The club is part of the national New Zealand Pony Club, one of the country's largest youth sporting organisations.
The ever-popular Junior Equine Skills Programme is the perfect introduction to the club. It’s an opportunity for children aged 7 to 13 years who don't have their own pony to learn about horses and how to care for them.
Young riders with their own ponies can enjoy weekly rallies on Wednesdays after school. As well as instruction on riding, rallies also include horse management lessons. Riders work towards achieving the appropriate level Pony Club certificates.
However, it’s not all about young people. There are plenty of opportunities for adults to join in the fun, making the pony club perfect for the whole family. Adult rallies are held on Tuesday evenings, covering the entire spectrum from novice to experienced riders.
The season runs from 1 September to 31 August. Alongside the weekly rallies, the club hosts several show jumping events and championships throughout the season.
Furthermore, the Pony Club enjoys a close relationship with the West Auckland branch of Riding for the Disabled, sharing the same location.
Henderson Valley Pony Club’s President Helen Miller explains more: ‘The Pony Club is meant to be fun,’ she says. ‘We cater for children and adults who are just beginning to ride through to more established riders who want to achieve certificates and compete at events.’
According to Helen, the club has been impacted by Covid restrictions. Although riding is now back on, club open days have not taken place for two years. Open days are a great advert for the club, and many new members sign up.
Henderson Valley Pony Club has worked hard to keep membership fees as low as possible. However, Helen says there’s not much leftover. And so, the club applied to the Your West Support Fund for help with administration costs.
‘The $4,000 of funding has helped us breathe a little easier,’ says Helen. ‘We now have some reserves to keep paying the bills and can look forward to the new season with more certainty,’ she adds.
You will find Henderson Valley Pony Club at 201A Henderson Valley Road.