Welcome to Glenrothes Pony Club!

Thank you for joining Glenrothes Branch of the Pony Club. We are a very friendly little Club, who pride ourselves on being welcoming, fun, supportive and encouraging. As a branch, we aim to provide fun with a competitive edge. We encourage our members to take part in all disciplines - we try to avoid specialisation too early, because we think it’s far more important that the children have fun, make friends and learn to look after their horses and ponies well. We run a varied programme of events over the year which although fun, encourages progression through the various equestrian disciplines. We welcome and encourage feedback as this is the only way that we can make things better for YOUR Club and its Members. If after reading this pack you still have questions, please feel free to contact Audrey, Diane, your Buddy or any Committee Member who will endeavour to help you.

Audrey Nairns, District Commissioner Diane Hill, Assistant District Commissioner

About this Pack: In this pack, we’ll try to explain: A bit about Glenrothes Branch Who we are What we do Where we go What to do and what to wear Where to find out more Who to contact and, finally, we’ll try to answer some of your questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About Glenrothes: Glenrothes Branch covers a very wide geographical area, from St Andrews to Kinross, Kirkcaldy to Tayport. We accept Members aged from 3 to 25!

Currently we have about 35 members, the youngest being 4 and the oldest 22! The senior’s often help out at Rallies and Camp, and are encouraged to act as role models for the younger Members.

We have a well established series of general teaching sessions (Rallies), as well as more focused Training Sessions for specific disciplines and teams. Every summer we hold a Pony Club Camp, where more intensive tuition in both riding and stable management is given.

Improvement in the standard of riding and stable management is measured by the series of Pony Club Tests, which Members are encouraged and assisted to take when they are ready. As a branch we provide the support to our members to prepare them for the tests.

In joining Glenrothes, you have also joined The Pony Club, an international voluntary youth organisation with a membership exceeding 110,477. It is the largest association of riders in the world, with Branches in 18 countries. A majority of the most successful riders in all disciplines of British equestrian competition have been Members of The Pony Club!

Who We Are The Branch is organised into three categories, the Members, the Parents and the Committee.

• The Members are people registered as being Members of the Glenrothes Branch; they can be any age from 3 to 25. As Members, they can take part in any Glenrothes Branch Events (appropriate to age and skill); and have third party insurance through The Pony Club. The Branch exists for the Members!

• The Parents are (obviously...!) the parents of the Members,

• The Committee are the people who run the Branch.

In charge is the District Commissioner (DC), Audrey Nairns. She is ultimately responsible for all of the activities and functions of the Glenrothes branch. The “DC” is elected by the Committee, and serves 3 years. Audrey can be contacted about ANYTHING regarding Pony Club, and will, at the very least, direct you on to someone who can help!

Dossie Wang is our Chief Instructor and is responsible for our team of fully qualified and experienced instructors. Dossie works closely with our committee to design and develop our annual programme. Decisions about a child’s ability or standing within rallies or teams will be taken in conjunction with her.

The rest of the Committee are listed on p12, along with their contact details.

• Buddies – every member of Glenrothes branch will be assigned a committee member or “buddy”. Your buddy will send you regular texts about rallies and events. Your buddy is there to help you and answer any of your questions.

• Helpers are all the parents who help out at rallies and events. There are a range of different roles such as first aider or warm up arena caller at events. The more helpers we have the easier it is to put on events. Rallies cannot happen without them so please become a helper and support the club!

What We Do: Lots! Glenrothes branch run: Rallies; Disciplines; Social Events; Competitions; Tests; and Camp.

Rallies • Rallies are our main activity. Usually, in the winter there will be one ridden Rally and one on foot rally a month; but in the summer there is usually one a week on a Thursday. At a Rally, Members receive instruction in small groups, appropriate to their age and ability; there will usually be a number of groups and instructors. • Rallies are held at various locations within our territory. • Members are asked to pay a contribution towards the cost of instruction and premises at Rallies, the cost of these vary from £5 for on foot activity, £10 for outdoor ridden rallies, with an increase for indoor rallies to help fund the cost of hiring indoor facilities. • Cross Country Rallies are organised throughout the year usually at Lindores / Inchcoonans or Gleneagles. • On Foot Rallies are with no pony or horse, and Members are instructed in proper stable management, tack and turnout and horse and pony care.

Disciplines: Glenrothes branch is active in a wide range of specific disciplines, each of which has its own Team Manager, training schedules and competitions.

Area Competitions Branches throughout Area 1 are invited to enter teams in the following competitions:

• Grass Roots consists of 3 phases which includes Turnout, Riding Ability (quadrille test), & Handy Pony the best three scores in each phase to count. Grass Roots is great fun for everyone from lead rein onwards.

• Combined Training competition has two elements, dressage and showjumping. Teams of 4 are entered with 1 member from each of the following age categories: 10 and under / 12 and under / 14 and under / 15 and over

• Interbranch competition runs over 3 days normally in July each year with 1 element running each day and includes Dressage, Show Jumping and . This area competition runs as a qualifier for the Pony Club National Championships.

• Team Jumping runs mostly in the winter months at indoor premises including SNEC and Highfield at Howe. Occasionally outdoor team jumping runs during the spring/summer seasons. Teams of 3 or 4 compete in the class most appropriate to their ability with the best 3 team scores being counted. In recent years the class heights start around 50cm with classes up to 1m10.

• Quiz This runs over the winter period concluding with an area quiz where winning teams can qualify for an area then national final. It is a team event and the training gives you a great advantage to expand your knowledge on a wide range of topics relating to horse care and the pony club.

Tests: • The Pony Club has a series of achievement tests, which enable them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding. The tests are taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain objectives in mind; each requires the holding of at least the previous test, and sometimes other, supplementary tests as well. These supplementary tests and achievements are at various standards, and include the Road Rider Test, the Coaching Test and the Lunging Test. The main tests are: E Test: An optional test to introduce younger Members. D Test: Riding and Pony Care (age 8+). D+ Test: Riding and Pony Care (age 10+). C Test: Riding and Horse/Pony Care (age 11+). C+ Test: Riding and Horse Care (age 14+). B Test: Riding and Horse Care (age 15+). AH Test: Advanced Horse Care (age 17+). A Test: Advanced Riding (age 17+); very high powered, international standard!

Camp: • Every year, Glenrothes branch organises a Camp usually in July. Included in Camp is a mixture of instruction, games, trips, talks and fun! Camp is one of the highlights of the year!

Memebers Show  We hold an annual show for our members at the end of the season with classes for Turnout, Dressage, Showjumping and Working Hunter. With many rossettes and cups to be won and then presented at our annual Awards evening this show wraps up our summer programme and is not to be missed!

Social Events • The highlight of the year is the annual Awards Evening in January where we meet to give out the awards and prizes • Fundraising activitities including fun hack, parents curry nights, collecting Rag Bag etc. The funds we raise enable the club to buy equipment and helps subsidise annual camp.

Where We Go We hold events at a wide range of locations in our territory – here some of our main ones: Lindores Highfield at Howe Balcormo Bowhouse Inchcoonans Kinnaird Pony Club Field

What to Do: Pony Club is an association of people from all backgrounds, united by their desire for continouis improvement in their riding and knowledge in the care of thier horses and ponies.

It is not an elitist group – whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are very, very welcome!

However, there have to be a few ground rules to make sure everyone and their horse or pony is safe. The notes below are designed to ensure safety and smooth operation of the Branch.

DO: • Most importantly, treat other Members’ and their families/supporters with the same consideration you would expect. • Keep small(er) children under close control, not running about under ponies hooves. • Arrive in plenty of time, so you’re ready to ride at your start time – we can’t wait for you! • Think of your pony: he or she works very hard at a Rally or lesson!

DON’T: • Carry a baby if you’re handling horses or ponies • Argue with the instructor: their decision on the day is final. • If you disagree, contact Audrey, Diane or the committee organiser as soon as possible. • Bring dogs without prior permission from the DC. Even if allowed, they must stay on the lead. • Bring a new horse without informing the DC and Rally organiser. You will not be able to bring a new pony to a Cross Country Rally until they have attended at least 1 flatwork and 1 show jumping rally. • Get on your pony in the car parks or until an instructor tells you it’s safe to do so.

REMEMBER: • No Member may participate in any Pony Club event until they have paid their subscription (except for “taster” Rallies). • This isn’t us being greedy, but they, and the Pony Club, won’t have any insurance unless they are fully paid up! • Parents/guardians are responsible for their children throughout their attendance at any event. If they can’t be present, they must nominate an adult to take responsibility, and let the Organiser know. Accidents do happen, and it can be vital to get hold of an adult in an emergency.

IF IN DOUBT: ASK YOUR BUDDY OR ANOTHER MEMBER, WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP!

Dress Code: General Rallies • Hard Hat (kite marked and meeting standards PAS 015 and EN1384 in 2015) This should be tagged by Audrey, Diane or Simonne at your first Rally • Cream, black or navy • Jodhpur boots with jodhpur clips/chaps OR long boots (not wellingtons or trainers) • Shirt, tie or stock (usually only Members over 14 will wear a stock) • Pony Club sweatshirt with a white shirt or a shirt. • Body protector (only compulsory for cross country, but highly recommended for show jumping, and for younger Members) • Long sleeves are compulsory for jumping

Cross Country Rallies • As above, but Pony Club sweatshirt or jacket (no hood) • Body protector is compulsory • Stocks are recommended to give neck support • Medical armbands are compulsory (These can be purchased from the club or most equestrian shops) • Ensure that you add a neckstrap (or martingale / breastplate) if your horse/pony does not normally wear one – always helpful when XC training to have a handle to hold.

On foot Rallies • Stable boots (jodhpur boots, muckers or leather boots; not trainers) • Hard hat • Gloves • PC Sweatshirt • Sensible clothing for the weather (nothing trailing in the mud or blowing in the breeze; no shorts or strappy tops!)

Training Sessions • Usually as for a Rally, but ties and jackets aren’t usually needed.

For the horse or pony: Saddlery • It is Pony Club policy that saddlery is plain, practical and safe. Tack inspections will be carried out at all Rallies. The most important things are that: • Tack is safe for the rider to use • Tack fits and is suitable for the horse or pony • Tack is suitable (and allowed, e.g. no Dr Bristol bits / bitless bridles etc) for the specific event or Rally.

Please remember, when you attend your first Rally, it can be nerve wracking, and seem very intimidating. It is often best to make sure you have everything ready the night before! If it seems other people at the Rally are indifferent to your struggles, it’s probably because they don’t want to interfere... ask, and most people will be more than willing to help!

Where to find out more: Online The Glenrothes Branch website should be your first port of call – it contains news updates, forthcoming events, photo galleries, classified ads and contact details. It is wise to check this site regularly for further information on rally times and groups www.pcuk.org/glenrothes In addition Glenrothes Branch of the Pony Club has a Facebook page which is a public group and is updated regularly. Links to the rally times will also be posted here.

The main Pony Club website has a wide range of resources, including rulebooks for all the disciplines, test cards and syllabuses, and much more. www.pcuk.org

Books There are many books out there about riding and horse and pony care; however, these are the ones we recommend: The Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship If you don’t have a copy, get one now! This is the “bible” for Pony Club, with (almost) all the information you need for tests, stable management and correct riding technique. These can be bought through the club, The Pony Club website or most bookshops.

Contacts Committee Members Role Name Email Phone number DC Audrey [email protected] 07979 Nairns 803299 Assistant DC Diane Hill [email protected] 07852 315550 Secretary Simonne [email protected] 07818 Adams 173917 Treasurer Ann 07915 McGregor 070767 Merchandise Boni 07971 & 2nd Hand Rodgerson 640883 Shop Website Ann 07915 McGregor 070767 First Aid & Colin [email protected] 07961 Health and Hamilton 588135 Safety Child Sarah 07929 Protection Cierans 001850

Field Caroline 07767 Baillie 396551 Fundraising Lynda 07801 Scobie 817760

Chief Dossie 07850 Instructor Wang 013191

Frequently Asked Questions: 1. How is the Pony Club organised? 2. What does the Committee do? 3. How do I find out what’s going on? 4. How do I book in to Rallies? 5. What if I have to cancel at the last minute? 6. Can I borrow a horse if I need to? 7. What competitions are there? 8. How do I qualify for competitions? 9. Do I have to compete? 10. Do I have to take Tests? 11. What’s all this about insurance? 12. What’s the situation with taking photographs at events? 13. What about Child Protection? 14. What can I do to help?

1: How is the Pony Club organised? • Each Branch is self-contained and administered by a properly elected voluntary, unpaid District Commissioner (Audrey), assisted by the Assistant District Commissioner (Diane) and the Branch Committee. • The DC is elected by the Committee, and then confirmed in office by National Headquarters. • Branches do not have an open AGM, but we do have annual Parent Meetings. • There are about 360 Branches of the Pony Club in the UK, and 500 Centres, each with a geographical area. • They are grouped into Areas for administration purposes – Glenrothes is in Area 16. • The Area Representatives form part of the Pony Club Council, and are also Trustees of the Pony Club. The Council is presided over by the Chairman; and it is at Council Meetings that points from the Branches are discussed, and guidelines and new legislation are drawn up. • The Pony Club Office is at Stoneleigh, and there are permanent staff based there – they are the only paid employees of the Pony Club.

2: What does the Committee do? • There is a small Committee of about 9-10 members, all of whom are or have been parents/grandparents. They are assisted by Committee Associates, who are invited to bring their specialist knowledge and skill to the Branch as required. • The Committee is chaired by the District Commissioner and meets monthly to discuss the organisation of Rallies, camps, events and all other pony Club activities. • The chief requirements for being on the Committee are a willingness to work hard and to support all Members equally. The Committee are not paid and do not in general receive expenses for routine organisation. • Most Committee members have a specific portfolio of duties. • The District Commissioner is responsible to the Pony Club Council, the national body of the Pony Club in Britain,

3: How do I find out what’s going on? • If you have the internet, you can go to the Glenrothes webpage (www.pcuk.org/Glenrothes) and either download the Programme, or visit the Forthcoming Events page. • Generally, when a new Programme comes out (usually every 3-4 months) it is put straight on to the Website and a message posted on Facebook. • Copies of the Programme can be sent out by post if required, or picked up from a Committee member at Rallies or other events. • Training sessions for specific disciplines may not be on the main Programme – email or phone the Team Manager if you need to know when the next one is.

4: How do I book in to Rallies? • Initially, please complete a rally booking form with the rallies you are interested in attending and return to Simonne • Confirm these bookings at least 1 rally in advance by making payment. Rallies sometimes fill up quickly so it is best to confirm as soon as possible

5: What if I have to cancel at the last minute? • Phone Simonne, Audrey or Diane • You may still be liable for the fee, as once groups and times have been assigned, we still have to pay for the venue and the instructors.

6: Can I borrow a horse if I need to? • Of course! However, we don’t have a stable of horses and ponies ready to loan out. You will need to make any arrangements on a private basis. That said, we will make enquiries on your behalf if needed • Please let Simonne, Audrey or Diane know if you are borrowing a horse

7: What competitions are there? • There are lots of Pony Club competitions, at all levels and for all disciplines! • Generally, there are 3 levels of competition: • Inter-Branch Competitions. These are events put on by local branches to which neighbouring branches are invited. At Glenrothes branch, we organise these periodically throughout the year. Any Pony Club Member from our, or any other, Branch can enter. You can enter any other Branch’s competitions. You can enter as an individual in appropriate classes, or if there is a team event Glenrothes branch may have enough Members interested to enter a team. Sometimes, a Branch will require a DCs signature, to check that you are a paid-up Member. To be in a team, contact the discipline Team Manager. • Area Competitions. Each of the major disciplines (Dressage, Show jumping, Eventing, and Tetrathlon) hold a competition in the summer to which all Branches in the Area are invited to send competitors. The standard is very high at these events, and the difficulty is set by Pony Club HQ. The winning team/s and individuals qualify for the National Championships (except Mounted Games, where winners go to the Regional or Zone Championships first). • National Championships. The winners from all the Areas in each discipline compete at the very highest level at the end of the summer. These are very prestigious events, but Glenrothes branch usually send competitors to at least one! At the Nationals you will see most of the Young Riders who are already representing their country (look out for the Union flags on their hats!); however, everyone camps out together and there is a great feeling of camaraderie.

8: How do I qualify for competitions? • You don’t need to qualify for most competitions, but for Area events: YES! You and your horse must have attended at least 3 Rallies during the year before the event. Also, if jumping is involved, if you’re not safe, WE WON’T LET YOU GO!

• However, where possible, ANYONE QUALIFIED AND GOOD ENOUGH WILL BE ENTERED FOR THE AREA COMPETITIONS! (Only limitation - we are limited to 2 Senior Teams per discipline, so only the best will be entered if we tip over that limit).

9: Do I have to compete? • NO! Pony club is for everyone – if you enjoy competing, great, we are here to help you go as far as you can. BUT, if you don’t want to compete, fine – we are here to help you make the most of your riding and your pony.

10: Do I have to take Tests? • No, you don’t. However, we do strongly recommend it, as the Pony Club Tests are the best way to improve both riding and stable management.

11: What’s all this about insurance? • Members of the Pony Club are covered by Third Party Liability insurance up to £30 million. The small print: • The insurance covers legal liability for: Any accidental bodily injury to, or Property damage caused to

• a third party, Arising out of The use or keeping of: • Your pony, or • A borrowed pony, or • A hired pony (provided that the pony is primarily for the use of the Member).

This cover extends to anyone riding a Members’ horse or pony with the Member’s (or parent’s) permission, if they have no cover elsewhere.

• It does not cover: • Injury to, or damage to the property of, anyone in the Member’s family, household or employment. • Property in the care, custody or control of the Member • Racing under Turf Authority Rules (except UK Pony Racing series), Point to Point, Steeplechasing, Team Chasing or any other form of non-Pony Club racing. • Accidents to the member • Business activities, or use for hire or reward.

The complete policy is available from Pony Club HQ on request, or on the Pony Club website. It is important that you are aware that, if you injure a child, they have the right to bring a claim against you (which could well total over £10 million) for up to 3 years after they reach the age of 18, even if their parents do not take action at the time of the injury. Therefore, it is vital that the details are recorded at the time. If any incident occurs which could give rise to a claim from a Third Party, it is essential that the details be reported immediately to the underwriters. Contact Pony Club HQ if unclear, but if in doubt, err on the side of caution!

12: What’s the situation with taking photographs at events? You can take photos of your OWN children; otherwise, you must have permission from the Committee. (You may see other people taking photos of lots of children – generally these will be Committee Members or Associates who have been asked to make a photographic record of the event; do NOT assume that because someone else is taking photos of everyone, so can you!).

13: What about Child Protection? Glenrothes Pony Club has a comprehensive Child Protection policy; in addition, most of the people with direct or frequent contact with the children have full PVG checks. However, if in any doubt, contact Sarah, our Child Protection Officer. If you consider a child to be at risk, contact Audrey or another Committee Member AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

14: What can I do to help? • Support the events we put on – all money is ploughed straight back into instruction and equipment. • We always need help with running events – if you can help, please offer! • Give generously – we have many fundraising events that are suitable even for “non- horsey” parents!

THE AIM IS TO SUPPORT ALL OUR MEMBERS – we need your help to do this!