About Us
Why we do what we do
Who are we? The Fredericton Pony Club has a long, well-loved
history in Fredericton. Though we are currently registering members for a "new"
Pony Club, the origins of Pony Club in Fredericton date back to 1955, when the
original Fredericton Pony Club was started.
In 2002 the Fredericton Pony Club, located in Odell Park, made the decision to
close its doors for a variety of reasons. The upkeep of the stable and horses
was a tremendous responsibility and expense, and over time the facility became
more of a challenge to run properly. The horses were settled into new, permanent
homes with area families, and are now in their well-deserved retirement. The
stable and riding arena located in Odell Park was turned over to the City of
Fredericton and is still a cherished building in the park.
The Club has recently been re-established by former Fredericton Pony Club members
(Heather Touchie Blakely and Veronica Archer) who wanted to provide the same
Pony Club experience for their own children. The Fredericton Pony Club no longer
owns its own horses or stable, but will follow the more traditional model of a
typical Canadian Pony Club in which members are free to choose the riding
facility of their choice (or perhaps own their own horse or pony) and would like
to be involved in an organization dedicated to education and social interaction
for children and young adults who share a love for horses and riding.
Where Are We Located? TThe Fredericton Pony Club does not
have an official "home-base" or stable to call its own - instead, FPC meetings
are held in a variety of locations throughout Fredericton and the surrounding
area to make use of many facilities: community schools, the Odell Park Lodge,
private and commercial stables and farms, and other facilities of interest to
our members such as local feed and tack shops, entertainment venues, and
members' homes if they are offered for meetings. When we want to use horses for
hands-on activities, we traditionally meet at Veronica's private family stable
on Hanwell Road.
When Will Meetings Be Held? The frequency and purpose of
Fredericton Pony Club meetings depends on several factors: for instance, we
might meet monthly with our youngest members to learn all the parts of the horse
and different colours and breeds of horses at a local stable, whereas older,
more advanced members might meet bi-weekly (or more frequently as needed) to
prepare for upcoming Pony Club tests or competitions. There are typically more
"hands-on" activities scheduled in the summer, and more lecture-based learning
through the colder months.
Where Do Members Ride? Do They Need To Own A Horse To Be A Member?
You do not need to own a horse to be a member of FPC. In fact, you are not
required to be actively participating in riding lessons - all that is required
is a desire to learn about and spend time with horses. The Fredericton Pony Club
organizes riding clinics for its members on a regular basis (approximately once
a month, with a pay-as-you-ride system). Members are able to consult with the
FPC District Commissioner and other volunteers to help find the right stable,
riding instructor or coach, or even the right horse or pony to ride. We will be
working cooperatively with local stables and horse owners to help Pony Club
members find riding situations to meet their needs. |
