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Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about joining Fylde & District Pony Club, or simply new to The Pony Club? Click any question below to see the answer. If your question is not covered here, please get in touch, as we are always happy to help.

Joining Fylde & District

What is The Pony Club?

The Pony Club is the world’s largest association of young riders, and a registered charity. It gives children and young people the chance to learn about horses and riding, build skills and confidence, make lifelong friends and have fun. Fylde & District is your local branch, covering the Fylde Coast and surrounding areas.

What age does my child need to be to join?

We welcome members from the age of 4 right up to 25, so there is a place for every age group.

Do we need our own pony to join?

For ridden activities, members need their own pony, or a loaned, borrowed or shared pony or horse. Members without a horse or pony are still very welcome and can take part in our unmounted (on-foot) rallies, which cover horse care and stable management.

My child is a complete beginner. Is that OK?

Absolutely. We welcome riders of every ability, from those taking their very first steps in the saddle to members competing at national level. Sessions are taught in small groups of similar age and ability, so everyone learns at the right pace.

How do we join?

All members join through the national Pony Club website at pcuk.org/join, which is the only place to become a member. Once you have joined, please get in touch so we can welcome you to the branch and add you to our rally lists.

Membership & Cost

How much does membership cost?

Branch Riding Membership is £95 per year (around £7.92 per month). Branch Non-Riding Membership is £47 per year (around £3.92 per month). Fees are reviewed each year, so please check pcuk.org for the latest rates.

What does membership include?

Membership includes structured coaching, rallies and camps; 24/7 third-party public liability insurance of up to £30 million; achievement badges and progressive efficiency tests; access to competitions across nine disciplines; DBS-checked and first-aid-trained coaches; exclusive member discounts; and a warm, friendly community to be part of.

What is the difference between a Branch and a Centre?

A Branch, such as Fylde & District, is for members who have their own pony or access to one. A Linked Centre is based at a riding school and suits those who do not have their own pony. Both follow the full Pony Club programme.

What We Do

What happens at a rally?

A rally is a group training session led by our coaches. Mounted rallies focus on riding and schooling, while unmounted (on-foot) rallies cover horse care, stable management and knowledge. Members are taught in small groups of similar age and ability.

What disciplines and activities do you offer?

We cover dressage and flatwork, show jumping, eventing and cross country, mounted games, tetrathlon, horse care and stable management, pony racing and polo days. Alongside rallies we run lessons, camp, competitions, badge days and social events.

Do members have to compete?

Not at all. Many of our members take part purely for the riding, the horse care and the friendships. Competition is there for those who want it, at every level from grassroots up to national finals.

What are badges and efficiency tests?

Achievement badges and efficiency tests are a fun, structured way for members to build their riding and horse care knowledge and to see how far they have progressed. They run from beginner level upwards, and members work towards them at rallies and camp.

How often are events held, and where?

We hold events every week across the year, at venues around the area including Myerscough, Penny Farm (World Horse Welfare), North Coast Stud, Osbaldeston, Pilling, Warren Farm, Kelsall Equestrian and many more.

Getting Started: Kit, Ponies & Safety

What kit does my child need?

The essentials are a correctly fitting riding hat that meets the current Pony Club standard, suitable footwear, and comfortable, tidy riding clothes. A body protector is compulsory for cross country and pony racing, and is strongly recommended for all jumping. The current hat and body protector rules are in the Rules & Resources section below.

Does our pony need vaccinations or a passport?

Yes. Any pony or horse attending a Pony Club event must have an up-to-date passport and be vaccinated against equine influenza in line with current Pony Club rules. If you are unsure whether your pony is up to date, please check with us before attending.

Are your coaches qualified, and is it safe?

Yes. Our coaches are DBS-checked and first-aid trained, and safety is central to everything we do. Membership includes 24/7 third-party public liability insurance, and we have a Safeguarding Officer whose details are on our Contact Us page.

How can parents get involved?

Fylde & District is run entirely by volunteers, and parents are at the heart of branch life. Whether you can help at events, lend a hand with organising, or simply come along and support, you will always be made welcome.

Keeping in Touch

How do I find out what is on?

Our upcoming rallies, competitions and events are listed on the Calendar page of this website, and we post regular updates, photos and reminders on our Facebook page.

How do I contact the branch?

The best way to reach us is by email at fylde@pcuk.org. You will also find contact details for our committee members on the Contact Us page.

Rules, Rulebooks & Resources

The Pony Club keeps all of its current rules, rulebooks and policies online. Click a heading below for quick links to the documents members and parents ask about most often.

Health & Safety Rules

For accident reporting and all other health, safety and welfare rules, visit the Pony Club Health and Safety page.

Activity Rulebooks (2026)

The current rulebook for each discipline is linked below. The complete, always up-to-date set is on the Pony Club Rulebooks page.

Grass rein guidance and whip rules differ across disciplines, so please check the relevant rulebook above.

Training Resources

Some Resource Hub documents require you to log in as a Member, Coach or Official to view them in full.