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Young riders from more than 220 Pony Clubs across NSW will gain new career pathways into the NSW thoroughbred racing industry, thanks to a landmark partnership agreement announced today by Racing NSW and Pony Club NSW.

The partnership will connect the 10,000 Pony Club NSW members with the racing industry as part of a strategy that will also grow demand for retired thoroughbred racehorses.

Racing NSW Acting Chief Executive Graeme Hinton says the partnership reflects the industry's commitment to equine welfare and to building genuine pathways for the next generation of industry workers.

Pictured left to right: Jane Frankum (Director of Education, Pony Club NSW), LaToyah James (Equimillion Executive Officer), Claire Martin (President, Pony Club NSW), Dr. Carly Garling (Chief Veterinary and Equine Welfare Officer, Racing NSW) and Renee Delicata (Communications, Digital & Marketing Manager, Pony Club NSW) with retired champion racehorse Redzel at Bart's Farm.

“This partnership formalises the industry’s long-standing relationship with Pony Club and opens up new opportunities for exciting careers in racing.”

“So many of our leading participants have come through the Pony Club system which is a testament to the vital foundation of skills they are taught.”

“Importantly, this partnership will also see more young riders introduced to retired thoroughbred racehorses and provided with the education and experience necessary to support them.”

The program positions Pony Club NSW as a young rider's first step into the industry, with Racing NSW's Team Thoroughbred Academy then providing the gateway to employment.

Through the program, members will gain practical experience across the racing industry, including shadowing professionals, accessing educational materials and formal qualifications and learning about thoroughbred rehoming and retraining.

“We’re incredibly pleased to partner with Racing NSW,” said Claire Martin, President of Pony Club NSW.

“It brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to education, horse welfare and the future of young people in the equine industry.”

“This partnership will create exciting new opportunities for our members through career pathways, more education, and competition, both in and beyond the saddle.”

A Future Equine Leaders seminar will be delivered for Pony Club members as part of Racing NSW’s Equimillion event on Monday 5th October 2026. Equimillion is an equestrian event for retired thoroughbred racehorses conducted over the October long weekend each year with unprecedented prizemoney of over $1 million on offer.

Pony Club NSW will be an official partner of Equimillion 2026, with dedicated spaces, showcase events and prizemoney on offer exclusively for Pony Club riders.

This announcement was made at Bart's Farm, one of Racing NSW's owned and operated equine welfare properties, where staff retrain and rehome retired thoroughbred racehorses.

Visit the Equimillion website for information about the October event