I want to start competing without my own horse

[beatricecook]

Hi i’ve just started getting back into riding after moving to indonesia for 5 years now i’ve moved back to the uk and i’m doing regular riding lessons but i want to start competing, i don’t have my own horse advice would be much appreciated

 

[Shay]

If you are 25 or under you can join a pony club linked center and compete that way - although make sure the center you join competes first! If you are in University you can compete on borrowed horses through the BUCS scheme - again if your Uni supports that. Some riding schools that are also competition centers allow you to hire horses to compete on. Or you could try looking for a share which would allow you to compete.

 

[beatricecook]

thanks so much i was actually looking into joining a pony club centre but i just need more information about it because i’m at a boarding school so it has to abide with my curfews and regulations thanks so much for the recommendations, if you could tell me anymore about pony club and how it works i’d really appreciate it!

 

[Shay]

Pony Club is the UK's largest youth organisation. Its basically split into 3 main sections. Branches for those with their own horse / pony. Centers where the members use riding school horses and Center Plus for riders who have thier own horse but keep it at a linked center. memebrship is open to anyone up to the end of the year in which they turn 25. There are 9 Pony Club disciplines; Show jumping, eventing, dresssage, polo, polocrosse, endurance, racing, tetrathlon and mounted games. Each discipline has competetions run at branch level to qualify for area level and from area level to national championships. (In practical terms endurance, racing and polo are somewhat niche and few centers compete in those.)

Are you riding through the Boarding School or at home? Depending on your age (Do not say on an open forum) and the school's restrictions doing something in term time is going to be a bit of a challenge. So perhaps start by looking at the Pony Club website to see what centers are available near to home. Then google that center name to see if they actively compete. If you are happy with that, and if your parents agree, then start to get involved at half term and holidays. If you are lucky the center might run pony club camp in the summer which is great fun. Alternatively your parents might be willing to send you on a riding holiday which is a really good way to boost your skills.

If it works with your Parents you can study for your BHS Stages which can offer additional qualifications, and look good on applications for university etc. Plus if you can get to AI (Assistant instructor) you can teach at a riding school which is a better way to earn money through University than waiting tables etc. Pony Club do offer an equivalent - the efficiency tests but they are tougher to do without your own horse. Many Pony Club Centers are also BHS Training establishments so you can get the best of both.

Good luck!