How you can nominate a #GameChanger

#GameChangers is about encouraging people to tell us about acts of kindness or helpfulness by NZCA Pony Club members that made a difference to someone’s day.  So, please keep your eyes and ears open when you’re out and about and nominate someone you witness doing something kind, supportive, helpful for someone (or a horse) that demonstrates the sort of inclusive, supportive, safe and friendly culture we’re working towards with Change the Rein.  We will make sure people are aware of what great people we have in our sport.

If you want to nominate an NZPCA #GameChanger, this is what you do:

Please email to m[email protected] the following information (#GameChangers in the subject line):

• Person nominating the #GameChanger – your name, contact details (email & phone number)
• Who is the NZPCA member being nominated as a #GameChanger (name, discipline, area group/club and role eg official, rider, volunteer, parent)
• Photo of the #GameChanger person (not necessarily in the act, so to speak)
• What was the #GameChanger behaviour witnessed and the outcome (this doesn’t need to be heroic – just a kind, considerate, helpful, supportive, inclusive, welcoming, friendly act)

Otumoetai Te Puna Pony Club - Sarah Rice describes Naomi Mortimer as a 16 year old pc member who cycled from her home 12 km away for 4 thursday evenings in a row to help support our fundraising open evenings.  She moved jumps, took entry fees and encouraged riders of all ages and levels.  She was a super positive influence on other helpers too. She even turned up on the evening that we cancelled due to the appalling weather. 

We are from Awanui Pony Club which is the northern most branch in NZ. We are a very small but enthusiastic club. This year, as a way to give back to the adults who support and run events for our riders, we put on and adults ribbon day for nervous riders.The judges were our two most experienced members Charlotte Henderson (14) and Kate Hammond (11). They did a great, and very thorough job. They also learned how hard it is to be a judge and were both into bed early that night!The adults had lots of fun, it was difficult to get them to just to turn up and not start doing jobs.It was neat seeing the children on the sideline cheering their Mum’s on. Requests have been made for it to become an annual event.Kind regardsSarah Hammond

We are from Awanui Pony Club which is the northern most branch in NZ. We are a very small but enthusiastic club. This year, as a way to give back to the adults who support and run events for our riders, we put on and adults ribbon day for nervous riders.The judges were our two most experienced members Charlotte Henderson (14) and Kate Hammond (11). They did a great, and very thorough job. They also learned how hard it is to be a judge and were both into bed early that night!The adults had lots of fun, it was difficult to get them to just to turn up and not start doing jobs.It was neat seeing the children on the sideline cheering their Mum’s on. Requests have been made for it to become an annual event.Kind regards Sarah Hammond

Please can I nominate Candice Parry who is a mum, volunteer and committee member at Warkworth Branch PC.

It was hard to find a pic of Candice in action as she’s always in the background and you don’t see her doing things per se you just see the awesome events and things she organised for our PC.

Why Candice is all things awesomeness and is a game changer.

+ Candice cleans the stinky composting toilet!

+ She organises dinners for after our pony club rallies so families can stay, enjoy food and socialise. Members have gotten to know one another which is a big part of why we have an awesome club and a supportive environment. 

+ She is our number one fundraiser, writing letters, organising sausage sizzles and events so our pony club can have funds! 

+ When not busy in the Clubroom’s she’s on the sidelines cheering others on

NZPCA Member - Ella Martin, Whakapara Pony Club riding member (Whangarei PC). 

The following scenario has happened on more than 1 occasion.  This particular weekend Ella wasn't riding but, in the past, she has been riding but also made herself available to help. It is never pre organised, she just appears on the ring side ready to help. 

I have 2 young daughters riding, (aged 5yrs and 2yrs old) and they do our local ribbon days and they both participate in the fancy dress class. On several occasions Ella has seen me getting the girls and ponies dressed up and will just start helping, without even being asked. She will then help to lead a pony or hold a child; whatever help is needed she is happy to do. At our latest ribbon day where Ella wasn't riding, she was hanging around the lead rein ring and had great fun taking my daughter in a few of her classes. They both had great fun. Currently Ella's pony is injured so she is unable to ride herself. This does not stop Ella from turning up at Pony Club rallies to help where ever she is needed. Setting up arenas and show jumps, listening in to what is being coached and always with a smile and gentle nature. 

It's neat to see such eagerness and a genuine want to be helpful to those who need it. 

Its nice to be able to identify and acknowledge young people like Ella. ​​​​​​​