Gilroy
– The lush Wood Myst Stables off Crews Road in the foothills of
east Gilroy is a place to horse around.
Not the typical monkeying around between kids, but the type that
actually involves the equine species.
Gilroy – The lush Wood Myst Stables off Crews Road in the foothills of east Gilroy is a place to horse around.
Not the typical monkeying around between kids, but the type that actually involves the equine species.
The Golden Hills Pony Club specializes in youth horse training; including jumping, horse management, and veterinary techniques. With just 15 clubs in the central California area, it was established at the beginning of this year in hopes that children of all ages would have a place in the Gilroy area to learn how to ride horses.
“There hadn’t been a pony club in the area for a long time and I wanted my kids to have the chance to join one,” said Jackie Bretschneider, whose son Neil is a member.
And the youngster jumped at the chance.
“I wanted to be in it to learn how to train my horse right,” the 6-year-old said.
The club is conducted by trainers Juliet Clarke and Lauren and Daria Holden, who conduct classes for kids as young as 4. There is no cost, but participants must supply their own equipment and supplies.
The club has a rating system which helps manage class placement. Each child performs a test or multiple tests, depending on the level, to see what classes would be appropriate. There are only a few students who are currently rated. Most are awaiting their tests at the end of this month.
“It is purely educational from the beginning to the end,” said Tracy Purvis, a mother of a child involved in the club.
The club also holds competitions with other clubs to test the children’s skills as well. Most of the kids are trained for jumping, which lays the ground work for more difficult shows.
Devon Duarte a 13 year old D-3-rated rider enjoys the new club.
“It’s a lot of fun. We’ve done rallies and games. We do cross country shows, riding, show jumping and swimming,” Duarte said smiling.
There are fees depending on the classes and involvement of the child but owning your own horse is not required. The club makes sure there are horses available to any child who wants to learn how to ride or improve their riding skills.
The club has a strong group of involved mothers, a large part of Pony Club. Renee Sanders, Tracy Purvis, Karen Chris and Ann Secoy, are all mothers ensuring the Pony Club active provides opportunities for their children.
“We are learning a lot about the clubs and we have attended rallies with others from mid California,” Chris said.
On the first Sunday of every month the moms meet at Wood Myst to discuss any events or fundraisers coming up that month for the club. It is an open meeting that they encourage newcomers to attend. The Pony club is a nonprofit organization which operates mainly from donations.
“If feed stores or other places would like to make donations we are open to anything,” Secoy said. “Volunteers are great too; anything that can help is greatly appreciated.”
They also will soon produce a Web site that will be available to the public. The club encourages people to get involved and bring their children to observe sessions. They also welcome others who would like to help with the new club.
To donate or participate
• Wood Myst Stables is located at 7460 Crews Road, Gilroy
• Pony Club is held each Saturday at 2pm
• Call 847-9219 for more information
