Waiau Pa Pony Club

WAIAU PA PONY CLUB HISTORY
Est. 1961 

Established in 1961, our history is a testament to the enduring passion for horsemanship within our community. Initially started to cater to the growing interest in horses among the youth of the district, our Pony Club found its roots under the guidance of the instructor M Bracken from Patumahoe. Fortnightly rallies became a staple on the property of Mr. & Mrs. Fagan, where young riders like Steven Clark, Kevin Dell, and the Powell family, alongside the Fagans themselves, gathered to pursue their equestrian dreams. In those early years, the ultimate aspiration was participation in the Pakuranga Hunt, which held 3 meetings a year in the district.

However, the club faced a setback in the late 1960s due the financial recession, leading to a temporary cessation of activities.

It wasn't until 1990, amidst the growth of smaller lifestyle blocks in the area, that the club was restablished by the Harvey, Witlox, and Shultz families and hosted at the Harvey Family's property on McKenzie Road, the club, under the stewardship of Head Coach Diny Witlox, welcomed around 15 riders.

Relocation became a recurring theme in the club's narrative. In 1996, the Grace-Dare Family's property on Waiau Pa Road became the new home, with Sharon Shultz assuming the role of head instructor. Pat Bowls later took over as Head Coach, steering the club through its paces until her passing in 2009. Kim Thomas took the reins as head instructor, coinciding with another move back to the club's original site on Waiau Pa Road, this time under the ownership of Mr. & Mrs. Wedzinga, with membership swelling to 30.

As families and circumstances evolve, so too did our Pony Club. We have now been at our current location at Abderry, since 2012 with around 56 members. Abderry offers state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the horsemanship journey for our members. Through decades of changes and challenges, our commitment to fostering a love for horses, equestrian excellence, fun & Friendships for our riders remains unwavering.