Does you child love horses, ponies and unicorns? We spoke to Pamela Cook, a committee member at Helensburgh Pony Club, to understand how kids can get involved and start riding horses and ponies (not unicorns, unfortunately).  

Tell us about Helensburgh Pony Club.

Helensburgh Pony Club is one of the oldest clubs in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and has provided instruction and sporting events for generations of riders. At the height of our membership there were over 100 junior riders attending monthly rally days, gymkhanas, sporting and jumping competitions and representing the club and zone at State level.

Over the last five years the number of riders at all clubs has decreased, which has seen our number of junior riders reduce to very low levels. Fortunately, Pony Club NSW now allows adult membership and it’s been wonderful to see our numbers growing again with local adult riders coming along to ride together, receive instruction and generally have a great time with their horses. Helensburgh Pony Club is currently having a membership drive in order to keep the club running and financial. Along with the number of declining riders, Covid and then the wet weather has made it extremely difficult to run consistent events but we’re hoping that period has now come to an end.

Members have full use of the grounds and access to equipment, including a fantastic set of professional jumps, as well as rally days – some with instruction and some for a social ride.

What are the benefits of horse riding for kids?

Horse riding has many benefits for children and adults alike. Bringing your horse to the grounds and competing in a variety of events allows riders the opportunity to improve their existing skills and learn new ones, to connect with their horse and allow the horse to experience a new environment. It also means taking on responsibility for your horse, being assertive with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle, along with the exercise benefits for both rider and horse.

All the same benefits apply to adult riders who are now also members of the club.

On the social level, riders make so many new friends across all age groups which extend beyond riding days.

What can kids expect at horse riding camp?

The Zone Pony Club at Jerarra (near Jamberoo) runs a yearly camp where riders attend for a few days to bunk together, receive instruction in riding, jumping, sporting, dressage, and a variety of other disciplines, including cross country and mounted games. While at camp, riders are responsible for feeding, grooming and tacking up their horses. An emphasis on safety is a top priority, with riders being trained in how to choose and fit saddles and tack. Helmets are compulsory.

What age do you recommend kids can start riding horses?

We’ve had riders as young as two and three attend pony club. Watching them being led by their parents on a Shetland is the cutest thing ever. The younger kids get acquainted with horses, the more natural being around them and riding them becomes.

Do you have any tips for introducing kids to horses/horse riding?

Horses are large animals and being around them can be daunting. The younger kids are introduced to them, the more natural it will feel. Allowing young children to pat horses under supervision, groom them, assist in feeding and generally being around them alongside an adult will help them build a connection with horses.

Once they start riding, lessons are a must and there are numerous places in the Illawarra providing great instruction.

Helensburgh Pony Club is actively seeking new members for 2023, particularly adult riders. If you’d like to find out more, please check out Helensburgh Pony Club on Facebook or email hbpcsec@gmail.com

For more information, please visit the Helensburgh Pony Club's Facebook page