Riders Without Horses Program

The Riders Without Horses (RWH) program in Pony Club Victoria (PCV) allows young equestrians who do not own or have access to their own horse or pony to participate in Pony Club activities. Offered at the discretion of individual affiliated clubs, this program focuses on horsemastership, riding skills, and equestrian education in a safe, supportive environment. It aligns with the PCV Bylaws (effective January 1, 2025) and the Pony Club Australia (PCA) Syllabus of Instruction, helping riders build confidence, knowledge, and skills without the commitment of horse ownership. RWH is ideal for beginners or those testing the waters before acquiring a horse, emphasizing horse welfare, safety, and fun.

Participants learn to care for and ride horses as if they were their own, through unmounted and mounted activities. While not a commercial riding school, it provides structured lessons that can lead to proficiency certificates and a deeper understanding of equestrianism.

How Does It Work?

The RWH program is club-based and varies slightly by location, but follows PCV rules (Rule 18.14):

• Activities: Predominantly focused on horsemastership (e.g., grooming, feeding, tack care, stable management). May include supervised riding sessions using club-provided horses or ponies, which are steady and suitable for beginners.
• Structure: Held during regular club rallies or at other scheduled times. Sessions often run fortnightly or monthly, aligned with school terms or rally schedules. Riders commit term-by-term or rally-by-rally.
• Supervision: Always overseen by the District Commissioner (DC) or an approved assistant, with a mandatory risk management assessment for safety.
• Gear and Standards: PCA Gear Rules apply for all activities to ensure comfort, safety, and uniformity.
• Progression: Riders are not graded and focus on learning rather than competition. Attendance is recorded as “RWH” but does not count toward qualifying rallies for external events.
• Riding Opportunities: Participants may ride horses they do not own, with DC approval and parental consent for minors. Lessons emphasize independent control (starting, stopping, turning) and safety around horses.

Programs like those at North Eastern Horse & Pony Club include catching, leading, rugging, and theoretical study for certificates. In bad weather, activities shift to unmounted theory or games.

Benefits of RWH

• Accessibility: No need for horse ownership, agistment, or maintenance—clubs provide suitable ponies.
• Education and Skills: Gain comprehensive knowledge in horse care, riding basics, and equestrian theory, preparing for future ownership or advanced Pony Club levels.
• Safety and Support: Structured in a family-oriented setting with qualified supervision, insurance coverage, and adherence to child safety policies.
• Social and Fun: Build friendships, confidence, and a love for horses through engaging activities, without competitive pressure.
• Pathway to Membership: Transition easily to full riding membership if a horse is acquired later.
• Insurance: Participants receive the same personal accident and public liability insurance as other PCV members during sanctioned activities.
• Inclusivity: Open to various ages (typically 5-25), promoting equestrian participation for all.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Age: Generally for juniors (under 17), seniors (17-25), and sometimes adults, depending on the club. Specific clubs like Upper Yarra cater to ages 5-17.
• Prerequisites: Riders must be able to handle basic safety independently (e.g., around horses). No prior experience required, but commitment to learning is key.
• Membership: Join as a standard PCV member (junior/senior/adult) through the participating club. Requires a Working with Children Check for adults involved.
• Parental Involvement: Parents/guardians may need to stay for supervision, especially for younger riders or those with special needs.

How Do I Join RWH?

1. Find a Participating Club: Contact PCV office ([email protected]) for the latest list. Known clubs include:
   • North Eastern Horse & Pony Club (Viewbank): Contact Louise Barrett at [email protected]. Fortnightly lessons, focus on care and riding.
   • Upper Yarra Pony Club (Wesburn Park): Monthly rallies on first Sunday. Open to 5-17; contact via club website or Facebook.
   • Horsham Pony Club: Available if sufficient interest; inquire directly.
   • Others may offer on request—check the PCV Find a Club tool.
2. Apply: Register via the MyPonyClub platform (JustGo) as a club member. Submit application, pay fees, and attend a trial if offered.
3. Fees: Vary by club (e.g., standard PCV membership ~$200-300 annually, plus club/rally fees). Contact clubs for specifics.
4. Get Started: Attend rallies with required gear (helmet, boots, etc.). Clubs provide horses; bring enthusiasm!

For clubs interested in starting RWH: Ensure compliance with Rule 18.14, including risk assessments and supervision.

Competitions and Progression

• RWH riders cannot compete in graded Pony Club sections but may participate in internal club ungraded events or share horses with approval.
• Progress to mounted rallies or competitions by acquiring a horse and meeting qualifying attendance (separate from RWH records).
• Earn certificates through unmounted and theory work, aligning with PCA standards.

Resources

• PCV Bylaws (2025): Download from ponyclubvic.org.au for full Rule 18.14 details.
• PCA Syllabus: Available on ponyclubaustralia.com.au for horsemastership lessons.
• Club Pages: North Eastern nehpc.org/riders-without-horses; Upper Yarra via Facebook.
• Contact PCV: Email [email protected] or call (03) 8685 8925 for guidance or to find clubs.

The RWH program is a fantastic entry point to Pony Club—join today and discover a life with horses!