Frequently Asked Questions
General Operation:
What is the Pony Club?
How does the Fredericton Pony Club fit into the Canadian Pony Club?
Where is the Pony Club located?
When will the Pony Club meetings be held?
How do I become a member of the board?
How can I donate to the Fredericton Pony Club?
Lessons:
Where will members ride? Do they need to own a horse to be a member?
How much does it cost for lessons?
What is the appropriate barn attire?
Testing:
How does the CPC testing work?
Do I have to take tests?
Miscellaneous:
What are they talking about???
Do you sell the pony club manuals?
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 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. 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 is the appropriate barn attire?
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 the pony club manuals?
Yes we do. The manuals are available for $20 each. We highly recommend purchasing them.