Shetland Pony Agility
WELCOME
WELCOME
Who can compete ?
Anyone can, EVERYONE can ! Shetland Pony Agility is for all ages and abilities.
An introduction.
What is Shetland Pony Agility? Well firstly 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.
About Shetland Pony Agility
Relationship, relationship, relationship, it just can't be said enough times !!
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.
Read More
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
Group membership £100 - to include at least 2 adults minimum - maximum 5 and an unlimited number of juniors.
For agility groups, riding schools and clubs, concessions available for charities.
Please contact us direct to apply.
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 !
How to start
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.
Training Hints and Tips
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 things if they 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.
Trainers List
Rachel Hartopp
Rachel is based Nr Long Sutton, Lincolnshire. She is the founder of Berry Fields Animal Assisted Education and Consultancy.
Learn MoreBridget Adams-Shaw
Bridget is based on the Nottingham/Derby border, close to the outskirts of Derby City. She runs Helping Hooves C.I.C An non-ridden Equine based development centre, helping people with mental health issues.
Learn MoreKyle Hayes
Kyle is based in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. He is the coach at Aldertree Equine.
Learn MoreSophie Veron
Sophie is based on Guernsey. She is the owner and facilitator at Sophies Smile Ponies.
Learn MoreBecome a Spa Trainer
Become a Shetland Pony Agility Recognised Trainer !
At Shetland Pony Agility we are always happy to welcome new faces to join our list of recognised trainers.
We are looking for people who will enjoy the challenge of helping others to improve their handler/pony relationship.
You do not need any previous experience of Shetland Pony Agility, you just need to familiarise with the rules of competing and then keeping our ethos and standards in mind, you are free to teach as you will.
Your assessment is free and can be completed in your own time.
All we ask of you is that you agree to abide by our training ethos and that you will support and actively promote our positive welfare standards.
We will give you all the help and support you need including an entry on our website to promote your events and business.
Our shop can supply you with score sheets, rosettes and award certificates.
Please fill in and submit the form below.
We will then be in touch by phone for a informal chat to see how we can take things forward !
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sally Golding - Shetland Pony Agility
SPA Application Form
Trainers only group
Obstacles
The 10 groups
TOUCH - Whirly Bird.
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.
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 - 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 obstacles at the direction of the handler. The pony should enter the weave through his off ( right ) shoulder. Aim - to show that the pony is happy to be directed by the handler in a calm and confident manner.
TRUST - Crazy Corner.
Handler and pony to walk calmly and confidently through flags and bunting.
CONFIDENCE - Narrow Gap.
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.
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 - Gate.
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 - Control of paces.
A walk and trot section between markers, Walk - HALT - Slow Walk . Aim - to display HANDLING SKILLS of the person whilst directing the pony and controlling it's paces.
The Course
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.
Novice Course 2020
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 then 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.
Intermediate course
1.Whirly Bird.
Present and Touch.
2. Narrow Gap.
Horse only.
3. S-Bend
Horse/handler not to touch or step out of poles.
4. Flag
Handler to draw a figure of eight in the air.
5. Bending.
Horse must enter the weave through the off side shoulder.
6. Arch
Horse/ handler to halt mid- way under arch. Show immobility.
7. Control of paces.
Walk - Halt ( 4 seconds ) - Trot
8. Hitchin' Rail.
Halt at rail. Pick up horses front feet.
9. Tarpaulin.
Horse only.
10. Crazy Corner.
Trot through.
11. Gate.
4 seconds halt.
12. Podium.
Show immobility.
Video Novice Course
Downloads
AgilityAbility
Junior Achievement Awards
Shetland Pony Agility Achievement Awards. Educational, fun and rewarding. Apply and enter today !
Learn MoreAgilityAbility Entry
Course and Notes
Events
Gallery
About Sally
My passion for horses now spans over five decades and horse Agility has played a large part in the last two of them.
Even when I was quite young I was not a very brave rider. I much preferred riding around on my ponies bareback with just a headcollar and mostly with no hat. Whole days were spent just messing about with them.
Back in the 1980's with the help of my family, I started a small riding school. We had over 20 horses and ponies and mostly taught children. When I look back now to those days, it is in awe of what we where allowed to do that would now be considered a big health and safety NO NO! The children would come and spend the whole day at the stables, we would organise small shows, camping holidays and generally have lots of FUN. The ponies were fun. I loved it as much as the children did !
Later in life, I spent some time working in the horse racing industry, never riding out, just working in the yard doing the everyday "stuff". I was lucky I worked for the very successful racehorse trainer, Henrietta Knight, who trained some wonderful horses.
I learnt a lot from those horses and Hen, they were very informative days. Even then though, there was still a nagging doubt in my mind that horses weren't born to be ridden. Fear and pain can be an every day occurrence for a ridden horse and that didn't sit well with me, but there's no getting away from the fact that majority of people keep horses to ride and enjoy them
Bringing things up to date. With all the information that is now available via the internet and through research and meeting some very interesting people, I have now chosen not to ride horses anymore, and I feel very comfortable with that.
However by choosing not to ride, it has opened up a whole new perspective for me, that of the world of ground work training and of course the exciting and transformative world of horse Agility.
The relationship with a horse on the ground, working and communicating together, for me far exceeds the one that I could have sitting on his back. As I've got older I feel I want to have the same sort of relationship with my horses and ponies as I want with the people in my life, simple without fuss and drama but also fulfilling and meaningful.
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