Pony Club Manual No 3 for instructors

Elaine knox-Thompson and Suzanne Dickens.

First edition (1989), paperback, dust jacket, photos and illustrations.

This is the final volume of the series of three manuals commissioned by the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association, and used also as instruction handbooks by Pony Clubs in Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Manuals 1 and 2 cover the Pony Club syllabus for riders, and must be read in conjunction. Manual No 3 explains how to teach what is contained in the first two books.

Manual No 1. which is for beginning and younger riders, covers basic horse care and knowledge, as well as easy to understand training for D and C Certificates.

These foundations are developed in Manual No 2. a more technical book, providing clear and comprehensive instruction for the more advanced Certificates C+ (13 years+), B (15 years+), A and H (17 years+), and for the competitive older rider.

Manual No 3 is concerned firstly with helping new instructors to understand the Pony Club system and to make a confident start. learning to give clear commands and to handle rides safely in different circumstances.

Secondly, this manual aims to help all instructors to teach riding and horse management at all levels of the Pony Club syllabus, on lines which will ensure enjoyment, variety and maintenance of pupils' interest, as well as improving technical ability.

Instructing has many rewards. Beyond the pleasures and achieve-ments of Pony Club activities there are the ambitions that capture many riders. The examples of double Olympic champion Mark Todd and other outstanding New Zealand event riders, who went through the Pony Club system, present a strong incentive.

Instructors who share in the development of our young riders may well have the satisfaction of following their careers as they gain adult skills and triumphs.

There is no less satisfaction in knowing that you have helped others, on a less exalted plane, to master and enjoy one of the most character-forming sports, which may well lead to lifelong interest

and pleasure. Manual No 3 provides a precise source of reference for teaching and examining, for Pony Club instructors and administrators.