SAMANTHA PATERSON - HEAD COACH Hello and welcome to our 2024/25 Henderson Valley Pony Club season. I am looking forward to working alongside all of you this season, helping you achieve your goals and personal growth while learning about pony club, making new friends and having fun. The opportunities are endless here, the best way to be part of it is to get involved. I'm pleased to be your Head Coach this season, As a young girl I attended HVPC myself for many years representing our club and district, making memories and learning skills that have lasted a lifetime. I have returned to HVPC with my horse mad daughter, I have a passion for dressage and flat work, I strongly believe this is where our riding foundations are established. I thoroughly enjoy being involved in all things pony club, competitions especially Eventing. I look forward to sharing my equine journey and experiences with you this season.
BIANCA SHAW - RALLY COACH Hi! I am incredibly excited to be returning as a rally coach for a third season. HVPC was my second home growing up and has been an integral part of shaping both my riding and love for horses.
I currently show jump my mare, Goose who is my absolute pride and joy! I am passionate about coaching, and feel incredibly privileged to have an influence on shaping the next generation of riders.
REBECCA PATERSON - RALLY COACH Hi everyone, I’m thrilled to be coaching this season at HVPC, supporting my sister Samantha and re-living our memories with my horse mad niece Madison. Sharing knowledge plays a vital role in this sport. I have competed up to 2* level in Eventing and I have represented WRAPC at a championship level and numerous West Auckland District competitions. I have previously coached at both Massey and HVPC. And recently I have started training to become a NZPCA examiner and I am the Chief head coach of the West Auckland District (WAD). As an event rider, I offer diverse teaching methods that emphasize building confidence, strong foundations including the basics, focus on position and horse well-being. Please make sure to come say hi I would love to hear more about your unicorns and helping you towards your goals for the coming season. Looking forward to an awesome season and having a blast with you all.
CELIA PICKINS - RALLY COACH Hi everyone, it’s nice to be back coaching at Henderson Valley Pony Club. I first began my ridding career at the age of 10. My mother brought the family a pony because she liked outside animals, not puppies or kittens. I convinced my brothers they didn’t want to ride, took over the pony and I am still ridding. I have 2 TB’s Coco and Dexstar. Coco loves to jump, Dexstar not so much. I was 24 yrs old when I volunteered to coach at Glen Eden Pony Club. I have hardly missed a season since and have been coaching for about 40 years. I have also taken on the role of head coach at several different branches over this time. I examine up to C+ level and have judged ribbon days, dressage and showjumping. I enjoy designing and building show jumping courses.
ZOE POLLARD - RALLY COACH Hi everyone, I am excited to be back coaching at HVPC again this year!
I have spent most of my life riding and I did a lot of competing in Eventing in the past. I really enjoy taking my horse out for hacks and I am always very excited about the summer season.
I am passionate about coaching and can't wait to start the new 24/25 season. Looking forward to see you all soon!
NIKKI AYYAGARI - ADULT RALLY COACH I’m Nikki! I’ve been riding for 18 years and coaching for 6. I school horses and coach part time under my business “Little Bay Equine - but hoping to change that to full time once the season starts. I have a keen passion for show jumping and am super excited for the season ahead with my lovely young gelding Apollo! Coaching is my other passion - I take so much pride in seeing my riders and their ponies grow together and achieve their goals like pros! So excited for the upcoming season at Henderson Valley Pony Club!
ABBY PATERSON - EQUINE SKILLS COACH Hi I'm Abby. I'm excited to be at Henderson Valley Pony Club this season, teaching the Equine Skills Programme. I was at Massey pony club for many years when I was younger and have returned to riding as an adult. I am a member of the Waitemata Riding Club and enjoy forest rides, dressage and the odd ribbon day. I am looking forward to working alongside you this summer and having fun.
