PCA Team Selected for China Exchange 🇨🇳
Meet Maya Whalen from Woodlands Pony Club VIC, who has been selected to represent Pony Club Australia in the upcoming Pony Club exchange with China this month!
Over 10 days, the team will travel to Guilin and Capitano Pony Camp in Nanning for riding, cultural experiences and shared learning with Chinese riders.
Maya described feeling “taken aback” when she was selected.
“I feel I’m pretty good at riding, but I didn’t expect it to be me chosen of all people. After the moment of shock I obviously felt extremely excited and it really brightened up my day.”
She is especially excited about the venue and touring, and the professionalism of riding in China. Having studied Japanese and learned about aspects of Chinese culture, she is eager to experience it firsthand.
Maya hopes to learn more about equestrianism in another country, including the differences, similarities and riding techniques, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and religions. She acknowledges the support of her mum, her Pony Club instructors Jackie and Paul, her DC Jo, and fellow competitors.
A familiar sight in a beanie, sometimes even two, Maya promises she will take it off to put her helmet on. We wish Maya the best of luck and are looking forward to hearing about her incredible adventure ahead! 💙