History has been made at the Pony Club with one of its Centre Members passing the prestigious A Test for the first time.
‘Speechless’
Christian Allderidge started riding aged 12 at Naburn Grange Riding Centre in York. He became a Centre Member and has worked his way up the Pony Club levels – despite not having his own pony.
The 22-year-old passed his AH Test in 2014, which is the stable management phase, and has since been working hard to pass his A Test.
“I couldn’t believe it when they told me I had passed, said Christian. “I was genuinely speechless and so, so happy!”
‘Brilliant achievement’
The Centre Membership Scheme was introduced in 1998, so children without their own pony could still take part in Pony Club activities, tests and achievement badges. However, Christian is the first member in history to make it as far as the A Test.
“Congratulations to Christian, and all of the team at Naburn Grange Riding Centre who have supported him with this brilliant achievement,” said Lucy Goler, the Pony Club’s Centre Membership executive.
Futher training
Christian plans to continue training as a coach and has the riding section of his BHSI exam at the end of September.
“I would love to coach riders abroad, possibly in Hong Kong, then return to the UK to broaden my experience by coaching on a variety of yards,” he said.
Christian now has his own horse, Felix B, who he competes at Novice Level and hopes to qualify for Intermediate level next year.