Is it worth dd joining the pony club now?

[noitsnotteatimeyet]

Dd’s 15 and a few months ago got her first horse on full loan after years of lessons, working at her riding school and a two-day-a-week share. They’ve spent the summer getting to know one another and he’s absolutely lovely - very calm on the ground, fizzy when ridden but tries very hard. He’d only done hunting and cross-country before dd took him on but she’s introduced him to show jumping and he’s doing really well - flying round a 1m plus course, complete with fillers, skinnies etc.

She’d like to start taking him out to competitions and clinics but a) I’m non-horsey so really don’t know how to get started and b) she’s only done internal riding school competitions before.

Ages ago she was a member of a PC centre but it wasn’t great and they didn’t do a lot. I was wondering if it would be worth joining the local PC branch but will she be too old? Will all the other members be quite clique-y? And will she be able to join as her horse is on loan? Plus he’s not a pony (16hh) - does that matter?

Yes she can join with a loan horse and not a pony. It depends on your branch whether it's cliquey or not. My 15 year old is outgrowing it a bit but does still compete for them. They had lots of teens at camp this year.

none of those would be a barrier to any pony club branch - I would hope they are not cliquey - I know branches try not to be and are very keen to attract new members.

We lose a lot at around 15 to boys and other interests so a keen potential team member would be very welcome.

Give the membership secretary of local branches a call and look on their websites to see the rallies they run.

Depends on the branch IMO. In ours we have a large % compared to many branches of over 14s. Although the majority are into competing a lot, we still have several who are not but enjoy the more social side of it.

The club I was in (years ago!) had loads of teens. I stayed in until I was 18

If your local pony club doesn’t have many teens, she could join the local riding club? They may not do a camp but they’ll have weekly clinics and regular chances to compete.

Thanks - I spoke to the DC of the nearest branch and she said there were quite a few girls dd’s age so she’ll give it a try

None of those things would be a problem at ours.

They’ve lost a few over the last year to boys/friends/moving house, so are super keen to attract new members.

Our pc has members from 4-22. They do camp from age 10+. (They’ll let those a little younger go too if they know them well). Ds is almost 15 and has been involved since he was about 9. He started off just with rallies and fun rides etc and now competes on their teams as well. It’s well worth it. 😊