National Museum Call for Pony Club Photos and Stories

Megan Jones with pony Ebony (photo: Peter Jones)

Are you among the tens of thousands of Australians who have ridden, cared for and had fun with horses at your local pony club over the past 80 years? 

The National Museum of Australia in Canberra has launched its My Pony Club project in which people of all ages are asked to share memories of attending their local pony club, to showcase the special bond between horses and humans.

The stories and pictures will feature in a special Museum webpage and will also appear in the Museum’s Spirited: Australia’s Horse Story exhibition, which opens in Canberra on 11 September, 2014.

Former pony club devotees like Megan Jones, have gone on to be Australian Olympic equestrians, and have contributed their stories and photos to the My Pony Club project.

“Pony Club fed my early love of horses – something that has stayed with me for life,” said Ms Jones.

Pony Club Australia national president, Vicki Connelly, said weekend riding among friends and family remains a defining experience for many Australians.

“Australians attending Pony Club learned not only how to ride horses but also the life values of patience, application, understanding, tolerance, thoughtfulness and concentration,” said Ms Connelly.

National Museum curator Jennifer Wilson said that she hopes Australians will embrace the Pony Club callout as a way of paying tribute to their love of these beautiful animals.

“We encourage everyone to share their pony club experiences and to provide a permanent record of this popular pastime,” said Ms Wilson.

To contribute, simply go to nma.gov.au/myponyclub and tell us your story in up to 500 words. Pony club photos can also be uploaded. The five best My Pony Club stories will receive a free double pass to the Spirited exhibition.

The first pony club in Australia was formed at Ingleburn, New South Wales in 1938. Today, more than 55,000 paid members participate in around 980 clubs, supported by hundreds of parents and volunteers who give up their weekends to help young Australians enjoy horses.