Coach Accreditation
Pony Club Victoria (PCV) delivers coach accreditation through Pony Club Australia (PCA) — a structured, competency-based pathway for developing safe, effective equestrian instructors. Accreditation covers horse welfare, safety, equitation science, and teaching skills, equipping coaches to deliver high-quality instruction at rallies, clinics, and events across Victoria.
Whether you’re just starting out or progressing your coaching career, PCV’s program aligns with national standards and gives you recognition, insurance eligibility, and a clear path for professional growth.
Why Get Accredited
Accreditation is essential for anyone instructing at PCV activities — it keeps you and your riders safe, and keeps PCV compliant with national welfare and safety protocols. As a PCA affiliate, our program builds coaching confidence from first-time volunteers through to experienced professionals, grounded in inclusive, evidence-based instruction. It also opens the door to mentoring roles, state teams, and national events, giving you a lasting impact on riders’ development across Victoria’s pony club network.
Key Benefits of Coach Accreditation
Professional Recognition
Gain formal qualifications that validate your skills, from entry-level through to advanced — with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available for experienced instructors.
Insurance Eligibility
Accredited coaches qualify for PCV/PCA insurance coverage during sanctioned activities, including Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, and Personal Accident (volunteers are covered; paid coaches need their own policy). See Coach Registration Categories & Fees below for how this applies to you.
Skill Enhancement
Access training in coaching principles, horse management, and specialised topics like inclusive coaching and equitation science.
Career Opportunities
Coach at local, zone, state, or national level; mentor trainees; and take part in development workshops or international exchanges.
Resources and Support
Utilize PCA syllabi, manuals, online tools, lesson plans, and CPD programs to stay current.
Community Impact
Help promote child safety, horse welfare, and good sportsmanship — a Working With Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory for all coaches.
Accreditation Levels
Assessment involves written tests, practical demonstrations (in person or video), mentoring, and observation. RPL is available for equivalent qualifications (e.g. Equestrian Australia). Levels build progressively, with flexible timelines to suit you.
PCV follows PCA’s three levels of coaching accreditation:
How to Get Accredited
Achieving coach accreditation is straightforward with PCV support:
Check Eligibility
Review prerequisites for your desired level, obtain WWCC, and join PCV/PCA if not already a member.
Complete Training
Download course outlines from PCA, finish ASC modules, purchase manuals from the JustGo shop, and arrange mentoring.
Gain Experience
Accumulate required hours (e.g., 10 for Preliminary) at club rallies or events under supervision.
Register for Assessment
Submit application via PCA, schedule evaluations (written, practical, video), and pay any fees.
Achieve and Maintain
Upon passing, receive your accreditation card. Renew annually, track CPD, and update via JustGo.
If lapsed, follow PCA’s reinstatement policy. Clubs can host training days—check the PCV Events Calendar.
Shop Coach Course Enrolments
Looking for a PCA Coach Manual?
Each course has a different manual, and they are only available for purchase on JustGo.
Log in to JustGoNeed to Renew your Coaching Qualification?
If your qualification has lapsed, please refer to the Pony Club Australia website where you will find the coaches policy along with logbook and online renewal form.
FAQs
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.
