Preference of 4h or pony club?

Question

I have been riding for 8 years now and am a young teen. I own a 14.2 black and white paint mare who loves to go out cross country, show jumping, gets trained in dressage and just loves doing whatever is thrown at her. I have always participated in 4h but have heard a lot of great things about pony club also. With a very active 4h club, school, and all around sports, I only have time for one or the other. I know that pony club is a large commitment (from what I have heard from friends), and am willing to give anything a try. Just wondering if you like one or the other? If so then why? I really love 4h, but I have heard that pony club is more hands on and riding. 4h is awesome I have learned so much and done so many new things throughout the state and country, but what is pony club like compared to 4h? and any other cool info about pony club and stuff would be awesome!

Answer 1

If you're leaning towards more eventing and dressage, Pony Club would probably be a better fit for you. Both 4-H and Pony Club are good organizations for kids who ride. You can't go too wrong with either one, but I prefer Pony Club. I've seen it from many different angles over a 30 year period! I joined when I was 14 and had been riding for 8 years (and also had a 14.2hh'er), and stayed in until I hit the top rating and turned 21 (the old age limit). Then, 4 years ago, I signed up my then 7 year old beginner son, so I got to experience it as a parent, and with a young beginner kid.



Within the national framework, each pony club does things a little differently. You'll have to ask questions of your local club or clubs if you have more than one to pick from. My son's club has lessons twice a week, year-round, plus unmounted meetings, fun stuff, etc. We get invited to fox hunt, and have many special opportunities. Kids compete at rallies for Quiz, Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Games, Polocrosse, and Tetrathlon (riding, running, shooting & swimming). You are never required to compete, just like you're not required to rate up to new ratings until you're ready. Go to the pony club website (www.ponyclub.org) and also check out the websites of your region and local clubs. Contact the clubs you're interested in and ask as many questions as you have. Ask if you can come observe one of their activities.



Now is a good time to join because you can join as of January 1st, then be there to attend Quiz practices and make some friends in the club. If you wait until spring, you might miss the Quiz rally, and you'll pay the same annual dues as you would on Jan. 1.

Answer 2

I would choose 4h because even though its not as horse focused at pony club you can learn more. If you want to have a career working with animals and even horses, I would not give up the 4h club because there are so many agricultural opportunities and it's more community based. I was in 4h club and I rode horses growing up but we are in the racing business so even though I took jumping lessons I never competed. On that note, if you feel pony club would get you into better shows and you really want to advance it is a hard decision. Many colleges have riding teams and that was not something I knew about growing up but I think 4h could get you there just as well as pony club. I support 4h and want it to grow.

Answer 3

Pony Club offers a lot of amazing opportunities from competing around the world to teaching within your own club. It's an international organization with branches in 9+ countries around the world and focuses on all aspects of riding from amazing stable management to fox hunting to eventing to PPG. For someone wishing to advance in the English riding community, I would definitely suggest Pony Club. Although there are variations around the world, the pillars of pony club remain similar throughout and include being knowledgeable in all aspects of horse care and stable management, developing well-rounded, capable and safe riders and promoting their riders for all sorts of unique opportunities - coaching, captaining, exchanges, youth representatives, judging, etc.



I'm definitely biased - I was in PC for 20 years and I am still involved as an adult and it's certainly an organization I would recommend to any rider hoping to become more involved in any aspect of English riding and it's how I started 3-day eventing (dressage, x-country, show jumping and roads and tracks).

Answer 4

I've never done 4H, but i'm in Pony Club and it's really fun. You learn a ton and get to try a lot of different activities that you might not be able to try otherwise.

Answer 5

I am an adult and never belonged to either but I have gone to shows to support both 4H and PC.



They are both great organizations but Pony Club will get you farther with your english riding, especially with eventing.

Answer 6

For what u describe you need Pony Club. I'm not going to go thru all pony club does but I will swear to you will have more opportunities & knowledge about horses. Look up the closest one in your area & ask questions.

Answer 7

What you and the horse learn would depend totally on the coach or who is running the show. Go to a couple meetings and see when the boss is requiring them to do.