The South African Pony Club webpage on Hony

This webpage was started to promote the Pony Club in South Africa. This international youth organisation helps
 to develop equestrian sport by encouraging young people from the age of 3 to 25 years to have fun whilst learning
to ride, and to take care of their ponies or horses.

We encourage our members to enjoy a variety of sports associated with horses and provide instruction in horse riding and the care of horses. We promote the highest level of sportsmanship and instill strength of character and self-discipline in our members.

The Pony Club is the foundation of countless sports riders in South Africa. The excellent ground work that Pony Club strives to achieve has formed a firm footing for many top riders and instructors in this country and around the world.

There are Pony Club branches in five regions throughout South Africa: Gauteng, Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

 Pony Club News

Pony Club Show Dates

Pony Club website links

Becoming a member

If you would like to find out more about Pony Club in your area, please visit the S.A.P.C. website.

For those in Gauteng and Limpopo, we would love to hear from you:

Michelle MacKenzie on (c) 083 785 4967 or michelle@optionsit.co.za

or Justine Harpin on jharpin@tis-sa.com

An overview of Pony Club

The Pony Club was founded in Great Britain in 1929 and has become the largest association of riders in the world. Branches are to be found in at least 14 countries, and we have a membership exceeding 111 000.

Whether you have your own pony or not, Pony Club is the best starting point for all children who want to learn how to ride.

We offer two types of membership:

• Branch membership is for children who have regular access to a pony that they can take to Pony Club events, such as working rallies and shows.
• Centre membership is for children who prefer to go to a riding school to ride. Special tests and competitions are organised at the Riding School for Pony Club members. 

Our objectives

The South African Pony Club's purpose is:

• To encourage young people to ride and learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with ponies and riding
• To instruct members to ride competently and safely, and to take proper care of their mounts
• To encourage sportsmanship, team work ,loyalty and self-discipline to develop strength of character

Membership

Membership is open to children, teenagers and   young adults until they reach the age of 25.

Activities

Working rallies, either mounted or unmounted, are held at least once a month. Teaching and training in a variety of disciplines from dressage to mounted games are given. Members participate in fun activities, go on outings and attend demonstrations.

Rallies are open to members of the branch, visitors and guests from other branches. We encourage parents to get involved, join in the fun and learn along with the children.

Efficiency tests

The SAPC uses the Efficiency test system  as the UK Pony Club. These tests are designed to assess Riding and Horse & Pony Care in a structured way. There are a number of tests ranging in difficulty, beginning at the D test and progressing to the A test Riding, which is the most complex.

These Efficiency tests are recognised throughout the world and are considered the best preparation for any young person hoping to make a career out of their interest in horses. The SAPC has been the nursery of many great riders and horse masters.

Inter Branch and Inter Regional competitions 

A number of inter-branch competitions and activities are organised by regions during the course of the year. They include things like the Annual Children's Hunt, Hunter Trials, the Quiz and Mounted Games. The emphasis is on participation rather than competition , and on team events over and above individual competition. Members are encouraged to develop co-operative skills and good sportsmanship.

Each year an Inter-Regional Team Championship show in disciplines like Dressage, Equitation and Show jumping is arranged by the National Committee of the SAPC.  Members chosen to represent their regions in these competitions are awarded Regional colours.

International events

The SAPC encourages the exchange of ideas between branches , regions and countries. South African pony clubbers have had the opportunity to visit The USA, New Zealand, UK, Kenya and Botswana. In return, those countries have sent visiting teams to us. These exchanges have been huge learning experiences for the members involved, as well as lots of fun.

'Walkerville Pony Clubbers do their bit'