28/01/2026
Comments are now turned off on this post.
The range of responses here shows that this is a topic many people feel strongly about. While we welcome respectful discussion, we have had to continue moderating comments to ensure the space remains factual, safe and respectful for our community.
To protect that, and to keep the focus on the message of inclusion, safety and wellbeing, we have chosen to close comments on this post.
Pony Club Australia remains committed to creating club environments where all young people and volunteers feel safe, supported and able to participate with confidence.
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WELFARE WEDNESDAY 🌈 As we move through the start of 2026, it’s a good time to pause and think about the role Pony Club plays in people’s lives.
Pony Club isn’t just about riding skills. It’s where young people build confidence, learn responsibility, find their voice and feel like they belong. The culture we create in our clubs matters, and it stays with people long after they leave the arena.
One statistic from Pride in Sport really hits home: LGBTQ+ young people are twice as likely to drop out of sport by the age of 16. Not because they don’t love sport, but because they don’t always feel safe, accepted or supported. That’s something all sporting organisations should care about, and it’s something we have the power to influence.
This year brings a real opportunity to keep showing up, being visible, and continuing to shape Pony Club as a place where everyone feels they belong.
The Pride in Sport LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Guide is a practical resource for clubs that want to strengthen how they connect with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s about building genuine relationships, not ticking boxes – from inclusive events and partnerships to authentic storytelling and visibility.
Whether a club is just starting out or already doing great work, the guide offers ideas and support to help take the next step with confidence.
For Pony Club, that looks like:
💚 Creating spaces where young people feel safe to be themselves
💛 Supporting our volunteers and leaders to set clear, respectful standards
💚 Making belonging something people can see and feel, not just assume
💛 Living our values through everyday actions
Welfare isn’t only about how we care for our horses. It’s also about how we care for the people in our Pony Club community. When people feel supported and respected, they stay engaged, grow in confidence, and help make our clubs stronger.
Here’s to a year of learning, showing up, and continuing to build Pony Club as a place where everyone belongs.
📘 Pride in Sport LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Guide
🔗 Link in comments
