The morning began with an interesting lecture on Endurance Riding by Fanus Cilliers, a competitor in this equine sport, accompanied by his horse Parker. Fanus explained important aspects such as choosing the perfect horse, the right feeding to obtain good results and how to ride a successful race.
He also told the group of young riders that the point of Endurance Riding was not to gallop flat-out and head for the finish line - rather, that the sport is about settling into a rhythm and pacing your horse so that it passes the vet check with flying colours. Everyone was suitably impressed by Fanus and his beautiful, well-muscled equine athlete Parker.
The second part of the rally was spent on horseback doing gymkhana games. Riders were split into two teams, some on borrowed ponies, and tried their hand at weaving through bending poles, sack race, egg and spoon race (riding with one hand only) as well as riding bareback.
The aim of the gymkhana games is to have fun on horseback but in a controlled and safe environment. Riders at different levels of experience stand to gain new skills and improve on the ones they learn at Pony Club rallies. Younger riders are assisted, helping them gain confidence, while older riders have more challenging tasks to complete.
Attending Pony Club is a great way to grow as a rider, where you are encouraged to learn and enjoy different kinds of sport connected with horses. Instruction on riding and horsemanship means helping to instil in members proper animal care. Members learn sportsmanship through team participation and so develop strength of character and self discipline.
The next Pony Club rally will be held at Burnside Equestrian Centre on 24 March. The theme for dressing up will be 'Easter Tails and Manes' for the horses and 'Easter Bonnets' for the riders. For further enquiries contact Annelise Naudé on 082 358 0743.
Not all the gymkhana games involve horses! Riders race for the finish line during the sack race.
