Pony Club facts for kids
Pony Club is a worldwide club for young people who want to learn about horses and riding. It's a fun way to make friends, learn how to care for a horse, and improve your riding skills. Pony Clubs can be found in more than 30 countries around the globe.
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What is Pony Club?
The first Pony Club was started in England in 1929 by a man named Harry Faudel-Phillips. He wanted to make horse riding fun and accessible for more children. The idea was a huge hit! Soon, Pony Clubs opened in other countries, including Canada (1934), Australia (1939), New Zealand (1944), and the United States (1954). Today, there are over 100,000 members worldwide.
While each country runs its Pony Club a little differently, they all share the same main goals. The basic unit is the local club, where members from a specific area meet and learn together. You don't even need to own a pony to join—many members ride horses, and some clubs have horses you can borrow.
The Mission of Pony Club
The main goals of Pony Club are to:
- Encourage young people to enjoy riding and all sports related to horses.
- Teach members how to ride well and take proper care of their animals.
- Promote good sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-discipline.
Earning Certificates
Pony Club has a special program where you can earn certificates to show how much you've learned. You start with beginner levels (like D1, D2, and D3) and can work your way up to advanced levels (like B, A, and H). These certificates test your knowledge of both riding and horse care. Pony Club provides books and guides to help you learn everything you need to know to pass your tests.
Fun Activities at Pony Club
Pony Club is all about learning in a fun and safe way. Members get to participate in many different activities.
- Rally Days: These are regular meetings where you practice different skills. A rally might include show jumping, dressage, cross-country, and even fun mounted games. You also learn important horse care skills.
- Camp: Pony Club camps are a highlight for many members! You get to spend several days, often a full week, with your horse and friends. You'll receive lessons, play games, and have a great time.
- Certificates: As you improve, you can take tests to earn certificates. These show your progress as a rider and horse expert. The first level is usually the 'E' test, and the highest is the 'A' test.
- Competitions: Clubs often hold competitions like gymkhanas, which include a mix of fun races and riding events. You can also compete against other clubs in your area.
- Championships: If you do well in local competitions, you might get to compete in regional or even national championships. This is a chance to test your skills against the best riders in your state or country.
Pony Clubs Around the World
While Pony Clubs started in the UK, they are now all over the world. Many national clubs work together through a group called the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) to organize international events.
The Pony Club (United Kingdom)
This is the original Pony Club, founded in 1929 in the United Kingdom. It was created to give children more opportunities to ride and learn about horses. The club grew very quickly, from just 300 members in 1930 to over 10,000 by 1935.
Today, The Pony Club in the UK is divided into areas and local "branches." Each branch is run by volunteers who organize fun activities. You can be a member until you are 25 years old. If you don't have your own horse, you can join a Pony Club Centre and ride one of their horses.
| Growth | 1947 | 1952 | 1962 | 2010 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Membership (UK) | 17,082 | 18,905 | 31,349 | 32,435 | 23,126 |
| No. of Branches (UK) | 167 | 201 | 255 | 345 | 336 |
Pony Club Australia
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The first Pony Club in Australia started in 1939. For a long time, Australia had the largest Pony Club membership in the world, with around 40,000 members.
Pony Club Australia (PCA) is the main organization for the country's 800+ clubs. Members can be anywhere from 3 to 80 years old, but most activities are for riders under 25. Besides the usual riding sports, Australian members can also try unique events like campdrafting. Many Australian Pony Club members have gone on to compete in the Olympics and win medals for their country.
New Zealand Pony Clubs Association
The first Pony Club in New Zealand was started in 1944. The national group, the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association (NZPCA), was formed two years later. Today, New Zealand has over 7,500 members in about 90 clubs across the country. They hold competitions at local, regional, and national levels.
United States Pony Clubs
The United States Pony Clubs (USPC) was founded in 1954. It started with only 12 clubs but quickly grew to hundreds across the country. The main office is located at the famous Kentucky Horse Park.
USPC clubs hold "rallies," which are team competitions. Every year, top members can qualify for the USPC National Championships. A huge festival with competitions and educational events is also held at the Kentucky Horse Park.
