West Gippsland Zone Coach Development & Assessment Weekend
Coaches, Riders and Club Volunteers Unite for Successful Coach Development & Assessment Weekend
Warragul Pony Club, Victoria 30-31 May 2026
The Pony Club Victoria West Gippsland Zone (WGZ) Coach Training and Development Weekend, held at Warragul Pony Club Grounds on 30-31 May, brought together coaches, riders, club volunteers and Pony Club officials for two days of learning, assessment and professional development.
The weekend began on Saturday with coach training sessions and rider development opportunities. Members from Loch-Nyora, Tarwin Lower, Wonthaggi, Warragul, Corner Inlet and Meeniyan Pony Clubs played an important role in supporting trainee coaches, generously volunteering their time and horses to assist with practical coaching activities.
West Gippsland Zone Chief Instructor Paul Seuren thanked the riders and families for their support.
“The day was supported by our wonderful riders who, with their parents support, make days like this possible. It was wonderful to see the pony club spirit alive in our riders, meeting new friends and chatting like they’d been friends for years.” he said.
A highlight of the day was an engaging session with Tanja Mitton, who delivered valuable insights into rider position and the importance of mindset in equestrian performance. The session was attended by current and past Young Ambassadors as well as coaches, generating thoughtful discussion and enthusiastic participation.
The day also featured coaching presentations by Sally Francis, with riders from Loch-Nyora Pony Club commended for their effort and professionalism throughout the training activities.
Sunday had coaches completing their formal assessments.
Coaches travelled significant distances to attend, including representatives from Mansfield, Colac, Briagalong and Corner Inlet Pony Clubs, highlighting the dedication and commitment of Pony Club coaches across Victoria.
Congratulations were extended to the newly accredited coaches:
- Kate Boag (West Gippsland) - Preliminary Coach
- Sue Shadbolt (East Gippsland) - Preliminary Coach
- Justine Boyd (Barwon) - Preliminary Coach
Tiffany Henwood (North Eastern) - Level 1 Coach
Their achievements mark an important milestone in their Pony Club coaching journeys and contribute to the ongoing development of quality coaching across the state.
Alongside the coach assessments, participants joined in on an informative and interactive Governance and Safeguarding workshop delivered by Suanne Waugh from Pony Club Australia. The session provided valuable guidance for clubs in maintaining safe, effective and well-governed environments for members.
West Gippsland Zone extends its sincere thanks to Warragul Pony Club for hosting the weekend and providing outstanding hospitality, including a well-supported canteen that kept participants warm and well fed despite the winter weather.
Special thanks were also extended to Jess Spain & Paul Seuren for their work behind the scenes in helping coordinate the event and assessor Rachael Edwards for her extensive preparation and support leading up to the assessments, including the review of coaching portfolios and lesson plans.
