Our Club Blog
Keep in touch with pony life at Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club
The Importance of variety at Pony Club Rallies
At Gidgegannup Pony Club, we believe that variety is the key to building well-rounded, confident riders — and our recent Mother’s Day rally was the perfect example of just how valuable that variety can be.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Chief Coach, Dianne Colley, we were fortunate to welcome two outstanding guest coaches who brought both expertise and energy to the day. Renowned coach, trainer, and FEI show jumping course designer Kim Lindsay joined us to work with our riders ahead of the upcoming Pony Club Show Jumping Championships. Kim delivered not just exceptional coaching, but also invaluable insight into competition formats — helping riders and coaches alike to better understand the difference between the 238.2.1 (AM3) and 235.1 (AM7) show jumping classes.
But the day wasn’t just about poles and precision — it was also about exploring new disciplines and having fun in the saddle. Riders had the unique opportunity to try their hand at polo, guided by none other than Kathryn McNee, President of WA Polo. It was a fast-paced, laughter-filled experience, and it gave our riders a newfound respect for the strength and skill involved in this dynamic sport — particularly how much work polo players do with their shoulders!
This rally was a perfect reminder that variety in rally activities not only keeps our members engaged and excited, but also develops their adaptability, horsemanship, and love for all things equestrian. Whether it’s preparing for show jumping championships or swinging a mallet for the first time, every new experience adds another layer to their growth.
A heartfelt thank you to Kim Lindsay and Kathryn McNee for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with us. It’s days like these that truly highlight the value of a diverse and vibrant Pony Club experience.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Chief Coach, Dianne Colley, we were fortunate to welcome two outstanding guest coaches who brought both expertise and energy to the day. Renowned coach, trainer, and FEI show jumping course designer Kim Lindsay joined us to work with our riders ahead of the upcoming Pony Club Show Jumping Championships. Kim delivered not just exceptional coaching, but also invaluable insight into competition formats — helping riders and coaches alike to better understand the difference between the 238.2.1 (AM3) and 235.1 (AM7) show jumping classes.
But the day wasn’t just about poles and precision — it was also about exploring new disciplines and having fun in the saddle. Riders had the unique opportunity to try their hand at polo, guided by none other than Kathryn McNee, President of WA Polo. It was a fast-paced, laughter-filled experience, and it gave our riders a newfound respect for the strength and skill involved in this dynamic sport — particularly how much work polo players do with their shoulders!
This rally was a perfect reminder that variety in rally activities not only keeps our members engaged and excited, but also develops their adaptability, horsemanship, and love for all things equestrian. Whether it’s preparing for show jumping championships or swinging a mallet for the first time, every new experience adds another layer to their growth.
A heartfelt thank you to Kim Lindsay and Kathryn McNee for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with us. It’s days like these that truly highlight the value of a diverse and vibrant Pony Club experience.
Why Pony Club Camp is the Heart of the Horsey Year
20 April 2025
For many young riders, Pony Club camp is the highlight of the calendar — and with good reason. It’s more than just a few days of riding and hanging out with friends. Camp is where confidence grows, lifelong memories are made, and real progress with horse and rider truly happens. Our 2025 camp happened over two days in April and it was a wonderful experience.
At Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club, our camp is a time to really immerse ourselves in all things horsey. Riders get the chance to spend extended time with their ponies, learning not just riding skills, but also what it takes to care for their equine partners around the clock. From early morning feeds to evening tuck-ins, it’s a full experience that builds responsibility and deepens the bond between horse and rider.
Camp also fosters a strong sense of community. Riders cheer each other on, lend a hand with gear, share laughs during games, and support each other through challenges. It’s where new friendships are made, and club spirit shines the brightest.
Whether it's learning new skills on the cross country course, trying something different like handy pony or broomstick polo, or simply having fun with friends, camp is a time of personal growth — not just as a rider, but as a teammate and horseperson.
For many kids, it’s the first time they’re truly in charge of their pony for several days — and that’s an empowering experience. By the end of camp, both horses and riders go home tired, happy, and with a renewed sense of confidence.
So if you’ve never been to a Pony Club camp, come along in 2026. And if you have? You already know why we count down the days until the next one.
For many young riders, Pony Club camp is the highlight of the calendar — and with good reason. It’s more than just a few days of riding and hanging out with friends. Camp is where confidence grows, lifelong memories are made, and real progress with horse and rider truly happens. Our 2025 camp happened over two days in April and it was a wonderful experience.
At Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club, our camp is a time to really immerse ourselves in all things horsey. Riders get the chance to spend extended time with their ponies, learning not just riding skills, but also what it takes to care for their equine partners around the clock. From early morning feeds to evening tuck-ins, it’s a full experience that builds responsibility and deepens the bond between horse and rider.
Camp also fosters a strong sense of community. Riders cheer each other on, lend a hand with gear, share laughs during games, and support each other through challenges. It’s where new friendships are made, and club spirit shines the brightest.
Whether it's learning new skills on the cross country course, trying something different like handy pony or broomstick polo, or simply having fun with friends, camp is a time of personal growth — not just as a rider, but as a teammate and horseperson.
For many kids, it’s the first time they’re truly in charge of their pony for several days — and that’s an empowering experience. By the end of camp, both horses and riders go home tired, happy, and with a renewed sense of confidence.
So if you’ve never been to a Pony Club camp, come along in 2026. And if you have? You already know why we count down the days until the next one.
Fun, Learning, and Horses at Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club Rallies
26 March 2025
So... what's it like at a Gidge rally?
Well, there’s never a dull moment! Whether you’re mastering the basics of flatwork, flying over show jumps, having fun with games and novelties, or brushing up on your horse mastership skills, there’s something for everyone — and yes, our cross country course is always a highlight throughout the year!
But at Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club, we love to mix things up.
We also love to hear from guest speakers (such as Dr Warwick Vale, pictured above with a great bunch of riders). These are not only educational for riders but we find that parents - and even our coaches - love to get involved in these interactive session. These are engaging talks that has everyone asking questions and walking away a little wiser.
Our Chief Coach (Dianne Colley) and Club President (Jan Lawrie) also work tirelessly to get specialist coaches and riders to make sure our members have access to a wide variety of disciplines. We have people such as Don Hawkins doing tent pegging, Kenya Wilson coming into discuss all things Eventing and the pros and cons of being a high performance athlete and we get discipline coaches to come in and share their knowledge so that our riders have all the information they need to continue on their equestrian journey.
But, above all this our rallies are fun. All our members have a strong sense of community and genuinely love being equestrian athletes. Our break times are often filled with squeals of laughter and lots of smiles.
Why not come and experience a Gidge rally sometime with our Come & Try option? For more information and to sign up, contact us at [email protected].
So... what's it like at a Gidge rally?
Well, there’s never a dull moment! Whether you’re mastering the basics of flatwork, flying over show jumps, having fun with games and novelties, or brushing up on your horse mastership skills, there’s something for everyone — and yes, our cross country course is always a highlight throughout the year!
But at Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club, we love to mix things up.
We also love to hear from guest speakers (such as Dr Warwick Vale, pictured above with a great bunch of riders). These are not only educational for riders but we find that parents - and even our coaches - love to get involved in these interactive session. These are engaging talks that has everyone asking questions and walking away a little wiser.
Our Chief Coach (Dianne Colley) and Club President (Jan Lawrie) also work tirelessly to get specialist coaches and riders to make sure our members have access to a wide variety of disciplines. We have people such as Don Hawkins doing tent pegging, Kenya Wilson coming into discuss all things Eventing and the pros and cons of being a high performance athlete and we get discipline coaches to come in and share their knowledge so that our riders have all the information they need to continue on their equestrian journey.
But, above all this our rallies are fun. All our members have a strong sense of community and genuinely love being equestrian athletes. Our break times are often filled with squeals of laughter and lots of smiles.
Why not come and experience a Gidge rally sometime with our Come & Try option? For more information and to sign up, contact us at [email protected].
Join Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club in 2025!
9 January 2025
As one of the longest-running pony clubs in Western Australia, we offer an exceptional pony club experience for people from 5 to 25 years of all abilities.
Membership Options
We have membership options to suit your needs:
Flexible Payment Plans
To make it easier for everyone to join, we offer flexible payment plans. You can choose the option that best fits your budget and enjoy all the benefits of being a member. Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club can also accommodate Kidsport subsidies.
Why Join Us?
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, we have something for everyone. Join us for a year of fun, learning, and friendship.
For more information and to sign up, contact us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to welcome you to our club!
As one of the longest-running pony clubs in Western Australia, we offer an exceptional pony club experience for people from 5 to 25 years of all abilities.
Membership Options
We have membership options to suit your needs:
- Full Membership: Participation in all rallies, insurance and all club benefits.
- Come and Try: Ideal for riders who want to come along and see if Gidge is for them.
- 3-Rally Membership: For older members who want all the benefits of pony club but also need to fit in study, work and competition commitments.
Flexible Payment Plans
To make it easier for everyone to join, we offer flexible payment plans. You can choose the option that best fits your budget and enjoy all the benefits of being a member. Gidgegannup Horse & Pony Club can also accommodate Kidsport subsidies.
Why Join Us?
- Accredited Coaches: Learn from some of the best with our team of accredited coaches.
- Purpose-Built Facilities: Enjoy our top-notch facilities, including arenas, three stable blocks, and a 2* cross country course.
- Community: Be part of a supportive and friendly community that shares your passion for horses.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, we have something for everyone. Join us for a year of fun, learning, and friendship.
For more information and to sign up, contact us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to welcome you to our club!