Back:  About the Club

Club History

On the 20th of February 1963 a group of parents - having their children’s equestrian interests in mind, held a meeting which was attended by Miss Kay Irving as the guest speaker. On Miss Irving’s advice a committee was formed which thus led to the establishment of Waverley Pony Club with 19 members. 

The first committee meeting was held at the home of Pony Club Chairman and DC, Rob Driver in Waimarie Drive, Mt Waverley, on the 7th of March 1963.

 It was attended by

                   Mrs Netty Robinson
                   Mrs F. Lanevou
                   Mr. Fred Davies and
                   Mr. Vivian Nathanieisz

Fred Davies, and Geoff and Netty Robinson were club members until 1968. Rob Driver resigned in 1963 and Vivian Nathanieisz served as secretary/ treasurer until 1970.

In the beginning the rallies were held on any land available. From July 1963 the Pony Club met on grounds next to the old Nicholas Aspro factory on the corner of Waverley and Warrigal Roads.

From November 1965 onwards rallies were held on Council and C.R.B. (now Freeway) land in Mayfield Drive, Mt Waverley.

 The Southern Metropolitan Zone was formed in June 1964 by the following clubs:

                   Caulfield                         Chelsea
                   Dandenong Ranges            Frankston-Langwarrin
                   Mentone                          Mornington Peninsula
                   Mountain District            Portsea (in Recess)
                   Rosebud                          Waverley

In 1966 Mr Norm Wilkin was elected Chairman/ President of the Club and he held the post until 1968, when he became DC until 1970. He has also held the post of Southern Metro Zone Representative from 1970-1974 and 1977-1984. In 1980 he was elected Treasurer of the Pony Club Association of Victoria (PCAV).

Mr. Vivian Nathanieisz was the Secretary/Treasurer from 1970-1974.

In 1967 the PCAV initiated the Shell Award and in its first year, 18 Pony Club Members received the Honours, amongst them were 3 from Waverley Pony Club:

                   Christine Wilkin (now Mrs. Hartigan)
                   Chris Robinson
                   Rodger Nathanieisz

In 1970 Christine Wilkin and Vivian Nathanieisz were awarded Life membership of Waverley Pony Club.

The Fred Davies Award was presented to the Rider winning the “Turnout” from 1971 onwards.

In 1974 the club moved to new grounds at Napier Park where it had the use of 9 acres at the southern end. After many attempts a clubhouse was finally built in 1978

Around 1977 Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works developed Bushy Park area with agistment. With the Club a Cross Country area was developed.

Recent Events

1986 the Club became incorporated.

1988 Parents and friends formed Waverley Adult Riding Club.

1990 Rowville Pony Club amalgamated with Waverley Pony Club at Napier Park.

1991 Waverley Council offered Drummies Bridge Reserve to WPC for development.

1992 Establishment of the grounds and construction of the clubhouse by Holmesglen College of Tafe.