The Pony Club movement is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in horses and riding. It is represented in 15 countries and has a membership exceeding 102,000 – making it the largest association of riders in the world.

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Origin

The movement originated in Britain in November 1929 as a scheme to encourage young people to ride, whilst providing the opportunity for these young people to benefit from instruction at a higher standard than many could obtain individually. The first overseas Branch was formed in Gibraltar in January 1930.





Objectives of Pony Club

“To encourage young people to ride an learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses and riding”;



“To provide instruction in riding and horsemastership and to instil in its members the proper care of their animals”; and

“To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby cultivating strength or character and self-discipline”.

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Pony Club Membership

In Queensland, general Pony Club membership is open to people under 26 years of age, of any riding ability. Ordinary members are those under 17 years of age, whilst Associate Members are those 17 years and under 26 years of age, Adult Riders or Seniors are those 26 years of age plus. A number of former riders remain with our Club as Adult Supporters, Committee members and Instructors, thus continuing their interest and involvement. The emphasis remains on Pony Club as a Youth and Family Association.

Our long standing Patron is Doreen Reddan who you will see from time to time at our events. We also have Life Members - Jean Sheehan, Leisa Dick, Rodney and Anne Last.

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Membership of Pony Club provides children and young adults with the opportunity to build and develop character, responsibility and consideration for others through their involvement with a living animal, which is an excellent medium for developing these attributes. Riding is also one of the few sports where male and female can participate on an equal basis.



Pony Club Place in Order of Importance

The safety of the rider

* The comfort of the horse

* The enjoyment of the rider

* The progress of the rider

The Pony Club aim is not to produce individual riders of exceptional ability, rather to help ALL members improve their riding skills and to enjoy the experience.



Pony Club Mounts

Much care is needed when selecting a horse/pony for a Pony Club member, as it needs to be reasonably well mannered and obedient, and able to be ridden safely with other horses and ponies. Pony Clubs are an excellent starting point for further enquiries regarding the selection of suitable ponies.

Parents need to be certain that they and their children are fully aware of all the responsibilities and commitments of owning and caring for a horse before they consider purchasing one. If in doubt about the commitment and level of responsibility a child will take on when owning a pony, it may be better to hold off from the final purchase. It may be more realistic to hire or lease a pony in the early days, so as to gauge how committed the child will be.

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