History of The Fredericton Pony Club
We encourage all former and current FPC members to like our Facebook pages (Fredericton Pony Club, and Fredericton Pony Club - Friends and Family), as well as to follow our Instagram profile (frederictonponyclub).
The Fredericton Pony Club branch was started in 1955 when the late Brigadier Michael Wardell, then owner and publisher of Fredericton's newspaper, the "Daily Gleaner", gathered some interested residents together to discuss its formation. After some trial and tribulation, the branch was formed and Brigadier Wardell made a gift to the branch of eight ponies purchased in his native Wales.
The branch started in a very modest way and for five years operated with volunteer instructors and finally became a recognized branch of the Canadian Pony Club in 1958. Mrs. Barbara Glew was the first District Commissioner and deserves much credit for maintaining the existence of the branch with green ponies, green Pony Clubbers and equally green instructors in those early years.
In 1960 the Fredericton Branch moved to fine new quarters in O'Dell Park. Club facilities included the main building that contained a pleasant club room with a large stone fireplace, tack rooms and stabling for 16 horses or ponies. In the rear was a covered ring as well as two outdoor riding rings for all Club activities. Much credit for this splendid setup was due to Dr. Robert Ogilvie, a local dentist, who had four Pony Club daughters and felt a special responsibility to see that the Club was properly housed during his term as President. Many individuals and companies contributed financial support, materials, tack and horses to the project. A full-time instructor was hired at that time.
For many years, Fredericton Pony Club operated differently from other branches in Canada. The horses and ponies and their tack were owned by the Club. The main financial support for the Club came from the monthly dues of the members for which they received one or two weekly lessons throughout the year, with the exception of August when the horses were turned out in pasture. The children participating in the daily rides were expected to clean the stalls, groom the horses that they rode in their class, clean the tack they used and help with the evening feeding and other stable duties. Operating the club in this manner gave each member an opportunity to ride many different horses, each offering its own particular challenge. Parents were spared the expense of purchasing and stabling horses.
The Fredericton Pony Club was incorporated in 1971 and its operation was controlled by a Board of Directors. A major effort was made to keep the monthly fees as low as possible. Much volunteer work was done by parents, former Pony Clubbers and friends who took pleasure in seeing what the Club could do for so many young people of Fredericton. Many fund-raising projects were undertaken. These included a formal ball, barn sale, food sales, raffles and apple pie sales.
Fredericton Pony Club, under the expert instruction of superb instructors such as Dr. Judith Hagerman, became ‘the’ place to learn to ride in Fredericton. There was a waiting list to become a member, and Fredericton Pony Club was a force to be reckoned with at local horse shows, Regional Rallies and other equestrian functions.
Fredericton Pony Clubbers took part in regional and national rallies and various local shows. In 1988 Mark Philips visited the club and held several clinics for lucky riders. We also were very fortunate to have Ian Millar hold a jumper clinic in our arena.
Former members have followed their love of the sport into judging, coaching, raising horses, veterinary science and in Olympic games.
After many years of successful operation and countless memories made, times changed. In 2002 the Fredericton Pony Club, located in Odell Park, made the decision to close its doors for a variety of reasons. The upkeep of the stable and horses was a tremendous responsibility and expense, and over time the facility became more of a challenge to run properly. The horses were settled into new, permanent homes with area families, and were given a well-deserved retirement. The stable and riding arena located in Odell Park was turned over to the City of Fredericton and the clubhouse/stables is still a cherished building in the park.
In March 2005, the Club was reactivated by former Fredericton Pony Club members (Heather Touchie Blakely and Veronica Archer) who wanted to provide the same Pony Club experience for their own children. The Fredericton Pony Club no longer owns its own horses or stable, but follows the more traditional model of a typical Canadian Pony Club in which members are free to choose the riding facility of their choice (or perhaps own their own horse or pony) and would like to be involved in an organization dedicated to education and social interaction for children and young adults who share a love for horses and riding.
The 'new' Fredericton Pony Club has been very busy with stable management activities, teaching members about responsible horse care and ownership, and letting the city of Fredericton know that there is once again a Pony Club for children and their families to enjoy. As we reinvent our club, we have participated in testing, regional quizzes, rallies, parades, pony club camps, PPG activities, badge ceremonies, school visits with our miniature horse, Odell (to educate the public about this great sport); parades, and countless other fun and educational activities.
On September 25, 2005, members of FPC made a very important trip to Odell Park to visit the old Stable and the Helen Campbell Arena, and most importantly, to learn about the history of Pony Club in Fredericton. For new members, it was an interesting day and fun to see the old facility - and to play on the playground equipment that now sits on the land that was our beloved dressage ring. All the fences are gone, and the space has taken on a new, positive life within Odell Park. Sadly, the beautiful Helen Campbell indoor arena fell victim to heavy snow and collapsed in 2014.
For the Pony Club alumni in attendance, it was a bittersweet and emotional trip down memory lane, and an important reminder of why Pony Club is such a special organization. This will likely become an annual tradition, to keep the spirit of our old club alive.
Through the years after the rebirth of FPC, the challenge became finding a barn that was able to accommodate a large group of horse-crazy kids. Local stables provided a venue to host lectures, but no riding lessons were possible.
In 2014, FPC was once again given a "home base" at a small private farm in Hanwell - Shadow Lane Farm (www.shadowlanefarm.com), owned by Heather Touchie Blakely, now hosts Pony Club on a very regular basis. Riding lessons were once again established and a busy schedule of lectures, demonstrations, social activities and camps are now part of FPC's vibrant atmosphere.
As always, Pony Clubbers experience personal growth and pride through the setting and attaining of goals. We take pride in becoming safe, competent horsemen and women, as well as "giving back" to our club and the horse community. Happy memories from club days remain forever. This will continue through the years as the new Fredericton Pony Club grows and creates wonderful memories for a new generation of Frederictonians…
We encourage all former and current FPC members to like our Facebook pages (Fredericton Pony Club, and Fredericton Pony Club - Friends and Family), as well as to follow our Instagram profile (frederictonponyclub).
The Fredericton Pony Club branch was started in 1955 when the late Brigadier Michael Wardell, then owner and publisher of Fredericton's newspaper, the "Daily Gleaner", gathered some interested residents together to discuss its formation. After some trial and tribulation, the branch was formed and Brigadier Wardell made a gift to the branch of eight ponies purchased in his native Wales.
The branch started in a very modest way and for five years operated with volunteer instructors and finally became a recognized branch of the Canadian Pony Club in 1958. Mrs. Barbara Glew was the first District Commissioner and deserves much credit for maintaining the existence of the branch with green ponies, green Pony Clubbers and equally green instructors in those early years.
In 1960 the Fredericton Branch moved to fine new quarters in O'Dell Park. Club facilities included the main building that contained a pleasant club room with a large stone fireplace, tack rooms and stabling for 16 horses or ponies. In the rear was a covered ring as well as two outdoor riding rings for all Club activities. Much credit for this splendid setup was due to Dr. Robert Ogilvie, a local dentist, who had four Pony Club daughters and felt a special responsibility to see that the Club was properly housed during his term as President. Many individuals and companies contributed financial support, materials, tack and horses to the project. A full-time instructor was hired at that time.
For many years, Fredericton Pony Club operated differently from other branches in Canada. The horses and ponies and their tack were owned by the Club. The main financial support for the Club came from the monthly dues of the members for which they received one or two weekly lessons throughout the year, with the exception of August when the horses were turned out in pasture. The children participating in the daily rides were expected to clean the stalls, groom the horses that they rode in their class, clean the tack they used and help with the evening feeding and other stable duties. Operating the club in this manner gave each member an opportunity to ride many different horses, each offering its own particular challenge. Parents were spared the expense of purchasing and stabling horses.
The Fredericton Pony Club was incorporated in 1971 and its operation was controlled by a Board of Directors. A major effort was made to keep the monthly fees as low as possible. Much volunteer work was done by parents, former Pony Clubbers and friends who took pleasure in seeing what the Club could do for so many young people of Fredericton. Many fund-raising projects were undertaken. These included a formal ball, barn sale, food sales, raffles and apple pie sales.
Fredericton Pony Club, under the expert instruction of superb instructors such as Dr. Judith Hagerman, became ‘the’ place to learn to ride in Fredericton. There was a waiting list to become a member, and Fredericton Pony Club was a force to be reckoned with at local horse shows, Regional Rallies and other equestrian functions.
Fredericton Pony Clubbers took part in regional and national rallies and various local shows. In 1988 Mark Philips visited the club and held several clinics for lucky riders. We also were very fortunate to have Ian Millar hold a jumper clinic in our arena.
Former members have followed their love of the sport into judging, coaching, raising horses, veterinary science and in Olympic games.
After many years of successful operation and countless memories made, times changed. In 2002 the Fredericton Pony Club, located in Odell Park, made the decision to close its doors for a variety of reasons. The upkeep of the stable and horses was a tremendous responsibility and expense, and over time the facility became more of a challenge to run properly. The horses were settled into new, permanent homes with area families, and were given a well-deserved retirement. The stable and riding arena located in Odell Park was turned over to the City of Fredericton and the clubhouse/stables is still a cherished building in the park.
In March 2005, the Club was reactivated by former Fredericton Pony Club members (Heather Touchie Blakely and Veronica Archer) who wanted to provide the same Pony Club experience for their own children. The Fredericton Pony Club no longer owns its own horses or stable, but follows the more traditional model of a typical Canadian Pony Club in which members are free to choose the riding facility of their choice (or perhaps own their own horse or pony) and would like to be involved in an organization dedicated to education and social interaction for children and young adults who share a love for horses and riding.
The 'new' Fredericton Pony Club has been very busy with stable management activities, teaching members about responsible horse care and ownership, and letting the city of Fredericton know that there is once again a Pony Club for children and their families to enjoy. As we reinvent our club, we have participated in testing, regional quizzes, rallies, parades, pony club camps, PPG activities, badge ceremonies, school visits with our miniature horse, Odell (to educate the public about this great sport); parades, and countless other fun and educational activities.
On September 25, 2005, members of FPC made a very important trip to Odell Park to visit the old Stable and the Helen Campbell Arena, and most importantly, to learn about the history of Pony Club in Fredericton. For new members, it was an interesting day and fun to see the old facility - and to play on the playground equipment that now sits on the land that was our beloved dressage ring. All the fences are gone, and the space has taken on a new, positive life within Odell Park. Sadly, the beautiful Helen Campbell indoor arena fell victim to heavy snow and collapsed in 2014.
For the Pony Club alumni in attendance, it was a bittersweet and emotional trip down memory lane, and an important reminder of why Pony Club is such a special organization. This will likely become an annual tradition, to keep the spirit of our old club alive.
Through the years after the rebirth of FPC, the challenge became finding a barn that was able to accommodate a large group of horse-crazy kids. Local stables provided a venue to host lectures, but no riding lessons were possible.
In 2014, FPC was once again given a "home base" at a small private farm in Hanwell - Shadow Lane Farm (www.shadowlanefarm.com), owned by Heather Touchie Blakely, now hosts Pony Club on a very regular basis. Riding lessons were once again established and a busy schedule of lectures, demonstrations, social activities and camps are now part of FPC's vibrant atmosphere.
As always, Pony Clubbers experience personal growth and pride through the setting and attaining of goals. We take pride in becoming safe, competent horsemen and women, as well as "giving back" to our club and the horse community. Happy memories from club days remain forever. This will continue through the years as the new Fredericton Pony Club grows and creates wonderful memories for a new generation of Frederictonians…
