YHC's HOT TOPIC
The BHS Junior Challenge Awards are the perfect
introduction to all things horsey
What is Pony Stars?
Pony Stars is our Junior Challenge Awards programme which helps children to discover, develop and nurture their love for ponies and the outdoors. We have over 100 topics for children to explore, helping to ignite a passion for ponies while also building knowledge and cementing friendships that will last a lifetime.
There are four groups within our Pony Stars programme, with six themes for our younger equestrians to explore. Those groups are:
Shetland Striders: Courageous and bold; just like Shetland ponies themselves. They will try anything and enjoy getting hands-on and can turn their hand (or hoof!) to almost anything.
Dartmoor Dazzlers: Kind, reliable and gentle and will enjoy having fun with their friends and socialising as they begin to be more adventurous. They are inquisitive and will enjoy taking on new challenges and learning more about the world around them.
Welshie Wizzers: Playful characters and will enjoy the variety of different topics and activities and will excel as they challenge themselves and develop new skills. They’re trustworthy and are often looked upon as dependable members of the community.
Connemara Champs: Consistent and trustworthy members of the group. They’re confident to have a go at activities and give it their all. They are kind to everyone they meet and are excellent role models admired by all.
What will you learn?
There are six themes for our Pony Stars to explore:
Golden Groom: Everything a junior rider needs to know to be around ponies and look after them safely and considerately. The Golden Groom theme features topics such as breeds, grooming, hoof care and anatomy.
Pet Protector: This covers the welfare of all animals and wildlife, then focusses on the welfare of ponies all year round with things to consider to keep ponies safe and well. The Pet Protector theme explores topics such as pet care, pony behaviour, pony health and poisonous plants.
Junior Jockey: All about riding skills and knowledge progressing hand in hand. Topics for junior riders to discover include riding skills, saddles and boots, pony fitness and tack care.
Equine Explorer: Get out of the arena and explore with your ponies – the beginning of many adventures! Equine Explorers delves into topics such as the countryside, trees and plants, navigation and the Highway Code.
Stable Star: Junior riders will learn all there is to do on the yard, while being a kind and considerate member of the group. Topics within this theme include kindness, work smart, leadership, stables and paddocks.
Helping Hero: Understand the wider impact they can have on their friends, family, community and environment. This theme looks at topics such as feed the birds, being green, make a difference and healthy mind.
Get involved
There are three ways for your child to join in the Pony Stars fun and begin their adventure.
Join a Pony Stars coaching group at your local BHS Approved Riding Centre to make new friends and join in with activities. You’ll have the reassurance that all our BHS Approved Riding Centres meet high standards of horse welfare and coaching.
If your child has their own pony, then a BHS Accredited Professional Coach (APC) can deliver the Pony Stars programme at your own yard. Our APCs hold professional coaching qualifications in addition to regularly attending first aid and safeguarding courses to ensure they can provide safe, high-quality coaching for your child. Find out more at bhs.org.uk/pony-stars.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Pony Stars starter pack online and start the journey at your own pace! The starter pack includes a challenge book, and a sticker set, allowing you and your child to work through the exciting challenges in your own way.
Visit the BHS shop today and treat yourself and your child to your very first Pony Stars pack.