Welcome to Shetland Pony Agility. What is it ? It's a sport, much like dog agility, however it is much more than that, it's also a great way to have fun with your pony and to socialise with like minded friends.
Anyone can, EVERYONE can ! Shetland Pony Agility is for all ages and abilities.
All ponies and people participating in the sport of Shetland Pony Agility MUST have their own third party public liability insurance or have signed an appropriate indemnity form and agreement.
Read MorePonies must be 2yrs old and over to compete at Newcomers and Novice levels. Intermediate level, ponies must be 3yrs old and over. Advanced level, ponies must be 4yrs old and over.
It is the welfare of the pony that must take precedence above all else. Anyone participating in the sport of SHETLAND PONY AGILITY must undertake to uphold and respect and adhere too, the "CORE VALUES" of our sport at all times.
Juniors - 14yrs and under. Children must be 5yrs old and over to compete in competitions, up until the age of 7yrs they must also be accompanied by an adult .
No equipment is needed by the handler, Juniors must wear an appropriate hard hat, it is recommended that they also wear gloves and suitable footwear, NO whips or sticks are allowed.
No bridles are allowed to be used when competing in the sport of AGILITY. The only piece of equipment the pony needs is a comfortable well fitting headcollar and preferably a long rope.
Joining the world of Shetland Pony Agility can open up a whole new world of fun for you and your pony, but how do you start, where do you begin, here are some ideas for you. Firstly familiarise yourself with the rules of the club and importantly take a note of our core values.
Preparation and practice are the key elements to successful training. Your training can begin at home, you don't need to purchase any expensive equipment, make use of the stuff you have at home and around the yard. Incorporate your agility training into the everyday handling of your pony, remember that everything you do with your pony you are teaching him "something" from the time you catch him up, to the time you let go of him, try to make all his experiences, positive ones.
Get together with a few like minded friends, help and support each other, share agility equipment and have FUN. Why not start a small agility club yourself ? Its easy to do. First find a venue with ground conditions suitable for agility, work out training schedules and even run mini competitions. Shetland Pony Agility can supply you with the rosettes.
Attend Shetland Pony Agility approved clinics and playdays. These training days are a lot of fun and are structured to provide you with all the help you need to improve your performance. The results from the competitions that run along side them can be added to your league score.
Find an approved Shetland Pony Agility trainer. All our trainers are full insured to teach agility. They will help you with any problems relating to agility training. You can organise a playday with them at your own venue. They will supply all the equipment needed. ( please note we are currently recruiting new trainers, if this interests you please contact us using the contact form or ring Sally Young direct for a chat )
Join the Shetland Pony Agility GROUP on facebook. We have over 1,400 members. Here you will find all the latest news an views. Our PAGE Shetland Pony Agility Training will help you with lots of Hints and tips and the whys and wherefores of competing and training.
When you become a member of the Shetland Pony Agility club you will receive a copy of our handbook for 2019. This booklet will provide with all you need to know about the rules of agility, the obstacles and their requirements, and all the information about the different levels of agility and how you have can become part of our yearly awards scheme.
Obstacle group - TOUCH. The handler must present the obstacle to the pony to touch with his nose.
Learn MoreObstacle group - CONFIDENCE. The pony must walk confidently through the gap on his own, the handler to lead the pony from outside the obstacle.
Learn MoreObstacle group - MANOUVRE. The pony to negotiate his way through the s- bend without stepping out of or touching the poles.
Learn MoreObstacle group - AROUND. The pony must weave his way around 5 cones directed by the handler, who must remain walking in a straight line.
Learn MoreObstacle group - UNDER. The pony walk along side the handler and together pass under the arch.
Obstacle group - HANDLING SKILLS. The handler must lead the pony through a corridor marked by coloured discs. In the Red zone WALK, In the White zone , HALT 4 seconds, Blue zone, SLOW WALK away.
Obstacle group - OVER. Pony and handler both to walk confidently over the tarpaulin.
Obstacle group - TRUST. Pony and handler to walk calmly and confidently through the Crazy Corner.
Obstacle group - COMMUNICATION. The pony must halt and wait at the gate, the handler to open the gate and invite the pony through and than close the gate.
Obstacle group - Step Up. The pony must step onto the podium. FRONT feet only, show immobility and be asked to step gently back and reverse off.
Shetland Pony Agility Achievement Awards. Educational, fun and rewarding. Apply and enter today !
Learn MoreThe novice course and its requirements for 2019
Learn MoreCourse requirements for Open Horse, Open Shetland and Newcomers classes
Learn MoreThe course requirements for Tiny Tots and Junior Classes
Learn More