INTRODUCTION TO EQUINE SKILLS

The Introduction to Equine Skills programme is open to anyone interested in horses, regardless of age, experience, or horse ownership.

It is a flexible, inclusive option for:

✅ Children of any age (with adult superivison)

✅ Anyone thinking about horse ownership

✅ Pony Club members wanting to boost horse care skills

✅ Adults who are new to horses, returning after a break or looking to build confidence and knowledge

✅ Families or caregivers wanting to learn together and support younger members

✅ Current members who want to expand or refresh their knowledge

✅ Members preparing to lease or buy a horse and seeking practical skills

✅ Youth and adults exploring careers in the equine industry, e.g. vet nurse, coach, groom, jockey, stud work

✅ Home-educated students or those completing the Duke of Edinburgh or other community service programmes

✅ Volunteers and parents wanting to understand horses and support Club activities

✅ Urban or first-time learners with limited access to horses

✅ School or community groups wanting a safe, supported introduction to horses and horse care

No! This programme is designed so anyone can join.  Whether you own a horse, are thinking of leasing or buying, or just love learning about them.

You’ll receive a combined workbook & manual to guide your learning and track your progress.

Your programme co-ordinator will explain all the details to you.

Contact your local Pony Club to see when the next programme is running, or email info@nzpca.org to find a participating club.

Clubs have the flexiblity to run it how it works best for the participants. 

There are 10 sections that can be delivered to suit their needs.  It can be run over a weekend, weekly, fortnightly, or as part of a holiday or term programme. 

Introduction to Equine Skills is designed for any age.  Children and youth under 18 must have superivison.  Adults are welcome too!

Yes!

• After completing the 10 sections, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion.

• Want to go further? Do the optional Extra for Experts activities and receive your certificate with Distinction.

• Plus you can achieve extra Achievement badges for additional learning and cross credit to all other NZPCA programmes, such as the Certificate Syllabus and Equine Skills.​​​​​​​

Your local Pony Club can offer it, or it may also be run at Pony Club Centres, schools, community groups, or holiday programmes.

• Participants join the local Branch, Club or Centre where they take part.
• Your annual subscription includes the national NZPCA affiliation fee for non-riding members.
• Young Members (Under 18)
  • Must have a parent or caregiver who is also a current NZPCA adult member.
  • Adults don’t have to attend sessions, but they are welcome to join in or even enrol in the programme themselves.
• Adult Participants
  • Adults are welcome to take part in Introduction to Equine Skills.
  • If they are also completing Adult HorseMasters, they may still do this course — as long as they are registered as a HorseMasters Member.

• The final cost is set by the Centre, Branch, Club, or Area running the programme.
• It should reflect local session costs while keeping it affordable and inclusive.

You have access to Pony Club events, camps, learning resources, achievement badges, and awards and more!

You have Insurance cover while participating in club-approved activities.

You're surrounded by a supportive community of learners, volunteers, and coaches.

Flexible Pathways

• Members can move between pathways.  For example, from Introdcution to Equine Skills to riding or Horsemasters when ready.
• Your learning and achievements will still count and is cross crediting to our other programmes.

Any Pony Club coach or volunteer your club or centre approves.  Resources, templates and support are provided to make it easy to deliver.

We are always continuing to improve.  Please email training@nzpca.org with your suggestions.

The Introduction to Equine Skills is a stepping stone to the Certificate Syllabus pathway and horse ownership.

It’s more flexible and focused on building understanding and confidence before sitting formal assessments.