Pony Club Victoria’s prime concern is the health and well being of its members and the wider community.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic our advice to members continues to be based upon the Directions mandated by government in line with their powers under the State of Emergency.

At present Pony Club activities/events in Victoria remain on hold until further notice.
We would very much like to thank each and everyone one of our members for the way you have approached this crisis. Not only have the stay-at-home requirements been adhered to, as an organisation but all levels of Pony Club are seeking innovative ways to still create fun and allow members to enjoy some Pony Club activity.

A very big thank you to our members for their involvement in these activities, showing you are as keen as ever to just be doing something “Pony Club”.

Since the ruling was made that horse riding was not a required exercise, Pony Club Victoria has been working with DHHS to have this decision changed. Pony Club Victoria have argued that riding a horse is no different than riding a bike or going for a walk, which are both acceptable exercises. To date however the Department has still ruled that horse riding is not an essential exercise and horses must be ridden on the property where they are kept or agisted.

Pony Club Victoria however will continue to lobby the government to alter this position. Our firm belief is that riding your horse is an essential exercise, not only for you as a rider but for the welfare of your horse. A formal letter has been submitted and lobbying continues to attempt to have this restriction lifted on horse owners. Our recent survey suggests that members also agree that casual riding of your horse should be considered essential exercise.
Since the State of Emergency was declared, Pony Club Victoria has met regularly with other sport CEO’s, VicSport, and Sport and Recreation Victoria via teleconference fortnightly, to discuss COVID-19 issues, impacts and developments.

Pony Club Victoria has had significant input into future planning, and we are confident that a staged approach to a return of community sport and recreation will be achieved when the Government receives advice it is safe to do so.

With COVID-19 infection rate figures showing that our social distancing efforts are ‘flattening the curve’ talks within State Government?are turning to planning for relaxing the social distance measures.

Pony Club Victoria will continue to advise members on expected behaviours based on the latest advice received from the government. If you feel you need more information, need clarification or don’t feel you have enough information please let us know at office@ponyclubvic.org.au

Until we can resume “normal” Pony Club activities, please continue the fun and innovative “socially distanced” Pony Club events and activities that keep popping up all over social media, it is fantastic to see!

It is a great time for Pony Club to show the rest of the world what a fun, interactive and innovative organisation we are.

Keep up the great work!