Bairnsdale Pony Club

11/06/2026

🏆🏆Well done to Mia Duncan who travelled to Briagalong for the Stockmens challenge a little while ago. 2nd in the Dry work, jumping and Whipcrack as well as a 3rd in the obstacles placed her 2nd overall. Great work Mia and Cluey!!🏆🏆

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

Imagine trying to do the right thing, but the answer keeps changing.

One day, a pony is allowed to walk off as soon as the rider is in the saddle.* The next day, the same pony is told off for not standing still at the mounting block.

One day, a horse is allowed to rub its head on someone after work.* The next day, the same behaviour is corrected sharply because the handler is busy, tired or not expecting it.

To us, these can feel like small moments. To the horse, they can make the world feel unpredictable.

The same applies when we ride. Horses learn best when our aids are clear, consistent and easy to understand. That means being consistent not only in the aid itself, but in the way we apply it, the sequence we use, and the moment we release or reward the horse for the right response.

This does not mean riders should never change how they do things. Good coaching helps riders improve. But if you are changing how you ask your horse to do something, it is worth talking it through with your coach so the change is clear, fair and consistent for the horse.

When expectations are unclear or inconsistent, the horse may not know which behaviour will lead to a reward, a release, or a correction. That uncertainty can lead to confusion and worry. The horse may try to avoid the situation, resist, become more reactive, or eventually stop trying.

This idea is covered in the Pony Club Australia Horse Welfare Policy under Domain 4: Behavioural Interaction, which highlights the importance of clear, consistent aids and consistent expectations for behaviour. It is also supported in Domain 5: Mental Experiences, which links a horse’s mental security to clear, consistent training and communication.

Good welfare is not only about feed, feet and turnout. It is also about helping the horse understand what is being asked.

*Note: Walking off at the mounting block and rubbing on people are not behaviours we want to encourage. Standing quietly while mounting helps keep horse and rider safe, and rubbing on people can become pushy or unsafe. The point is to be clear and consistent about the behaviour we do want, rather than allowing something one day and correcting it sharply the next.

03/06/2026

Booking a stable for an event can feel like the obvious choice.

It keeps your horse clean, gives you somewhere secure to put them, and can make event logistics easier.

But for a horse that usually lives outside in a paddock with a mate, spending several days in a single stable can be a major change.

The Pony Club Australia Horse Welfare Policy refers to this under Domain 3: Health, noting that:

“If your horse is used to an outdoor paddock with a mate at home, then a single stable for several consecutive days at a Pony Club event is a major change that will impact his sleep patterns and wellbeing.”

From an equitation science and welfare perspective, this matters.

Horses can rest standing up, but they need to lie down to get proper REM sleep. Whether a horse feels safe and settled enough to lie down can be affected by things like housing, space, bedding, social contact and sudden changes in routine.

So a horse that is used to paddock life, movement and companionship may not automatically cope well with being shut in a stable on their own for several days.

Where yards are available, they may be a better option for some horses, particularly those used to living outside. A safe yard can allow more movement, better visual contact with other horses, and a routine that feels closer to what the horse knows at home.

That does not mean a yard is always the right choice. The best option depends on the horse, the facilities, the weather, the fencing, the event environment and what the horse is used to.

Before you book a stable, take a moment to think about your horse’s normal routine.

Are they used to being stabled?
Would they settle better in a yard?
Can they see or stay near a familiar horse?
Will they have enough time out to move and graze?
Is the stable or yard safe, comfortable and suitable for them to rest?

A clean horse is lovely. But a settled, rested horse matters more.

02/06/2026

Here's the most up to date calendar. Strap in folks, there some busy times coming up once the days start to give us a little more sun!!

30/05/2026

Warm up round is free. Register to have a go!

2026 Hygain Interzone Quiz Challenge!

The 2026 Hygain Interzone Quiz Warmup Round is just around the corner! 🎉

Join us for a great night of fun where the whole family can put their horse knowledge to the test! Fun for all ages...including coaches, adult supporters and Riders Without Horses members, all from the comfort of your own home! 🏠

The Warmup Round is FREE and will take place on Monday 1st June, starting at 7pm.

Participants will need to have access to Kahoot. ✅

Tickets are still available via JustGo, and can be accessed here: https://pca.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/EventsAndBookings/booking-details/66162E8EEE74F19E13FF151BDFFF50E0C7123184

See you there!