Code of Conduct

Introduction

At New Zealand Pony Club Association (NZPCA), our culture is grounded in respect, responsibility, integrity, and care for our ponies and horses, for each other, and the wider equestrian community.

This page outlines the values that guide us, the behaviour we expect from our members, volunteers, coaches, and supporters, and the conduct standards that help keep our community safe, fair, and inclusive.

Pony Club is where it begins, not just for riding, but for learning to be part of something bigger.

These guidelines help ensure that all members experience Pony Club as a positive, respectful, and values-aligned environment.

Our Core Values

Togetherness

Working together to develop friends, fun and adventure

What it looks like at PC

At Pony Club, togetherness is about being part of something bigger.  A team, a club, a community. It’s about showing up for each other, sharing the fun, and helping out wherever we can.

We learn alongside our friends, support each other’s progress, and know that everyone belongs—whether you ride every week or just love being around ponies.

- Cheering each other on.

- Helping out with jobs—big or small.

- Being kind, patient, and encouraging.

- Celebrating everyone’s efforts.

When we all take part and lift each other up, Pony Club  is a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and proud to belong.

Empathy

We support every individual to develop and reach their goal

What it looks like at PC

At Pony Club, empathy is about understanding how others feel.  Our friends, our coaches, and our ponies. It means being kind, patient, and noticing when someone (or somepony) needs extra care.

We don’t all learn at the same pace, and that’s okay. Empathy helps us support each other, whether someone is nervous to ride, struggling to tack up, or just having a tough day.

- Listening and offering help without judgment.

- Treating horses gently and respectfully.

- Being a good friend, even when things don’t go to plan.

- Noticing when someone needs encouragement, and giving it.

Empathy helps make Pony Club a safe, welcoming place where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

Self Management

We grow through seeking opportunities in learning and educatio

What it looks like at PC

At Pony Club, Self-management is about learning, growing, and supporting others. In Pony Club, we embrace learning opportunities, like improving horse riding skills. We understand friends' feelings, fostering strong bonds and teamwork. Practicing self-management leads to success, personal growth, and making a positive impact.

- Learn, grow, and help in Pony Club through self-management.

- Embrace learning, improve horse riding; enhance skills and knowledge.

- Understand friends, build strong bonds, and work together effectively.

- Self-management leads to success, personal growth, and positive impact.

Participating and Contributing

We enjoy participating in the Pony Club journey by contributing wherever possible

What it looks like at PC

At Pony Club, Participating and Contributing is about being involved, showing up, and making a difference. We ride, help out, and cheer each other on. Whether we’re mucking in at rallies or encouraging our teammates at events, we know that every effort counts. Being active members strengthens our clubs, supports our friends, and builds a better community.

Be involved, show up, and make a difference at Pony Club.

Help out, ride together, and cheer each other on.

Every effort counts—your contribution helps everyone grow.

Participating and contributing builds strong teams and better clubs.

NZPCA Code of Conduct

The New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Code of Conduct outlines behaviours that are expected of every person involved in our organisation, as well as identifying the types of behaviours that will not be tolerated.

The New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Code of Conduct outlines behaviours that are expected of every person involved in our organisation, as well as identifying the types of behaviours that will not be tolerated.

It applies to all NZPCA, National, Area, Club and Branch events and activities.

The New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Code of Conduct supports everyone to have fun in a friendly and inclusive environment.

NZPCA Fair Play Charter​​​​​​​

Our Fair Play Sports Charter sets the standard for how we ride, support, and compete at Pony Club. It applies to everyone—riders, non-riders, parents, coaches, and officials—and outlines the values of good sportsmanship, respect, and care for our horses and each other.

By following this charter, we create a fun, safe, and fair environment for everyone to enjoy our sport.

Play hard – Play fair – Te Tutohinga Tākaro Wairua Tōkeke o Aotearoa