News | 7 May 2025
Celebrating Member Achievements – Ella’s Story
Training, education and achievement are at the heart of The Pony Club, with many Members across the country working hard towards a variety of certificates and awards. One such Member is Ella Bubb of the Crawley and Horsham Hunt Branch, who has recently achieved her PCCC Level 3 Coaching Qualification! This is an incredible achievement that we’re thrilled to celebrate. Ella has shared her inspiring story, from her first steps within The Pony Club to the experiences that lead her to becoming a qualified Coach.
‘My name is Ella and I am a member of the Crawley and Horsham Hunt Branch. I was on a pony before I could walk and have been a member of the same branch since my third birthday! Having grown up through The Pony Club, I begin my coaching journey three years ago. I am thoroughly enjoying giving back to the organisation that started off my career, and I am now working full time in the industry, coaching and supporting younger riders and enjoy competing my own horses.’
‘I am very proud to be a part of an organisation which puts the development of compassionate horsemen and women at its centre, allowing young people to develop essential life skills whilst embracing the enjoyment of their ponies, the outdoors and friendships that will last a lifetime. I have very many happy memories of growing up through The Pony Club. As well as Championships, camp was always the highlight of the summer, and I believe younger me was helped hugely in the development of my confidence and ability to enjoy the countryside with friends and my ponies. These early experiences showed me the value The Pony Club organisation has in positively influencing the lives of so many of its members, which is why it is something I am still so passionately involved in today.’
‘Alongside many other activities, all Branches and Centres offer the opportunity to progress through The Pony Club Test Pathway. The lower tests are a brilliant way to begin to introduce Members to the standards of horsemanship required and to get used to a test setting in a relaxed, friendly environment. Progressive training is on offer to all Members as they progress up this test ladder, reaching the prestige of the higher tests on offer. These are industry recognised qualifications and very well recognised for the excellent horsemanship, riding and horse care practices Members must achieve. Anybody wishing to get involved in The Pony Club Test Pathway should contact their Centre Proprietor or District Commissioner who will be able to advise upon how best to do this.’
‘I was very proud to achieve my A Test in May 2022. This is the highest standard you can achieve within The Pony Club and is respected across the world for its prestige and the standards which must be reached in care, horsemanship, riding and training young horses. It was exceptionally rewarding to receive this certificate as a recognition of my journey through The Pony Club and join an illustrious list of A Test holders. Throughout my progression through The Pony Club Test Pathway, I have made lifelong friends and developed skills which have stood me in very good stead since beginning my career in the equine industry. My A Test has been widely recognised, allowing me to access some amazing opportunities.’
‘Last summer, I was one of four Pony Club Members nationally to be selected to travel to Kentucky, USA as part of the UK quiz team for the PCIA International Quiz Exchange. We spent two weeks in Kentucky with teams from four other countries. Kentucky is known as the Thoroughbred capital of the world and we were treated to the most amazing tours and experiences, from a tour of Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, to a behind the scenes tour of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. It was fascinating and we made friends and memories that are definitely not going to be forgotten anytime soon! The trip culminated in an international quiz competition spanning three days, in Kentucky Horse Park at the US Pony Club Championships. After a close fought, tough competition, we were delighted to come out as Team Champions, a brilliant way to end a memorable two weeks.’
‘I would strongly encourage anyone involved in The Pony Club to consider getting involved in the Test Pathway. Throughout my journey, I have developed skills and knowledge which have prepared me for starting out in the equine industry. I have learnt how to ride and assess situations under pressure, benefitting my competition riding, and I believe The Pony Club has instilled an unrivalled sense of horsemanship which has allowed me to pursue a career within the industry.’
‘Getting involved in Branch training is a brilliant way to start, allowing Members to create friendships and develop skills to support them throughout their Pony Club journey. The tests are a brilliant challenge for Members to get stuck into and there is plenty of help and support on offer along the way!’
‘After achieving my A Test, I had the opportunity to get involved in coaching the younger members of my Branch. It was here I discovered how much I value being able to give back to and support others, helping them to enjoy their ponies and develop skills to take forwards in whatever discipline they chose. I have been lucky enough to since make this into my career path and now ride and coach full time, certainly a dream of eight-year-old me to be doing horses all day long!’
‘After spending a couple of years expanding my experience and gaining qualifications, I began my PCCC Level 3 Coaching Qualification at the beginning of 2024. This is a year long course to be classified as an ‘Advanced Coach.’ The course particularly caught my attention due to broad spectrum of topics it covered, from coaching psychology to sports nutrition and skill acquisition theories. Alongside this, we had the opportunity to work with other Coaches from across the country and Coach Mentors, throughout a series of workshop and practical coaching days. We were observed coaching a wide variety of dressage, show jumping and cross country sessions, receiving feedback which I found invaluable in helping to push my coaching to the next level.’
‘After submitting my Coach’s portfolio and a slightly nerve-wracking exam day, I was delighted to receive the news I had gained my PCCC Level 3 Coaching Qualification. As one of the youngest people ever to reach this level, I am very proud of the achievement. I have since been able to use the skills and confidence I developed to further increase my capability to support younger members in their journey through The Pony Club. I now coach for several of my local Branches managing the test training, as well as running the quiz and horse and pony care training.’
‘I feel very lucky that the opportunities on offer to me through The Pony Club have enabled me to achieve many things and equipped me with skills which have led me to a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable career. I hope I will be able to continue this for many years to come and strongly encourage anybody in The Pony Club to take full opportunity of anything on offer to you, you never know where you might end up!’