THE Pony Club, to those who do not know any better, often conjures up Thelwell-type images of precocious children racing around on hairy ponies.

But for those who have experienced the delights of Pony Club, the reality is very different as generations of horse-mad Hereford youngsters can guarantee. Grandmothers, mums and now their children can all recall long summer days spent polishing tack, preening ponies and discovering the finer points of sitting trot.

All three generations in the Hereford area at least can lay much of the responsibility for their fun and carefully hones equestrian skills firmly at the door of the North Hereford Hunt branch of the Pony Club.

The branch is celebrating its golden jubilee this year - quite an achievement for one of the smallest clubs in the country.

Current District Commissioner - a highly esteemed position in the Pony Club ranks - is Rosemary Kitchin. She explained: "Unfortunately most of the details up to about 1975 have been lost over the years so we don't know the exact membership when it started, but we do know the club has always averaged about 80 to 100 members which is what we have now."

The Pony Club provides instruction in both riding and horse care to youngsters aged up to 18. It is open to everyone from all backgrounds and with whatever kind of mount they own or can borrow.

The emphasis is very much on learning whilst having fun and the social aspect is equally important. Midnight feasts are just as important as cross country practice.

It was a need for some kind of club for an increasing number of horse riding youngster in 1951 which led to the formation of the North Hereford Hunt branch.

"All the branches have been formed as and when a need has arise. Where possible, the branches are aligned with a local hunt as we are with the North Hereford Hunt," explained Mrs Kitchin.

"We are very much a family branch. We have got several children in the branch now whose mums and grandmothers were members."

Assistant District Commissioner Sarah Leitch is one such example. She herself was a member and her daughters are also involved.

Although riding and clothing styles have changed over the branch's 50 year history, the activities offered are basically the same tried and tested formula.

"We have regular mounted and unmounted rallies for the different age groups as well as social events such as visits to Olympia and an annual summer camp," said Mrs Kitchin.

Members are also encouraged to work their way up through the Pony Club's national tests and for those who have more than a passing interest in a particular discipline, there is the chance to compete at area and national level against other Pony Club teams.

North Hereford has always fought an uphill battle in this area due to its small size but throughout the years has managed to hold its own.

Mrs Kitchin said: "We are in area nine which means we are up against very big branches like the Heythrop so when we go to competitions we have to compete against branches with hundreds of members when we have only 80 or so. We have still managed to do well though. We got to the area finals two years running."

So after 50 years is the North Hereford Hunt branch of the Pony Club past its sell by date or up for another 50 years of improving knowledge and horsemanship and inspiring team spirit among its members?

Mrs Kitchin replied: "It is absolutely as important today as it was when it began 50 years ago. The membership shot up about five or 10 years ago and has dropped off slightly since but that is partly because of the expense of keeping ponies and the pressure on teenagers to study so hard at school, but it is still a really good place for children to have good instruction, lots of fun and learn about how to care for their ponies."