Sports Update – October 2026
Welcome to the October edition of Sports Updates!
A reminder that applications to join a Sports Committee close on Friday 16th October (extended from 9th October). If you have a passion for a particular sport and would like to help shape its future, we’d encourage you to apply. Full details of current vacancies and how to apply can be found by clicking the button below.
There are also a number of Sports Coordinator vacancies available. For more information, please contact the relevant Sports Officer or visit the sport-specific pages on the website.
Dressage
PCIA Virtual Dressage Competition
Judging is underway for round two of the Training Challenge and Virtual Dressage Competition. Check out the tests from Pony Club members from all around the world by visiting the competition website – Pony Club International Virtual Dressage Show 2026.
If you would be interested in taking part in next yearās competition, please see some info on the different classes below:
Class 1 āTraining Level
- Eligibility: members 14 years and under on 1st January
- Example Test: USEF Training Level Test 1 (2023)
- Equivalent level: PC Novice
Class 2 ā Prix Caprilli
- Eligibility: all members
- Example Test: NZPCA Prix Caprilli Test Y
- A test that combines dressage and jumping into a single routine
Classes 1 and 2 are part of the Training Challenge which involves two rounds with the aim of improving your score from round 1 to round 2.
Class 3 ā First Level
- Eligibility: members 18 years and under on 1st January with their C Test
- Example Test: USEF First Level Test 1 (2023)
- Equivalent level: PC Intermediate
Class 4 ā Second Level
- Eligibility: members 25 years and under on 1st January with their B Care Test
- Example Test: USEF Second Level Test 1 (2023)
- Equivalent level: PC Open
Class 5 ā Third Level
- Eligibility: members 25 years and under on 1st January
- Example Test: USEF Third Level Test 1 (2023)
- Equivalent level: BD Advanced Medium
Class 6 ā Freestyle to Music
- Eligibility: all members
- Example Test: USDF First Level Freestyle (2023)
Endurance
What a fantastic Championship we had at the British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival of Endurance! An enormous thank you to John Hudson and everyone at Endurance GB for welcoming our members to The Royal Welsh Showgrounds! From nearly being cancelled due to local fires on the route, lengthy journeys from as far as the Isle of Wight, it was a true test of Endurance for our riders to get there!
Saturday’s Elite ride had the best of the Welsh weather, with glorious sunshine lighting up the views. Sunday arrived with wind and rain but that did not deter our Intermediate, Novice & Grassroots riders with everybody finishing, cheered on by Idris – The Red Dragon!
Elite – 80km
- 1st Place – Leola Hammond (South Hertfordshire) & HB Pandora
Intermediate – 44km
- 1st Place – Matilda Vaughan (Golden Valley) & Fantasia IV
Novice – 34km
- 1st Place – Niamh Richardson (Bicester & Warden Hill Hunt) &
- 2nd Place – Thomas Howie (Essex Farmers) & Branchfield Champion
- 3rd Place – Alice Critchison (Isle of Wight) & Ashley Kate
- 4th Place – Rory Howie (Essex Farmers) & Santa
Grassroots – 26km
- 1st Place – EllieĀ Cooke (Sennybridge & District) & Heatherston Spicy
- 2nd Place – Araya Bishop (Dare Valley) & Croesiolyn Princess
- 3rd Place – Alfred Rawle (Devon & Somerset) & Molly
Polocrosse
The date for the annual PC Polocrosse Open Meeting has been set – 29th October at 1pm, via Teams.
This online meeting is a chance for the PC Polocrosse Committee to give a quick update on how 2026 has gone and to share future plans for 2027 and beyond, Details on how to access the meeting will be shared soon, keep an eye on the Pony Club – Polocrosse FB page, it is open to everyone so hopefully we will see lots of members, parents, volunteers and coaches!
Horsemanship
In October, four talented Pony Club Members came together at Pony Club Head Office to represent The Pony Club in the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) Quiz. Competing against teams from across the globe, including Pony Clubs from Canada, Australia, America and New Zealand, the team demonstrated outstanding knowledge, teamwork, and determination throughout a challenging evening of competition.
After several closely contested rounds, the team achieved an impressive second-place finish, competing against some exceptionally strong international opposition. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the excellent way they represented The Pony Club on the international stage.
Congratulations to Olivia Stubbs, Ella Bubb, Abi Butchart, and Isabella Wilton on this fantastic result. A special thank you also goes to Team Manager Amelia Morris Payne for her support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the competition.
“The takeaways from this experience are numerous from it being a brilliant fun event, to working as a team under pressure, to being in a global spotlight. The experience gained, will, I am sure, serve Isabella well in many different situations in the future.” – Rhianon Wilton (mum of Isabella Wilton).Ā
Well done to everyone involved on an outstanding achievement and for showcasing the very best of Pony Club spirit, knowledge, and international friendship.
The Pony Club Horsemanship Senior Training Sessions!
Are you a Pony Club Member aged 16-25 looking to take part in the Inter-Area Senior Quiz, Senior Horse & Pony Care Competition, PCIA Quiz, or the Horsemanship Home International? Hosted by the Horsemanship Committee, our monthly interactive webinars are a fantastic opportunity to develop your knowledge, hear from industry professionals, and connect with like-minded Members.
Our first session takes place on Friday 16th October at 7:30pm, with Abi Butchart presenting on Conformation and the Musculoskeletal System. Don’t miss out. Book your place below and join us for an engaging evening of learning and discussion. Please note that a late entry fee will apply to bookings received after midday on 15th October, with entries closing at 2pm on Friday 16th October. š“šāØ
The Pony Club Horsemanship KAHOOT Training Sessions!
Looking to brush up on your Pony Club knowledge and horsemanship skills, or preparing for the Quiz Area Competitions? The Horsemanship Committee, together with our Youth Representative Abi, is here to help!
Weāre excited to announce we will be continuing to run the interactive Horsemanship KAHOOT Training Sessions, giving Members the chance to test their knowledge, learn new facts and prepare for upcoming competitions. Our next session will take place on Thursday 12th November and will focus on Pony Club Quiz revision, helping Members get ready for the season ahead.
š Topics weāll be covering:
- Mini 6pm: Tetrathlon, Pony Racing, Endurance and Polocrosse.
- Junior/Senior 7:15pm: Bandaging & Rugs, Trimming, Foot & Shoeing and Learning Theory.
Please note entries will November 10th at midday and a late entry fee will then be added until November 12th at 2pm, from after this stage we will be unable to allow any further entries.
Eventing
Nations Cup Success at Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials
The Nations Cup at Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials has now concluded, and what a fantastic competition it was. Congratulations to all those who took part and represented their nations with such skill and sportsmanship. A huge thank you also goes to the officials, volunteers and organisers from both The Pony Club and BEDE Events, whose hard work made the event possible.
Full results can be found via the link below, but special congratulations go to:
- Issy Moreton and Bannow Bee Silver Detroit, winners of the PC105 Individual Competition
- Emily Lawson and Faerlie Frisky, winners of the PC110 Individual Competition
- The England Blue Team of Issy Moreton, Dorothy Ashmore, Megan Pocock, Mia Jarrett and Lamorna May, winners of the PC105 Team Competition
- The England Blue Team of Emily Worsdale, Izzy Tweddle, Neve Webber, Amber Scott and Emily Lawson, winners of the PC110 Team Competition
Well done to all competitors on an excellent week of competition.
Youth Representatives
We were delighted by the number and quality of applications received for the Youth Representative positions on the Eventing Committee. It was fantastic to see so many members keen to contribute their ideas and help shape the future of Pony Club Eventing.
Following a competitive selection process, we are pleased to announce that Zara Wroe and Lottie Walsh have been appointed as our new Youth Representatives.
Zara and Lottie will take over from Amy Veitch, who has done an outstanding job representing Members, managing the Eventing social media channels, and bringing valuable Member-led feedback and ideas to committee discussions. We would like to thank Amy for all her hard work and commitment in the role.
We look forward to working with Zara and Lottie over the coming year and hearing the views and ideas they bring to the Committee. Thank you also to everyone who took the time to apply. The standard was exceptionally high, and we were encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by so many embers.
Pony Racing
Bangor-on-Dee and Warwick race days have now concluded! The full results as well as updated Points Series tables are available to view on the Pony Racing page of the website. Well done to all who took part. With just Lingfield left in the season, we are already in full swing planning 2027.
A huge thank you to Steve Taylor who has been the Pony Racing Chairman since 2024 and has taken the sport from strength to strength. Steve will be stepping down as Chairman at the end of 2026 and we wish him all the best for the future.
A reminder to all competitors to familiarise themselves with the rules and only enter classes that they and their pony are eligible for.
Mounted Games
Following a fantastic week of competition at HOYS, we would like to congratulate all six Pony Club teams who represented The Pony Club in the Prince Philip Cup.
This year’s final placings were:
š„ North Herefordshire
š„ Wylye Valley
š„ North Warwickshire
4th The Wynnstay
5th Enfield Chace
6th Strathearn
A special congratulations goes to North Herefordshire on becoming the 2026 Prince Philip Cup Champions, and to Wylye Valley, who were crowned winners of the Stable Cup Competition.
The standard of competition was exceptional throughout the week, and all six teams did themselves, their Branches and The Pony Club proud. We look forward to bringing you a full report on their HOYS experience in the coming weeks.
Thinking of applying yourself? Applications for the 2027 IMGE trip will open in December 2026, so keep an eye on the website for further details.
Entries and eligibility criteria for the 2027 Windsor Trials will be published on the website shortly. Please remember that all nominated Members must hold their C Test at the time of nomination.
TheĀ provisional 2027 raceĀ are now published. View them on the link below to begin practising!
Mounted Games Area Coordinator vacancies
Interested in becoming an Area Coordinator and advocating for the sport within your Area? There are vacancies for Areas: 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 18 and 19. Current Area Coordinators have been invited to re-apply, but new applications are welcome too!
Further information about what the role entails can be found in Appendix I (page 84) of the Mounted Games rulebook. Click the link below to find out how to apply.
Polo
A Summer to Remember – To buy photos of your own performances visit https://hwhorsephotos.pixieset.com (we kindly ask that you do not screenshot the watermarked photos). For more follow up Polo Times did a wonderful 16-page magazine spread on the PC Polo Championships which contained all the results and lots of photos.
Handley Cross – Area 9 are planning to host a Handley Cross (HX) rider and pony introduction at Longdole Polo Club as a test session. Flyers will go out to local pony clubs to encourage children who currently donāt play to have a go on their PC ponies. For those who are thinking āwhat on earth is Handley Cross?ā, Handley Cross is the PC Polo section for under 14 year olds on Pony Club ponies which are 14.2hh and under and regularly take part in other PC activities. They can be polo ponies but they must be the right height and not have played in HPA competition for 2 years.
Autumn Half Term Friendlies and Training:
- Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd October 2026 – Oxford Polo PC Training Days
- Tuesday 27th October 2026 – HH PC Arena Training Day
- Thursday 29th October 2026 – Tedworth Park Polo Arena Friendly
- Sunday 22nd November 2026 – Beaufort Arena Friendly Tournament
- Saturday 28th November 2026 – Beaufort Pony Club Training Dates
- Monday 29th March 2027 Beaufort Easter Arena Tournament.
Show Jumping
Meet the Mini Major competitors!
In the run up to the final at the London International Horse Show we want to introduce you to our competitors:
Conor Barnes & Bunbury Sun Bonnet (South Nottinghamshire)Ā – One of Conor’s ambitions this year was to qualify for the Mini Major after narrowly missing out last year, especially after producing PJ for the last two years from a 6 year old. Conor is looking forward to making the most of what The Pony Club has to offer and is hoping to have a go at Tetrathlon next year.
Georgia Bingham & Sweet Lily (East Antrim)Ā – Georgia is a keen and active Pony Club member and regularly attends rallies. One of her favourite parts of the year was Pony Club Camp, which she absolutely loved, enjoying several days with her pony, learning new skills, making memories with her friends and having plenty of fun along the way.
Safi Usmani & Chantilly Pocket Rocket (Beaufort Hunt)Ā – Safi has loved everything Pony Club and has enjoyed competing and training in Tetrathlon, Eventing and Dressage before turning her focus to Show Jumping. Safi feels incredibly lucky to have the support, training and opportunities offered through her Branch and for all the wonderful experiences they provide.
We’ll introduce you to some more of the competitors next month!
Tetrathlon
Horse & Hound Praise
Thank you to Horse and Hound for the wonderful write up in this month’s edition, dubbing it ‘The best sport a child could do’, quoting 5-star event rider, Harry Meade. The article features comments from Harry himself, Olympian Kate Allenby, a host of our very own Tetrathlon volunteers, coordinators Alex Connors & Richard Mulcaster, and Chairman Mandy Donaldson, along with parents and coaches!
Click the link below to read the article!
Tetrathlon Area Coordinators
Our vacancies for Tetrathlon Coordinators in areas 9-13 & 17 are still open until tomorrow.
If this is something you’re interested in, please see the role description and application form below. Note that you will need to be proposed an seconded by two DCs in your area.
If you would like more information, please contact [email protected] or your current area coordinator, you’ll find the full list below
Howden Centre Equitation
A huge well done to everyone who is taking part this year. The videos are all currently being judged by our fantastic judges, and we hope to have the results out to you by late October.
Thank you to Howden for supplying the goody bags – these have now been posted out to everyone who took part. Rosettes and feedback sheets will follow once results have been published online.
Interested in taking part next year? Click the link below!
NAF Regional Championships
All five NAF Regional Finals have now concluded and a huge well done to all our PC70 and PC80 Members who took part all across the UK. Thank you to NAF for sponsoring the event and for providing wonderful prizes!
As the current Regional Championship venue agreements have now come to an end, we are inviting both existing host venues and potential new venues to register their interest in hosting Regional Championships during the 2027-2029 period.
If you are a venue interested in becoming involved, or know of a venue that would make an excellent host, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected]