Our Coaches
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Kate Tobeck
Head Coach
I'm Kate and I'm excited to take on the role of Head Coach for the 2023/2024 season. My aim is to inspire a good mix of learning and fun. I have been coaching for 5 years, starting at Chelsea PC before moving to Wainoni Park in 2020. Watching my daughter Sophia learn to ride and being part of her journey re-ignited my passion for horses and Pony Club. My main goal as a Coach is to build solid foundational skills so that riders can progress up the levels with confidence and a keen respect for their horses.
Fun Fact: I love all animals and at home we have 2 cats, a dog and a bearded dragon named Ziggy. I would love to get a parrot next!
Nicola Ward
Coach
I have coached for over 35 years in different countries, and have had the pleasure and privilege of working with a diverse range of riders and horses of different ages, abilities and experience. I am passionate about helping riders to develop transferable skills, proven principles that will establish strong basics from which to move forward.
David Ringwood
Coach
I started riding when I was about 8 and got my own pony when I was 10. I dabbled in everything equestrian but found success in eventing and specifically showjumping taking my pony to Pony GrandPrix before selling him to Japan. I was lucky enough to ride, train and compete internationally before taking a 20-year break from horses.
I came back to riding 9 years ago and my passion is now dressage. I have a wonderful advanced dressage horse Zak and my goal is to take him to GrandPrix in the near future.
I enjoy dressage training and coaching and helping rider and horses progress. I’m currently a NZ listed dressage judge.
Briarna Williams
Coach
Hi my name is Briarna (or known to a lot of people as Bee). I was very lucky to grow up with horses, having my first pony Trigger at 4. I have been involved in Pony Club since I was 6 and started competing at 8. I am predominantly a 1* eventer but I like to do a bit of everything. I have represented Area in Dressage and Games and Waitemata District in Dressage, Games, Eventing and Showjumping, including 8 years at NISJC. I have competed at HOY for the last 6 years mostly in Showing but also Showjumping. I enjoy seeing my riders flourish and out competing, doing what they love. I encourage my riders to not only try their best but to have fun and enjoy themselves.
Carolyn Wall
Coach
Hi I’m Carolyn. I’ve been involved with Pony Club and RDA for over 30 years. I’ve completed in most disciplines but have a love of Eventing and competed at 2* prior to having kids (I have 2 boys…neither have any interest in horses). I fell in love with Gypsy Cobs a number of years ago and nowadays, can be found astride a hairy GC competing in low level events and Working Equitation. I’m a qualified D/D+ Coach and Examiner who strives to ensure every pony club rally is challenging, positive and fun! I might be familiar to some of you as I was Head Coach for WPPC in its inaugural season.
Sophie Farrand
Coach
Hi, I'm Sophie and I am looking forward to my first season coaching at pony club. I started riding at age 7 and joined pony club at age 8. I have completed my C+ certificate and have competed at various pony club events and school competitions in dressage, showjumping and cross-country. Having benefited from the guidance and support of my very knowledgeable Narnie and amazing coaches, I am eager to provide a fun riding experience for our young riding members to help them grow their confidence and achieve their goals.
Gail Seeley
Coach
I started riding when I was 10, joined Pony Club at 11, and gained my full B Certificate. I've represented the District and Area in Show Jumping and jumped to 1.35cm. I've enjoyed eventing to 1.10cm horse trials/PC Open level and Dressage to Elementary level (Level 3). I have been judging Dressage, Ribbon Days, A&P shows, Miniature Horse and Inhand Breed shows for over 25 years, and also been a B Certificate Examiner for over 15 years. I owns three horses: Veni (semi-retired), Teejay, and Niro.
“Coaching has become a passion of mine - giving back and watching riders become established riders with great achievements.”
Rebecca Merrick
Coach
Hi, I’m Rebecca and I’m excited to be coaching again this season. I am a competitive show jump and dressage rider that has produced horses to Prix St George in dressage and 1.35m in show jumping. I have a vast amount of experience training young, hot and sensitive horses. I continue my own training with an international coach overseas and I look forward to helping riders improve and find success with their own individual goals.
Vicki Wilson
Coach
I learned to ride as a child through the school of ‘hard-knocks’ and Shetland ponies. I returned to riding as an adult and now compete in Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage. I have 3 horses on my property at home, with 2 of them currently in work for the season ahead.
I have completed Coaching Qualification (Level 1) with ESNZ, NZPCA (D/D+) Coaching Certificate, and have 30+ years of professional coaching across a range of industries and occupations.
I am committed to helping riders pursue their goals, develop confidence in their riding and having fun with horses.
Hannah Wong
Coach
I'm a long-time dressage rider and have previously competed to Level 6 and trained Grand Prix movements. I currently have a 5 year old Warmblood 'Savvy' who I bought as a foal and am preparing to debut competitively this season. I've been fortunate enough to train with Charlotte Dujardin, Peter Storr and many more incredible coaches and love passing on the knowledge and experience I've acquired over the years. My coaching focus is to produce happy, confident horses and riders, giving them the tools to train correctly and take on the world.
Nathan Pearson
RWH Coach
Hello there. With a family connection with equine breeding and horsemanship, I have been riding and involved in the equestrian world from a young age. While horsemanship has become my main focus, I have aspirations for a professional equestrian career and hope to compete in the FEI World Equestrian Games and the Olympic Games in the future. This season I am coaching our Riders Without Horses members. I look forward to seeing them rise through the ranks of pony club knowing that I contributed to their success by teaching the foundations of horsemanship that other coaches have taught me.