Otane Pony Club.

09/04/2026

It's the end of an era for the Otane Pony Club.
At a Special General Meeting on 16 March, our committee passed a resolution to wind up the Club.
This was not a decision taken lightly, given our Clubs long and storied history.
However, with rider numbers no longer meeting the minimum requirements, and various options being explored with no success, the resolution was passed and the Club is now in the process of winding up.
We do recognize that our Club has a rich history and has touched the lives of many young riders past and present. Therefore, we invite you to share, on this post or by messenger, photos or stories of your (or your children's) time with the Club.
We will collate our historical records (including our trophies) and a special home for them will be found in due course.
Special thanks to every single coach, parent, rider, pony, venue owner and volunteer who has contributed to our Club throughout the years ✨

22/03/2026

Huge congratulations to Maija Panins for passing her C+ Certificate Examination on Saturday, we are hugely proud of your achievement and dedication (the last 6 mths has been alot of hard work). Thank you to Heretaunga Head Coach Meg Becker who has gone above and beyond for all 6 Heretaunga candidates sitting their exam. 🎉🥳

Thank you also to Heretaunga Pony Club OC for arranging the weekly HM senior sessions (this was so valuable for the riders).

Congratulations also to Isobel Walklin (Poraite-Puketapu), Millie Kirk (Maraekakaho) Harper Harvey, Carly Beech and Lucy White (Flaxmere)- a fabulous team of girls.

A very special final examination for Heretaunga Pony Club & Otane Pony Club.

18/12/2025

Vale Heather Grant

18/12/2025

An incredible amazing woman x ❤️ Such a stalwart for Otane PonyClub & all branches within Heretaunga..

Welcoming Heather Grant as an NZPCA Life Member

At the request of Hawke’s Bay Area, and recognising circumstances that warranted Board consideration, the NZPCA Board is pleased to honour Heather Grant as a Life Member of the New Zealand Pony Club Association.

Heather Grant’s service to Pony Club spans several decades and reflects an extraordinary commitment at local, area, and national levels. Beginning as an instructor at Otane Branch of Heretaunga Pony Club in the early 1980s, Heather has dedicated herself to rider education, examiner pathways, and the values that underpin Pony Club. She continues to instruct and remains a committed examiner up to C level, supporting riders and clubs across Hawke’s Bay.

Heather has made a significant governance contribution to NZPCA. She served on the Hawke’s Bay Committee of Management from 2006 to 2010, was Vice President of NZPCA from 2010 to 2013, and President from 2013 to 2017, providing steady leadership and strong advocacy for Pony Club at a national level.

Her contribution extends beyond governance into representative sport and event delivery. Heather has coached and managed Heretaunga and Hawke’s Bay representative teams, managed the NZPCA Hong Kong Inter Pacific team in 2010, and worked extensively on organising committees for Eventing Championships, Dressage Championships, National Games, and Zone Games.

In recognition of her outstanding service, Heather was awarded the NZPCA Gold Long Service Award in 2018. She has continued to actively contribute since that time, remaining involved as an examiner and a respected figure within Hawke’s Bay Pony Club.

Heather Grant’s Life Membership recognises a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to Pony Club and the lasting impact she has made on riders, volunteers, and the wider NZPCA community.

17/12/2025

Just a small group of us today at our last rally b4 Xmas Break, thankyou so much for Ludlow Farms hosting, fabulous scenic farm ride in between crops & around their huge dam, followed by abit of road riding- great afternoon..

14/10/2025

Otane Pony Club held their annual End of Year Prizegiving for the season ending March 2024 recently - it was a Halloween theme dress-up.

Thank you to Rick White (Life Member); who presented the trophies to our riders, and special thanks to our President Lisa Broderick for organising the event.

Bill Dooney (all round PC Member) - Millie White

J. McClymont (encouragement) - Bardot Wynn

AA Foster (turnout points) - Adele Bickley & Pepsi

Sheryl Barnes (most improved) - George White

Arini Trophy (horse management) - Emily Harrison

Lynda Fouhy Trophy (pony/rider partnership) - Brooklyn Le-Prou Milne

Jubilee Trophy (Senior PC Member) - Maija Panins

05/10/2025

Otane PC did something a little different for their rally yesterday - visited Porangahau Beach (got the tides just right) - lots of fun had by all who attended, building friendships & memories - thankyou to Lisa for organising this rally & also to Megan and her Mum for being the 1st aiders- weather was just right!

28/09/2025

HERETAUNGA PONY CLUB RESTRUCTURE MEETING.
Wednesday 8th Oct 6-8pm (sharp) at the Dalvui.
Everyone is invited, committee members, all parents, and rider representatives to hear about and discuss the next steps on how YOUR pony club will look with the changes to NZPCA.

24/09/2025

Small rally this morning at Silverstream - loads ticked off for certificate work and heaps of fun had at the same time 😊

Best of luck also goes to our 4 representing riders who are attending the NI Showhunter Champs at Foxton this weekend, wishing you all the best Tallulah, Adele, Millie & George 👏

21/09/2025

Some awesome pics from the Combined Heretaunga Rally held yesterday hosted by Poraite-Puketapu Pony Club - well done Adele & Crystal ☺️

16/09/2025

PONY CLUB section at upcoming HB A&P Show..

🐴🏆 Attention Pony Club Riders! ❤️😊
Please share this far and wide with the Pony Club community!
Our Pony Club Section is a special part of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Show – a chance for grassroots riders to compete, have fun, and enjoy the atmosphere of their local show.

✅ Who can enter?
Any rider not competing in any other section at the show, or
Riders competing in Breed Sections, plus Show Hunter and/or Showjumping up to 1.05m.
Riders competing in RAS Showing Classes are not eligible.

🐴 Turnout?
Wear your Pony Club uniform, or if not a member, a long-sleeve shirt & tie.
Riders can be led or unled. Ponies are to be plaited.

💬 We have a lovely, supportive judge and two amazing stewards, it’s a fantastic day out for riders, families, and friends. We had huge entries last year and let’s make it even bigger in 2025! There’ll be prizes and praise for those attending their first-ever A&P Show.

🏆 Trophies
Kirreway Carlo Memorial – Champion Pony Club 9 years & under
Mrs E M McLeod Memorial Cup – Champion Pony Club 10 years & over

📅 2025 Timetable
9 years & under (Led or Unled) – 12 noon
10 years & over (Led or Unled) – not before 1pm

Both age groups have the same classes:
Best Presented Pony, Rider & Tack
Best Beginner Pony
Best Paced Pony
Best Mannered Pony
Best Rider
Champion & Reserve Pony Club Combination
Best Around the World
Lucky Dip Race

🎉 Let’s make 2025 our biggest Pony Club Section yet – we can’t wait to see you there!

11/09/2025

COMBINED ALL IN HERETAUNGA RALLY
Poraiti Puketapu Pony Club are hosting a combined rally open to ALL Financial Heretaunga riders on Sunday 21/9/25. Riders working toward and holding D & D+ and C certificates will be riding 10-12pm and C+ and above riders from 1-3pm with a shared lunch at 12 noon for everyone. Please bring a simple plate.

The rally will be held at the Poraiti & Puketapu Pony Club Grounds, Papakura Domain, Gate 2, Sandy Road Napier, on SUNDAY 21st September. No late registrations will be accepted and only those who have paid the $20 rider fee will be included in a group.

Please see the Heretaunga Sporty page for more information and rally registrations which are open now until the 16/9/25 so don't miss out! $20 per rider with great coaches planned.