pony club FAQ
All you ever wanted to know
What Is The Pony Club? It is an international, voluntary,
non-profit organization for young persons interested in horses, ponies and
riding. It is the largest association of riders in the world with more than
100,000 members in over 20 countries, including Canada. We are proud of our
Canadian Pony Club members who learn to be responsible, confident, motivated
horse people, with a high degree of knowledge and skill in equestrian arts.
Riders have an opportunity to learn leadership and teamwork and make many new
friends.
How Does The Fredericton Pony Club Fit Into The Canadian Pony Club?
The Canadian Pony Club was started in Toronto in 1934. The country is divided
geographically into 13 different Pony Club regions - British Columbia Islands,
British Columbia Interior and Northern, British Columbia Lower Mainland, Alberta
North, Alberta Central, Alberta Southern, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Western
Ontario, Central Ontario, St. Lawrence/Ottawa Valley, New Brunswick/Prince
Edward Island and Nova Scotia/Newfoundland. There are around 3,500 Canadian Pony
Club members. Within each region are all the individual 'local' branches;
totaling approximately 150 in Canada today. The Fredericton Pony Club is one of
these local branches.
Where Is The Pony Club Located? The Fredericton Pony
Club will not have an official "home-base" or stable to call its own - instead,
FPC meetings will be 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 Will Pony Club Meetings Be Held? The frequency
and purpose of Fredericton Pony Club meetings will depend 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 will
likely be more "hands-on" activities scheduled in the summer, and more
lecture-based learning through the colder months.
Where Will Members Ride? Do They Need Their Own Horse?
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. Members will be 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. As well, we
will be hosting a series of clinics (both riding and stable-management oriented)
at local stables and/or private farms. This will allow our members to experience
a variety of different facilities, coaches, horses and ponies, and areas of
expertise. We will provide members with regular activity calendars so they can
determine which clinics or learning activities are of interest to them.
How Much Does It Cost For Lessons? Currently, the
Fredericton Pony Club does not own its own horses. The FPC is working with local
stables to find the best riding program for our members. Prices may vary
depending on the stable that is giving the riding clinic.
What Does Proper Barn Attire Consist Of? Safety is
the #1 consideration at Pony Club. In addition to rules in the barns and around
the animals, riders are also required to wear certain clothing to minimize risk.
Boots should have a small heel to prevent the foot slipping through the stirrup
iron. Rubber boots are permitted however they are not suitable in winter given
their non-insulative nature. Helmets must be pony club certified for safety in
equestrian sports. They must have a chin harness. The club has several that can
be borrowed until a helmet is purchased. Any form of dangling jewlery can be
dangerous and should be left at home. Long hair should be braided or tied back.
Shorts are not appropriate. Neither are tank tops. Later you may wish to have
riding boots, breeches, etc. but it is not necessary when you are just starting
out. Northstream Tack Shop in New Maryland (Charters Settlement Rd) can provide
appropriate equipment.
How Can I Donate To The Fredericton Pony Club?
Please feel free to call or drop by the club to discuss options. Also, view our
Fundraiser page.
How Do I Become A Member Of The Board? Just
call one of our current board members and express your interest. We'd love to
have you!
What Are They Talking About? To the non-horsey
parent some of the things your kids come home talking about may make no sense at
all! See our parents section for a translation and list of common acronyms.
How Does The CPC Testing Work? Pony Club has a
comprehensive program of education and testing of riding skills and horse
knowledge, starting from 'D', 'DI' and 'D2' levels, the 'C', 'CI' and 'C2'
levels and the 'B' , 'B2' and 'A' level. The 'D' levels are analogous to Primary
School, the 'Cs' to High School, and the 'Bs' to College, with the 'As' as
graduate school. As in the school system, the young person works his or her way
up the ladder; some finish at the 'A' level, some at the 'C' level. Manuals for
each level are available at FPC for $20. The achievement process is an
educational one, and is not competitive. Testing is organized by the DC. Up to
and including the C1 level can be tested at FPC. The higher levels are tested at
provincial and national test sessions and will be handled on a case by case
basis. Talk to your instructor or the DC for more information.
Do I Have To Take Tests? The Canadian Pony Club has
a nationally recognized education and evaluation program in which children will
work with Pony Club volunteers, clinicians and their regular riding instructors
to develop a set of skills designed to teach children safety, responsibility,
and proper care of horses and ponies. As well, riding skills are developed to
ensure members learn slowly but steadily, and will gain valuable riding skills
in a variety of riding situations (at home, at a horse show or rally, training a
young horse vs. riding an older horse, etc.) The Pony Club testing system is an
excellent way to see the progress your child is making - but it is optional.
Members are tested yearly and the focus is on success and having fun preparing
for testing. Members can also participate in a Badge program which allows
members to be recognized for learning a new skill or area of knowledge. There
are approximately 40 badges that members can earn.
Do You Sell Pony Club Manuals? Yes we do. The
manuals are available for $20 each. We highly recommend purchasing them.
For more information, please email us using our Contact
Form.
or call
Heather Touchie Blakely (District Commissioner) 506.454.0735
Veronica Archer (Secretary/Treasurer) 506.471.2455
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