Talk to me about PC, riding clubs etc.

_jac_

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Hi

My daughter is currently enjoying life with her 1st pony.

I have been advised to join pony club by one person, and a riding club by another.

From your experiences what would be more beneficial to a 12 yr old on a 13.1 pony who loves to jump, xc and is keen to
try anything.

What does PC offer over riding clubs. The Rc I am thinking of offers lessons weekly, but on the local
branch of PC website they only seem to list shows, I can't seem to find information on lessons or clinics.

Feeling a little unsure of what route to follow.

Thanks for any info in advance :)
 
Im my opinion having a 12 yr old and 15yr old who are members are both would suggest RC is aimed at more older children/adults as a lot the of team competitions are generally prelim and about tests and jumping 2'6+. As its her first pony am thinking she's probably not at that level. At PC there will be others of her own age and ability. Its probably not on their calandars yey but they should offer regular rallies and training. Best thing would be to give both local branches a call and have a chat.
 
I think it depends on the individual club, PC is usually more geared towards children but some are far more active than others, the rallies may not be on the website as it may not be kept up to date, contact the secretary to ask more, often 2 PC's overlap within an area so one may be better than the other.
PC will do rallies at different levels, offer the chance to take tests, go to camp etc.
It may be that your local RC caters well for children, mine does not actually have a junior membership so although they can do the activities there are none aimed at children.
If you post your area someone may be able to suggest the best club to join.
 
It really does depend on the individual Riding Club/Pony Club as they do vary a lot with what they offer, so I would do as suggested above and chat to the organisers, plus also see if you can speak to some current members. My daughter is a member of both a Pony Club and a Riding Club, but joined the Pony Club first and got most of her training through that, and joined the Riding Club mainly for competition purposes.
 
Thanks :)

We are in south Northants, so we have grafton Regis and Northampton as local PC . Riding club I have been advised Cherwell valley or emberton and district.
 
At 12 I'd definitely go for PC, particularly as she is on her first pony. Few RC members are likely to be beginners on 13 hh ponies, whereas in PC they'll be others at the same stage as your daughter. I'd ask around to see which pc has the best reputation for training/fun activities etc as they do vary a bit and size isn't everything, my daughters first PC before we moved was tiny but she had a wonderful time with a couple of great junior camps. You won't get that in a RC.
 
Probably PC for a couple of years. My 15 year old daughter has been at Whaddon Chase PC Branch for 3 or 4 years now but we've decided to join Emberton & District RC as a family this year. My daughter I think wants to jump competitively but as an individual rather than a team so is better off at RC. Emberton are VERY family friendly and keen for all members of the family to have a go.

Do go along to some of the Emberton summer shows though. They are one of the friendliest RC's I have ever come across and their Fun Show in particular is fantastic for children. :)
 
I would say PC would be best for your daughter at this stage. I joined PC at 12 and had a great time, there was always loads going on to get involved with and they were very supportive for kids. I wouldn't hesitate to sign my little girl up when she is old enough. Hope your daughter has lots of fun! :)
 
Probably PC for a couple of years. My 15 year old daughter has been at Whaddon Chase PC Branch for 3 or 4 years now but we've decided to join Emberton & District RC as a family this year. My daughter I think wants to jump competitively but as an individual rather than a team so is better off at RC. Emberton are VERY family friendly and keen for all members of the family to have a go.

Do go along to some of the Emberton summer shows though. They are one of the friendliest RC's I have ever come across and their Fun Show in particular is fantastic for children. :)

Thanks :) Charlotte did the mini hunter trial (2ft3) in September with Emberton, she had a great day and was so pleased to come home with her first ever rosette :)

What was the whaddon PC branch like? Where Are most of their activities based? Pm if you prefer :)
 
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Another one for PC. I joined at 11, for the most of the time I tuck out somewhat like a sore thumb (along with the few others who weren't stinking rich and mega competitive) but they were my own age. And pony camp really was brilliant!
 
Definitely PC. Our Riding club doesn't allow juniors until 14 I think and then if you want to compete for the team it's 16.
 
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