Are you getting ready for Pony Club camp? It is easily the most exciting week of the equestrian calendar for many young riders (and their parents too!), but that doesn’t mean it’s all plain sailing. One of the tricky bits can be the packing. Because packing for a human, and a pony, for whatever the weather brings, can feel more than a little overwhelming!
Ensuring your child has the correct riding wear and safety gear is essential not only for looking smart and representing their branch well, but most importantly, for staying safe in the saddle.
To help you tick everything off with confidence, we’ve put together the ultimate Pony Club camp packing list covering exactly what you need to make sure accompanies your eager rider to camp!
Essential Pony Club Safety Wear
Pony Club rules regarding safety equipment are strict. Before you pack, it is vital to check that your gear matches the current rules.
1. Riding Hat & Hat Cover
A properly fitted riding hat up to the current standards is an absolute must. It has to meet current safety standards and fit the rider’s head perfectly.
Don’t forget that hats do have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced every five years OR immediately in the event of a fall. Because of the way riding hats are made, they can only sustain an impact once while offering the highest level of protection. We know replacing hats is annoying, but you really do only get one head.
It’s also important to check that hats still fit. Some people have hats for every day and for best, so if the hat is only worn for camps and competitions, make sure the fit is checked before you arrive! Don’t forget that we offer free riding hat fitting and safety checks. Because it really is essential that a hat fits properly to ensure comfort
If the hat is a skull cap or jockey skull, make sure you have a suitable plain black or navy hat cover or silk to cover it.
2. Body Protector
Camp is an incredibly exciting environment for both ponies and riders, which means that, sometimes, riders and ponies can unexpectedly part company. Having a well-fitting, up to standard body protector can help to drastically reduce the severity of injuries if a rider falls, and helps riders get back on and enjoy camp in next to no time.
You need to make sure that the body protector meets the BETA Level 3 standard. Most do and they’re easy to spot thanks to the blue and black label on each body protector that meets the standard.
If your child has grown or they aren’t comfortable in their body protector, we offer free in store fit checks. Just come and see us with your body protector and we’ll check, adjust if necessary, and advise on anything needed.
3. Jodhpurs or Breeches
Traditionally, beige or cream jodhpurs were required at all times. However, many modern Pony Club branches now allow riders to wear darker, practical colours during weekday training, saving their pristine light-coloured jodhpurs for the final day’s competition. Check your kit list or reach out to your DC if you’re not sure about this!
And don’t forget, spares are always a good idea! Rain, mud, grass stains, getting wet after washing the pony… there’s no end of ways breeches and jodhpurs can get dirty, and having a spare pair or two means there’s no stress if things go wrong!
4. Riding Shirts & Jackets
- The Shirt: Riders will need a classic shirt to wear alongside their official Pony Club tie and branch sweatshirt. A standard smart school shirt works perfectly for this. If your child is wearing a stock, they will need a proper competition shirt.
- The Jacket: Always read the specific camp schedule before packing. It will state whether you need to bring a traditional tweed hacking jacket or a formal show jacket for the final day.
5. Riding Boots & Chaps
Riders have a few choices here: long leather riding boots, jodhpur boots with clips, or short boots paired with matching half chaps or gaiters.
The Rules: Boots and chaps must be plain black or brown, matching in colour, and entirely free from wild designs or bright embellishments (save these for riding at home!).
Top Tip
If you have a second pair of riding boots, pack them. If your child’s main boots get soaked during a wet morning ride, they’ll be incredibly grateful for a dry spare pair while the others dry out. And ALWAYS pack some boot cleaning products! You can get some leather care wipes that can remove surface dust and dirt with ease and this will help them stay smart day after day.
6. Gloves & Hairnets
- Gloves: Riding gloves are a must for grip and hand protection. Just like jodhpurs, they get dirty fast, so pack a few plain-coloured spare pairs.
- Hair: To keep things neat and safe, long hair must be secured out of the way. Use a hairnet or a plain, subtle hair tie/scrunchie.
Weatherproofs & Casual Yard Wear
Pony Club camp involves plenty of time spent off the horse doing stable management, so practical casual clothes are just as important as riding gear.
- Waterproofs: A British summer essential! Pack high-quality waterproof over-trousers and a riding jacket to keep the rain out during miserable weather.
- Wellies: Absolutely essential for mucking out, grooming, and walking the cross-country course.
- Something Snug: After a busy day, there is nothing better than changing into comfy jogging bottoms and a warm hoodie for the drive home. And let’s be honest, if it’s really cold, your child might want to put on an extra layer at lunchtime or when they’re off their horse or pony to stay warm too.
What else?
Make sure you check the Pony Club branch rules again. However, you may find it useful to also pack:
- Sun cream.
- Water bottle.
- Fly spray.
- Snacks.
- Spare boot laces.
- Washing bag for dirty clothes.
- Emergency contact details.
- Phone charger if appropriate.
Final Packing Advice: Don't Leave it to Chance!
Our biggest piece of advice? Try everything on a few weeks before camp. Children grow incredibly fast, and if everything has been sitting in the wardrobe since the winter, you don’t want to discover a growth spurt on the morning of departure!
Write down a checklist, tick things off as they go into the bag, and make sure every piece of clothing fits comfortably.
Need Help Getting Camp Ready?
Getting ready for Pony Club camp should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you need a new riding hat, a properly fitted body protector or practical riding clothing, our team is here to help you prepare.
You can shop our full range online at rbequestrian.co.uk or visit our Milton Keynes superstore for expert advice and free riding hat and body protector fitting.
Don’t forget that with RB Equestrian Customer Rewards, you’ll receive 4% back on eligible purchases, making it even more rewarding to prepare for camp.
We look forward to helping you and your pony get camp ready.
Pack your riding hat, body protector, riding boots, jodhpurs or breeches, gloves, shirts, waterproofs, wellies and plenty of spare clothing. Check your branch’s kit list before you start packing.
Yes. Your riding hat should fit correctly, meet current safety standards and be replaced after any significant impact or when it reaches the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan. If you’re unsure, have it professionally checked before camp. At RB Equestrian, we help families prepare for Pony Club camp every year by checking riding hats and body protectors before camp starts.
Many Pony Club activities require a body protector. Check your branch guidance and make sure it meets the current BETA Level 3 standard and fits correctly before camp.
Some branches now allow darker colours during training while others still prefer beige or cream. Always check your own branch’s guidance before packing.
RB Equestrian offers free riding hat fitting and free body protector fitting at the Milton Keynes superstore.
Printable Pony Club Camp Packing Checklist
🪖 Riding Safety Equipment
☐ Riding hat (checked and fits correctly)
☐ Plain black or navy hat cover (if needed)
☐ Body protector (BETA Level 3 and fits properly)
☐ Riding gloves
☐ Hairnet or plain hair ties
👖 Riding Clothing
☐ Jodhpurs or breeches
☐ Spare jodhpurs or breeches
☐ Riding shirts
☐ Pony Club tie (if required)
☐ Pony Club sweatshirt
☐ Tweed or show jacket (if required)
☐ Competition shirt or stock (if required)
👢 Riding Footwear
☐ Riding boots
☐ Half chaps or gaiters (if worn)
☐ Spare riding boots (if available)
☐ Plenty of riding socks
🧽 Boot Care
☐ Leather wipes or boot cleaner
☐ Boot polish
☐ Soft cloth
☔ Weather Essentials
☐ Waterproof riding jacket
☐ Waterproof over-trousers
☐ Warm jumper or hoodie
☐ Lightweight layers
☐ Sun hat for when not riding
🧥 Casual Yard Wear
☐ Wellies
☐ Comfortable clothes
☐ Jogging bottoms
☐ Trainers
☐ Extra socks
☐ Underwear
☐ Pyjamas
☀ Useful Extras
☐ Water bottle
☐ Sun cream
☐ Lip balm
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Small towel
☐ Wash bag and toiletries
☐ Phone charger (if appropriate)
☐ Any medication required
🐴 Pony Equipment
☐ Saddle
☐ Bridle
☐ Numnahs
☐ Grooming kit
☐ Headcollar and lead rope
☐ Fly spray
☐ Tack cleaning kit
☐ Spare stirrup leathers if available
(Only pack the pony equipment requested by your Pony Club branch.)
✅ Before You Leave
☐ Check your riding hat still fits.
☐ Check your body protector still fits.
☐ Try on all riding clothing.
☐ Label clothing and equipment.
☐ Check your Pony Club branch kit list one last time.
☐ Tick everything off before loading the car!
