Sport
20 June, 2025
Local Pony clubs are set for State championships
The Maryborough and Bealiba Pony Club are gearing up to compete at the Pony Club Victoria (PCV) Championships this weekend.
After an impressive performance at the Midland Zone qualifiers, 12 Maryborough riders will compete at the championships, with three riders attending their first PCV State event.
Brianna Ballesty, Renae Neilsen, Matilda Burke and Makayla Cocking will not only represent the club in the team of four competition but have also entered the musical category with their routine inspired by The Greatest Showman.
Ella Parker, Ava Lowman, Nikta Dalton and Neveah Geus have also entered as a musical team and will ride while dressed as Disney Princesses.
Ballesty and Cocking will be the club’s pairs team and Beccy Nelisen, Lowman, Dalton, Geus, Charlotte Hutcheson, Ayla Hutcheson and Grace Nottingham will participate in the games event.
The Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club (MDHPC) had great success at last year’s state event, placing second in both the musical and the team of four events.
Despite wanting to repeat their recent success, MDHPC district coordinator Linda Gerring said the club is more focused on ensuring the riders enjoy the fantastic experience.
“The club is looking forward to watching all our riders have a fun, enjoyable weekend,” she said.
“[We] thank the team managers and parents for the time they have committed to ensuring our riders and horses are prepared for this weekend’s state championships.”
As for Bealiba, they will compete as the Bealiba/Charlton composite games team, with Chartlon’s Charlotte Stewart teaming up with Bealiba’s Nicole and Charli Catto, Maddi and Alyssa Corcoran and Violet Stephenson.
The Catto sisters, Nicole and Charli, will be the team’s pairs lineup and will join Victoria Heywood and Auroa Noonan for the musical ride event.
The Bealiba Pony Club has been a constant contender at the state championships, winning the musical ride event three times and the pair ride once.
