Equine Skills

Equine Skills participants are new to Pony Club, enthusiastic and bursting with a desire to learn everything about horse management and care.     (Equine Skills formally known as Riders Without Horses).

It’s for kids from any walk of life.  You just need to be interested in horses and want to learn more. 

As Equine Skills 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 instructions that a pony enthusiast needs to know to look after and own their own pony. 

An example of what the Equine Skills 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 an option for practical hands-on with the horses, note that we don't do ridden instruction on horseback for our Equine Skills 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 Equine Skills Members to continue with the riding lessons they get outside the pony club.

Expectations

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

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

A parent/guardian is expected to be on-site or to have a nominated person at the club to be responsible for the Equine Skills 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 and 1.  Not all Equine Skills rallies will involve theory lessons, some are set events or competitions.

Chelsea Pony Club teaches the New Zealand Pony Club Equine Skills programme.

A typical Rally Programme for Equine Skills will be;

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

• Equine Skills 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 Equine Skills may be able to help your buddies with untacking, grooming, feeding etc.

• Lunch is provided at the clubhouse 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.