Walliston Riding and Pony Club
ABOUT US
Our lovely club has something for all riders. We hold monthly rallies where riders receive structured coaching from qualified Pony Club Australia NCAS Level 1 and EWA coaches.
As a club we regularly compete in all Zone and State Pony Club Events and even have our own 3-part dressage and showjumping series that forms part of the Pony Club WA Leaderboard.
We have a supportive and dedicated elected committee and wonderful members who all help contribute to our club.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2025
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Chief Coach
Rally Coordinator
Rally Roster Coordinator
Zone Rep Coordinator
SJ Coordinator
Dressage Coordinator
Active Riding Coordinator
Eventing Coordinator
WRPC Event Coordinator
Canteen Coordinator
Uniform Coordinator
Website & Social Media
Maintenance Coordinator
Ashleigh Cunningham
Nerine Butler-Blaxell
Shelley Atkinson
Suzanne Lenz
Rebecca Thomas
Rebecca Thomas
Shelley Atkinson
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Donna R & Yolande S
Claire Fullgrabe
Fin White
All Members
OUR 2025 COACHES
Rebecca Thomas
Rebecca (Bec) Thomas is the Chief Coach here at Walliston RPC. Bec is an accredited Equestrian Australia Level 2 General Coach and Coach Educator, a 3* FEI event rider, and a member of the Equestrian Western Australia Coaching Committee and EWA Horse Welfare Committee.
Bec started riding at Walliston Pony Club in 1977 and has been the chief coach since 1999. Rebecca is actively involved in promoting coaching in WA and is a National Level 3 and 1*/2* FEI Technical Delegate.
She also lectures at Murdoch University and has experience in the police force, where she implemented an evidence-based training system called equitation science. This approach to training horses and riders is the safest, most ethical, and most sustainable way to train horses and riders, as it helps them understand the horse's thinking and learning process.
Bec's experience in the police force and her involvement in equitation science make her a valuable asset to the field.
Nerine Butler-Blaxell
Nerine joined the Werribee Pony Club in Victoria at seven years of age.
Nerine returned to Pony Club as a parent in 2007 and has held many roles within Walliston Riding and Pony Club. During this time, she obtained her PCA NCAS Level 1 Coaching Accreditation and gear-checking accreditation, and she is currently a Pony Club WA State Coaching Panel member.
Nerine states she has many happy memories of pony club camps, rallies and competitions with her pony club friends, who she is still in touch with today.
She enjoys teaching young riders, especially supporting them in achieving their goals. Nerine still enjoys riding when possible. She is working towards completing her Master of Psychology, which will complement her current role as a provider of equine therapies working with young neurodiverse people and their families.
April Leunen
April joined Walliston Riding and Pony Club at just four years old. Nearly 20 years later, she remains a dedicated member, having grown from a young rider into a committed coach. For the past four years, she has coached at various pony clubs, guiding groups from lead line riders through to those working towards their C Certificate. Under the mentorship of Rebecca Thomas, she is now pursuing her EA NCAS Introductory Coaching accreditation.
With a strong academic interest in both human and equine biology, April is passionate about helping young riders thrive. She focuses on building confidence, skills, and partnerships between horse and rider, inspiring them to dream of becoming future “little Olympians”.
As a competitor, April has jumped up to 105cm show jumping, 95cm eventing, and novice to elementary in dressage with her palomino Quarter Horse pony, Rebel. Today, she devotes her time to re-educating young horses, applying equitation science to give them the best chance at success. Outside the arena, she works in the Intensive Care Unit, supporting patients to survive and thrive.
WRPC LIFE MEMBERS (ACTIVE)
