The Val Polich Bursary was created by Pony Club WA in conjunction with the Polich Family, with the aim of maintaining Val Polich’s lifetime focus of providing opportunities for pony club members to participate and develop their skills and knowledge.
Val was one of the founders of Swan View Horse & Pony Club, later known as Swan Valley, where she was Chief Coach for many years. As well as her club commitments, Val was extremely influential at state level with a long history of involvement as a member of both the State Coaching Panel and State Active Riding Committee as well as serving terms as State President and State Vice President. Val Polich was instrumental in starting the very first Pony Club WA Festival in 1975 and maintained her involvement up until her passing in 2011.
Two types bursaries will be offered:
1.Participation
This bursary will provide support for a Pony Club member who is experiencing financial hardship or has a physical or mental disability, either of which is limiting their opportunity to participate in pony club activities.
Criteria
Must be a member of a pony club affiliated with Pony Club WA
Should be under 16 years of age, however older members with exceptional circumstances may be considered.
2. Education
This bursary will provide support for a Pony Club member who is over 16 years old to achieve efficiency certificates or coaching and/or officiating qualifications.
Criteria
Must be a member of a pony club affiliated with Pony Club WA
Must be aged between 16-24 years of age.
Bursary
The bursaries will be awarded annually, to be used during a calendar year.
Each bursary offered will be valued at up to $500.
The number of bursaries awarded each year will depend on:
- the amount of funds in the account;
- the level of need of the applicants; and
- the quality of the applications.
Applications
All applications are to be received no later than January of the year of application. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
2018 Val Polich Bursary Application Form