Pony Stars
Adventure, fun, friendship... and ponies!
This summer, The British Horse Society are excited to be launching Pony Stars, the new Junior Challenge Awards aimed at helping under 12s discover, develop, and nurture a love for ponies and the outdoors.
With over 100 topics to explore, Pony Stars is set to ignite your passion for ponies, build knowledge and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Pony Stars follows in the hoofprints of the BHS Challenge Awards for teenagers and adults, which has seen thousands of horse owners and riders learning more about their four-legged friends whilst building their own skills and confidence.
The new junior Challenge Awards are perfect for nurturing children’s love for ponies and developing confidence when exploring the great outdoors!
Pony Progression
There are four groups within the programme, so you can progress through a range of activities:
Shetland Striders
Dartmoor Dazzlers
Welshie Wizzers
Connemara Champs
Each group includes six themes for you to explore:
Golden Groom: It’s all about ponies and everything a junior rider needs to know to look after them safely and considerately. This theme includes topics such as Breeds, Grooming, Hoofcare and Anatomy.
Pet Protector: The welfare of all animals and wildlife, then focusses on keeping ponies safe and well all year round. This theme explores topics such as Pet Care, Pony Behaviour, Pony Health and Poisonous Plants.
Junior Jockey: Riding skills and knowledge progressing hand in hand. Topics for junior riders to discover include Riding Skills, Saddles and Boots, Pony Fitness and Tack Care.
Equine Explorer: Getting out of the arena and exploring with your pony. The beginning of many adventures! Equine Explorer delves into topics such as the Countryside, Trees and Plants, Navigation and the Highway Code
Stable Star: Junior riders will learn all there is to do on the yard, while being a kind and considerate member of the group. Topics within this theme include Kindness, Work Smart, Leadership, Stables and Paddocks.
Helping Hero: Understanding the wider impact junior riders can have on friends, family, community and environment. This theme looks at topics such as Feed the Birds, Being Green, Make a Difference and Healthy Mind.
How you can get involved!
There are two ways to join in the Pony Stars fun and begin your adventure…
1. Join a Pony Stars coaching group at a BHS Approved Riding Centre. You can make new friends and join in with group activities within our friendly centres.
2. Do you have your own pony? A BHS Accredited Professional Coach can come to you to deliver Pony Stars activities! You can also travel to them or even set up your own group with friends on a local yard.
Pony Stars will be available through more and more BHS Approved Centres and BHS Accredited Professional Coaches as the programme gets rolled out this year.
To find out more about Pony Stars and how to get involved, visit bhs.org.uk/ponystars
