Celebrating 80 years of Pony Club NSW in 2026!
Have you ever wanted to compete at Sydney Royal Easter Show (RAS) and are under 17 years of age? The Pony Club classes are a wonderful opportunity to do so and you don’t need to be a professional sporter or diehard “hackie” to participate and do well!
The Pony Club classes take place on the final 2 days of the show – Sunday 12th April and Monday 13th April, 2026.
Sunday 12th April
Schmidt Arena – Rider in Action Class – 1.30-4.30pm
The Rider in Action was a demonstration event in 2025 and was so successful the RAS have welcomed it as an ongoing class. Rider in Action is a timed event where competitors compete against each other undertaking some sporting components, small jumps, gates and tasks – it’s a lot of fun and a real crowd pleaser. This class is open to any Pony Club NSW member. Age groups are Under 13 years and 13 and under 17 years.
Monday 13th April
Schmidt Arena – Area Team Sporting 8am – 12.45pm
Areas will organise Team Sporting selections to finalise their 5 member teams and reserves who will compete in 10 Team Sporting events. Pony Club NSW has 6 Areas – If you are not sure of your Area have a look at this handy diagram for you Zone number.
If you are interested in this event please contact your Zone for details.
Area Uniform is worn for this event.
Main Arena (Giants Stadium) – Pony Club Show Riding events
Age groups for the above classes are Under 13 years and 13 and under 17 years
Age groups for Pony Club Rider classes are Under 11 years, 11 and under 13 years, 13 and under 15 years and 15 and under 17 years.
Zone Uniform is worn for Show Riding events. There is no limit on the number of competitors from a Zone other than in Team of Four where Zones may field 2 teams in each age group.
Important – for Pairs and Teams riders can ride up an age group if this enables a Pair or Team to be formed. An Under 13 year old may compete in the 13 and under 17 year age group. A combined pair actually won this Pairs class in 2025.
This class is a new exhibition class for the Pony Club Show Rider competitors in 2026 and is actually free of charge for this year. We thank the RAS for the opportunity and hope to see many competitors trying it!
It will be a judged event with a focus on components covered at Pony Club – there will be a set workout which may include components such as:
Sydney Royal has no comparison. We are extremely fortunate to be able to showcase our Pony Club riders at the Show – most of our State counterparts do not have Pony Club events at their Royal Shows. Many riders who have gone on to be professionals across all disciplines have competed in Pony Club events at the RAS and have great memories of their time representing their Zone or Area teams. Leading up to and at the show you have the support of fellow Pony Club families and officials.
Competitors should be of an acceptable competition standard and those who regularly compete at shows and other events are generally well prepared. For the Pony Club classes horses do not need to be typical, sleek show horses, they can be any colour, height or type. Hogged manes are acceptable and you do not need the latest gear, as long as the combinations are well presented and gear is appropriate, clean and fits correctly.
For all events entries are through the MyRAS system within the Sydney Royal Show website – https://www.rasnsw.com.au/competitions/animals/horse/ and entries close on January 28th, 2026.
Horses are required to have their microchip registered with a National database such as the Australasian Animal Registry (available via the entry system) and this is a lifetime registration.
Once entered you will receive information from the RAS and from the Pony Club NSW office as updates arrive. Please ensure your email and contact information is correct.
In the first instance, should you have any queries please contact the Pony Club NSW office for assistance.
Keep an eye out for information from your areas regarding tryouts or selections.
Once teams are selected the Area Team Members will need to enter directly through the RAS website, they are also encouraged to enter the Rider in Action class. Please also include any Reserve Horses in their entry as it is extremely difficult to replace a horse with one not already on the RAS list.
Entrants require the approval of their Zone. Zones also manage the Team of Four entries by submitting their lists of Team of Four entrants, Rider Class, Pairs and Horsemanship class entrants.
Competitors will need to enter their individual classes through the RAS entry system, this includes submitting entries for Pony Club Rider, Horsemanship class (free of charge) and Rider in Action.
Riders – Please ensure your Zone is aware of your intention to compete in the Pairs and/or Teams event as these entries cannot be entered initially – Team Managers send this information to the Pony Club NSW office who submit Pairs and Teams to the RAS – the RAS then load the class/es to the competitor’s RAS account for payment.
If you have trouble reaching your Zone Coordinator for any reason please contact the Pony Club NSW office at members@ponyclubnsw.org.au
When creating your entries the system asks for your intended Bump In and Bump Out times. You can arrive on the evening prior or the morning of your competition. Bump in times are 6-8am each morning or 7-9pm each evening.
It will also ask if you would like loft accommodation (above the tack rooms in the stables) which are free and can sleep 3 people. Other accommodation options are camping at the Armoury or a Site Shed on the grounds, both of which are very limited and book out quickly.
Parking is another item that you must book early in order to ensure your vehicle and float have somewhere to be. When these items are available they will be on the RAS website – it is also worth following the Sydney Royal Horse Show (RAS NSW Official Page) facebook page for notifications
