How big is Dolgellau & District Pony Club Branch?
We currently have 50 members aged between 3 – 21. Our members are split into 6 Groups based on each rider’s ability:
Red: Lead Rein
Yellow: Off lead Reing gaining independence
Orange: Working towards Canter/Small Jumps
Blue: Confident Canter & up to mid level Jumping
White: Gaining more experience in different disciplines
Green:Advanced riding & Trainee Instructors
We are always ready to welcome new members of all ages (up to 25) and abilities, so if you have any friends who are interested in riding, then ask a member of the Committee for more information.
Do I need a Pony to join?
Although you do not need a pony to join, ideally you should have access to one in order to fully participate in the activities we offer. We will always indicate on the Rally Information sheet whether a pony is required. If you would like help in choosing a pony then please talk to one of our Instructors who will be happy to help.
Can I just turn up to any Rally?
Our organizers spend a lot of time making sure that each Rally is safe, fun and interesting for our members. To do this, we really need to know how many people are going to be there. Every Rally Information sheet has details of how and by when you need to let us know you are coming. Please bear in mind that if you just turn up, there might not be room for you to join in!
Can I bring a friend to a Rally?
Our Rallies are open to Pony Club members only. It would not be fair to our paid up members to allow anyone to come along and benefit from the opportunities and facilities that we offer as part of being in Dolgellau & District Branch. If you have a friend who is interested in joining the Pony Club, then they may come along to a ‘taster’ Rally before joining – please ask a member of the Committee for details.
Can my family come to the Rallies?
We are a very friendly group, and would like to welcome families to come along and watch you ride (when safety permits). For the same reasons as mentioned above, siblings who are not members cannot participate in the activities.
Parents should note that no members under 12 years old may be left at any Rally without supervision. Therefore, if you are taking someone else’s children to a Rally, you will need to be responsible for them for the duration of that Rally.
What training will I get?
The Pony Club offers a Training Scheme that they describe as ‘rungs on a ladder’. This enables every member work on their riding and horsemanship skills whilst still having fun at the Rallies. Over the coming year, our 6 Riding Groups will be working towards a level suitable to their abilities:
Red: E Test (this may be taken on or off the lead rein)
Yellow: D Test
Blue: D+ to C Test (the C test is aimed at members approx 11 year +)
Green: C+ to B Test
We will also be looking to put our over 12’s in for the Riding & Road Safety Test
More information on this scheme is provided on the main Pony Club Website and if you have any questions, please talk to your Instructors.
Can I work on Achievement Badges?
There are 2 sets of Achievement Badges offered by the Pony Club, which members can work towards if they want. When awarded, they can be sewn onto the sleeve of your Pony Club sweatshirt:
Standard Achievement Badges – there are 42 to collect including both equine and non equine topics
Mini Achievement Badges – these are aimed at members under 9 years old. There are 13 to collect
During the year, we will be including opportunities for our members to earn Achievement Badges as part of a Rally or as an additional activity. In addition, members can work towards a Badge in their own time and ‘present’ this to the committee for assessment. If you have any specific questions about these badges then please talk to a member of the Committee.
How can I make a comment, give feedback or make a suggestion about the Branch?
We welcome all feedback, positive or negative. If you have any ideas, suggestions, comments or complaints, then please get in touch with the District Commissioner who will be happy to talk to you.
or just come and have a chat with us at one of our rallies.
Please remember that everyone involved in organising our Pony Club does so on a voluntary basis and therefore has the right to be treated with courtesy.