What's happening at the club.

One of the best things about being part of Pony Club is that there’s always something exciting happening — not just at Petre, but across our Central Districts Region and New Zealand Pony Clubs. Here’s a roundup of the latest news, opportunities, and a few dates worth popping in your diary.

🌟 Celebrating Coaching Excellence

A huge congratulations to Melanie Davies, named NZPCA Coach of the Year — an incredible achievement, and thoroughly deserved. We’re so fortunate to have Melanie coaching and examining within our Central Districts Region.

Congratulations also to Brooke Burns, nominated for Young Coach of the Year. It’s fantastic to see the outstanding coaching talent our region continues to produce.

🩹 Good News: First Aid Requirements Simplified

Welcome news for event organisers: in line with ESNZ, rallies and events with fewer than 100 horses or ponies will now only require Workplace First Aid certification rather than Level 2 First Aid. This makes organising smaller events much more straightforward, while still keeping everyone safe.

💻 Risk Management Goes Digital

Anyone who’s filled out a Risk Management Plan knows it isn’t exactly the most exciting part of organising an event — thankfully, help is on the way. Risk Management Plans will soon be available digitally through Nominate. Once launched, the system will guide organisers through the process and even automatically identify the level of First Aid coverage required for your event. We’ll keep everyone updated as soon as it’s live.

📚 Coaching & Examiner Development

If you’ve ever wondered what examiners are really looking for — or considered becoming an examiner yourself — this season offers a great opportunity. Central Districts will be hosting free Examiner Clinics, funded by NZPCA: a D & C Certificate Clinic planned for later this year, and a C+, B & higher Clinic planned for early next year. These sessions aren’t just for examiners — coaches are encouraged to attend too, for valuable insight into certificate expectations and assessment standards.

🏆 Champs Week 2027

It’s never too early to start planning! Champs Week 2027 will be hosted by Taranaki Pony Club in Hāwera from 11–14 January 2027, with Dressage, Show Jumping, Mounted Games and Quiz teams, alongside individual competitions — there’s truly something for everyone. It’s close enough for an easy trip, and with an enthusiastic organising committee behind it, this one is shaping up to be unforgettable. Start setting those goals now! See the full details on our events page.

🐎 Updated A & H Certificate Syllabus

From 1 January 2027, the A & H syllabus will include an even greater emphasis on horse welfare, social licence, green horse education, and modern horsemanship practices — continuing NZPCA’s commitment to developing knowledgeable, compassionate horse people.

🎯 A New Pathway for Mounted Games Riders

Exciting news for Mounted Games enthusiasts: a brand-new C+ Mounted Games Certificate is currently being developed, creating another progression pathway for riders who’ve completed their C Certificate and want to specialise in Mounted Games — similar to the existing Dressage endorsements. More details will be released as the certificate is finalised.

💻 Free Coaching Webinars

This year’s NZPCA Coaches Conference is being replaced with a fantastic series of free online coaching webinars, beginning Tuesday 4 August at 7:30pm. Sessions run fortnightly via Microsoft Teams and will be recorded for later viewing on YouTube, so they’re accessible to everyone. If you’re local to Levin, there’s even a community watch party at the Levin Uniting Community Centre — a great chance to learn alongside fellow coaches.

We’d Love Your Ideas!

Our region exists to support our members, and we’d love to know what you’d like to see this season — combined rallies, social gatherings, quiz challenges, junior or senior rallies, regional competitions, camps, training opportunities, coaching clinics? Whatever your interests, we’d love to hear your ideas. After all, the best Pony Club seasons are built by the people who make up our amazing community.

Get in touch: wanganuipetreponyclub239@gmail.com

Here’s to another fun-filled season of learning, friendship, muddy boots, happy horses, and making memories. We can’t wait to see everyone out and about representing Wanganui Petre Pony Club!

If you’ve spent any time at Wanganui Petre Pony Club, chances are you’ve met Netta Rousell. Whether she’s patiently coaching a nervous rider over their first jump, celebrating a personal best, or sharing practical horse care advice, Netta brings an incredible mix of knowledge, encouragement, and enthusiasm to everything she does.

As our Head Coach—and a local veterinarian—Netta has become an integral part of our club, helping riders grow in confidence while making every lesson fun.

A Lifetime in the Saddle

Netta’s horse journey began early.

“I had my first pony when I was four,” she laughs. “He was an 11hh pony called Levi. He was 22 years old and only walked and trotted—absolutely the perfect beginner pony.”

Levi may not have been setting any speed records, but he helped launch a lifelong passion. Together they even tackled Netta’s very first One Day Event—a mighty 30cm course that felt every bit as exciting as today’s bigger competitions.

Although horses arrived early, Pony Club came a little later.

“My mum had one rule before I could join—I had to be able to tack up myself (with just a little help!).”

She joined Massey Pony Club at age seven, earning her D Certificate before moving to Katikati Pony Club, where she completed her D+, C and B Certificates while beginning her coaching journey.

Years later, while studying veterinary science at Massey University, Netta began travelling to Whanganui on weekends to coach at Wanganui Petre Pony Club during the 2017–2018 season. Two seasons later she stepped into the role of Head Coach, and during her time here completed her prestigious A and H Certificates, ultimately earning her full Pony Club A Certificate.

Pony Club: More Than Riding

Ask Netta what Pony Club has given her, and the answer comes easily.

“Pony Club gave me the tools for life! Where do I begin?!”

For her, Pony Club has always been about much more than riding. It’s about responsibility, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships—all wrapped up with a healthy dose of mud, laughter, and horses.

She is also quick to acknowledge the people who helped shape her own journey.

“I’ll always be grateful for the coaches who pushed me and gave me opportunities.”

That appreciation is reflected in the way she coaches today—encouraging riders to challenge themselves while always knowing someone believes in them.

Every Horse Teaches You Something

Over the years, Netta has partnered with more than eight horses, and she refuses to name just one favourite.

“I’d need a novel to tell you how amazing each one of them were,” she says. “Each horse came into my life at exactly the right time and taught me something new that helped me reach the next level.”

It’s a philosophy she passes on to every rider: every horse has something valuable to teach us if we’re willing to listen.

A Coach Who Celebrates Every Success

While ribbons and trophies are exciting, Netta says one of her favourite days of the year isn’t a competition at all.

“The end-of-season Prizegiving is my favourite. It’s such a wonderful time to reflect on everything the riders have achieved throughout the season. Seeing how much they’ve grown makes me incredibly proud of the club.”

Anyone who has watched Netta coach knows that she celebrates every milestone—whether it’s a first canter, a confident cross-country round, or simply conquering a fear that seemed impossible a few weeks earlier.

Her greatest hope is that every child who comes through Pony Club leaves with confidence that lasts well beyond their riding years.

“I hope every child who comes to Pony Club leaves with a basic, safe foundation to enjoy our equestrian sport.”

Advice for New Horse Owners

Starting out with horses can feel overwhelming, but Netta has one simple piece of advice.

“You’re not alone—ask lots of questions.”

“Horse people love talking horses, and Pony Club is one of the best places to be supported as you begin your horse journey.”

It’s one of the things that makes Wanganui Petre Pony Club such a welcoming community.

Why Wanganui Petre Pony Club?

When asked what makes our club special, Netta doesn’t hesitate.

It’s the people.

The riders, coaches, parents, volunteers and supporters all work together to create an environment where everyone is encouraged to learn, improve and have fun.

And for anyone wondering whether they should join?

“Do it! Why not? You’ll be surrounding yourself with like-minded horse-loving riders, coaches and parents. If you’re thinking about it, then you should probably already be signed up!”

We couldn’t agree more.

Looking Ahead

Netta’s hope for the future is beautifully simple:

“That Wanganui Petre Pony Club continues to be a successful, thriving little club where young horse riders and coaches get to have fun.”

With passionate volunteers like Netta leading the way, we’d say the future looks very bright.

From everyone at Wanganui Petre Pony Club, thank you, Netta, for your countless hours of coaching, encouragement, laughter, and dedication. Your passion for horses is matched only by your passion for helping young riders become confident, capable horse people.

We’re incredibly lucky to have you as part of the Petre family.

Every great coach needs an equally great assistant... and in Netta's case, that assistant has four legs, fabulous hair, and absolutely no idea how handsome he really is.

Or perhaps he does.

Yes, we checked. That's genuinely his worst habit. Frankly, it's a little disappointing. We were hoping for tales of disappearing saddle pads, strategic puddle splashes, or dramatic escapes from the paddock. Instead, Vinnie insists on being polite, reliable, and generally perfect.

Superpower: Ridiculously handsome good looks.

It's a heavy burden being this photogenic. Vinnie bravely carries it every day.

Whether he's out eventing, helping Netta coach the next generation of riders, or simply looking majestic while eating a Ginger Nut, Vinnie reminds us that the very best horses aren't just talented—they're kind.

(Although we're still convinced he knows exactly how good-looking he is.)