Congratulations to Heather Grant – NZPCA 2025 Life Member

Heather Grant has given outstanding and sustained service to Pony Club and the New Zealand Pony Club Association over several decades. Her contribution spans governance, education, examination, team management, and the organisation and delivery of events at both regional and national levels.

Heather’s Pony Club journey began in the early 1980s with the Otane Branch of Heretaunga Pony Club. She started as an instructor and later supported her children through the Pony Club pathway. From these early years, Heather demonstrated a strong commitment to education and to developing confident, capable riders. She continues to instruct at Otane Branch and Heretaunga Pony Club and has served for many years as a competent and highly respected examiner up to C Certificate level.

Her governance service has been significant and long-standing. Heather served on the Hawke’s Bay Committee of Management from 2006 to 2010 before stepping into national leadership roles. She was Vice President of NZPCA from 2010 to 2013 and then President from 2013 to 2017. During this time, she guided the organisation through a period of structural change while continuing to strongly advocate for Pony Club values, education, and horse welfare.

Heather has also made an extensive contribution to representative and championship activities. She has coached and managed representative teams for both Heretaunga and Hawke’s Bay and, in 2010, managed the NZPCA Hong Kong Inter-Pacific team. This role required a high level of organisation, leadership, and trust and reflects the confidence placed in her by the wider Pony Club community. In addition, Heather has served on organising committees for many major events, including Eventing Championships, Dressage Championships, National Games, and multiple Zone Games, contributing countless voluntary hours to ensure their success.

In recognition of her service, Heather was awarded the NZPCA Gold Long Service Award in 2018. Her contribution has continued well beyond formal roles, with ongoing involvement as an examiner and a valued contributor within Hawke’s Bay. She is widely respected for her knowledge, fairness, and generosity in supporting riders, coaches, and volunteers.

Heather Grant’s service exemplifies the spirit of Pony Club. Her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education and horse welfare have had a lasting impact on NZPCA and on generations of members. She is a most worthy recipient of Life Membership.

Article added: Thursday 18 December 2025