Pony club - for a child with additional needs, what do I ask, how do I choose which one?

[maya2008]

We have 2/3 pony clubs local to us. I have two children - a son who is shy but will fit in with anything fine, and a daughter with sensory processing difficulties and anxiety. Pretty sure she would get an autism diagnosis also.

How do we choose the best of the local pony clubs for her? Who do I contact to talk to? Her happy space is the ponies and she is best outdoors, but she will still bolt if overwhelmed. With COVID, we haven’t been able to go out and about as much, so her tolerance for new places/people is much lower now.

She would obviously be with me on the lead rein (she is only six), but we do need to find a welcoming environment, where she can settle, find friends and have fun.

 

[Red-1]

I think I would call them, whatever details are on the web site for contacts, and chat. Then go for a visit without a pony, to get a feel for it with no expectations.

You would hope that, these days, any Pony Club would be able to accommodate your daughters, but you will probably like the 'feel' of one above the others.

 

[AnShanDan]

When people ask me which branch they should join I suggest they go the main PC website and put in their post code to bring up their local branch, then join that one, that is how it works best, unless you have a very specific reason for joining a different (further away) branch.

As your daughter has some specific needs I'd suggest calling the DCs of each branch to explain and ask how many members of her age group there are already, (all DC contact details are on the main PC website).

We always suggest that prospective members come along to a rally to watch first, and you can also attend one with your pony before you join (this is covered by PC insurance).

Honestly, it shouldn't really make much difference which one you choose. Pony Clubs are run by the parents for the kids, so you can really make it what you want if you get involved.

 

[Jellymoon]

I think it does make a big difference which one you choose, they can vary as to how much they have on for younger children, and how competitive they are. When I think of all our local branches, I think they vary a lot actually.

I would have a look at your local branches, ring the DC or ADC, look on the websites at what activities they have on, get a feel for which branch will be the most friendly and accommodating to your daughter. You could also do a free taster session. I have a friend who went round 3/4 branches and did a taster session at each one.
The one she decided up was not the most local, it was the one that did more activities that appealed to her daughter.
It’s worth getting it right as it’s not that easy to transfer if you don’t like it.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Your daughter might also enjoy some RDA sessions if you have a local branch which has a number of child riders. The branch I am involved with caters mainly for riders with Learning Disabilities and is very friendly and relaxed in approach.