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4-H or Pony Club2007-11-24 21:09:49

Which one would you say is better and why? Feel free to share stories and experiences. oh, and do you have to ride a pony to be in the pony club, or can you ride a horse? thanx =^_^=

Answers:

Great posts. The only thing I'd add is that if you're interested in eventing, the sport that includes dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping, Pony Club is your best bet. If you're interested in riding Western, Pony Club is not the right place.

And I agree with others who say the people make the clubs; if you can visit your local Pony Club chapter and your local 4-H chapter, you might get a better idea of which group you'd prefer to be in!

Good luck with your choice.

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I don't know anything about "Pny Club" but I was in 4-H my whole life growing up and now my 2 kids are too.

4-H in my opinion is the best. There is so much opportunity to learn and it's not limited to one thing like just shows, just english, just gymkhana etc., and it's so much more then the riding aspect. You get experience in everything.

The best thing about 4-H to me is the things you lear other than horse stuff. You learn about teamwork, self esteem, communicatiom, responsibility, safety, and also participate in alot of community service and activity.

I couldn't be happier with what 4-H did for me and is now doing for my kids.

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4-H, I was in it and I had a great time. See not only do you do arts and crafts if you sign up you can do things with animals. (Cows, horses, ect.) It was a lot of fun!

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Generally, I would say Pony Club is better. Pony clubbers go to "A" rated shows and train and ride in the olympic disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and eventing. 4-H shows only in "4-H" shows. Also, the leaders tend to be busy with other 4-H activities rather than horse and pony exclusively. They just aren't as competitive, or as conscientious in teaching proper care of horses. I am a superintendent for another 4-H program and I work the fair day and night the entire week of the county fair. Most of the kids showing in 4-H are an embarrassment. They should go home and practice for two or three more years before they even think about going to a show. I know some pony clubbers and they are competitive at the state and national level and they are getting scholarships on their riding ability. They have non-horsey parents, so they got something out of Pony club. It's not just about showing. They go trail riding and camping, too.