Freya's story of growth, horses and neurodivergence at Canberra Riding Club Pony Club

Freya Inggs’ journey with horses and Pony Club is one of resilience, patience, and personal growth. From her early days riding at Riding for the Disabled in Darwin to becoming a cherished member of Canberra Riding Club Pony Club (CRC), Freya has faced challenges that many might shy away from. But it’s her connection with horses, particularly her partnership with her horse Captain Jack Sparrow, that has been her grounding force.

In this heartfelt Q&A, Freya shares her experiences of being neurodivergent within the Pony Club community, the valuable lessons she’s learned, and the unbreakable bond she’s formed with her horses. Through it all, Freya has found a place where she truly belongs, surrounded by a supportive community that celebrates individuality and passion for horses.

FREYA’S BACKGROUND

Can you tell us a bit about yourself—when you joined Canberra Riding Club Pony Club, and how you got involved with horses?

I started riding when I was 8 years old at Riding for the Disabled in Darwin (my mum volunteered there). When I moved to Canberra at the end of 2019 I started lessons at Pegasus. When Covid and lockdowns hit, my mum searched online for someone who had horses where I could spend time with them. We met a lady in Gunning who is wonderful and let me visit her property to cuddle and ride horses. I then got my first horse from her on a free lease, he was a Shetland x Welsh, and his name was Hokey Pokey. I joined CRC in December 2021, initially with Hokey Pokey and now I have Captain Jack Sparrow.

What is your favourite thing about riding and working with horses?

The constant challenge that can bring you highs and lows. I enjoy the non linear journey of riding and working with horses.

How has being neurodivergent shaped your experiences in Pony Club and with horses?

I receive and process information differently to most other people and this makes it a challenge to work with many different coaches across pony club. I struggle to socialise so find it harder to have positive interactions with my peers across different pony clubs. It has not been an easy journey into pony club, and I have faced many difficulties that I have needed support to overcome.

Being autistic has helped my relationships with horses. I understand them better than most humans! Horses ground me and help me get through tough times. I like training horses as I feel a special connection with them, particularly horses that have a trauma background.

What do you think makes Pony Club special compared to other activities or clubs?

It is a safe and non-competitive place to learn. Your club becomes your second family and are always there to support and help you. It is easier to make friends because you all share a common passion for horses! It is a social community, so you meet friends from other pony clubs and see each other at competitions, clinics and camps.

 

FREYA’S JOURNEY & EXPERIENCES

Can you share one or two memorable moments from your time at Canberra Riding Club Pony Club?

Winning the attendance reward in 2024 and being recognised for my work with Sparrow and starting him under saddle and the growth and improvement we have made over the last two years.

My first rally day in December 2021 where I did a come and try day. Everyone (kids, parents and coaches) all accepted me for who I am, understood when I needed help or needed to be left alone as I was overwhelmed, and made me feel very welcome.

Have you participated in any competitions, clinics, or events through Pony Club? What were those experiences like?

I have participated in lots and lots of Pony Club competitions, clinics and camps. These are some of the best memories of my life. Everyone is always supportive and encouraging. People have got to know me and Sparrow and always ask how we are going, give us advice and comment on our progress. When I tell coaches that I am autistic and need things explained a different way, they are always happy to help me and change their instructions so that I can understand better.

Were there any challenges you faced in your Pony Club journey, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was settling in. I overcame this by learning the routines of CRC and rally days. I take breaks when needed and all CRC coaches are aware of this coping strategy and allow me to self-regulate before re-joining the activity. Having a supportive club has helped. I have also made friends at CRC and am always excited to go to rally day and see them.

Having a young, green and scared horse has been a big challenge for me over the last two years. The coaches at CRC were very supportive and allowed me to work with Sparrow at the point that he was at. Other CRC members also loaned me horses to ride at rally when Sparrow was not ready for a particular activity. I had to drop back down to Intro grade for jumping and have never felt pressured by anyone at CRC to move up the grades faster. They have allowed Sparrow and I to take our time building our relationship and skills.

Have you had a mentor or instructor at Pony Club who has been particularly influential in your growth as a rider?

Yes, Franny Barnard who is our senior instructor. Franny is very knowledgeable and kind, she bends over backwards to help me and always makes adjustments for me at rally day, certificate assessments and at CRC clinics.

How do you feel Pony Club has helped you grow both as a rider and as a person?

I have learnt to be a more patient and understanding person. I have been able to grow my social skills using a common passion for horses. Pony Club has helped me develop realistic goals for my riding. I have learnt so many skills as a rider having access to quality coaches at CRC but also across Zone 16. Also having amazing instructors at clinics and camps in Zone 16 and Zone 20. Being able to participate in so many different horse riding activities has developed my riding skills beyond my expectations.

FREYA’S MESSAGE & INSPIRATION

What do you love most about being part of a community like Canberra Riding Club Pony Club?

The endless opportunities, support and encouragement to follow my dreams.

Why do you think Pony Club is a great environment for neurodivergent riders?

Adjustments can easily be made to help any neurodivergent rider. It feels like a safe space because everyone is horse mad. It is a good place to find other neurodivergent people which makes everyone feel accepted exactly for who they are. Rally days foster communication and socialising by using the common interest in horses.

What advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is neurodivergent and thinking about joining Pony Club?

I would advise someone to advocate for themselves, tell Pony Club what you need and make sure it happens and never give up. I would encourage people to get involved in as many activities as possible. And hang around with the people who accept you for who you are and don’t try and change you.

What message do you want to share with other riders who might be facing similar challenges or who doubt their potential?

Take your time, love yourself, don’t neglect your needs and always be kind to your horse.

How has Pony Club supported you in taking on opportunities and achieving your goals?

My instructors have always encouraged me to get out and about, they have taken the time to explain in detail (and often with pictures) what different competitions, camps and clinics look like and what the expectations are. If I have never needed any specialised riding equipment or clothing, pony club has always been happy to loan it to me. Pony Club recognises the steps that I have achieved in my journey with Sparrow, and that has helped me to keep focusing on my future goals and how I can achieve them.

What are your future goals, both in riding and personally?

Personally – I want to complete Year 10 of homeschooling this year and then undertake further study to be an equine dentist and part time horse trainer. In the near future I would like to get a young project horse to train and eventually start under saddle.

Riding – I would love to be a professional show jumper.

REFLECTIONS & CLOSING

What does being an inspiration to others mean to you?

Being confident in myself and my abilities. Leading by example of how I behave, treat people and how I work with my horse. I feel proud to be able to help other neurodivergent riders in pony club.

Is there a particular moment or achievement in Pony Club that you feel best represents what’s possible for neurodivergent riders?

Winning the Tom Allen Shield at the Monaro Shield Showjumping competition in 2024 with my CRC team called the Motley Crew. We worked well together, encouraged each other all day, celebrated great rounds and commiserated not so great rounds. It made me realise that I could communicate and socialise even in a stressful competition environment as I had the support of fellow CRC members.

If you could thank one person or group for their support, who would it be and why?

I would like to thank my family – my mum, grandma and grandad. Mum takes me to everything and helps me at every single event, often being my groom and motivator and helping when I have not a great day. Grandma and Grandad come to rally days and many of my competitions as well to support and help me (and support and help mum as well!).

How do you hope people will feel or what do you hope they will take away after reading your story?

I hope that other neurodivergent people will feel less alone and can see what a beneficial experience it is to join pony club. There are more positives than negatives and it is so supportive and welcoming. I hope people feel motivated to keep working with their horses despite any setbacks and inspired to learn more about training your own horse no matter their age ability.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your Pony Club experience or journey?

My current horse Captain Jack Sparrow (Gypsy Cob) was rescued by Heavy Horse Heaven in Yass as an unhandled 18-month-old colt. I met Sparrow at HHH when he had been there for 3 weeks. No human had been able to touch him at that point as the truck that brough him from Adelaide to NSW had used brutal force to get him on and off the transport.

He arrived at HHH terrified of everyone and everything. I met him and within half an hour he was eating out of my hand and letting me pat his neck. At that point I stated that he would be my next horse, much to the amusement of everyone there.

Over the next two years I continued to visit Sparrow at HHH to keep building a relationship with him and to let him know that not everything in the world was scary. After two years, mum and I decided to foster Sparrow and brought him into Canberra to live with us. Sparrow learnt a lot and continued to settle and grow. We worked with a local trainer to start him under saddle in a kind and patient manner and I started my riding journey with him.

We have been riding together for 2 years and it has not been an easy time. There have been multiple challenges and working each other out. We are still on a learning journey, but I am amazed and proud of how far we have come since we met 4 years ago.