How to get involved with the Pony Club

The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people who love ponies and riding.

It has been the starting point for many of our International riders and Olympic medal winners. The club was created from a sub branch of the Institute of the Horse who ran events for adults when several started to organise paper chases and gymkhanas for children and so the pony club was formed.

The earliest record of an event was a gymkhana organised by the Oxted sub branch in 1928. In 2009 the Pony Club celebrated 80 years of being formed which kicked off with a move to new offices on Stoneleigh Park which were officially opened by HRH the Princess Royal.

The Pony Club is split into 19 areas which is sub divided into 357 branches and centres across the country. Each area has an Area Representative who will represent their branches on the pony club council. Each branch covers a geographical area. Every branch is administered by a voluntary District Commissioner helped by a Committee made up of voluntary members.

Pony club membership is open to anyone under 21 years of age and existing membership may continue up to the age of 25. Members should have access to a horse or pony either owned or loaned and has means to transport the horse or pony to and from rallies and events.

Often parents will help each other out with transport or loaning a pony to someone who hasn't got one. In 1998 a centre membership scheme was launched for those without their own pony who ride at riding schools to become members and take part in all pony club activities.

There are currently 600 pony club centres spread across the country. The pony club teaches children so much about life, not just riding. The Pony Club encourages young people to always help others, to be polite, promotes good sportsmanship and to think about the welfare of their ponies.

The physical training offered by horse riding brings considerable health advantages associated with exercise which regrettably so many children do not get enough of today. The children are also offered training in road safety, first aid and health and safety. The children are also taught how to assess risks through practical instruction and educational DVD's.

This encourages young people to ride safely and helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. One must not forget that the pony club is run by an army of dedicated volunteers. Without these volunteers the pony club could not function.

For more information and to find out about your local club visit the the Pony Club website.

Photo by The Pony Club /Kit Houghton