Riders Without Horses

Riders without Horses participants are new to Pony Club, enthusiastic and bursting with desire to learn everything about horse management and care.     

It’s for kids from any walk of life … because you don’t need to have a horse or the equipment to ride.  You just need to be interested in horses and want to learn more. 

As Riders without Horses participants, you will acquire the opportunity to decide if you want to continue with Pony Club or leave having gained some new friends and a little more understanding about how to treat horses with safety and respect.

The Programme

The programme covers a structured learning program covering all the instruction that a pony enthusiast needs to know to look after and own their own pony. 

An example of what the Riders without Horses will have learned include basic safety factors when handling horses, care, health, grooming, paddocking, tack knowledge, we also teach from a theory point of view how to mount and dismount, walk and trot, and a basic knowledge of dressage and jumping. There is option for practical hands on with the horses, note that we don't do ridden instruction on horseback for our RWH groups, although we try to give students small rides when possible. Students have the opportunity to earn achievement badges throughout the season.

All of the Rallies (instructor led lessons) are unmounted, in other words no instructed riding is involved. We encourage all our RWH Members to continue with the riding lessons they get outside the pony club.

Expectations

RWH participants require covered in shoes and practical comfortable clothes.  Club polo shirts are available for order but are not compulsory.  Bring own sunblock.

All safety and horse welfare rules apply to RWH members also especially the gate and padlock rules which will be explained in one of the first RWH rallies.

Parent/guardians are expected to be on site or to have a nominated person at the club to be responsible for the RWH child.

Working bees, show days, open days and other fundraising events are not compulsory to attend however it is encouraged as this is a great way to get to know others in the club better and to feel more a part of it. We do ask that the adult members attend the AGM and any Special Meetings held throughout the season. You are always welcome at committee meetings and help out with committee activities.

The club season runs from September through to June with programmed rallies happening from October to May inclusive.  Rallies will run during the school term, 10 rallies per term for terms 4, 1 and 2.  Not all RWH rallies will involve theory lessons, some are set events or competitions.

Chelsea Pony Club teaches a programme structured around the New Zealand Pony Club RWH and NZPCA Equine Skills.

RWH are held on Saturdays and a typical Rally Programme for RWH will be;

• Start with their Riding Members and prepare Horse/Pony for rally (pick hooves, groom etc).

• RWH participants will have their own ‘theory coaching’ for 60 minutes.

• Various tasks that may require doing around the pony club including picking one bag of horse manure.  This is sold on the verge of the club grounds for garden manure to the public and helps raise funds for the club.

• As the ridden rallies finish RWH may be able to help your buddies with untacking, grooming, feeding etc.

• Lunch is provided at the club house for a small charge to cover costs.  All members and families are welcome and encouraged to stay for this.

NB:  these times above are indicative only.

Pony Club is the first stage of Equestrian Sport. It is a sport like any other that requires commitment, 

effort and training. 

Fees:

At least one adult (parent/caregiver) must join along with the child. 

Waiting List

ENQUIRE NOW!  As there are limited spaces for next season, you may need to put your name on the Waiting List.  Minimum age 6 years.