Who we areWe are a supportive, family orientated club that promotes sportsmanship, community spirit and growth in our young riders. We boast a hard working committee that aims to be inclusive and ensures that rallies and events run smoothly. Our riders are exposed to a wide variety of instructors and equestrian disciplines, focusing on safety, horsemanship, confidence and FUN! Our members are encouraged to compete and are supportive of one another when out and about.
MembershipSmythesdale & District Pony Club are affiliated with Pony Club Victoria & Pony Club Australia. We meet on the third Sunday of the month. We cater for riders from 3 years of age. We offer quality instruction in flat riding, showjumping, cross country, games and often have guest instructors visit for specialised lessons. |
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Where we rideWe are proud home users of the Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre which is located at 5 Lords Road, Smythesdale. WYEC offers exceptional facilities including 4 all weather sand dressage arenas, fully enclosed 157m x 54m sand arena, 3 buildings with entertainment space, showers and toilets, exceptional cross country course - Grade 6 PC to 3*EA. |
MARIANNE CRAWFORD
I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. At age 10, I bought my first horse, Blaze Junior King, and although neither of us was trained, we learned together and won 100 ribbons over ten years, particularly in barrel racing and pole weaving. I sold him while putting myself through university and had my first formal riding lessons at 20.
After completing my Physical Education teaching degree, I moved to Australia and continued competing in show jumping and eventing. In Ballarat, I leased Mansuli, who was highly successful in EA D Grade Show Jumping and Eventing, and I later achieved success with several horses, including a Jumping Equitation win at Barastock, before focusing on dressage. I retrained an anxious OTTB, Mr Dignity, to achieve two Reserve Champion titles at TTT Dressage and compete up to EA Advanced and FEI Prix St Georges. I went on to win Level 1 and Advanced TTT Dressage Championships with Don Angelo and compete through FEI Small and Big Tour. As a lifelong Physical Education teacher and lecturer, I specialise in breaking down riding skills and am passionate about helping riders improve while prioritising happiness and health in horses. |
ELIZA HART
I grew up around horses, with my family deeply involved in the racing industry through breeding and racing thoroughbreds. My first pony, a cheeky Welsh B named Ping Pong, was a wonderful teacher. I dreamed of becoming a jockey until a serious spinal injury at age 10 shifted my focus and sparked a love of dressage.
At 18, I travelled to Portugal to live and work at Morgado Lusitano in 2013, where I learned classical dressage under Rodrigo Matos and José Miguel Silva. Their philosophy of “riding with feeling” continues to influence me today through my current coach, Louise Van Gaal. In 2014, I completed an Advanced Diploma in Equine Management at Marcus Oldham College and returned to the racing industry, working across major stud farms in Victoria and the Hunter Valley, NSW. In 2020, I began trackriding—one of my most rewarding roles—before returning to university from 2022–2025 to complete a Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science. I now apply this knowledge as a data analyst for a local racing stable, using Arioneo performance monitors. Instructing at Smythesdale Pony Club allows me to pass on what I’ve learned to the next generation of riders. |
JAMILA DAVIS
I’ve been riding since I was a child, starting out with pony club, which ignited my passion for a variety of riding disciplines. Teaching has always been something I’m deeply passionate about. I love helping others build their skills, grow their confidence, and achieve things they never thought possible. Being a pony club instructor is especially fulfilling because I get to see riders not only strengthen their skills and bonds with their horses, but also develop lasting friendships with one another.
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Let's Start Riding Together!Address: 5 Lords Road Smythesdale
Telephone: (415) 375-3268
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