Pony Club

[AlphaBites]

Is it worth joining ? My DD is 8, is very shy but we have a fabulous little pony who joined our family this summer. DD is still very much on the lead rein and only picks up the reims when feeling confident, would she be 'too novice' to join ?

Not all all. Would suggest you call your local one and see what they have on offer?

Absolutely not.. Our DD joined at 4 or 5 and was immediately involved with many things from evening show jumping on the lead (over tiny cross poles), to dressing up at Halloween and Christmas rallies, to going on mounted Easter egg hunts and all whilst being very novice. At 8 she would be one of the older ones to join but will immediately find her level. Ring up your local branch and see if you can join now - they usually have a good rate from September 1st to include all of next year..

8 is a perfect age to start - I was involved a little with Mini Camp this year and there were some real tiddlers and they all had a fab time, learning whilst having fun, what could be better?!

It's definitely worth trying but it does depend on your branch and the children in it so some extent. My DD started at about that age and while she enjoyed it for a bit as she was nervous she was with younger children. You don't really know until you try!

You can't be 'too novice' - she can just do as much as she's comfortable with. We joined PC earlier in the summer with a very new jockey who at 10 was old enough to go to camp and loved it. Ring the local Pony Clubs, go and watch, and see which one suits you best.

Not at all, just make sure the PC branch is the right one for her. We are part of a lovely one, kids turn up with a range of abilities on a range of ponies, from sleek working hunter types to hairy little shetlands. We love our branch as it is very much about having fun, not on winning so all the kids feel comfortable. My kids have really grown in confidence, I think it would do your DD the world of good!