General Information for New Members
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?
The 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 Pony Club 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.
As well, we host a variety of clinics (both riding and stable-management oriented) at local stables and/or private farms. This allows our members to experience a variety of different facilities, coaches, horses and ponies, and areas of expertise. We update our website's activity calendar for our members so they can determine which clinics or learning activities are of interest to them.
How much does it cost to be a member?
Our goal is to provide a high-quality program at the lowest possible cost to members. Our yearly membership fee for 2007 is $210.00 per member! $75.00 of this fee goes to the Canadian Pony Club, $30.00 goes to the New Brunswick Equestrian Association (primarily to cover insurance costs and the rest stays in our Pony Club to help cover expenses for our club pony, Odell, facilities rentals, supplies, advertising, etc. Many activities and Pony Club events have no additional cost. The fees paid to riding stables, private coaches, etc. are the responsibility of the member and their family. If we host a clinic which requires us to rent a facility or hire a professional whose fees cannot be covered by our Club, members will be asked to contribute an additional fee in order to participate. Our goal is to keep additional costs as low as possible. If you are already an NBEA member, please deduct this ($30.00) from the $210; as well, a second child from the same family can be registered for $160.00.
What equipment must I purchase?
Anyone who is new to the sport of riding will need to borrow or purchase an approved riding helmet, and will need boots with a heel, and comfortable clothing. The Pony Club District Commissioner, volunteers, and older, more experienced members will be able to help new members find these items.
As well, the Pony Club system is based on high-quality education and excellent resources. There is a wide variety of excellent books, manuals and other educational items available for purchase through the Canadian Pony Club and local tack shops. These are not required for beginners - but should a member show interest in testing and/or competitive riding, they are very helpful and well used. See the District Commissioner 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.
Who else is a member?
Even if you don't know anyone else in Fredericton Pony Club when you join? You will likely have the same experience as Pony Clubbers around the world - you will make wonderful, life-long friends as you share Pony Club experiences.
Can parents help?
Absolutely! There are endless jobs for volunteers and in order to make the Fredericton Pony Club a success, we need your help! Ask the District Commissioner what you can do to make the Fredericton Pony Club a positive experience for your child.
For more information, please email information@frederictonponyclub.com
or call
Heather Touchie Blakely (District Commissioner) 454-0735
Veronica Archer (Secretary/Treasurer) 455-9788
