Riders Without Horses (RWH) participants are new to Pony Club, enthusiastic and bursting with desire to learn everything about horse management and care.   

It’s for kids from any walk of life … because you don’t need to have a horse or the equipment to ride.  You just need to be interested in horses and want to learn more.

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 treat horses with safety and respect.

The Programme

The programme covers a structured learning program covering 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.

The rallies are officially unmounted and no riding instruction is part of the program. If RWH are keen to learn to ride then it is recommended that they get riding instruction outside of the pony club.


Expectations:
RWH participants require covered in shoes and practical comfortable clothes.  Club polo shirts are available for order but are not compulsory.  Bring own sunblock.

All safety and horse welfare rules apply to RWH members also especially the gate and padlock rules which will be explained in one of the first RWH rallies.

Parent/guardians are expected to be on site or to have a nominated person at the club to be responsible for the RWH child.

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 club season runs from September through to June with programmed rallies happening from October to May inclusive.  Rallies happen on Saturdays and there are generally two per calendar month.  Not all RWH rallies will involve theory lessons, some are set events or competitions.

Chelsea Pony Club teaches their own RWH Programme and NZPCA Equine Skills.

RWH participants will be “buddied up” with a riding member or a few riding members during the season.

RWH are held on Saturdays and a typical Rally Programme for RWH will be;

• Start with their Riding Members and prepare Horse/Pony for rally (pick hooves, groom etc).
•  RWH participants will have their own ‘theory coaching’ for 60 minutes.
• Various tasks that may require doing around the pony club including picking one bag of horse manure.  This is sold on the verge of the club grounds for garden manure to the public and helps raise funds for the club.
• unior and Senior Rallies are normally finished around this time  - help your buddies with untacking, grooming, feeding etc….
• Lunch is provided at the club house for a small charge.  All members and families are welcome to stay for this.

For our current fees  Click here

Pony Club is the first stage of Equestrian Sport.  It is a sport like any other that requires commitment, effort and training.  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.

ENQUIRE NOW!  As there are limited spaces for next season see our calendar for this seasons start date, you may need to put your name on the waiting list.  This season we are running 2 groups 6 - 8 years and, 9 - 14 years.

Please complete the enrollment form by selecting the "Enrolment" tab, to be placed on the waiting list for next season.