Ready2Ride Program

The Ready2Ride program is an exciting introductory initiative designed for young Pony Club riders aged 10 and under. It focuses on building confidence, basic riding skills, and horse care knowledge in a fun, supportive, and structured environment. Originating from Pony Club Victoria and adopted by other states with permission, it aligns with the Pony Club Australia Syllabus of Instruction and prepares participants for E-level proficiency certificates.

This program helps new riders transition into Pony Club activities, emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and progressive learning through games, ridden exercises, and unmounted lessons.

A collection of ready-made lesson plans is available to clubs and coaches to simplify planning and delivery.

How Does It Work?

Ready2Ride operates at local Pony Club rallies, typically featuring 3 lessons per session:

• Two Ridden Lessons: These build basic riding skills such as holding reins correctly, walking, trotting, stopping, turning, and simple agility exercises. Activities include fun games like “Musical Mugs” (a variation of musical chairs on horseback) or rookie-level dressage tests and show jumping rounds over poles or small cross rails.
• One Unmounted Lesson: Focuses on horse care, safety, feeding, living conditions, grooming, and basic equestrian knowledge (e.g., naming pony friends, explaining fencing, or listing what a pony eats).

Lessons are delivered by qualified coaches and follow a consistent structure:

1. Introduction (5 mins): Safety and gear checks, outline lesson purpose.
2. Explanation and Demonstration (10 mins): Explain skills and demonstrate.
3. Warm-up (5 mins): Prepare riders and horses.
4. Main Activity (10-25 mins): Execute the exercise or game.
5. Cool Down and Feedback (5 mins): Assess learning, provide positive feedback, and suggest homework.

The program includes about 31 tailored lesson plans for beginner-level riders, emphasizing creativity and fun while developing coordination, control, and horse management skills.

Skills progress from basic (e.g., holding reins in one hand, agility in walk/trot) to more advanced beginner tasks (e.g., riding a simple dressage test or jumping course in trot).

Benefits of Ready2Ride

• For Riders: Builds confidence, teaches essential skills safely, and fosters a love for horses through engaging activities. Riders can earn achievement ribbons by completing lessons.
• For Clubs and Coaches: Provides pre-developed lesson plans, reducing planning time. Supported by resources like equipment lists and safety protocols.
• Overall: Encourages early participation in Pony Club, promotes inclusivity for beginners, and aligns with national standards for a smooth progression to higher certificates.

How Do I Join Ready2Ride?

1. Check Availability: Contact your local Pony Club to see if they offer the Ready2Ride program.
2. Membership: Join as a Ready2Ride member through your state Pony Club association
3. Registration: Clubs register for the program, and riders sign up via the club’s rallies. Some clubs may require lead-line or beginner classes initially.
4. Get Started: Attend rallies with a suitable pony or horse. No prior experience needed, but basic safety gear (helmet, boots, etc.) is required.

For clubs interested in implementing please contact [email protected]

Resources

• Lesson Plans: Free samples available on Pony Club Australia (search for Ready2Ride Lesson Plans). Examples include Musical Mugs, Rookie Dressage Test, Rookie Show Jumping Round, and Feeding & Living Conditions.