However, competing in a pony club event in China was new territory for even experienced members.
Cromwell club head coach Tui Willson took a team of four riders to compete in the Asia Pacific Cup in China.
The riders, from Auckland, Northland and Canterbury, were chosen for their pony club achievements.
Mrs Willson said she was thrilled to be selected as the team’s coach and the two-week trip was a real adventure.
Pet ownership had only been allowed in China for a short time and horse riding for pleasure was also relatively new, although highly desirable. It was a status symbol for a businessman to have a rosette from showjumping on his office wall, she said.
The event was held at the Dinky Equestrian Centre, which was still being built while they were there, adding unusual challenges. Noise and exposed electrical cables were things not usually encountered at New Zealand events, she said.
Two horses were supplied for the four New Zealand team members that were much more docile than they were used to. However, after a few days of attention the horses were snuggling up to the girls and were more engaged.
The New Zealand team finished second behind the Chinese team and ahead of the Australian contingent, who were second to China last year, Mrs Willson said.
China followed the Australian pony club syllabus, which was similar to New Zealand’s.
It was a great way for anyone to learn how to care for horses, as well as improve their riding skills, she said.
Mrs Willson said like many of the children in pony club, she did not come from a horse-riding family.
"I woke up one day horse mad. I got a paper round to pay for my first horse."
Many Central Otago pony club members did not live on acreage and had to keep their horses away from where they lived. Having a pony was a lifestyle, not a sport, as you were dealing with an animal 24/7.
It had been a big year for Mrs Willson as she was awarded life membership of the Central Otago Pony Club last month.
"It was quite a surprise. I had never given it a thought."
