At what age can my child participate?
The child needs to be 7 years old and able to ride safely at the walk and trot without a walker. This is the same requirement for group lessons here at Red Gate Farm.
Can I bring my own horse?
Yes! We welcome trailer-ins and outside riders.
What are the fees associated with Pony Club activities?
Activity Fees
Horse Usage for Rallies: $70 for dressage, $90 for show jumping or eventing rally
Rider Rally Entry: dependent on rally
Mounted Preps: $70
Unmounted Preps: $40
Ratings: Varies depending on the examiner and number of people in the rating; typically around $100 per person
What is a rally?
Rallies are regional competitions in which all participating Pony Clubs send a team of 3-4 riders to compete against other Pony Club teams. Riders are judged on their riding according to the type of rally (dressage, eventing, or show jumping) as well as horse management. This horse management aspect includes everything from presentation of you and your horse in a clean and safe fashion, to the cleanliness of your stall or trailer area. The region also hosts a Quiz Rally, which tests solely the participant’s equine knowledge based on their rating level.
What is a rating?
The Pony Club rating system is the backbone of the program. As a rider ascends through the ratings, the depth of equine knowledge and scope of riding ability required increases. The ratings, from lowest to highest, are D-1, D-2, D-3, C-1, C-2, C-3, HB, B, H-A, A. The “D-1” level is designed for even the most beginner of riders, so never fear, all riders may participate! The highest level, the “A”, is internationally recognized as the peak of horse knowledge and riding expertise.
All riders start out “Unrated” and prepare for the level that is appropriate to their experience. The instructor makes a recommendation as to which level is appropriate for the rider, and the rider may rate up once he or she feels ready.
The “D” level introduces the rider to riding and horse care. The emphasis is on safe horsemanship as riders learn how to interact with the horse safely on the ground in the barn and his daily care. The rider will learn to walk, trot, and jump a small course safely and independently, both inside and out of the arena.
The “C” level rider is able to care for her horse independently. A deeper level of knowledge is expected at this level as the rider begins to understand more about the training and care of the horse. In the tack, the rider develops an independent seat and is competent over larger fences and on the flat.
Beginning at the C-3, the ratings are conducted at the National level. Until this point all ratings are held at the Club level, organized by the club and examined by regional examiners. At the National level, a National Examiner will test the students to a greater depth of equine knowledge, horsemanship, and riding ability. Through the B and the A levels the rider is expected not only to ride the horse well, butto have a positive effect on his training.
The National level ratings are very intensive, so the ratings are split in to the riding portion and the horse management portion. The riding portion of the C-3 is called as such; the horse management is called the “C+” rating. At the B, the horse management is called the “HB” and for the A, the horse management is the “H/A.”
When are the ratings?
The occurrence of ratings is determined by the need of the club. All new members must wait 30 days to take the first rating.
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