TETRATHLON - MULTISPORT WITH HORSES





Ride. Run. Swim. Shoot.

Tetrathlon is an exciting Pony Club discipline that combines four phases to test all-round ability, fitness, horsemanship and determination.

RIDE

Show your riding skills and horsemanship through a course or appropriate riding activity

RUN

Test your fitness, speed and endurance over distances set for each competiton category 

SWIM

Build confidence and stamina in the water

SHOOT

Focus and precision using a laser pistol or target activity

Help us grow Tetrathlon in New Zealand

NZPCA is working to grow Tetrathlon deliberately from a member's first experience of "multisport" with horses through to future naitonal and international representation.  This will be led by NZPCA, with delivery of a local level through Clubs and Regions.

There is growing interest in Tetrathlon and Multisports with Horses around the country, and NZPCA is looking at the next stage of developing the discipline in New Zealand.

We would love to hear from coaches, riders, parents, officials, organisers, volunteers and anyone else keen to help grow Tetrathlon in their Region and across New Zealand.

Complete our short Get Involved / Next Steps form

Expressions of interest close Sunday 11 October 2026.

GROWING TETRATHLON IN NEW ZEALAND

NZPCA is working to grow Tetrathlon nationally and create more opportunities for members.

Our aims include:

  • Introductory Club and Region activities
  • Regional training opportunities
  • Pathways to national competitions
  • Preparation for future international exchanges

GETTING STARTED - MULTISPORT WITH HORSES

Clubs and Regions can introduce Tetrathlon gradually using the faclitities and expertise available.

Possible starting activities:

  • Run & swim biathlon
  • Ride & Run competition
  • Ride, Run & Shoot triathlon
  • Ride, Run & Swim triathlon
  • Introductory laser pistol sessions
  • Full four-phase tetrathlon
  • Individual, pairs or team events

HELP WITH SHOOTING & EQUIPMENT

Contact New Zealand Pentathlon Multisport for advice, equipment loans and shooting support.

Website: New Zealand Pentathlon Multisport (Aotearoa) – Modern Pentathlon

Contact: Andrew Collings

Phone: 021 025 89605

Risk Management Plans

Any Tetrathlon or Multisport with Horses activity must have a Risk Management Plan (RMP) in place before it runs.

The RMP should cover the activities being offered, such as riding, running, swimming and shooting/target activities, as well as the venue, equipment, helpers and emergency procedures.

The riding phase may affect the level of medical cover required. For example, solid cross-country jumps bring in higher medical requirements, so Clubs and Regions should check with NZPCA before planning this type of activity. NZPCA Tetrathlon National Meeti…

NZPCA is also working towards simple risk assessment templates to help Clubs and Regions plan Have-a-Go activities.

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Tetrathlon provides international opportunities through the Pony Club International Alliance.  In 2026, NZ attended the PCIA International Tetrathlon Exchange in Australia competing alongside teams from Australia, Ireland, the UK and the USA.

The experience demonstrated the potential of NZ riders and reinforced the importance of developing regular Tetrathlon training and competition opportunities at home.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

Let us know you'd like to be involved!

Email: training@nzpca.org

- Photos from Tetrathlon PCIA Exchange - 2026 Australia

RULES & RESOURCES

NZPCA is currently developing our own national Tetrathlon rules and handbook to ensure alignment with Pony Club values, welfare standards, and future competition pathways.

In the interim, events will operate under the Australian Pony Club Tetrathlon Rules and Handbook, with NZPCA-specific updates and guidance to follow once the national framework is complete.

Thank you for your patience as we build this discipline for our riders and coaches. Further updates will be published here as they become available.