. Ready to Ride membership holders can upgrade to full membership at any time.
Yes, there is a variety of lesson plans and resources available for coaches on the PCV shop.
No! RWH welcomes complete beginners and focuses on foundational skills.
Yes, under supervision with club-provided horses, but it's not guaranteed at every session—some focus on theory.
You can transition seamlessly to standard riding membership; RWH attendance may count toward rally requirements.
RWH participants are ungraded and can't enter graded PCV events but can join club-internal ungraded activities.
Committees approve programs, conduct risk assessments, and use PCV/PCA curricula. Contact PCV for support.
Follow PCA Gear Rules: comfortable, safe attire and club uniform. Clubs may provide some items for trials.
Yes, personal accident and public liability for approved activities, same as riding members.
Riding memberships are for those under 25 (juniors under 17, seniors 17-24). Adults 25+ can join as supporters, coaches, or officials.
Fees vary by club but are around $200-300 annually for riding members, including national and state levies. Contact your club for precise quotes, as they add local fees for facilities and activities.
No! Many clubs offer "Riders Without Horses" options or shared horses for rallies for those without equine ownership.
Membership renewals open in June via JustGo. Clubs may offer prorated fees for mid-year joins, but full benefits start January 1.
PCV welcomes beginners! Start with Come & Try days and progress through certificates (D to A levels) for skill development.
Membership provides personal accident insurance (up to certain limits) and public liability coverage for approved Pony Club activities, but it doesn't cover horse veterinary costs.
Yes, some clubs offer "Adult Riding Member" options for those 25+, but it's less common—check with your club. Most adults participate as supporters or coaches.