Louth Hunt Branch

New Parents

If you were in the Pony Club yourself as a child, you will know what all this is about. But if you are brand new to the whole thing, it can be a bit daunting! Here are a few pointers to get you started:

Read this website! In it you will find out exactly what we do and how we do it. In the section Useful Information you will find definitions of the different activities and on the Noticeboard you will find useful tips like how to load a pony, how to tow a trailer and how to tie a stock.

If your child has been taking riding lessons for some time, and you are now considering buying your own pony, have a look at BUYING A PONY in the Useful Information section.

Make sure you understand the kind of TACK AND EQUIPMENT necessary for the pony and the child and that they all meet the required SAFETY STANDARDS.

Once your child has joined, introduce yourself to other parents at rallies and training sessions. Tell them you are new and ask plenty of questions! At all Pony Club activities, the District Commissioner is the person in charge. In his or her absence, the Assistant Commissioner or the Secretary will be in charge. In the event that none of them can attend a particular event, the District Commissioner will nominate a Committee Member to take charge of the event.

When you arrive at an event, follow the instructions and park your trailer as directed. Don’t be shy -ask for help with parking if you are still unused to pulling a trailer! There are always experienced people about who will be glad to help. Get directions before you travel so you are in plenty of time. Read the sections on TURN OUT and PONY CLUB WEAR so you can help your child and the pony look right on the day.

Have a look at your child’s PONY CLUB MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP and pay particular attention to safety issues around leading the pony and loading the pony. You should also read up on the general care and management of a pony, so you will know what to look out for if the pony is not well.

Unlike other sports and activities where you drop off your child and come back later, at Pony Club activities you have to stay with your child for the duration of the event. This is because there is also an active, lively animal involved and, as you already know, riding is a risk sport. While every effort is made to ensure the complete safety of all our riders at all times, there is always the risk of injury. If you are unable to attend an event, you should nominate another adult to take your place and notify the DC that you are doing this.

Please remember the 20 metre rule. This is where we ask parents who are not involved in direct supervision of an event to watch from a distance of 20metres, to allow the children and the instructor to concentrate completely on the task in hand. The instructor will be happy to talk to parents when the session has ended and to answer any questions on your child’s progress.

At the end of the ride, members usually dismount, run up their stirrups and wait for the instructor to say they may leave the arena. No one is to ride after this time. Parents should be standing by to begin loading up promptly as accidents can occur at these times of general movement. Under no circumstances may younger siblings, who are not yet members of the club, or friends who have attended the rally or event as a guest, sit up on the ponies. You may do this at home as you wish but it is not permitted at Pony Club events.

Please remember that, other than professional instructors, all the people who run the Pony Club and organize events are volunteers, doing what they do because they believe the Pony Club is good for young people! Please treat them with respect and courtesy at all times.

Make sure that you and your child understand the purpose of the worldwide Pony Club movement, founded over sixty years ago. It is:

• To encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses and riding,
• To provide top quality instruction in riding and horsemanship, and to instil in members the proper care and management of their animals and
• To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby cultivating strength of character and self-discipline.

Volunteer your services! We always need more help in the areas of fundraising, administering the club, building jumping courses, maintaining equipment, delivering equipment to different venues, stewarding fences, catering, and tidying up afterwards. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Finally remember to relax! Enjoy your time at Pony Club events and use the occasion to get to know other parents and enjoy being out in the fresh air.

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