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..