Working Rallies are the “backbone of the Pony Club.” Members ride in small group lessons based on age, ability, and experience. Sessions are generally one hour, they are designed to be great fun and improve a wide range of skills.
The learning activities are based on Pony Club tests and Scales of Training. This framework inspires our members, boosts confidence, and enables the development of skills, expertise, and the pursuit of excellence.
Members can study for achievement badges ranging from mucking out to road safety, pet sense to camping. Once members reach the required standard they earn a badge. When 21 achievement badges or 14 mini badges are earned, special gold awards are presented at our annual presentation evening.
We run regular on foot rallies which are a lovely way to complete badge work and make new friends. Many friendships are made during our on foot rallies and older members often come along to help and begin their volunteering and coaching experience.
Our camps are often the highlight of our calendar and are a wonderful way to get to know other members and build lasting friendships.
This is an annual camp running in June, for members in school year 5 and above.
Making full use of the international facilities at Somerford Park Farm. Activities include cross country practice, flat work, jumping, practical and theoretical horse care, pony club badge sessions, fun evening activities and demonstrations.
This is an annual camp for members in school year 6 and below.
Mini Camp is a fun camp with a focus on confidence building and making friends. Activities include group lessons, handy pony, group hack, water sports, shooting and a big BBQ.
Hacking Camp takes place in August at Manor Farm in Gradbach, the horses stay over for two nights at Manor Farm whilst the children stay just up the road in a luxury holiday barn. Each day starts with a full english breakfast at the barn, then off to the stables for a morning and afternoon hack with a picnic lunch break in between, the rides involve lots of hills, open fields, rivers, forests, farm tracks and quiet country lanes, after riding we tuck the horses up and head back to the barn for home cooked food, cosy log fires and fun in the games room!
Older members are invited to join up with members from other branches from Area 4 at Somerford Farm Park. This is a lovely chance to meet new people.
The Pony Club offers a series of tests that encourage members to improve their knowledge of riding and stable management. There are 9 Pony Club Tests starting at E and going up to the most difficult A test. Successful candidates receive a certificate and a felt disk to be worn behind their badge. The Pony Club test pathway is a valued mark of proficiency in the equestrian industry and unlocks many opportunities, including international Pony Club teams and the Pony Club coaching pathway.
We run training courses and tests throughout the year and encourage members to take part.
We hold regular dressage training at Copper Beeches in Alderley Edge. This is a beautiful indoor arena and sessions are usually with Holly Lucas who was a Peak member herself and now runs her own dressage yard in Higher Poynton. These sessions are either individual half hour lessons or 40 mins for pair lesson. Members wanting to take part in area and national competitions must have attended at least one training session. This enables an assessment to be made and competition focused support to be offered.
Our approach to teaching children the art of Dressage is centred on creating positive experiences that build confidence, empathy, and responsibility. Through dressage-focused training sessions and rallies, we strive to instil in our young members the values of patience, cooperation, and compassion.
We Hold regular Show Jumping specific training at venues accross Cheshire. This enables our members to ride in different places and courses. We use fully qualified and accredited coaches. Vanues include Dean Valley Equestrian Centre, Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Lumb Brook Livery, Beeston Park Farm and Somerford Park Farm.
Showjumping is a rewarding activity for your child filled with excitement, achievement, and unforgettable memories. We support our members every step of the way and help them reach their full potential in this amazing sport.