Pony Club - what age to start?

[Breagha]

I am wondering what age everyone was when they started pony club or when your kids started pony club. My daughter is 2 (3 July next year) and was wondering what age would be best for her to begin. I never went to pony club myself but my husband did but he started at 13 I think it was.

TIA.

 

[Pickelina]

Mine did her first rally as soon as we got her pony, she was 3y9m. It was a limited rally due to covid so just an hour's lead rein lesson.

 

[Breagha]

Thanks - we have a pony for my daughter although he will only be 4 next year and I am pretty sure horses are not allowed to pony club until they are 5. But I have access to a been there and done it shetland. So not sure if next year is too soon for her. Thanks

 

[Annagain]

I'd check at which age your pony club takes kids first. When I was growing up, mine wouldn't take them until 6 or 7 but neighbouring clubs started from 4 I think.

 

[Breagha]

When I asked them before, I am pretty sure they said they could start when they could sit in a saddle unaided.

 

[Pickelina]

I didn't know they limited by pony age, ours is 20 so no danger there, the little veteran even won the mini mounted games they did. Our daughter was definitely the youngest but the lead rein cohort was age 3-7 I think, four of them in the lesson.

 

[Breagha]

aww well done. I have emailed our local pony club to find out what their age limit is. It says when you google it that the pony club dont have a minimum age but some branches might have their own.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I think it helps the trainers if the littlies can understand and follow instructions and know their left and right...4 or 5 years?

 

[Pickelina]

She looked considerably smarter than her pony! I had an exemption for him being field-kept and it chucking it down with rain (and it being our first one) but I will make sure he's smarter next time. We have a new saddle and metal stirrups now, too.

 

[Leandy]

I'd say they will benefit most from say 7ish upwards when they are able to be off the lead rein, actively participate more, follow instructions, make new friends. Before that stage it is likely more for Mum than the child!

 

[Breagha]

I know our local pony club have lead reins that join in.

 

[Pickelina]

I'd say they will benefit most from say 7ish upwards when they are able to be off the lead rein, actively participate more, follow instructions, make new friends. Before that stage it is likely more for Mum than the child!

Don't know what you mean

 

[Breagha]

View attachment 59763 She looked considerably smarter than her pony! I had an exemption for him being field-kept and it chucking it down with rain (and it being our first one) but I will make sure he's smarter next time. We have a new saddle and metal stirrups now, too.

How cute! Such a bad colour to have at any time of year. My horse is a coloured and mostly white and my daughters pony is a grey section A! I never thought it through. lol

 

[spacefaer]

I was 5 when I started and riding independently on my 12.2hh
There was a lead rein group at most rallies and it was based on ability not age. They didn't do much as they got tired very quickly
My brother started at about 6-7 and gave up before he was 10 as he hated all the circles (and he wasn't great at rising trot either ??)

 

[oldie48]

I'd say they will benefit most from say 7ish upwards when they are able to be off the lead rein, actively participate more, follow instructions, make new friends. Before that stage it is likely more for Mum than the child!

I think it depends on the child but it's rather easy to put kids off if they are too young, particularly if they get cold and bored. My daughter started at five, we tried the lead rein but she hated it so we skipped that bit. She was quite brave and progressed very quickly on a very safe pony who knew his job and looked after her. I'm glad we didn't start too early but having the right pony was absolutely key. He took her round a hunter trial at Stockland Level when she was 6, she loved it and I was sick with worry and that was how it continued until she went to uni!

 

[Darbs]

The formal positiion is that there is no national minimum age to join The Pony Club, although some Branches/Centres may have their own lower age limit depending on what they offer. It is advisable to contact your local Branch/Centre to see what ages they can cater for.

I would suggest that a child needs to able to sit independantly in the saddle, not needing support then also be able to follow instruction (while on lead rein), know left and right etc. My daughter was 4 when she started on lead rein at a Pony Club centre and absolutely loved it!!

 

[WelshD]

The little girl who rides my ponies started PC when she was 9. In hindsight I really wished we had got her going there sooner as its been the most amazing experience for her so I would say get the child in as early as you can.

There is a fair bit of waiting around so I would suggest that starting in the spring and having the warmer months to really get used to things is perhaps a good plan

 

[Breagha]

I have now spoken with the DC of our local pony club and they would be happy to take Layla next year (start of the new membership year). Layla can sit on the ponies (and horses) independantly in walk but obviously needs to be more secured in trot (we have an inky dinky saddle for trotting). She doesnt know her left and rights but will follow instruction of trying to turn the horse "this way" and "that way" and will try to halt them. Also attempts her up downs in walk. x