South African Pony Club...
Potchefstroom Pony Club
The South African Pony Club endeavours to provide a
program for the youth that teaches riding, all associated riding disciplines and
the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral
judgement, leadership and self confidence.
Pony Club is an educational youth organization which progressively develops the well rounded horseperson.
The well-rounded horseperson is capable of riding safely and tactfully on the flat, over jumps and in the open countryside. Knowledgeable care of horses and ponies is fundamental to the well-rounded horseperson.
Pony Club is committed to the well being of the horse.
Fair and Friendly competitions develop teamwork and sportsmanship.
Fun and Friendship are part of Pony Club.
Pony Club requires parental and volunteer involvement and support.
The South African Pony Club is committed to safety of the person and the horse and people around them.
The local branches in each Region are the core of the South African Pony Club.
There are three kinds of Pony Club membership:
Ordinary Members
Consist of boys and girls who have not yet reached the age of eighteen and who have paid the prescribed joining fee and annual
subscription and whose parent/legal guardian have completed and signed the Application for Membership form and Indemnity Form as prescribed by National and submitted these forms to the Branch District Commissioner.
Associate Members
Consist of individuals who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years and who paid the prescribed joining fee and annual subscription and who have completed and signed the Application of Membership form and Indemnity Form as prescribed by National and submitted these to the Branch District Commissioner. Associate Membership is automatically terminated once the member reaches 25. When rejoining Pony Club, Associate members must previously have been Branch members should there be a
break in membership.
Centre membership
Is intended for those children who ride at a Yard or Riding School but don’t have regular access to a pony in order to attend
branch rallies. The membership fees are due on joining. They are then members for a year from that date.
What Will My Child Learn?
- Through instructional education based rallies…
to ride safely, confidently and be in control on happy horses and ponies at all times.
- Through fun-filled activities…
to make friends who share a love of horses at rallies, camps, quiz nights and more
- Through teamwork…
to participate in competitive and non-competitive activities as a dependable and enthusiastic team member
- Through horse care…
to give horses and ponies the care, treatment and training that will make them happy, healthy friends and partners
- Through the teaching of others…
to share knowledge and experience with younger and less experienced Pony Club members
- Through exposure to as many exciting horse sports as possible…
to sample a range of different disciplines, such as eventing, show jumping, dressage, polo, mounted games, driving
- Through advancement…
to gain self-esteem and expertise while achieving the various achievement badges and by progressing through the different
levels of proficiency tests.
What About Safety?
Every aspect of Pony Club emphasises safety.
Whenever possible there is medical attendance at the bigger rallies and mostly parents who have got medical training are involved as often as possible.
Interestingly, Pony Club was the first equine organisation to require its members to wear safety helmets. Body protectors are now compulsory for cross-country events and in fact some parents put the children in a body protector every time they ride.
Instructors of any age should be mature and knowledgeable and have a good understanding of horse and rider psychology. They must endorse and enforce safety requirements and should calmly assume responsibility in dealing with any
problems.
Venues where the rallies are held should have arenas that are well cared for. Open riding areas should be mown and all reasonable care should be taken to ensure the going is safe. Jumps and other equipment used should be in good repair.
Safety checks are made at the beginning of rallies.
- Tack will be inspected for suitability, fit and general condition
- Mounts will be looked over for any signs of ill health or unsoundness, and their temperament should suit the level of the rider
( stallions are not considered suitable for Pony Club activities)
Please do not take umbrage should any advice be given to you, the parent, as to the suitability of the mount. It is only done with
the safety of the rider in mind.
It would be remiss of the DC not to voice their concern on an issue of safety
- Members’ own turnout will be inspected. Hats and footwear must meet safety
standards before a rider can participate in any activity
Achievement Badges
Achievement badges are a lovely tool that can be used to ensure continual learning. They are also used to prepare members for the efficiency tests. They are awarded for individual subjects so the amount of learning for each one is not very onerous and collecting the different badges becomes a fun element of rallies and camps. There are quite a number of badges both equine and non equine to aim for. These include; grooming, feeding, equine first aid, rugs, bandaging, colours and markings, tack etc There are also some non equine badges; wild flowers, trees, map reading, first aid (human), working dogs, bird spotting, star gazing etc
Mini Achievement Badges
There are about 6 at present aimed at very small people. They cover feeding, tack, grooming, marking and colours of horses. Two of the badges cover birds and road safety
Efficiency Tests
These are recognised globally. Only the test cards as produced by Pony Club UK are followed.
E Test
This is a voluntary test. Candidates should be able to: Sit on a pony at a walk (with a lead rein if necessary), show a trot on the lead rein, be able to hold the reins correctly, show exercises on the pony, feed the pony a carrot, name parts of equipment for eg saddle, bridle, riding hat and parts of the pony for eg mane, tail, back, hooves.
D Standard
Suggested age 8 upwards Candidates should be able to: catch a pony and lead it confidently; mount and dismount; have a reasonably correct position in the saddle; walk and trot safely in an enclosed area (without being on a lead rein). Horse care knowledge includes: an understanding of road safety; naming points of the horse and parts of tack; explaining the basic needs of a pony in winter and summer.
D+ Standard
Suggested age 10 upwards Candidates should be able to: hold the reins correctly while carrying a crop in either hand; carry out simple turns with the use of leg aids; ride up and down hills in walk; canter; jump a very small fence. Horse care includes: tacking up correctly and understanding the basics of a good fit; care of tack; tying a quick release knot; the names and uses of the different items in a grooming kit; markings and colours; naming the more common types of rugging.
Riding and road safety Test
This test is one of the riders’ roadcraft and riding ability and not of the horse. The aim of the Riding and Road Safety test is to promote safety on the road by recognising riders who can show that they ride with courtesy and responsibility, are aware of and obey the rules of the road. Riding and Road safety is incorporated in the previous tests. However, before the C Standard
certificate is awarded, one must have passed the riding and road safety test.
C Standard
Suggested age 11 upwards Candidates must have passed their Road Safety Achievement Badge. Candidates should be able to: mount and dismount on either side; alter stirrups and girth while mounted; gallop; show aids to increase and decrease pace and canter on a named leg; ride confidently in the countryside; jump small fences and ditches. Horse care knowledge includes: recognising when a horse needs shoeing; main indications of good health; identifying the lame leg; basic equine first aid; how to load and unload a horse from a box or trailer; how to put on a rug, roller, tail bandage and New Zealand rug.
C+ Standard
Suggested age 14 upwards Candidates should be able to: change leg at canter through trot; turn on the forehand; know sequence of legs at all paces; ride up and down steep banks; jump up and down hill; jump doubles; take a well-mannered
pony hunting. Horsemastership knowledge includes: the basic structure of the foot and farrier tools; the different kinds of forage; care and working of a stabled and non-stabled pony; being able to carry out prescribed treatment of wounds, ailments and lameness.
B Standard Riding and B Standard Horse and Pony Care
Suggested age is 15/16 years but if over 14 members are eligible. This test can be taken in two sections or as a whole. The test can be done on different occasions and in any order. Candidates are generally required to ride horses other than their own.
B Standard Riding
Candidates should be able to: assess a horse at all basic paces; through transitions, turns and circles; lengthen strides; leg yield; some knowledge of how to ride in a double bridle; jump a variety of fences and ditches; show correct pace and balance for different mounts while riding cross-country. Comment on what you find with your mount and of any other you are requested to
ride.
B Standered Horse and Pony Care.
Horse care includes:
- conformation
- how to bring a horse back to fitness
- stable design
- road-worthiness of a horsebox
- preparation of a horse for travel
- different bits and their actions
- methods of shoeing
- elementary Equine first aid, the probable cause and treatment.
- Organizing and fitting of a tack room. Knowledge, care and working of a pony off grass or stabled
Lungeing Test
This test may be taken after the B Test as a whole or after the B Horse and Pony Care. It is necessary to pass the Lungeing test before attempting the A Horse Care.
A Test
Suggested age is 17 to 21. The A test is an exam for the serious and dedicated rider who is prepared to devote thought, time and effort to improving their own riding and their practical knowledge of training a young horses.
Candidates must have extensive practical knowledge. The A Test is recognised world wide as are the other tests and only members who are over the age of 17 and have passed both parts of the B test can take it. From 2006 there is a mandatory Lungeing Test, which must be passed before applying for the A Test. Candidates must pass their A Test Horse and Pony Care certificate before attempting the A Test Riding.
Horse care knowledge is expected to be extensive and includes a thorough knowledge of:
- stable and paddock management
- grooming, plaiting and clipping
- different tack
- structure of the foot and shoeing
- conformation and anatomy
- exercise and fitness
- diseases and ailments
- care of broodmares and foals.
The Riding phase of the test consists of 3 phases.
- Outside Riding during which the candidates have the opportunity to ride three or four different horses and give a
thorough assessment of them
- Inside Riding during which the candidate has the opportunity to ride two or three different schooled horses in the Indoor
School. One horse will be in a double bridle. Candidates will be required to comment on the way the horses are going and
performing the required movements.
- Training the young horse. This phase is a discussion with the examiners and the
practical lungeing of a horse.
program for the youth that teaches riding, all associated riding disciplines and
the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral
judgement, leadership and self confidence.
Pony Club is an educational youth organization which progressively develops the well rounded horseperson.
The well-rounded horseperson is capable of riding safely and tactfully on the flat, over jumps and in the open countryside. Knowledgeable care of horses and ponies is fundamental to the well-rounded horseperson.
Pony Club is committed to the well being of the horse.
Fair and Friendly competitions develop teamwork and sportsmanship.
Fun and Friendship are part of Pony Club.
Pony Club requires parental and volunteer involvement and support.
The South African Pony Club is committed to safety of the person and the horse and people around them.
The local branches in each Region are the core of the South African Pony Club.
There are three kinds of Pony Club membership:
Ordinary Members
Consist of boys and girls who have not yet reached the age of eighteen and who have paid the prescribed joining fee and annual
subscription and whose parent/legal guardian have completed and signed the Application for Membership form and Indemnity Form as prescribed by National and submitted these forms to the Branch District Commissioner.
Associate Members
Consist of individuals who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years and who paid the prescribed joining fee and annual subscription and who have completed and signed the Application of Membership form and Indemnity Form as prescribed by National and submitted these to the Branch District Commissioner. Associate Membership is automatically terminated once the member reaches 25. When rejoining Pony Club, Associate members must previously have been Branch members should there be a
break in membership.
Centre membership
Is intended for those children who ride at a Yard or Riding School but don’t have regular access to a pony in order to attend
branch rallies. The membership fees are due on joining. They are then members for a year from that date.
What Will My Child Learn?
- Through instructional education based rallies…
to ride safely, confidently and be in control on happy horses and ponies at all times.
- Through fun-filled activities…
to make friends who share a love of horses at rallies, camps, quiz nights and more
- Through teamwork…
to participate in competitive and non-competitive activities as a dependable and enthusiastic team member
- Through horse care…
to give horses and ponies the care, treatment and training that will make them happy, healthy friends and partners
- Through the teaching of others…
to share knowledge and experience with younger and less experienced Pony Club members
- Through exposure to as many exciting horse sports as possible…
to sample a range of different disciplines, such as eventing, show jumping, dressage, polo, mounted games, driving
- Through advancement…
to gain self-esteem and expertise while achieving the various achievement badges and by progressing through the different
levels of proficiency tests.
What About Safety?
Every aspect of Pony Club emphasises safety.
Whenever possible there is medical attendance at the bigger rallies and mostly parents who have got medical training are involved as often as possible.
Interestingly, Pony Club was the first equine organisation to require its members to wear safety helmets. Body protectors are now compulsory for cross-country events and in fact some parents put the children in a body protector every time they ride.
Instructors of any age should be mature and knowledgeable and have a good understanding of horse and rider psychology. They must endorse and enforce safety requirements and should calmly assume responsibility in dealing with any
problems.
Venues where the rallies are held should have arenas that are well cared for. Open riding areas should be mown and all reasonable care should be taken to ensure the going is safe. Jumps and other equipment used should be in good repair.
Safety checks are made at the beginning of rallies.
- Tack will be inspected for suitability, fit and general condition
- Mounts will be looked over for any signs of ill health or unsoundness, and their temperament should suit the level of the rider
( stallions are not considered suitable for Pony Club activities)
Please do not take umbrage should any advice be given to you, the parent, as to the suitability of the mount. It is only done with
the safety of the rider in mind.
It would be remiss of the DC not to voice their concern on an issue of safety
- Members’ own turnout will be inspected. Hats and footwear must meet safety
standards before a rider can participate in any activity
Achievement Badges
Achievement badges are a lovely tool that can be used to ensure continual learning. They are also used to prepare members for the efficiency tests. They are awarded for individual subjects so the amount of learning for each one is not very onerous and collecting the different badges becomes a fun element of rallies and camps. There are quite a number of badges both equine and non equine to aim for. These include; grooming, feeding, equine first aid, rugs, bandaging, colours and markings, tack etc There are also some non equine badges; wild flowers, trees, map reading, first aid (human), working dogs, bird spotting, star gazing etc
Mini Achievement Badges
There are about 6 at present aimed at very small people. They cover feeding, tack, grooming, marking and colours of horses. Two of the badges cover birds and road safety
Efficiency Tests
These are recognised globally. Only the test cards as produced by Pony Club UK are followed.
E Test
This is a voluntary test. Candidates should be able to: Sit on a pony at a walk (with a lead rein if necessary), show a trot on the lead rein, be able to hold the reins correctly, show exercises on the pony, feed the pony a carrot, name parts of equipment for eg saddle, bridle, riding hat and parts of the pony for eg mane, tail, back, hooves.
D Standard
Suggested age 8 upwards Candidates should be able to: catch a pony and lead it confidently; mount and dismount; have a reasonably correct position in the saddle; walk and trot safely in an enclosed area (without being on a lead rein). Horse care knowledge includes: an understanding of road safety; naming points of the horse and parts of tack; explaining the basic needs of a pony in winter and summer.
D+ Standard
Suggested age 10 upwards Candidates should be able to: hold the reins correctly while carrying a crop in either hand; carry out simple turns with the use of leg aids; ride up and down hills in walk; canter; jump a very small fence. Horse care includes: tacking up correctly and understanding the basics of a good fit; care of tack; tying a quick release knot; the names and uses of the different items in a grooming kit; markings and colours; naming the more common types of rugging.
Riding and road safety Test
This test is one of the riders’ roadcraft and riding ability and not of the horse. The aim of the Riding and Road Safety test is to promote safety on the road by recognising riders who can show that they ride with courtesy and responsibility, are aware of and obey the rules of the road. Riding and Road safety is incorporated in the previous tests. However, before the C Standard
certificate is awarded, one must have passed the riding and road safety test.
C Standard
Suggested age 11 upwards Candidates must have passed their Road Safety Achievement Badge. Candidates should be able to: mount and dismount on either side; alter stirrups and girth while mounted; gallop; show aids to increase and decrease pace and canter on a named leg; ride confidently in the countryside; jump small fences and ditches. Horse care knowledge includes: recognising when a horse needs shoeing; main indications of good health; identifying the lame leg; basic equine first aid; how to load and unload a horse from a box or trailer; how to put on a rug, roller, tail bandage and New Zealand rug.
C+ Standard
Suggested age 14 upwards Candidates should be able to: change leg at canter through trot; turn on the forehand; know sequence of legs at all paces; ride up and down steep banks; jump up and down hill; jump doubles; take a well-mannered
pony hunting. Horsemastership knowledge includes: the basic structure of the foot and farrier tools; the different kinds of forage; care and working of a stabled and non-stabled pony; being able to carry out prescribed treatment of wounds, ailments and lameness.
B Standard Riding and B Standard Horse and Pony Care
Suggested age is 15/16 years but if over 14 members are eligible. This test can be taken in two sections or as a whole. The test can be done on different occasions and in any order. Candidates are generally required to ride horses other than their own.
B Standard Riding
Candidates should be able to: assess a horse at all basic paces; through transitions, turns and circles; lengthen strides; leg yield; some knowledge of how to ride in a double bridle; jump a variety of fences and ditches; show correct pace and balance for different mounts while riding cross-country. Comment on what you find with your mount and of any other you are requested to
ride.
B Standered Horse and Pony Care.
Horse care includes:
- conformation
- how to bring a horse back to fitness
- stable design
- road-worthiness of a horsebox
- preparation of a horse for travel
- different bits and their actions
- methods of shoeing
- elementary Equine first aid, the probable cause and treatment.
- Organizing and fitting of a tack room. Knowledge, care and working of a pony off grass or stabled
Lungeing Test
This test may be taken after the B Test as a whole or after the B Horse and Pony Care. It is necessary to pass the Lungeing test before attempting the A Horse Care.
A Test
Suggested age is 17 to 21. The A test is an exam for the serious and dedicated rider who is prepared to devote thought, time and effort to improving their own riding and their practical knowledge of training a young horses.
Candidates must have extensive practical knowledge. The A Test is recognised world wide as are the other tests and only members who are over the age of 17 and have passed both parts of the B test can take it. From 2006 there is a mandatory Lungeing Test, which must be passed before applying for the A Test. Candidates must pass their A Test Horse and Pony Care certificate before attempting the A Test Riding.
Horse care knowledge is expected to be extensive and includes a thorough knowledge of:
- stable and paddock management
- grooming, plaiting and clipping
- different tack
- structure of the foot and shoeing
- conformation and anatomy
- exercise and fitness
- diseases and ailments
- care of broodmares and foals.
The Riding phase of the test consists of 3 phases.
- Outside Riding during which the candidates have the opportunity to ride three or four different horses and give a
thorough assessment of them
- Inside Riding during which the candidate has the opportunity to ride two or three different schooled horses in the Indoor
School. One horse will be in a double bridle. Candidates will be required to comment on the way the horses are going and
performing the required movements.
- Training the young horse. This phase is a discussion with the examiners and the
practical lungeing of a horse.