Pony club have-a-go sessions

On Wednesday 3rd August, Nottingham Knights visited a couple of pony club camps at Somerford Park Farm to introduce them all to Horseball.

​In the morning we met with Wheelton Pony Club campers for two sessions, followed by lunch and another two sessions with Burton Cheshire Forest Pony Club.

Each session started off with the riders getting used to riding with their belly strap and the feeling of their legs being tied together. We then introduced the ball to the horses, before starting our passing.

The groups were split into two, with a mini competition of which group could get the most passes in before they reached the end of the school. Once this was mastered, everybody moved into trot, learning the importance of keeping your eye on the ball and your horse.

Then came the exciting bit - picking up practice. Thanks to the on foot helpers, every rider had a go at picking up the ball from the ground (not without a few squeals!).

To finish of the session, we played a relay type game, where the 2 teams had to each go down to the other end of the school, pick up a ball and bring it back to their team. In true pony club style, this got fairly competitive.

Over the day, 42 children were introduced to horseball, and everybody seemed to really enjoy it. Next up for the Knights is a demo at Eland Lodge on Thursday 11th August, and another have-a-go session at Ivanhoe Pony Club camp on 17th August.