BHS or pony club for young riders?

[summer24]

Hi there. I'm really confused! We're looking for a school, daughter can ride but wants to learn to care for horses.

Some offer pony club sessions towards badges and others do horse challenge/stars (she's 11). Are they recognised or are they all fun for her age?

Which one is better or what's the difference? She'd like to go on to do BHS level 1 assessment based in the future as wants to be a groom

 

[Katieg123]

At that age I would join pony club

 

[EventingMum]

Either will provide a fun way to gain knowledge, both have some non horsey elements and should allow her to meet other like minded children.

 

[Orangehorse]

If you go to a school with a Pony Club she will be with other children and they do horse care and work towards progress badges. They would also do all the normal Pony Club type things - should do anyway.

In my day a Pony Club badge at the higher levels meant that you didn't have to take the equivalent level BHS exams, but you would need to check that as its changed a bit from my day and my daughter's day.

 

[Traks]

Pony club definitely! Shop around though as different clubs have different vibes and some are super competitive, some are more laid back etc. Some are also better than others at working towards badges, tests etc x