Dressage at Pony Club – Where Precision Meets Partnership

Dressage is a core discipline at Pony Club, offering riders the chance to develop harmony, rhythm, and control with their horse or pony. It teaches riders to communicate clearly and consistently, building skills that benefit every equestrian pursuit. From learning your first Introductory test to progressing through to Advanced and beyond, Dressage at Pony Club provides structured learning pathways, certificate recognition, and opportunities to compete in a supportive, educational environment.

Over the past few years, NZPCA has been strengthening the dressage pathway, introducing individual Dressage Certificates for riders wanting to focus their development.

From 1 September 2025, the C+ Dressage Certificate will be available for riders who wish to specialise in Dressage—another step towards growing the next generation of elite riders. Let’s make our next Melissa Galloway!

Whether you love the beauty of a perfectly ridden circle or the challenge of improving your partnership, Dressage is a discipline that rewards dedication and connection.

​​​​​​​Virtual Dressage – Compete Internationally Without Leaving Home

NZPCA is proud to be part of the International Alliance Virtual Dressage Show 2023, alongside Pony Clubs from the USA, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia.

Applications are now open for this unique opportunity to represent the New Zealand Pony Clubs on the world stage—without leaving your home arena! Riders film their test locally and are judged by international judges, making this a truly global competition accessible to all.

Whether you're new to Dressage or a seasoned competitor, Virtual Dressage offers a fun, inclusive way to showcase your skills and connect with Pony Club riders around the world.

PCIA VIRTUAL DRESSAGE 2025 Organisation

Virtual Training Show - June 2025 and October 2025

NZPCA is part of the International Alliance Virtual Dressage Show 2023 with seven Pony Clubs from around the world including, USA, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.

Applications are now open for the International Virtual Dressage Show, where you can represent the New Zealand Pony Clubs in international competition from the comfort of your own arena!

We are looking for Pony Club Members to represent New Zealand Pony Club in this event. 

NZPCA can submit up to four entries in each of 4 classes (16 riders).   Preference will be given to riders who competed at the NZPCA Dressage Championship 2025 and riders who are not part of the NZPCA Virtual Training Team (Level One and Prix Cap) 

Riders can submit Expressions of Interest in one or more classes.

Expressions of Interest close on Friday, 22 August, and you are to register via this form:

You must also upload a photo with your application.

To participate, members must submit the online application.

After entries close, a selection panel will review all applications and select the team members for each class. 

If selected, you will be charged a $50 entry fee.

Schedule

22 Aug: Expression of Interest Closes

22 Aug - 28 Aug: NZ Team Selection Process

1st Sep: Submission of entries

20th Sep: Launch of show website

20 – 30th Sep: Video upload period

1st – 14th Oct: Judging period

19th Oct: Results announced on website

20 – 26th Oct: Period for public queries

27th Oct: Results final

The selection panel determines the team, using the information in the application, previous results, and recommendations. The selection panel will consider a candidate's ambassadorial attributes as well as their riding and teamwork abilities.

Questions? Please contact

Ella Cooper-Levin

Info@nzpca.org

Subject: Virtual Dressage

Classes and Show Rules

This show is open to all Pony Club members 25 years and under; please note age restrictions for Classes 1 and 2.

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Training Show Classes and Rules

This show is open to all Pony Club members 25 years and under; please note age restrictions for Classes 1 and 2.

The Pony Club rules https://pcuk.org/sports/dressage/-   with the following modifications/ clarifications:

1. Videos

   • Tests should be ridden specifically for this show and videos should be filmed during the specified period only.

   • Any video which is suspected of having been filmed during another competition or outside the scheduled filming period for this show will not be accepted.

   • It is not necessary to submit the video of your first attempt of filming the test.  You may repeat the test as many times as you need and submit only the best video.

2. Dress

   • Pony Club uniform from respective jurisdiction, including light coloured jodhpurs.

   • Long or short riding boots accepted.

   • White gloves must be worn.

3. Filming

   • Film from C, the judge’s position.

   • If filming on a spart phone, hold the device in the landscape orientation.

   • To assist the judging there should be some zoom when the rider is at the A end of the Arena.

   • Entries may be marked down (but not necessarily disqualified) if the judge cannot see the entirety of both rider and horse/pony clearly during each movement, at the discretion of the judge for each class.