It was half term for the children of Leicestershire and Warwickshire, which meant one thing “pony club”.

Friday afternoon saw 6 junior jockeys and their ponies achieve their Intro to pony racing badge. I had been asked by the Atherstone Hunt Branch of the Pony Club to help with the badge which was an honor in itself; of course I jumped at the chance.

Two o clock came round and children and their ponies started to arrive, we were very privileged to use a small indoor school which was ideal for what we had got planned. First thing we did was talk about tacking up their racing ponies – what order would everything go on and how is the tack different to the tack their ponies were currently wearing. It was only a small group but all the children were so enthusiastic and answered all the questions thrown at them.

A lot of enjoyment was taken from all seeing who could lift the weight cloth up and hold it for as longest. I took two sets of colours that my pointers run in for the children to have a look at and they all told me what colours they would like to have. With the fun bits there were also the serious bit and everyone had a turn of showing me there jockey position, which ment a lot of twists went into the stirrups to achieve this. Once all the ground work was done it was on to their ponies for a walk trot and “slow” canter, most of these children compete in mounting games so the later was quite difficult trying to slow them down. We finished with a 2 horse pony race down the school, round the cone and back. I hope all had a great time and got a lot out of the afternoon. I think they did with the big smiles on their faces. All the children were a credit to the club and I look forward too seeing them pony racing in a few years time.

Katie B. Frisby
Point to Point and Equine Services