Pony Club Basics
Rallies take place on Sunday once a month, with gear check following set up. Keep an eye on your emails from Pony Club as to rally dates and what time we are going to be starting.
Coaches will provide lessons at rallies in accordance with the Australian Pony Club Council of Syllabus of Instruction – e.g. Flatwork, Horsemastership, Theory and Active Riding. Unmounted sessions are considered of great value and are devoted to Horsemastership and Theory.
As the number of Coaches organised for each rally depends upon the number of riders attending, the Chief Coach will seek confirmation of your attendance before each rally. Depending on how groups work out, any riders that do not respond may not have access to the standard program and may need to be coached by their adult supporter.
The rally organizer may have sent out a rally plan, but usually there are last minute changes, so check up at the club house so you know where you will be going during the day. Usually you will have 3-4 lessons in the morning and 1-2 lessons in the afternoon. Not all lessons will be mounted.
More experienced pony club riders and parents are available to help if there is anything you are not sure of. You will usually be in a group of 6-8 riders that have been organized according to age and pony club experience. These will vary throughout the year based on what classes are being held and who is at the rally. Only the Chief Coach may move you from your assigned group.
Your instructor will try to ensure you feel safe throughout all activities, however you should let them know if you think you or your pony are not coping and discuss any issues with the Chief Coach so they can allocate you to a more appropriate class.
For those who are really keen, you can ride a maximum of two horses at any one rally
Very Important: EVERYONE is to help with set up and pack up on Rally days. If you are not staying for the afternoon activities please inform the Rally Coordinator so that an extra morning duty may be assigned.
Lunchtime and Morning Tea
Lunchtime is one of the few times during a Rally that all Members of the Club can come together as one group. To help promote a positive team environment all Members are asked to eat lunch together at the Club Rooms.Although we have food for sale through the canteen on gymkhana days, this is not the case for pony club rallies. You are asked to bring something to share for morning tea and whatever you want to eat for your own lunch. There are fridges where you can keep your lunch cool until lunch time and facilities if you wish to heat up food in the kitchen area.
Horses, Gear and Clothing
Presentation is an important part of Pony Club. New members are not expected to have uniform, but must meet the minimum requirement:
Riding helmet approved to the current Australian standard (or equivalent).
Riding/jodphur boots with a suitable heel and smooth sole
Long sleeved shirt
Long pants or jodphurs.
Horse welfare and rider safety are primary considerations in a pony club mount. Horses must be healthy and 4 years of age at 1 January to be included in Pony Club activities. They should be suitable for the rider in terms of temperament, experience and size. Where safety (including safety of surrounding people and riders) or horse welfare is compromised, the Chief Coach may require the horse to be stood down from activities. Horse gear does not need to be new, but must fit the horse, be in safe condition, be in good repair and clean. Pony Club is an English riding discipline, and this type of riding gear will be the most useful. At lower levels, alternatives are available. Minimum requirements are:
Head collar and standard size lead line (rope halters and long lead lines may only be used in special classes, and are not used for tying).
Snaffle bridle with a noseband (some other bits are permitted for specific activities)
All purpose, showjumping or dressage saddle (saddle must have a tree and two girth points/one girth point and a surcingle. Some other saddles are permitted at lower levels and for specific activities).
Standard english stirrup irons (no stock or western style, some non-standard english irons are permitted)
Saddle blanket
To make sure your gear stays safe for riders and comfortable for the horse:
Check everything is in cleaned regularly and is in good repair.
Promptly repair or replace gear when worn or damaged (nb helmets should always be replaced, not repaired).
Have your saddle fit checked and corrected by a reputable professional at least once a year.
Check your stirrup size every time you change your boots.
if you are not sure whether your gear will meet the standards, please ask for help before you arrive. There are many low cost solutions to tack problems. If you want to buy new gear, always tell the horse shop that you will be using it at Pony Club as most of their staff have been trained to understand Pony Club requirements.
The PCWA Gear Checking Manual is a great source of information as well as outlining specific requirements.
Excerpt from the PCAWA Gear Checking Manual on Gear permitted at rallies: