31/03/2026
What does Pony Club have to offer anymore
A thought from Bunyip Pony club
It is no real secret that over the last 5 years Pony club numbers have been in decline. Why is this? Are kids not riding? Is the urban sprawl now so large that horses are becoming a thing of the past? However, seems that kids are still competing heavily. With the excitement building for Victorian Interschool state champs and record number of entries, some of these participants are Pony club riders but some are not. So, what is that has Pony club numbers down, and what does pony club have to offer the young rider?
Pony club has been around in Australia since 1939 and gained its origins from the British model established 10 years before this. The model seems to be fairy similar across the sates 3 ridden lessons for the day and one theory. Following a syllabus for beginners to more advanced riders. A starting point to feed into the big wide world of EA. Learning key skills like, tacking up, safely tying a horse, safely rugging, lunging, parts of the horse and parts of your gear, bare back riding and so much more. A focus on education and a variety of disciplines in a safe club environment. With the ability to then go out and compete against fellow clubs.
Somewhere along the way though participation began to fall. Is it the clipboard fever that grips the over efficient participant? Is it the differing in rules to EA, that creates gear mayhem? Cause lets face it once you’re at grade 3 level you are going to more than likely be participating in EA events, to dip your toe in your horsey future. Is it the cost to secure two insurances for what is essentially the same provider? Is it taking a whole day a month out of your calendar to participate? Or is there a vibe that just is not there anymore?
What we think Pony club offers the ability to if your open to it learn horsemanship, learn those foundational rules that you can take with you no matter if you want to be the next Andrew Hoy or Edwina Tops- Alexander or Jockeys like Glen Boss Or maybe you just want to enjoy the ride sit back and watch the tree tops on a lazy trail. Learning from different coaches, different disciplines, and pathways for horse riding. Pony club offers the building blocks, traditional grass roots leaning not skipping the steps. Making sure you can swim the stroke before you hit the pool and race. If we lose these foundational building blocks what will this mean for the next generation of young horses? Do we blame the horse, because we have failed to educate the riders? Pony club teaches horsemanship, now some kids are lucky enough to get this at home sure. But not everyone and sometimes putting what we learn at home into practice with an outside voice is even more cementing.
Part of this is the reason Bunyip Pony Club began our Off The Track program. We felt Pony Club was the perfect place for creating the building blocks, teaching nurturing and educating. It is also why we love our Ready to Ride program, teaching, nurturing and educating. Developing and encouraging horsemanship, taking your time, honing skills and leaning from experienced horse people. Each one offering you something to take home build on and work with.
The bond of horse and rider is a partnership . They look to you the rider as their leader, they gain their direction, confidence and support from you. How many times have you heard a coach say "Your the boss, your in charge" but you can’t give direction if you don’t know how to read the map.
Taylah Clark Photography
