Last week when I was asked how Pony Club Camp was going, this was the first thing that came to mind. These annual events are a special opportunity for our young participants to leave their cares at the gate, learn new skills and have a lot of fun together. I’ll never get over the pleasure of seeing the magic of horses at work.

What do they say, never work with children and animals? As we see it, that would be missing out.

Last week was a very special return of our Pony Club Camp, which we’ve held every year (except last year) since 2008.

Fourteen young people, many of them with additional needs, spent five fun-packed days in Petersham, camping overnight in tee pees after toasting marshmallows over a camp fire. The theme for the week was wellbeing, applied to every participant, to each other, and to the horses. Everyone had their own horse to learn about, really get to know, and take care of.

“I arrived from home feeling very sad, but the ponies understand me and now I feel better.”  Pony Club Camper, age 9

Of course it’s fun to be competitive, but all of our fabulous group embraced the wellbeing theme, looking out for and supporting each other (as well as trying to win!).

Horsey activities during the day included pony racing around the perimeter of the Polo Club pitch, a big thank you goes to the Club for trusting us. Everyone also qualified for the Grass Roots Endurance Championships in Wales having proved they have the stamina and skills needed by completing a 17km map-reading ride in Richmond Park. Learning about pacing beforehand was crucial. In the real competitions a horse that’s been pushed too hard means a disqualified rider. It’s yet another aspect of wellbeing.

So much was achieved by everyone over the five days. As the RDA motto has it ‘it’s what you can do that counts’. Our group of 14 and our amazing volunteers who made everything possible were undaunted by the inclement summer weather, wearing their mud with pride!

It wasn’t all about horses. Evenings were spent learning paddle-boarding and swimming at nearby Thames Young Mariners, and even doing archery. In the heaviest downpours we took shelter in the stable block and our artist friend Joy showed us how to make beautiful, delicate, perfect little bracelets with horse hair. Then we all had a go. Every child got to make their own, using a tiny lock of their horse’s tail. Unfortunately, and to the complete despair of Joy, we were all hopeless at the task.

In years to come, how many of our Pony Club guests will find these hairy, comic bracelets in their treasured possessions, and remember the afternoon which produced so much laughter?

“Lillie went to camp full of anxiety and came home full of confidence, telling stories of friendship, laughter and cooperation; of riding, archery and running, of challenges and successes, of a horse looked after and loved. A very happy child with dirty clothes and rosettes spilling out of her bag. She just summed up wellbeing. I’m writing an essay, sorry. Not easy to sum up as it meant a lot to us both.” Katrina, grandmother to Lillie

Roll on Pony Club Camp 2022, and who knows, maybe the sun will shine!