2026 China Pony Club International Exchange

Suzhou and Shanghai

28 October–9 November 2026

NZPCA is excited to invite applications from riders for the 2026 China Pony Club International Exchange in Suzhou and Shanghai.

The exchange will take place from 28 October–9 November 2026, with four riders selected to represent NZPCA and New Zealand, accompanied by a Team Coach/Manager.

Hosted by Saga Pony Club, the programme will combine riding, competition, cultural exchange and sightseeing. Saga Pony Club has seven centres across Suzhou and Shanghai and has previously hosted international teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and other countries.

About the Exchange

The proposed programme includes:

  • Riding and training on allocated horses
  • Show Jumping at approximately 60–90 cm
  • The possibility of one representative rider competing at 1 metre, subject to a suitable horse being available
  • Dressage at approximately NZPCA D*/C Certificate flatwork level
  • Introductory Mounted Games demonstrations
  • Visits to Pony Club centres and local schools
  • Cultural exchanges with Chinese Pony Club riders and local students
  • Opportunities to assist with riding demonstrations or open lessons
  • Sightseeing and cultural activities in Suzhou and Shanghai

Riders will have two opportunities to ride and become familiar with their allocated competition horses before competing. Horses will be borrowed and may be shared between international riders.

The proposed sightseeing programme includes:

  • Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
  • Shanghai Romance Park and the Shanghai Through the Ages show
  • Shanghai Disneyland
  • A cultural exchange at New Zealand Central in Shanghai
  • Chenghuang Temple shopping area
  • The Shanghai Bund
  • Shanghai Tower

The programme and itinerary remain subject to confirmation and may change depending on host arrangements, availability and operational requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be between 14 and 16 years of age at the time of the exchange
  • Be a current NZPCA member
  • Have Show Jumping competition experience at 1 metre or above
  • Be confidently riding at NZPCA C Certificate flatwork level or above
  • Be comfortable riding unfamiliar and shared horses
  • Hold, or be willing to obtain, a valid passport before departure
  • Be available for the full exchange, including all travel days
  • Demonstrate good horsemanship, teamwork and sportsmanship
  • Have the maturity, independence and resilience required for international travel
  • Be able to represent NZPCA and New Zealand positively and respectfully

Although the Show Jumping competition is expected to be held at approximately 60–90 cm, applicants must have competition experience at 1 metre or above. This reflects the additional confidence and experience required to ride and compete safely on unfamiliar horses. It does not mean that all selected riders will compete at this height.

Previous international team members and previous applicants are welcome to apply.

Cost

This is a self-funded exchange. The cost is NZD $6,500 per rider.

This covers all costs associated with the official exchange, including:

  • International flights
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Local transport
  • Riding and competition activities
  • Cultural and sightseeing activities
  • The Shanghai programme and entry fees
  • NZPCA team uniform and kit
  • International travel insurance
  • Travel to and from the New Zealand international departure airport

The only additional cost for riders will be personal spending money. There is no separate rider contribution towards the Team Coach/Manager’s costs.

A payment schedule will be provided following team selection. Families should be prepared to meet payment deadlines shortly after selection.

Selection

Selection may take into account:

  • Riding ability and competition experience
  • Experience riding a variety of horses
  • Horsemanship knowledge
  • Pony Club involvement
  • Teamwork and sportsmanship
  • Communication skills
  • Maturity, independence and resilience
  • The ability to cope with international travel and unfamiliar environments
  • An understanding of the responsibilities involved in representing NZPCA and New Zealand
  • References provided by the applicant’s Club, coach or another nominated person

Applicants may be invited to participate in an online interview as part of the selection process.

Expectations of Selected Riders

Selected riders will be expected to:

  • Participate fully in all team preparation
  • Attend online team meetings
  • Meet all documentation and payment deadlines
  • Follow the directions of the Team Coach/Manager and exchange hosts
  • Comply with the NZPCA Code of Conduct and all team requirements
  • Wear the approved NZPCA team uniform when required
  • Participate positively in riding, cultural and educational activities
  • Treat borrowed horses, hosts, teammates and other participants with care and respect
  • Assist with photographs, updates and promotional content during the exchange
  • Share their experiences with the wider NZPCA community following the exchange

Apply Now

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Monday, 31 August 2026.

The team is expected to be announced during the week beginning Monday, 14 September 2026.

Complete the online application form