Tetrathlon is a four-phase multi-discipline sport comprising swimming, running, laser pistol shooting and horse riding and is regarded as an Olympic pathway sport to modern pentathlon, which also includes fencing.

Visiting coach Kate Thompson, from Modern Pentathlon Victoria, instructed pony club riders in all three Tasmanian zones over two weekends in April and May.

The first clinic was hosted by Leven Pony Club at North Motton Equestrian Centre and the East Ulverstone Pool, culminating in a full tetrathlon point-score competition across three age groups.

The clinic also featured an introductory session with Lilydale fencing coach Mark Scully. Participants were introduced to handling the epee, the weapon used in pentathlon bouts.

Tetrathlon participants are awarded points based on their running (1000m-3000m) and swimming (100m-200m) times over distances suited to their age group, their performance on a hybrid showjumping and cross-country course, and their precision with the laser pistol on a computerised target.

Bailey Elias, of Tasmania Pony and Riding Club, took the senior point score event with consistent scores in all four phases, finishing about 100 points clear of Leven rider Darcy Miller.

Elias scored a remarkable 734 points in the shooting phase and Miller 536, only a day after both picked up a laser pistol for the first time.

Leven rider Jack Suratman and Mersey Valley competitor Sarah O'Grady finished third and fourth in the senior category.

Hannah Deegan, of Fern Park Pony and Riding Club, won the tightly contested junior event for riders aged 13 to 16, ahead of Caleb Groenwege, of Inglis, Alexandra Mulcaster, of Leven, and Mersey Valley rider Asha Lamprey.

Leven rider Zara Conroy won the sub-junior class for competitors aged between 10 and 12.

Further tetrathlon clinics are planned in Hobart and Launceston.

In the next few weeks, Pony Club Tasmania will select state teams for the nationals in Sydney this year.