The club’s next rally takes place on Sunday and children are encouraged to come and take part or watch.
Riders learn a range of skills, such as dressage, showjumping and cross-country, enabling them to compete with children from other clubs.
They also gain an understanding of natural horsemanship, helping them to stay safe by ensuring horses behave appropriately.
Natural horsemanship is about knowing the horse and teaching it not to be in your space, instructor, club president and district commissioner Karen Martin said.
“It’s teaching kids to have control of their pony instead of letting it push them over when walking,” Ms Martin said.
“Some kids have horses that are very bossy and don’t want to listen to you when you’re on the ground and they try and rub on you or push you or bite you.”
Children’s natural horsemanship is put to the test during unmounted rallies.
While flat work ultimately leads to the ability to compete in the show ring, it enables riders to learn many basic skills required for recreational riding.
“It’s teaching them how to walk, how to trot, how to canter, how you hold your hands and there’s a certain way to hold reins and a certain way to hold a whip,” Ms Martin said.
Harness lessons are occasionally held and the pony club also runs trail rides and camps.
Corrie Nelson, from the Lake Charm area, takes many of the sessions and as well as sharing her expertise in natural horsemanship, teaches children tricks including standing and sitting backwards on her vaulting pony.
Guest instructors Lynn McIntyre, from the Bendigo area, will be at this Sunday’s rally.
“She’s very good with kids and high up in the instructors’ world,” Ms Martin said.
While children can strive to reach state-level competition, the social element is one of Kerang Pony Club’s greatest drawcards.
The club is keen to increase its numbers.
Ms Martin said it has had up to 15 riders, but there are now only three after past participants left town to go to university.
Sunday’s joint rally will involve children and ponies from clubs in Koondrook-Barham and Nyah, so there will be plenty of opportunity for participants to make friends.
Ms Martin said the club’s riding facilities at Kerang racing track were of a high standard, noting there is a cross-country course and four different enclosed areas for children to ride.
If children become members of Kerang Pony Club they will also be covered by insurance when riding at home, with membership lasting for a year.
Sunday’s rally
When
10am and runs to about 2pm.
Where
The Kerang Showgrounds entry. Enter on the Kerang-Koondrook Road opposite TJ Stockfeeds. While the gate may be shut, it won’t be locked.
If planning to attend, call Karen Martin on 0411 370374 or check the Kerang Pony Club Facebook page to enable the club to abide by its COVID-safe plan.
Food and drinks
Participants must bring their own food and drinks as the club is unable to open its canteen due to COVID-19 restrictions. There will be a morning tea break and a lunch break.
Riding on the day
Riders will have between two and four lessons, depending on the number of participants.
