Jupiter Pony Club in South Australia and Queensland's Parkhurst Pony Club lead the charge with both shortlisted for the top gong - Best Club.

Horseback sports feature in six of the seven categories and are spread across five states and one territory with the one recurring theme FUN.

Niki Ryan, joined the Parkhurst PC as chief instructor two years ago.

"It was a club of seven members total, and only five of them rode horses," she said. "Now two years on we have over 50 members ranging in age from two to 60."

Parkhurst Pony Club

 

At Jupiter Creek PC they adopted a unique approach to encouraging members over the age of 15 to stay with the sport. Member Deborah Cook says the club was officially launched in July last year.

"We formed a group of like-minded teenagers and their parents where the kids make decisions, designed their uniform, compete together, support each other and have a great time."

Among the Best Administrator finalists are Stuart Goggin (Monbulk Pony Club, VIC) and Julie Fiedler (Horse Federation SA).

Angela Beresford (Tweed Valley Equestrian Group, NSW) and Michelle Retra (Goulburn Valley Horse Trials, NSW) have their cap in the ring for Best Stalwart.

Sam Hill of Hillbillies Equestrian Centre in Alice Spring is in the hunt for Best Coach glory along with John Martin of the Runcorn Horse and Pony Cub in Queensland.

Then there is Sandra Atkins who wasn't content with one sport. The 76-year-old won gold in equestrian and indoor rowing at the 2017 Masters Games in Tasmania and is a finalist in Best Masters Performance. 

 

Jupiter Creek PC: Bethany Cook on Kilmorn Red Devil

Australia's elite equestrians have done well on the world stage, picking up nine Gold, four silver and eight bronze medals at Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as achieving at international events.

Equestrian Australia says: "A big part of this success is the tireless commitment and excellence shown by our sport’s administrators, coaches, officials, volunteers, owners and our athletes of all ages performing at all levels as well as the importance placed on sportsmanship and the welfare of horses."

Not an equestrian event, but campdrafting is about as Aussie as it comes and has it's origins in the nation's pioneer roots.

The Australian Campdrafting Association has overseen strong growth in the sport in recent years and is a finalist in the Best Association category.