Pony Club: Holistic Riding Instruction

I've received good questions recently about Pony Club instruction and how to bring it together with local instructors.

What Is Pony Club Instruction?
In the world of English riding, Pony Club is the holistic instruction. I like the American Heritage Dictionary's definition for holistic - "Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts." Pony Club instruction is concerned with each of the parts that makes the whole horseman. Only after the horseman develops a solid foundation in all basic skills, are Pony Clubbers encouraged to "specialize", but even then they continue training in the other areas of horsemanship.

Pony Club Instruction Encompasses 6 Major Areas of Horsemanship:
1. The Mechanics
The lower levels of Pony Club instruction are filled with mechanics. Children are taught how to to do many things from holding the reins, to cleaning the hoof. They learn the mechanics of controlling and directing the horse, while they are learning the mechanics of control of own their body. As they advance through the levels, they learn the mechanics that help a horse to jump well, such as how to set grids and trot poles. They learn how to use the tools that cause standard results in themselves and their horses.
Pony Clubbers learn the mechanics of safety through rules that are taught via the "Pony Club Way". Although the "Pony Club Way" seems enigmatic, it is logical a set of methods that were designed to keep children safe. Pony Club teaches a thorough system of safety at all levels of horsemanship.

2. Theory and Philosophy
Pony Club kids are taught the reasons for the things they learn and they are expected to be able to explain reasons to others. Pony Clubbers are encouraged to read the manuals, study the standards, watch the videos, attend clinics, and learn from their peers. Each ratings level has a recommended reading list that the members are encouraged to study.

During Pony Club ratings children are asked to analyze how their horse performed, or explain why they warmed up a certain way, how they could improve their performance, and whether they understand the principal behind their level of riding.

Pony Clubbers learn about the theory of caring for horses, from feeding to veterinary to the physiological and psychological aspects of horses. As Pony Clubbers advance through the levels, they can tell you why they feed a particular hay to their horse or why he wears a certain type of shoe or why a Dr. Bristol is more effective for their horse than a French Link.

3. Horse Management and Care
Learning to care for the horse is not just a theory in Pony Club instruction. Even Pony Clubbers who board their horses take care of them at Pony Club lessons, meetings and camps. Pony Club kids unload, groom, tack up and handle their own horses. And they keep record books, recording feed and worming, veterinary care, pulse and respiration, conditioning, expenses and more.
I'll write more about competition in a minute but when Pony Club kids rally, they take total charge of their horse and it's equipment for the duration of the rally.

4. Teamwork
Not only do Pony Club members learn to look out for and esteem their club members, Pony Club competition is in team form. The very nature of team competition reinforces the idea of Pony Club as holistic instruction. Teams work together to prepare for rallies. Teams work together at rally to put tack rooms together, organize preparation for formals and ride times. Team members rely on one another to make decisions and handle the work at rally.

5. Competition
Competition is not a requirement in Pony Club instruction but rarely do you find a child who will not compete as part of a team. Instruction in how to prepare for rallies, learning rules, and working as a team provides skills that spill over into many areas of riding and non-riding life. Instruction in competition continues at Pony Club rally through the Chief Horse Management Judge. At rallies Riding and stable management skills carry equal weight in determining the winning team at Pony Club rallies. Pony Club instruction includes learning to compete at the club, regional and National Levels.

All competition is a test of skills and no where is there a stronger test of skills than during Pony Club ratings. Pony Club members do not compete against one another at ratings. Examiners judge the members against the standard for the level they are testing. The member will either meet the standard or not. Ratings are where you will find members competing against themselves to perform their very best for the day.

6. Giving Back
Pony Club instruction includes teaching members how to give back to their clubs with service. As a member moves up the ratings scale they are encouraged to teach the things they have learned to the members who are following along behind them.

In Many Areas, Local Instructors Aren't Enthusiastic About Pony Club. Why?

Is Your Club a Threat?
One of the problems that many Pony Clubs face is that they can not get local riding instructors to support their students becoming members of Pony Club. I believe in many cases this is because the local instructor doesn't understand that Pony Club does not want to replace their instruction. Pony Club instruction is intended to supplement the regular riding lesson program. Local instructors can be concerned that Pony Clubs will alienate their students and they will lose business. They don't realize that Pony Club wants their members to take regular lessons.

Who Knows?
Frequently, local instructors are not familiar with what actually goes on at Pony Club or they have a poor opinion of Pony Club. And not all local instructors are interested in all the facets of horsemanship that Pony Club offers.

The "Poor Boy"
And then there is the image of Pony Club. For many years, local Pony Clubs have put on the "poor boy" face, wanting to pay as little as possible for instructors and clinicians. In some areas of the country this has caused professionals, even past Pony Club members, to dislike teaching for Pony Clubs. But I believe that United States Pony Clubs, particularly with the launching of the specialty ratings, believes that quality instruction comes at a cost. Local clubs need to be willing to pay for quality instruction for their members. As members of the United States Pony Clubs 501c3, local clubs have the unique opportunity to raise money for their instruction programs. There are still many instructors who will "give back" to the Pony Club community, but clubs need to realize that professionals need to earn money.

What Will Bring Pony Club and Local Instructors Together?
Be inviting and respectful.
Ask the local instructor if they would be willing to come to a Standards and Ratings Clinic to see some of the requirements that are important for ratings. If the instructor shows an interest, have your club raise the money to pay their way.

Include
Invite the local instructor to a Pony Club "Meet the Kids Pizza Party" and ask if they would watch USPC's Standards DVDs with the kids.

Share
Ask if the local instructor would like to borrow the Pony Club manuals to see the Pony Club curriculum.

Most instructors will be happy to take a look if it's presented properly. And many instructors would like to add, "I teach Pony Club" to their list of credentials.

Be On Their Side
Let the instructor know that your club is in favor of members taking regular riding lessons from them.

$$$$$$
And offer a fair fee for the hours you want them to spend teaching your members.

Who Is Pony Club For?
I believe if club leaders put forward a non confrontational, inclusive face, even incorporating some of my suggestions, you will find that local instructors are more receptive to your requests for periodic club instruction. But if your efforts fail to gain the trust and respect of the local instructors, don't lose heart. Pony Club has many avenues to follow to gain good instruction.

And remember the very true statement: "Pony Club is not for everyone". This statement includes youth and adults, students and instructors.

If you have any questions about teaching riding, or comments about my blog, I'd love to hear from you. You can post to my blog in comments or email me at bfox@ushorsemanship.net .

Barbara Fox, Pony Club Lover and Local Instructor
Please visit my US Horsemanship web site at www.ushorsemanhip.net
and my US Horsemanship Blog at http://ushorsemanship.blogspot.com/