Westland High School students are achieving great results through their participation in Pony club.

On Tuesday 11th June three Westland High School students  started the day with a 7am wake-up call on a cold and rainy morning, and it was all in the cause of learning outside the classroom 😊

Year 7 Jessie Smith, Year 9 Isla Scott and Year 11 Meghan Scott have been studying and practicing for the past 6 months towards their NZ Pony Club Association “C” Certificate. All three girls had achieved their D and D+ Certificates when they were members at Kokatahi-Kowhitirangi Pony Club.

Certificates are an essential part of the Pony Club system, providing incentive and encouragement to learn and improve at all levels. Pony Club members study for their certificates at rallies and can take exams regularly to test their knowledge throughout their time at Pony Club. Pony Club certificates are available for all ages and levels of competency of rider starting with D and working through D+, C, C+, B, H and A.

Examiner Becci Thomas (of View Hill Pony Club and Kowhai Riding School) in North Canterbury made the trip “over the hill” to examine these 3 girls and 4 other Greymouth Pony Club members. She was very impressed with the turnout of both horses and riders, especially given the recent wet and cold weather conditions. The girls had to ride a series of exercises and movements to demonstrate their capabilities, ride without stirrups, jump a small show-jump course, demonstrate a secure seat and control over half a dozen cross country fences, and answer questions and demonstrate hands-on their horse-mastership.

They all passed with flying (green and gold Greymouth Pony Club) colours and will be continuing their learning, aiming towards C+ certificate at the end of the year.

And on the 5th May two more Westland High School students (and one ex-student) also achieved the same certificates with Kokatahi-Kowhitirangi Pony Club. Examiners Heather Truman and Anne Atkins were full of praise for ex Westland High School student Tamara Shaw, Year 9 Jessica Beri and Year 8 Emily Coleman who also passed their C certificates. Year 9 Indi Wyatt also passed her D+ at the time.

Well done to all the Westland High School students achieving for themselves, their ponies/horses and their Clubs.