🐴 GUIDE TO WRITING A STRONG 2027 STATE CAMP APPLICATION
Applying for Pony Club NSW State Camp? Take a little extra time when completing your application — the information you provide really does matter.
With only 15 riders selected for each discipline, the selection panel needs to compare a large number of applications fairly.
💙 The most important thing to remember:
Please don’t assume the selectors know you, your horse or your achievements.
We have riders applying from Clubs and Zones right across NSW, and the people assessing applications will not personally know every rider. We can only assess your application based on the information you provide.
So tell us clearly and accurately what you and your horse have been doing.
✅ 1. COMPLETE EVERY SECTION
Avoid leaving sections blank because you think the information isn’t important.
Your application asks for information including your Pony Club history, Rally Day attendance, proficiency certificates, discipline preferences, horse details and grades.
If something doesn’t apply to you, write N/A rather than simply leaving it blank.
🏆 2. GIVE CLEAR, SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE RESULTS
This is one of the most important sections of your application.
The application specifically notes that selection is based on performance and it is in your best interest to include as much detail as possible.
Instead of writing:
❌ “Competed at State ODE and did well.”
Give us:
✅ 12/05/26 – Pony Club NSW State ODE – B Grade – 15–17 years – 4th of 10 – Dressage 34 penalties – clear cross country – 4 jumping faults
Include things such as:
Date | Event | Venue | Grade/Height | Age Group/Class | Placing | Number in Class | Score/Faults/Times
That information gives selectors a much clearer picture of the level you and your horse are currently working at.
📅 3. KEEP YOUR RESULTS RELEVANT AND CURRENT
The application asks for:
- Pony Club NSW State Championship performances
- Other Pony Club performances from the last two years
- Open competition results from the last two years
- Instructional schools attended during the last two years
You don’t need to list every ribbon you’ve ever won. Focus on results and experiences that best demonstrate your current level, consistency and suitability for the discipline you are applying for.
🐴 4. TELL US ABOUT YOUR HORSE — NOT JUST YOU
State Camp selection is about the horse and rider combination.
Clearly state:
- The discipline you normally compete in
- How long you have been riding your horse
- Your current Pony Club grade
- The level you are currently competing at through Pony Club
- Your current open competition level
Don’t simply write “90cm” if you can provide more context.
For example:
✅ “Currently competing consistently at 90cm Pony Club and open Showjumping, with recent starts at 1m.”
🌟 5. DON’T FORGET YOUR OTHER EXPERIENCE
You may have valuable experience that isn’t immediately obvious from your nominated horse’s results.
The application gives you an opportunity to tell us about your experience with other horses, including previous competition horses, bringing on young horses or OTTBs, and previous results. You can also provide information about your nominated horse’s experience with other riders.
Use this section.
It helps selectors understand your overall experience as a rider — not just the last few competitions you have attended.
✍️ 6. PUT SOME THOUGHT INTO “WHY DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND STATE CAMP?”
Please don’t write only:
❌ “Because it looks fun.”
❌ “To improve my riding.”
❌ “My friends are going.”
Tell us what you hope to gain from the opportunity.
For example:
✅ “I would like to attend State Camp to improve the consistency of my showjumping rounds, particularly my position and ability to ride related lines. My goal is to progress confidently to 1.05m with my current horse, and I would value the opportunity to learn from an experienced coach and bring that knowledge back to my Club.”
There is also a separate section asking whether there is any other information that could support your application, so use it if there is something the selectors should know.
🎯 7. RANK YOUR DISCIPLINES CAREFULLY
You can nominate for more than one discipline and rank your preferences from 1 to 5 across:
🐴 Dressage
🏇 Showjumping
🌿 Eventing
⚡ Mounted Games
🤠 Challenge Fundamentals
Only nominate disciplines you would genuinely be happy to attend.
🔎 8. ACCURACY MATTERS
Please check:
✔ Dates
✔ Placings
✔ Competition levels
✔ Grades
✔ Rally Day attendance
✔ Horse details
✔ Membership information
✔ Certificates and accreditations
Applications are verified with the rider’s Zone, including eligibility and Rally Day requirements.
Your declaration also confirms that the information you have provided is true and correct.
📝 9. GET YOUR APPROVALS EARLY
Don’t wait until the closing date to contact your Club or Zone.
Your application requires Club Secretary and Zone ZCI support/signatures before submission.
Speak to your Zone Chief Instructor early, particularly if you’re unsure about your eligibility, grade or which disciplines would be most appropriate for you.
💙 GIVE THE SELECTORS THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO SELECT YOU
State Camp attracts talented riders from across NSW and unfortunately we cannot select everyone.
When the panel is choosing just 15 riders for each discipline, a detailed application helps us make those decisions as fairly as possible.
We don’t know every rider personally — and we shouldn’t have to.
Your application should tell us:
Who you are.
What level you’re riding at.
What you and your horse have achieved.
What experience you have.
Why State Camp would benefit you.
✨ Don’t undersell yourself. Don’t exaggerate. Just give us clear, accurate and complete information so your application can speak for you.
