FAQs

Q: What does NMW stand for?

A: NMW stands for No Matter What which was the name of Rachael's first horse.

 

Q: What is YELA?

A: YELA is an award for volunteers who are part of Pony Club, there are three awards - Bronze, Silver and Gold. More information can be found on the Pony Club website. Get your book signed to log your volunteering hours.

 

Q: Can I stay to help at NMW all day? 

A: You must be 12 years or above to be able to stay and help at the yard.

Q: How do I join Pony Club at NMW?

A: Once you are off the lead rein you can join a group which also does a stable management session. You will then need to go onto the Pony Club website and join as a "Centre" member. You will then be able to start earning badges.

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Q: What do I need to buy once I've joined Pony Club?

A: We sell pony club packs - these include a folder with dividers, all four achievement books and a NMW pony club bag to keep your essentials in. Please bring these to every session you attend. You are also welcome to provide your own folder and bag if you wish. You will need to purchase a pony club tie - we keep these in stock in the office to save paying postage and packaging or they are also available from the Pony Club website. You will also need a Pony Club V neck jumper to wear at shows, tests and camps. The badges that you earn can be sewn on to the jumper to wear with pride!

 

Q: How do I know which Pony Club test I can do? 

A: Please speak to your coach - the syllabus for each test is on the Pony Club website. You will also find all the badge syllabuses there too.

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Q: What should I wear for a Pony Club test?

A: Beige jodhpurs, clean riding boots, a white shirt with collar, your pony club tie, pony club jumper, membership badge, dark coloured riding gloves, hairnet for long hair and a dark/plain coloured up to standard riding hat. The hat must have a pink tag on it - please see the office for pink tags.

Q: Can I join in a show?

A: Yes! Our shows are there for everyone to have fun and have a go. The schedules with the classes are on our Facebook or our events calendar on the website. Please book in at the office.

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Q: What do I wear for a show?

A: Beige or white jodhpurs, clean riding boots, a white shirt with collar, pony club membership badge, Pony Club tie and jumper or a show jacket (tweed for showing, plain for showjumping, plain and dark coloured for dressage), hairnet for long hair, dark riding gloves (white allowed for dressage).

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Q: Where can I buy show clothes?

A: We have a selection of used beige and white jodhpurs, various show jackets and various pairs of riding boots available to loan or buy for a small price (show jackets not for sale). If you prefer we also have 10% off vouchers from Norvite if you want to kit yourself out, they also offer a hat fitting service. 

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Q: Can I hire a horse to go to a show away from NMW?

A: The hire price currently is £30 but your coach has to agree that you are ready and decide which classes would suit you best. It must be a show where staff are going to, you must be prepared to bath/plait your horse or pony the day before the show and the morning of the show. Show days are normally early starts! Tack must also be cleaned prior to the show. On return from the show you will need to help with cleaning out the lorry, putting tack away and ensuring your horse or pony is finished up and comfortable.

Q: Can I come to Pony Camp, if so which camp?

A: Mini Camp - Mini camp is designed for riders who are just starting up to riders who are walk, trot and cantering and thinking about starting jumping. 

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Residential Camp - We stay at the Fyfe Girlguiding House and walk 5 minutes to the stables each day. Riders are encouraged to stay, but if there are any concerns or they are unsure about staying over please speak to staff. All meals and snacks are provided. Camps are busy days with breakfast at 8am, a whole day at the stables then back to camp for dinner and evening activities. Campers earn points and the total goes towards rosettes, prizes and trophies at the end of the camp. This camp will include jumping, hacking and XC for those who are ready. Equipment list will be published online prior to the camp. You do not need to be a Pony Club member to attend camp but cannot earn badges without being a member.

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Senior Camp - We take the horses offsite to a yard which has a XC course and riders stay away with their horses. The riders are fully responsible for all the care of their horse and are therefore required to stay overnight. Riders must be competent riding outside of an arena, hacking and jumping. All meals and snacks are provided as well as evening activities. 

You do not need to be a Pony Club member to attend camp but cannot earn badges without being a member.