FAQ
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We have a minimum age requirement of 8 years old for prospective members.
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Yes.
Prospective members will need access to a suitable pony or horse if you wish to participate in mounted lessons. We are unable to provide horses for riding lessons. It is encouraged that interested students establish a lease, or purchase a suitable pony or horse before signing up for a membership with Walla Walla Pony Club.
A "Pony", refers to a youth's English mount -- not necessarily a pony height equine.
Our requirements for suitable mounts include:
Skill level appropriate mounts: The horse and rider are well matched for safety during riding lessons.
Sound mount: The horse has no injuries or unsoundness's that would prevent them from work.
Cared for mount: Up to date on vaccinations, deworming, teeth and farrier care.
Safe and appropriate tack: Tack that fits the horse and rider well. If not, the owner, parent, or guardian must be prepared to purchase or substitute appropriate tack for their child's mount.
Alternative Track
As of 2021, Pony Club offers a completely unmounted Horse Management track which allows horse enthusiasts who do not ride the opportunity to achieve certifications demonstrating proficiency in a variety of horse handling skills and management topics. We do accept members that are unable or not interested in riding to pursue this track.
Come Check Us Out!
We highly encourage interested families to observe a Pony Club lesson day, and/or try outside lessons before committing to a membership. Please contact our club D.C.
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We have two lesson types; mounted and unmounted. Our lessons are structured to follow the United States Pony Club rating system where a rider can become a beginner, intermediate, and advanced rider. We focus on small goals that equal a larger sum over time -- working with the horse and rider we have for the lesson.
Mounted Lessons
Mounted lessons are intended to be supplemental to a student's own riding time.
The more one can practice their skills the more quickly they'll be able to progress.
Most lessons are in the classic Pony Club style of groups of two to three riders of the same level. We meet every Sunday afternoon, weather dependent. Lesson structure and times are determined by Walla Walla Pony Club instructors.
Riding lessons are a portion of what Pony Club is about and is not the main focus of the club, but rather one of it's many moving parts. Members in good standing participate regularly in a variety of activities provided locally and regionally and push themselves to excel in their time with our club.
Unmounted Lessons
Our unmounted knowledge follows the same route, preparing the riders with knowledge on horsemanship they'll use throughout their life. We meet frequently for mounted lessons, and monthly for unmounted lessons. From January to February we solely focus on unmounted knowledge needed for certification testing that year.
Occasionally we will also have guest instructors for mounted and unmounted lessons, and fun ride days.
Rider Expectations
Members of Walla Walla Pony Club will be expected to test for their first certification within the first year of membership. This could be either the 'D1 Horse Management', or 'D1 Horse Management & D1 Riding' tests. Read more on testing below.
Becoming a member in good standing:
-- Participating weekly in Walla Walla Pony Club mounted and unmounted lessons
-- Working towards their next certification level in Horse Management and/or Riding
-- Participating in local or regional preps, clinics, rallies, and schooling shows (optional, but highly encouraged)
Age requirement?
We have a minimum age requirement of 8 years old for prospective members.
Parent or Guardian Involvement
Walla Walla Pony Club operates from parent involvement and volunteerism. Without our volunteers, we would not have a club. Parents will be mentored in the processes of Pony Club and will sign up to volunteer in supporting our club through the year.
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Annual dues vary from club to club. Scholarships are available for a limited amount of riders in our region.
Each year members of our club pay:
-- National Dues
-- Regional Dues
-- Local Dues
Contact the D.C. for more information!
Riding lesson fees vary depending on the instructor. We try to keep our lesson fees manageable. These fees are not included in the membership fee.
Unmounted lessons are an amazing assist to a young horseperson. This is free information, in our club, and there is no fee for these lessons. They are important to attend to learn the most about horses.
Rallies and competitions will have a sign up fee and that information will be passed on to interested members.
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