The Pony Club has celebrated a significant milestone alongside HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of the organisation.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Pony Club Centre Membership Scheme. The initiative has broadened opportunities for young people to enjoy Pony Club activities at local riding centres, offering access that may have otherwise been out of reach.
Participants from diverse backgrounds have been given the chance to engage in a variety of activities, including over 130 achievement badges, a progression of skill assessments, nine sports reaching championship levels, and non-mounted pursuits such as Horse and Pony Care and the Quiz as a result of the scheme.
With over 340 affiliated riding centres nationwide, boasting a membership of 10,000, the scheme encompasses a third of the UK Pony Club’s total membership.
A highlight of the anniversary celebrations so far was the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Pony Club, at Wrea Green Equitation Centre near Preston, one of the scheme’s original centres, for a celebratory event.
This grassroots riding centre supports the local community and broader Lancashire region.
During her visit, Her Royal Highness met Pony Club members and watched their diverse activities, which included bandaging, grooming, and horse and rider demonstrations.
She presented commemorative plaques to centre proprietors in recognition of 25 years participation in the scheme and the festivities concluded with a tea party in the indoor school.
“It was a delight to welcome Her Royal Highness to join us in celebrating our Centre Membership Scheme,” said Marcus Capel, CEO of Wrea Green Equitation Centre. “The centre proprietors and members thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her.”
