FAQs

View some answers to our most frequently asked questions by clicking on a question below.

What is the role of parents in Pony Club?

Pony Club parents play a critical role in the experience each child has in Timber Ridge Pony Club. Volunteers make Pony Club happen. Parent involvement at the local level is vital. Not a horse person? No big deal. There are plenty of volunteer positions that don’t require equine knowledge.

We offer many opportunities for those interested to support our program. Some options include: bring snacks to a meeting, organize an unmounted meeting, or help with organization and implementation of a mounted meetings. Parent contribution makes it all happen.

How often do you meet?

From mid-March to mid-October (weather dependent) we strive to have bi-weekly mounted meetings that also have a horse management/unmounted component. Parents help to plan these events.

Where do you meet?

For unmounted meetings (e.g. no riding involved), we meet in members’ homes and public locations. For mounted meetings or riding clinics, we typically meet at Wind's Reach Farm and Bent Creek Farm. We are also very lucky to have a fabulous facility near us at Catalpa Corner. We sometimes partner with other area Pony Clubs to provide joint clinics and these are located in various places in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

What activities does Pony Club do?

We do a lot! While on our mounts, we do dressage, eventing, games, jumping, equitation, tetrathlon, trail rides and more. When unmounted, we learn all about horses and horse safety, from how to care for a horse to basic veterinary skills. We also have summer and winter camps, regional events, and joint day-camps with other area Pony Clubs.

Do I still have to take riding lessons?

Pony Club meetings and events do not replace regular lessons. Although members are not required to take lessons, we do strongly recommend a consistent lesson program.

I don’t have a horse or pony! Can I still join Pony Club?

Yes! Ownership of a horse is not required. We can provide you with contact information to access a schooling horse for mounted instruction and for learning unmounted skills as well.