What is The Pony Club?
Establish nearly 100 years ago in 1929, the Pony Club have been an institution for young equestrians in the UK since before any of us were born. Many of our brightest jewels in GB equestrian teams have made their start in the Pony Club, for some of whom their first real test as riders were the prestigious Pony Club championships.
Piggy March, Laura Collett, and Holly Smith are just a few of our national treasures in equestrian sport who started as horse-mad teenagers in their local Pony Club, and have gone on to take part in the toughest competitions and receive countless accolades in their disciplines. Now the Pony Club has hundreds of centres across the nation, and 110,000 members across the globe.
You may be wondering about who exactly the Pony Club are, what they do, or how to get involved. In this blog we will be covering the answers to all these questions and more. The Pony Club are an organisation and governing body that oversee local branches. Which provides the opportunity for young people to be guided into the world of equestrianism.
If you are still a bit confused about which saddle or any saddle related product is best for you why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team. Via phone on 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.
Who Is The Pony Club For?
The Pony Club is for everyone, and they mean everyone, with a love for horses and for the outdoors, up to the age of 25 years old. Members from all walks of life and all riding abilities can meet new friends and make memories at rallies and camp. The Pony Club are also able to offer non-ridden memberships for keen young equestrians without a mount. However, if you are looking for something suitable to ride you may find your answer through joining the Pony Club anyways, as your local club will be able to help you to find a solution that best sits your situation. Not everyone has the ability to take on a horse, but sometimes a suitable horse may become available to loan for Pony Club events.
What Do You Do As Part Of The Pony Club?
Depending on your area, the Pony Club offer a variety of activities at regular rallies and clinics. These range from flatwork and combined training, teaching the basics of riding and refinement of more technical areas in schooling a horse correctly. Basic horse care lessons in which participants will hone in on the equine husbandry and learn about tack and equipment. As well as some basic equine and rider first aid. Regular clinics are often organised by the Pony Club and hosted by local instructors more specified to a certain discipline, such as dressage and showjumping.
There are many Pony Clubs now offering more unusual equine sports, or sports that younger equestrians may not have had the opportunity to try before, for example polocrosse and mounted games. Local clubs encourage young riders to want to represent their teams at competitions which are held at regional and national level. This is a fantastic way of easing young riders in the competition sphere; the shows are often fun, friendly places with a great atmosphere. Where teammates will rally around their fellow competitors and cheer them on. Pony Club-goers have the opportunity to earn badges that show the rider’s skill in certain areas. Members take great pride in collecting and displaying their patches of achievement proudly.
What is Pony Club Camp?
Pony Club Camp (or just ‘Pony Camp’) is what most people would think of as every pony-mad child or teens dream holiday. Depending on the venue, most camps offer a residential stay (anything from cabins, to “dorm” style rooms, to campsites for tent stays) and stables for your horse or pony.
During the course of the stay, which is usually around a week long, pony and rider will be put into a group of riders of similar abilities, and throughout the week will participate in ridden lessons for a variety of disciplines, including showjumping, dressage, cross country, drill riding, and Gymkhana-style mounted games, concluding with friendly competitions at the end of the week. When not riding, camp-goers will be hands-on with stable management, grooming, and other horse activities. Pony Camps try to pack as much fun and variety into the week as possible. Extracurricular activities can range from classic wheelbarrow races, water fights, fancy dress and more! Participants at camp are encouraged to earn points for their teams. By keeping their rooms tidy, the yard swept, and the all-important tack and turn out.
The Pony Club is rooted strongly in traditional values of horsemanship and good sport. So correct tack and turn out will stand you in great favour with the judges (who are often the instructors and helpers for the day). Often teams have group tack cleaning sessions to make sure they are putting their best foot forward.
If you want the inside scoop on how to get the cleanest, best presented tack, check out our earlier blog on tack cleaning here. Largely, Pony Camp is the best way for younger equestrians to spend a summer week laughing, riding, and making like-minded horsey friends for life.
What Do I Need For Pony Club?
As we mentioned earlier, you don’t always need a horse or pony of your own in order to participate. However of you are looking to take part in ridden activities; there may be someone in your local club that knows of a suitable loan or horse for sale. Generally horses and ponies best-suited for Pony Club activities are good all-rounders with level-headed temperaments. Who are good at loading and travelling to and from club rallies. Handy if your pony is to be stabled away from your Pony Club venue.
Individual clubs will have specific guidelines on rider wear, but participants will need to make sure safety equipment such as hats and body protectors conform to safety standards and display the appropriate Kitemark. Your horse or pony will need an appropriately fitted bridle and saddle. We here at The Saddle Bank advise that a General-Purpose saddle is best suited to a wide range of Pony Club activities; as they are versatile and comfortable. If you would like to learn more about all-purpose saddles check out our earlier blog here.
Lastly, as a rider wanting to be a part of the local Pony Club, you will need enthusiasm and dedication. Horses aren’t always easy; it doesn’t matter if you aren’t aiming for the Olympics, the Pony Club is for everyone. By far the best Pony Club members are equestrians that work hard in whatever they. They try their best for their horses and their sport. All of the other riding and stable husbandry skills can be acquired along the way; with the help of the Pony Club instructors. Who are more than happy to teach dedicated young equestrians from any level or background. The Pony Club provides a fun and encouraging environment for all.
Want to try a saddle?
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The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day Trials on all quality used saddles and new saddles to UK Mainland customers. Therefore, you can try the saddle before committing to keeping it. Full details on our trial policy can be found here.
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