Riders Without Horses Program 2024 / 25
We are excited to be bringing back the Riders Without Horses Programme (RWH) for the 2024/2025 season. The eight week course will begin Wednesday 16th October at our club house, 5.30 - 7pm.
This structured course is for new members who do not have their own pony, but are enthusiastic and bursting with desire to learn everything about horse management and care. It’s for kids from any walk of life from the age of 6 years and up… you just need to be interested in horses and want to learn more.
The Programme:
The programme covers an NZPCA structured learning program carried out by NZPCA qualified instructors and involving all the instruction that a pony enthusiast needs to know to look after and own their own pony.
An example of what the Riders Without Horses will have learned include basic safety factors when handling horses, care, health, grooming, paddocking and tack knowledge, rider fitness and position.
You will attend the weekly club rallies along with all our other riders and be involved, perhaps with the intention of owning your own pony one day in the future!
PONIES are NOT supplied as part of this course, however, there will the occasional opportunity for a small ride at the generosity of the members. We will also provide a pony to work with for your group lesson when possible.
The rallies are officially unmounted and no riding instruction is part of the program as this requires you to have your own pony, or a school master that the club can borrow. If RWH are keen to learn to ride then it is recommended that they get riding instruction outside of the pony club and we can help put you in contact with some good local riding schools.
RWH participants will have their own ‘theory coaching’ for 60 minutes – suitable for their age group and level of learning - with one of our qualified coaches. A BBQ or pizza dinner will be available at the club house afterwards for a small charge. All members and families are welcome to stay for this.
As Riders Without Horses participants, you will acquire the opportunity to decide if you want to continue with Pony Club or leave having gained some new friends and a little more understanding about how to care for horses adequately and safely.
Expectations:
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RWH participants require covered in shoes and practical comfortable clothes. Club polo shirts are available for order but are not compulsory. Bring your own sunblock.
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All safety and horse welfare rules apply to RWH members also, and will be explained at your orientation day or first rally day.
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Parent/Guardians are expected to be on site or to have a nominated person at the club to be responsible for the RWH child.
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Working bees, show days, open days and other fundraising events are not compulsory to attend however it is encouraged as this is a great way to get to know others in the club better and to feel more a part of it. We do ask that the adult members attend the AGM and any Special Meetings held throughout the season. You are always welcome at committee meetings and help out with committee activities.
The Season:
The club season runs from September through to May with programmed rallies happening weekly on Wednesdays.
Pony Club is the first stage of Equestrian Sport. It is a sport like any other that requires commitment, effort and training, even if owning your own pony for trail riding is just your goal. As this is a popular programme and has limited spaces, should a RWH member fail to attend 3 rallies without suitable explanation to their coach, the club reserves the right to replace them in the
programme and there will be no refund of fees.
Please note that due to the limited places and ten week duration of the programme any fees paid are non-refundable.
ENQUIRE NOW!
There are limited spaces for this season! Email matakanaponyclub@gmail.com and complete your registration via the NZPCA Nominate link. You will be notified with confirmation of your spot and there will be a waiting list should the classes be full.