The Unsung Heroes of the Arena: The Role of School Ponies in Shaping Young Equestrians
For many young riders, the path to equestrian excellence begins not with a glittering showjumping medal from their bazillion Rand imported horse but with a quiet, patient school pony. To discuss the role of these incredible souls, we chatted to Kirsten and Graham Winn of Winstead Stables, where the school pony is more than just a lesson horse – they are treasured educators entrusted with nurturing a love of riding and animals in their young charges.
Kirsten Winn, who has taken over the school pony reins from Graham and Michelle and is now very much the driving force behind Winstead’s stellar school pony reputation, explains the magic of these gentle teachers.
“A good school pony promotes good riding habits. You don’t want a child on a pony that teaches bad habits like running off and making them lose leg contact or being too unresponsive, leading to over-kicking. It’s about fostering effective and sympathetic riding from the start. A school pony needs to handle mistakes, absorb a rider’s errors, and teach through patience. That’s how children grow as riders,” she says.
Winstead Stables takes their appreciation for these ponies to heart, even bestowing the honorary title of “Knight” on ponies who join their ranks. “Once they become a school pony, they’re doing a job that requires extraordinary patience and adaptability,” Kirsten adds. “They’re teaching the next generation while enjoying their second careers after competition.”
Graham Winn, who opened Winstead 42 years ago with a string of school ponies, shares his perspective on why these ponies are so essential. “Young riders, in fact, all riders, usually get into the hobby for several reasons – the love of animals. Some riders are too young to fully understand the riding part and instead just want to pat, hold, and be close to them. This connection can be misunderstood if the pony doesn’t make all this possible.
“The importance of a good school pony is to ensure this bond and to grow the love of animals. This love creates a significant opportunity for growth in one’s character as you learn the importance of working with animals – and with people,” Graham adds.
The Making of a School Pony
The qualities that make a school pony great are a blend of personality, experience, and adaptability. Kirsten highlights that many of Winstead’s ponies are retired competition horses, veterans of the show ring who now share their expertise with novice riders. “Most of our school ponies have had successful first careers. They’re seasoned, steady, and forgiving – qualities that are essential when working with children. They know the job, and they’re patient enough to teach it.”
Good school ponies also adapt to their riders’ varying needs. They are calm enough for beginners but responsive enough to help more experienced riders hone their skills. They’re versatile and able to perform everything from basic groundwork to light jumping. And they’re patient – so incredibly patient.
Kirsten stresses that the bond between a child and their school pony often becomes the foundation for their passion for the sport. “For many kids, their first school pony feels like ‘their’ pony, even though they’re sharing it. It’s their introduction to the world of horses, and that relationship is unforgettable.”
Building a Legacy
At Winstead Stables, every school pony has a story, and every story is celebrated. Take, for instance, Fabel Tumbles, one of Winstead’s beloved ponies. With a lifetime of adventures – surviving a major fire, enduring injury, and even being stolen and recovered – Fable Tumbles found his place as a treasured school pony. Now, he spends his days teaching young riders and earning the adoration of every child who meets him.
Winstead’s dedication to their school ponies extends beyond the saddle. The ponies are cared for with the utmost respect, ensuring they remain healthy, happy, and sound. Kirsten explains, “The consistent, low-intensity work they do here keeps them fit and maintains their soundness, even for ponies with conditions like kissing spine. We owe them that care – they’ve given so much.”
From School Ponies to Horses: Guiding the Transition
For many young riders, the journey from school ponies to their first horse is an exciting but daunting step. “Parents often feel overwhelmed,” she explains. “They’re spending a significant amount of money, and there’s pressure to make the investment last. But it’s crucial to choose a horse that matches the rider’s current skill level rather than thinking too far ahead. Over-horsing – giving a child a horse that’s too advanced for them – can backfire, leaving the rider discouraged or even unsafe.”
Kirsten uses a simple analogy to help parents understand the process: “Buying a child’s first horse is like buying their first car. You wouldn’t put them in a high-powered sports car right away. You’d start with something manageable, let them gain confidence, and then upgrade as their skills develop.”
At Winstead, the approach is deeply practical. Kirsten ensures that children are exposed to a variety of school ponies during their lessons, building their adaptability and confidence. This experience prepares them for the next step – trying and choosing a horse of their own.
“When the time comes, I encourage parents to involve their child’s instructor in the selection process. I’ve worked with these kids, I know their riding abilities, and I can help find a horse that suits them right now, not one they might grow into years down the line. The goal is to set the rider up for success, not struggle.”
Honouring the Unsung Heroes
School ponies are more than just animals – they are partners, teachers, and confidants. They bridge the gap between a child’s first tentative steps in the stirrups and their later accomplishments in the arena. At Winstead Stables, these ponies are not only valued but celebrated for the transformative role they play.
As Graham aptly puts it, “Good school ponies almost seem to know what’s expected of them. They make the rider’s job easier, allowing a sense of achievement and progress. And we all thrive on the feeling of getting it right.”
Many a competitive ride owe all they know to that one special school pony! These ponies give so much – and deserve every bit of recognition in return.
