Pony Club Ireland: a guide to the Irish Pony Club
The Irish Pony Club is the main youth riding organisation in Ireland. Generations of Irish riders, from weekend hackers to international show jumpers and event riders, started at their local branch. If your child has been bitten by the riding bug, it is worth understanding how Pony Club works and whether it suits your family.
What is the Irish Pony Club?
The Irish Pony Club is a voluntary organisation for young people interested in horses and riding. It runs through local branches spread across the country, each led by a District Commissioner and a committee of volunteers. The club is affiliated to Horse Sport Ireland, the governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland.
Branches organise rallies (group instruction sessions), camps, tests and competitions, and the club runs national championships in disciplines such as show jumping, eventing, dressage and mounted games. Full details are on the Irish Pony Club website.
Who can join?
According to the Irish Pony Club, membership is open to young people up to the age of 23. There is no fixed minimum age, but members generally need to be able to ride without assistance, and the branch's District Commissioner has discretion. In practice, children commonly join from about five or six.
Membership is paid annually and includes insurance cover for Pony Club activities. Rallies, camps and competitions usually carry extra charges. Check the current fee on the club's membership page.
Do you need your own pony?
Traditionally, Pony Club members brought their own ponies to rallies, and many still do. However, children without a pony can often take part, for example by borrowing or sharing a pony, by keeping a pony on livery, or by attending activities that a branch runs with a local riding school. Ask your nearest branch what is possible; arrangements vary.
If you are considering keeping a pony for Pony Club, livery at a riding centre is one option. The livery page describes how livery has worked at the Moy.
How branches and rallies work
A branch usually covers a local area, and families join the branch nearest them. Through the year, a branch might run:
- Rallies: instruction for small groups of riders at similar levels, covering riding, jumping and horse care.
- Summer camp: usually the biggest event of the branch year, with several days of instruction and activities.
- Stable management sessions and lectures, often in winter.
- Inter-branch and area competitions, leading to national championships for those who want to compete.
Rallies are run by volunteers and instructors, so branch life depends on parents helping out. Expect to be asked to help with lunches, setting up fences or stewarding.
Efficiency tests
Pony Club has a series of graded tests, often called efficiency tests, that cover riding and horse care. They start at a basic level for young or new members and progress to advanced certificates. Tests give children a structured goal, and higher certificates are well regarded in the horse world.
AIRE riding schools run their own graded exam system too, and many children work through both. The examinations page explains how A.I.R.E. exams are structured.
Pony Club or riding school: what is the difference?
| Riding school | Irish Pony Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | A business, usually AIRE-approved | Volunteer branches |
| Ponies | Provided by the school | Usually the member's own or borrowed |
| Format | Lessons you book | Rallies, camps and competitions through the year |
| Age | Any age | Up to 23 |
| Commitment | Flexible | Ongoing family involvement |
Many children do both: weekly lessons at a riding school to build basics, then Pony Club once they have a pony available and want rallies and competition.
Equipment rules
Pony Club has strict rules on safety equipment, especially hats. Hats must meet accepted standards and are checked and tagged before use at rallies and competitions. Body protectors are required for some activities, such as cross-country. Read our guides to riding hat standards and body protectors, and always check the current Irish Pony Club rule book.
How to join
- Find your nearest branch on the Irish Pony Club website.
- Contact the branch, usually through the District Commissioner or secretary, to ask about places and whether your child needs their own pony.
- Complete membership online and pay the annual fee.
- Check equipment, especially hat standards, before the first rally.
Is Pony Club right for your family?
Pony Club suits families who can commit to regular rallies and enjoy being involved. It is less suited to a child who rides only occasionally, or to families who cannot get a pony to rallies. If you are unsure, talk to parents at your local branch, and consider starting with lessons at a riding school before taking the step.
Frequently asked questions
What age can you join the Irish Pony Club?
Members can be up to 23 years old. There is no set minimum age, but children generally need to ride unassisted; many join at around five or six.
Do I need a pony to join Pony Club?
Not always. Many members own or share ponies, but some branches can help members without their own pony to take part in certain activities. Ask your local branch.
What is a District Commissioner?
The District Commissioner is the volunteer who leads a Pony Club branch, with support from a committee. They are usually the first person to contact about joining.
Is Pony Club only for competitive riders?
No. Many members never compete seriously. Rallies, camps and tests are about learning to ride and care for ponies well, and enjoying it with friends.
