SHETLAND PONY AGILITY
Join the club today !
Welcome !
An introduction.
Agility for horses and ponies was first introduced to the UK in 2009 by Vanessa Bee. Seeing what a powerful sport horse agility could be, she set about founding the International Horse Agility Club. The club has since gone from strength to strength, this being very much due to her hard work and dedication and to the belief that Vanessa has in the many benefits of horse agility !
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WHAT IS SHETLAND PONY AGILITY ?
It's a Sport. It's also great way to have fun with your pony and to socialise with like minded friends. For those of us lucky enough to have the pleasure of owning a Shetland Pony ( or 2 or 3 or 4.... ! ) we know what courageous characters they have, with a great willingness and boldness to do what we ask of them. However due to their small stature, communication with them can sometimes be difficult, leading to misunderstandings and to behaviour that we often perceive as "being naughty". Through the use of agility training, an opportunity for exploration and play can be created, these misunderstandings can then often be resolved, and with clear, calm, communication from us, a partnership based on trust and co-operation can be achieved !
WHO CAN COMPETE ?
Anyone can ! Ponies must be 2yrs old and over to compete in competitions. Registered and unregistered ponies and part breds under 43" are allowed. The only piece of equipment needed is a well fitting headcollar and rope.
JOIN THE CLUB.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of Shetland Pony Agility? Number one you will be supporting our " CORE VALUES " which are the promotion of good horsemanship and the upholding and the maintaining of the strict welfare standards, both towards your pony and fellow competitors, that as a club, Shetland Pony Agility undertakes to promote. You will be able to compete in shows and events and work your way up through the different levels of Agility, Newcomers, Novice, Intermediate and finally the Advanced level. You will have access to all the up to date information and training hints and tips enabling you to succeed in our annual awards scheme, which runs from April through to October of each year.
ANNUAL AWARDS SCHEME.
Each year we like to reward you and your pony for all your hard work. Our Annual Awards scheme runs from April through to October. Your results from any of our Shetland Pony Agility competitions, real time and online, are all eligible to go forward to be entered into the different categories of our league table. The league closes on the 31st of October and the results and prizes are given out on the 15th of November.
Obstacles
The 10 groups of Shetland Pony Agility Obstacles
TOUCH - Whirly Bird, Windmill
The Pony has to acknowledge and TOUCH the obstacle. AIM - to show the pony is confident to reach out and TOUCH something with his nose.
STEP UP - Podium
The pony has to STEP UP on to the podium, front feet only, and reverse and step back off. AIM - to show the pony has the confidence to STEP UP onto an unusual surface.
OVER - Tarpaulin, Ball Pool.
The pony has to negotiate his way OVER the obstacle at the direction of the handler. AIM - to show that the pony can remain calm and confident moving OVER different surfaces.
MANOUVRE - Spider, S - Bend
The pony has to negotiate his way through the poles. AIM - to show the pony is happy to be directed to move his feet within a small space.
AROUND - Bending
The pony has to weave his way AROUND the bending obstacles at the direction of the handler. Aim - to show that the pony is happy to be directed by the handler in a calm and confident manner.
TRUST - Flag, Crazy Corner,
Handler to wave or carry a Flag whilst leading the pony. Aim to display the acceptance of TRUST within the pony/handler relationship.
CONFIDENCE - Narrow Gap, Crazy Corridor.
The Pony has to pass through a small narrow space. Aim to show the pony has the CONFIDENCE to move into a narrow gap calmly at the direction of the handler
UNDER - Arch, Curtain
The pony has to pass UNDER the obstacle. Aim - to show to pony is calm and confident to pass UNDER something above his above his head.
COMMUNICATION - Halt & Wait, Gate, Double Gates
The pony has to stand and wait, usually 4 secs, and only move at the direction of the handler. Aim - to show the COMMUNICATION between pony/handler.
HANDLING SKILLS - Leading test, Control of paces.
A walk and trot section between markers, Walk - HALT - Trot . Aim - to display HANDLING SKILLS of the person whilst directing the pony and controlling it's paces.
The Course
Newcomers, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.
Shetland Pony Agility course design.
All our competition courses are designed around 10 obstacles and they include one obstacle from each of the 10 groups of obstacles.
Your course at home.
You don't need to spend a lot of money buying agility obstacles, they can be put together with stuff that you have at home and around the yard, the main priority is that they are built strongly, that they are stable and that they are SAFE.
Build confidence not fear.
Choose your obstacles from the different categories. Keep them simple, add different elements gradually, you will gain nothing positive from frightening your pony, remember you are aiming to build a relationship based on TRUST.
Important stuff !
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.
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PONIES.
Ponies 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.
WELFARE.
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.
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 .
HANDLERS.
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.
SPORT AGILITY.
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.
Membership
Join us !
Adult membership £23 -Junior membership ( 14yrs and under ) £10 - Family Membership ( 1 adult, 2 children ) £30
Become part of the fun world of Shetland Pony Agility.
Enter and compete in all our Shetland Pony Agility shows and events.
Enjoy the added benefits of being a member with regular updates and news.
Join our "awards scheme" and see all your competition scores translate into points in our league ladder.
To become a member, just use the JOIN NOW button and fill in the forms provided.
We look forward to you joining us !
Getting Started
What's next ?
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.
Training.
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.
Getting together with friends.
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.
Clinics and Playdays.
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.
Approved Shetland Pony Agility Trainer.
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 )
Find us on facebook.
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.
Shetland Pony Agility Handbook 2019
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.
Competing
So you've done some preparation and training and now you would like to have a go at competing, here's what you need to know.
The COMPETITION agility course, comprises of 10 obstacles, one from each of the 10 categories listed.
The competition is judged on you and your ponies ability to negotiate your way around the course, following a given criteria ,over, under and through the different obstacles, which remain the same throughout the different levels of agility. It is the standard of horsemanship skills which differs at the different levels. The course and the obstacles have been standardised for 2019. Different elements may be added at different times but the obstacles will remain the same. You are scored marks out of 10. The highest percentage of the marks are awarded for horsemanship, 6 out of the 10 marks. The main emphasise throughout Shetland Pony Agility is the horsemanship skills, of the handler. How you present the pony to the obstacle, what you do and how you deal with the situation if things don't go according to plan. Your Leading position is marked at all times, unless otherwise stated, your pony should remain along side you, on a relaxed rein, his nose level with your shoulder, not pulling or lagging behind. Agility is never about just "doing" an obstacle, it is about your relationship with your pony. Our aim is to help you achieve a high standard of horsemanship. The other 4 marks are for effectiveness, this is how you completed the obstacle according to the requirements of your class, for example, in the Newcomers and Novice levels, the requirements are kept simple, and may only include one halt and immobility, at only one of the obstacles. This is to encourage you and your pony, and allow you, to progress through the different levels of agility. The last 10 marks are for "expression" The expression of a pony preforming agility should be one of curiosity and interest. Some of the obstacles may be scary but we don't want to be scaring him. Your trust based relationship will often be put to the test, your pony should look at the obstacle and then look to you and ask "is it ok?" Low marks are awarded for over expression, to much excitability, or under expression, a dull uninterested pony, therefore be careful not to over train your pony, keep your training sessions short, interesting and POSITIVE.
Novice Course 2019
Obstacle 1. Whirly Bird.
Obstacle group - TOUCH. The handler must present the obstacle to the pony to touch with his nose.
Learn MoreObstacle 2. Narrow Gap
Obstacle 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 3. S - Bend
Obstacle group - MANOUVRE. The pony to negotiate his way through the s- bend without stepping out of or touching the poles.
Learn MoreObstacle 4. Bending.
Obstacle 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 5. Arch.
Obstacle group - UNDER. The pony walk along side the handler and together pass under the arch.
Obstacle 6. Controll of paces.
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 7. Tarpaulin.
Obstacle group - OVER. Pony and handler both to walk confidently over the tarpaulin.
Obstacle 8. Crazy Corner.
Obstacle group - TRUST. Pony and handler to walk calmly and confidently through the Crazy Corner.
Obstacle 9. Halt and Wait - Gate.
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 10. Podium.
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.
Events
Gallery
Downloads
Shetland Pony Agility Photo and Video Competion
How to enter our monthly facebook photo and video competition
Learn MoreShetland Pony Agility novice course requirements.
The novice course and its requirements for 2019
Learn MoreMay 26th Cherwell Fun show and Agility Competition
Learn MoreMunchkins Miniature Shetland Pony Rescue
Many of the ponies that are advertised for sale, on the internet and social media sites are Miniatures.
Some of these ponies can easily fall into the wrong hands and end up in great difficulty.
It is places like the Munchkins Miniature Shetland Pony Rescue Centre that step in to help these ponies in need.
Munchkins owned by Tammy Marx and her hard working family was set up in 2014 and gained their charitable status in February 2015, set in the beautiful Devon countryside, their home is now a pony sanctuary.
Many of the ponies that they take in are in a bad state, having suffered both physical and emotional trauma and neglect.
Farrier, vet and feed bills are never ending for them, but all the hard work and worry is forgotten when a troubled pony is rehabilitated into a happy and healthy pony.
These Charities rely heavily on the goodwill of caring people. Without this help, they simply couldn't carry on.
You can help them today by visiting their facebook page, or their website. Here you will be able to find the information you need to maybe sponsor one of their ponies, make a bid in their Friday night charitable auction or just simply make a donation to them !
Every little bit truly helps , THANK YOU X
Website - https://www.mini-munchkins.org