About the Blankney

Share this page

What we do

We have a broad range of abilities, interests, goals, backgrounds and equestrian experience within our small, friendly branch, and everyone is welcome.

Throughout the year, we hold a huge range of different events and activities at a number of different venues.

Rallies are all types of ridden and unmounted training sessions and range from unmounted horse and pony care sessions, to dressage, show jumping and cross country coaching. Some sessions might be offered on an individual basis and others are in pairs and groups, depending on the focus and format of the rally.

Our aim is to always make rallies as affordable as possible. Cost depends on the venue, coach(es) and group size. Some rallies are subsidised by the branch.

General Rallies

These are usually held during the week in school holidays, and based at Metheringham by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Parker.

Generally they are for two hours and consist of a carousel of activities including flatwork, poles, jumping, games, or road safety. Riders are placed in small groups according to age/ability and follow relevant activities for their group.

Training

We hold a variety of training sessions over the year:

Under 10 years, approximately every 2 weeks, through the summer
Monthly indoor sessions through the winter
dressage, including test riding
show jumping, including course riding
cross country, including technical lines and skinnies on arenas during the winter
Pole work

Camps

The annual camps are the highlight of the pony club year for our members. Taking place at the beginning of the summer holidays, we typically hold a 3 day camp for our junior members who travel in and out every day, and a 4 day camp for our senior members, where the horses/ponies stable over. In addition, we hold an Event Camp in April with the focus on ‘preparation for eventing’.

Riders receive full days of instruction in dressage, show jumping, xc, games and much more, alongside lessons in horse and pony care and the opportunity to work towards achievement badges.

Riders are placed in groups of similar ability/age for the duration and there is usually some organised friendly competition and challenges.

Camps are an excellent way of making new friends and trying new things, with a firm emphasis on having fun!

Horse & Pony Care

Sessions are held during the winter months, where the members work towards achievement badges, both mini and full. Quiz mornings have also been recently introduced to great success and we shall be looking to build on these this winter.

It is also a staple part of camp, with a session built in each day to focus on caring for your horse/pony.

Link to 2024 Horsemanship Rule Book

Mounted Games

Mounted games are such fun! We introduce games during general rallies and at camp.

It is also a team sport where groups of 4/5 riders take part in a series of exciting races that involve a mix of turns, handovers, skill, vaulting and galloping against other teams.

Blankney are looking to develop mounted games in the branch.

Link to 2024 Mounted Games Rule Book

Fun Rides!

Each year, our younger members cross off the days for our Santa Ride and Easter Egg Hunt. A great opportunity to ride out with friends, on a planned route, looking for Santa in the woods or following the Easter Bunny trail!

Always lots of fun and chocolate to share!