Summer Inspiration: get involved in something new over the holidays
Thursday, 27 July 2023
Need some summer equestrian inspiration? There are so many things you can do over the summer holidays, whether you have your own horse or not – we've put together a list of ideas for all horse lovers to get involved in something new.
Take part
- Why not push yourself to the next step and compete in affiliated competitions with British Dressage, British Showjumping, British Eventing.
- Take part in a local leisure ride with Endurance GB – with dates across the summer all over the country, there's bound to be one near you.
- Join your local Pony Club Branch or Centre to take part in rallies, local competitions and many fun community activities. Pony Club Centres are based at affiliated riding centres, so are a great option if you don't have your own pony.
- Try out a new discipline – there are so many different sports for you to have a go at, including horseball, vaulting and polocrosse.
- Complete your first BHS Recreational Awards to develop skills and knowledge, designed for children and younger riders.
Volunteer
- Why not volunteer at a local Riding for the Disabled Association or World Horse Welfare centre, a great opportunity to spend time with some amazing horses, while gaining valuable experience.
- Many local equestrian centres have volunteering opportunities to help the running of the riding school or livery yard.
- Pony Club's Young Equestrian Leader Awards (YELA) provides tierd awards for volunteering in equestrian sport.
- Check out local show centres to see if they're in need of volunteers on competition days, such as fence judging, test writing or manning crossing points – this can be a great way to learn more about your favourite discipline, plus you might get the chance to see some of your favourite sporting stars in action.
Family activities
- Meet the horses at a World Horse Welfare centre for a fun family day out.
- Watch some exciting western riding at the American Horse Festival with British Reining - 11-13 August at Valley View Ranch, Herefordshire.
- Have a day out at the JCB Pony Club Championships 11 - 19 August – they're a great showcase for the huge variety of sports that the Pony Club offers, from eventing to polocrosse and the Musical Ride.
Dates for your diary
With so much going on throughout the summer, it's a great time to get involved and try something different. Whether that's a new sport for you and your pony, or volunteering at an event, it gives you the chance to meet some incredible people, get active outside and learn more about your favourite animals!