Great Outdoors- Horsing around

Pony Club coach Pam Schinkel talks about her love for horses, seeing kids grow in confidence, and why Golden Bay is such a great place for riding. By Craig Sisterson.
Golden Bay is a fantastic place to ride horses, says riding instructor Pam Schinkel, who grew up in South Africa but now lives “just down the road” from the Golden Bay Pony Club, one of several such clubs in the Top of the South. “We are so lucky,” she says, “we have fantastic, really awesome beaches to go riding on, some farmers give you permission to ride on their farmland, and we’re still lucky enough that you can ride on the road. There are not many places you can do that anymore.”

Most Golden Bay drivers are very considerate of horses, adds Schinkel. “Even the Solly’s truck drivers, they’re just amazing, they see the kids on their ponies and they slow down.” Given that many of the young club members don’t have access to a horse float, so “get around on horseback” riding to meetings and events, that attitude is greatly appreciated, says Schinkel, especially as Pony Club looks to build the confidence, leadership, and independence in its members.

Schinkel fell in love with horses as a youngster growing up Cape Town, going out for treks with her grandfather and cousin. But she didn’t join a club until after she immigrated to Golden Bay a decade ago (having fallen in love with the region when visiting on holiday). Now she has two horses, Zulu and Breeze, as well as ponies Beau and Eddie for her kids, and coaches the next generation of equine enthusiasts, as well as competing in events like cross-country and dressage. “There’s just something about horses,” she says. “I just love everything about them. At the moment I really love training, understanding why they behave the way they do, and changing our behaviour around them to better communicate with them.”

Schinkel sees plenty of that same passion for horses in the eyes of youngsters – who range in age from primary schoolers to those in their late teens – at monthly Pony Club meetings and other events. “It’s awesome, lovely to see; it reminds me of myself when I was a kid. Especially seeing them bonding with their horses, being confident around them, being capable, and learning independence. Their parents aren’t doing everything for them, they’re starting to learn some things for themselves.”

Pony Clubs have a certificate programme, helping build both riding and horse care skills – from complete novice right through to skills for a career in horsemanship. “We have those that are interested in competing, and we encourage them. And we also have a lot of kids who own their own ponies, and want to go and hack out safely, and you know Mum wants to know they’re safe. So they learn skills of how to be safe, and how to look after a horse. [Pony Club] really deals with all aspects.”

Pony Club courses are great for teaching leadership and confidence to members, says Schinkel. “It goes beyond just Pony Club, it does affect outside, in their home life, and them as people. It’s character building.”

As well as being great fun.

Go to www.nzpca.org for more information about how to get in touch with your nearest Pony Club.