Tumut Pony Club Members' Handbook

TUMUT PONY CLUB

MEMBERS' HANDBOOK

Information for Members and Parents 2013

www.tumutponyclub.org.au

Club Information

Contact Names and Numbers: President: Allan Day Phone: 69474768 Vice President: Roger Davies Phone: 69471703 Secretary: Trudy Crawford Phone: 69479399 Treasurer: Silvia Grant Phone: 69475339 Senior Instructor: Pam Webb Phone: 69475284

Postal Address: PO Box 640, Tumut NSW 2720

Email Address: [email protected]

Club Grounds: Tumut Showground, Broughton Street, Tumut

Pony Club Structure

Pony Club NSW divides clubs into Zones. A number of Zones join together to form an Area. Our pony club is part of Zone 20, which is part of Area 5. In Zone 20 there are 11 pony clubs. They include: Tumut, Tumbarumba, Upper Murray, Tarcutta, Blackrange, Corowa, Holbrook, Jindera, Jingellic, Wirlinga, and Culcairn.). Both the Club and the Zone have a President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Instructor.

Fees

Annual Joining Fee 2013 1 Rider $60.00 1 Non-rider $40.00 Family $140.00 (junior riders only are covered as riding members)

This fee includes the Pony Club NSW affiliation and insurance fees. All riding members under 17 years are to join with a parent/guardian as a member. A parent/guardian or responsible adult should be on the grounds when the junior members are in attendance.

An adult wishing to join as a riding member must pay the $60 fee. A family membership will not cover adult riding members. Adults who have registered under a family membership will be as a non-riding member and will have to pay an additional $20 to upgrade to a riding membership. This will allow them to participate in invitational riding activities.

Come and Try Membership Persons who wish to participate in a NSW Pony Club Rally day, who are not registered riding members of a NSW Pony Club, can do so by the way of PCA NSW Come and Try Program Day Membership.

Come and Try Program Members must pay $25 per day for Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance cover. This type of membership is unavailable for competitions.

Tumut Pony Club NSW www.tumutponyclub.org.au 2 Uniform

Rally Uniform (Informal Uniform) Polo shirt or shirt with collar. Jeans or jodhpurs. Elastic sided, smooth soled riding boots. 17 years and older can wear long boots. AS/NZS3838, ASTMF1163, or EN1384 helmet. Tumut Pony Club has its own Club Polo Shirt and Long Sleeved Rugby Jumper which members are encouraged to wear.

Rally Uniform Fees Club Polo Shirt $25.00 (available from Swans in Tumut) Club Rugby Jumper $35.00 (available from Swans in Tumut) (These prices are approximate and exact price will be provided from Swans)

Competition Uniform (Formal Uniform) x Fawn jodhpurs x White cotton long-sleeved shirt (not a polo shirt) x Maroon tie x Maroon wool jumper x Elastic Sided smooth sole riding boots x 17 years and older can wear long boots x AS/NZS3838, ASTMF1163, or EN1384 white helmet x Club saddle cloth: White with maroon edging and maroon TPC lettering

Competition Uniform Fees Maroon Ties $20.00 (available from Club) Club Saddlecloths $55.00 (available from Club) Maroon Light wool Jumper $40.00 (available from Swans in Tumut) (These prices are approximate and exact price will be provided from Swans)

Zone Uniform x Fawn jodhpurs x White cotton long sleeved shirt (not a polo shirt) x Bottle green tie x Bottle green woolen jumper x Elastic Sided smooth sole riding boots x 17 years and older can wear long boots x AS/NZS3838, ASTMF1163, or EN1384 white helmet x Zone saddle cloth: White with bottle green edging and bottle green Z20 lettering

What to wear when Rally Days: Informal Gymkhanas: Formal uniform Zone Competitions: Formal uniform State Competition: Zone uniform Regional Schools: Formal uniform

Tumut Pony Club NSW www.tumutponyclub.org.au 3 Rally Days

When are they Held Pony Club rally days are usually held every second Sunday breaking in December after the Club’s Christmas rally and resuming in late January. Confirmation of the rally schedule is available on the Club’s Web Site or in the e-newsletters.

Who Can Come You must be a financial member of the Pony Club Association of NSW. A responsible adult should accompany junior members (under 17 years) on Rally Days. Only Pony Club riding members are permitted to ride at rallies. Senior riding members over 25 years, are only permitted to ride if they are paid up as riding members and with the Senior instructors approval for instruction or demonstration only. Adults are not permitted to ride, exercise or lunge their horses during a rally any time in the area where the rally is being conducted.

How the Day Runs During the warmer months (September-April) rallies commence with a 9.00am gear check. During the cooler months (May-August) rallies commences with a 10.00am gear check. Most rallies are planned as full day rallies however, some rallies may only run for 1/2 a day finishing at lunch time.

All parents and riders are asked to assist with setting up and packing up equipment, show jumps etc, before and after each rally.

At all times riders stay with their allocated group and walk their horse between lessons.

What Happens There are lots of different activities that you may participate in at a rally including jumping, dressage, troop drill, mounted games, sporting, polocrosse, horse care and theory. x Riders must present themselves for gear check in troop lines. x When all riders have been checked, they will be organised into groups. x Size and composition of groups depends on many factors including – which members are present, which instructors are available, what activities are organised. Generally riders of similar ability and/or age are grouped together. x Your attendance is noted each rally.

Wet Weather Policy If it is wet and you are unsure whether the rally will go ahead contact one of your committee members for clarification.

What You Should Bring Food for your horse, bucket for water, secure headstall and lead rope. Tack should meet Pony Club criteria, be well fitting and in good, safe condition. You may need to check the suitability of your equipment before coming to a rally day. Please bring snacks and drinks for yourself.

Tumut Pony Club NSW www.tumutponyclub.org.au 4

Parking Car parking is provided at the grounds. It is a requirement of Pony Club NSW that a horse free parking area be provided - therefore no horses are to be tied up on the vehicle, hitching rails or to floats/trucks. You are not to ride your horse in the parking areas.

Parents are asked to pay attention to where they park their cars, floats and trucks. The committee suggests that you park your vehicles away from the yards as the area needs to be kept clear for riders to take their horses to and from the yards safely and without doing any damage to vehicles. PCA does have insurance coverage, however the excess fee is $1,000.00 up front and the executive would prefer not to have to make a decision about who should have to pay this large amount of money if an accident was to occur.

Horse Yards Pony Club members are fortunate to have ample yards for the horses to be held in before, during and after rallies.

Please remember the following safety rules when using the yards: x All horses are to be saddled and unsaddled in a yard. x Horses are NOT to be tied to a horse float or truck at any time. This includes before, during or after the rally. x All horses are to be kept in a yard during short breaks and lunch time. x Riders should be supervised when leading their pony to their yard. x The pony should be tied up with a headstall before unsaddling and then again when saddling up in a yard. x All equipment should be removed from the yards and the saddle and other gear placed clear of the yard. x Riders should ensure that their pony is provided water. x During breaks children are not to play, or spend time in or around the yards. x When riders are dismissed by their instructor, they should dismount and lead their pony to their yard.

Proficiency Certificates

Throughout their Pony Club career, riders are encouraged to undertake various efficiency tests according to their age and ability - commencing with the basic ‘E’ certificate through to the ‘A’ certificate. These certificates aim to encourage the interest and improvement in knowledge of riders. They are viewed as a measure of a rider’s progress in their overall efficiency. In working for them riders acquire valuable knowledge and skills, which enhance their riding. No matter what your age you must commence at the D Certificate and work your way through the levels.

Theory workbooks will be utilised by the club for riders to work through these certificates. Workbooks are available from the Club.

Workbook Fees D/D* Activity Book (under 7) $16.00 (suitable for E Certificate) D/D* Workbook (7 and over) $25.00 C Workbook (12 and over) $32.00 C*/K Workbook (14 and over) $37.00

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E Certificate – Under 7 years D Certificate – 7 years+ Basic knowledge of grooming and general Elementary knowledge of grooming, feeding care of the horse. Basic riding ability. and general care of the horse. Basic riding ability.

D Star Certificate – 9 years+ C Certificate – 12 years+ Further knowledge of grooming, feeding, Independent seat required, with correct aids care of horses, parts of the horse. More and a degree of competence in other capable riding ability. aspects of riding. General knowledge of horse care and parts of the horse.

C Star Certificate – 14 years+ K Certificate – 14 years+ Active riding skills at a fast pace, using a Action activities and a 40km ride. correct, strong seat, well established in forward jumping position. Good horse H Certificate – 17 years+ No riding, all based on care of horses.. knowledge.

B Certificate – 16 years+ A Certificate – 17 years+ Active, capable rider who understands the Strong rider able to ride a variety of mounts. aids thoroughly and can apply them High standard of horsemanship and general appropriately. knowledge.

Competitions

During the year there will be many competitions held which members can attend. The main type of pony club competition is the gymkhana.

The gymkhana is an opportunity for all riders to go out and compete against other riders, from other clubs. Gymkhanas usually have ring events, sporting and jumping. They are a great way for riders to get experience in competitions and build up confidence.

You do not need to pre-enter for general club gymkhanas. However, Zone 20, State and Area 5 Competitions require pre-entry forms and payment.

Parental Assistance

As you can well appreciate pony clubs are only successful with the assistance of the parents of the riders. We would all love to sit each rally day and simply watch our own child. Unfortunately, if everyone in the club took this stance, especially our instructors, nothing would be done and none of the children would get to ride. Therefore, it is particularly important that everyone pitches in and does their bit to assist in the running of pony club. Rally day jobs include: x Assisting to put out equipment x Putting equipment away x Packing up the club house x Assisting instructors especially with activities like sporting (putting flags out, timekeeping) and jumping (picking up poles when they are knocked). x Become an instructor – it's not hard and is very rewarding.

Tumut Pony Club NSW www.tumutponyclub.org.au 6 Conduct of Riders and Parents

Pony Club is a youth organisation therefore policies of: - No Alcohol - No Smoking - No Swearing applies to adults and children. Please visit www.pcansw.org.au to view these policies.

When Mounted x Please arrive on time. Late arrivals are disruptive and may result in being left out of a session. x Be considerate of each other and especially of less experienced and younger riders when riding near them. x Walk at all times unless specifically advised otherwise by an instructor. x You may not leave a lesson without asking permission from the instructor. x The instructor appreciates it if you thank them at the end of the lesson. x You must only ride where and when advised by an instructor – definitely not around the yards or the car parks.

When Unmounted x Horses are easily spooked and everyone who comes to pony club needs to be sensible around horses. Small children should be supervised at all times and are not to sit/climb on any of the railings or jumping equipment. x All dogs must be on a leash. x If a parent wishes to discuss an aspect of a lesson with an instructor, please wait until the end of the lesson. x Children should be courteous and co-operative and be keen to learn and have fun. x Parents should remember that Pony Club operates for the benefit of the children.

Pony Club Rules

Safety of horse and rider is paramount in pony club. Hence there are strict rules governing most aspects of membership. These rules are designed to prevent accidents and injuries. It is in your interests to acquaint yourself with the rules. If in doubt, please ask a committee member or refer to the “Blue Book” (available on the PCA website www.pcansw.org.au).

Some Basic Rules x Gear Check - will be conducted at the commencement of every rally or competition. This is to inspect the gear of the mount and the dress of the rider and to recommend any change or removal of gear considered to be dangerous, cruel, ill fitting, unsafe or not conforming to association regulations. x Stitching – on stirrup leathers, reins, girth points, girths, etc must not be frayed or loose. x Stirrups – must not be too small or large for the competitor and not too smooth on the tread surface. 10mm clearance is required at each side of the boot. x Leather – bridle, reins, stirrups, girth points and girth leather are not to be worn or split. x Reins – must be buckled, stitched or joined in a safe manner at the hand held end. If reins are tied in a knot to make them shorter then they must be unbuckled at the end. x Helmet – must be AS/NZS3838, ASTMF1163, or EN1384.

Tumut Pony Club NSW www.tumutponyclub.org.au 7 x Saddlecloths – must be worn and the cloth next to the horse is to be larger than the saddle. Shaped numnahs and sheepskin saddlecloths are not permitted. x Girths – must be correctly adjusted. Two buckles are required or one buckle and a surcingle. Exception: western or stock saddle with attachments as designed for that particular saddle. x Whips – must have a flap and not exceed 75cm. Whips to be carried in the hand only. x Spurs – Must be dummy type, the neck not exceeding 30mm in length and must not be under 7mm in width at the point of the neck. The neck if curved must point downward. Spurs fitted with rowels are permitted in sporting and campdrafting competitions. The length of the shank is not to exceed 4.5 cm from the shank to the centre of the rowel. The rowel at its tip or outside edge is to be as thick as a $2 coin. x Boots – riders under 17 wear short Jodhpur boots defined as elastic sided, smooth soled, solid upper riding boots that may incorporate a zipper but no laces or buckles. Associates have the option of wearing short or long boots. No cowboy boots or ¾ length boots are allowed. Dogger boots are permitted at specified competitions. x Chapettes – are permitted to be worn by riders at rally days but not in any competition. Chapettes to be below the knee, plain in colour and not have any fringes. x Uniform – must be adhered to for the particular activity that you are riding in. x Participation - All riders must be participating in the rally and not riding their horses in other locations at the grounds. Only junior members are allowed to ride at pony club except if adult riding members have been invited to ride. x Lunging - Helmets must be worn when lunging a horse (adults and children). x Toilet Break - Children are not to ride their horses to the toilet.

Communication

E-NEWS - The Club sends the majority of its correspondence via email, which keeps members informed of club activities, dates of rallies and all relevant club news. Please ensure that you have provided the secretary with your email address. You can email the Secretary on [email protected].

WEBSITE - The Clubs Website is updated regularly. It contains news items, changes to the club calendar and event programs. The website address is www.tumutponyclub.org.au

MEETINGS - Are held at Club Tumut the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm and all associate and adult members are encouraged to attend. There are also some meetings held at the conclusion of rallies throughout the year. Please view the rally calendar. Zone meetings are held quarterly, generally February and November at Tumbarumba and May and August at Holbrook.

Being a Good Horse Person Requires You to:

D Take responsibility for your horse; D Take responsibility for yourself; D Be proud of what you learn and share it with friends; D Be respectful to your parents, instructors and peers; D Be willing to work hard, be committed and use common sense; D Prevent problems by practicing sound horse care techniques; D Take pleasure in a job well done; D Enjoy the results of your efforts.

Tumut Pony Club NSW www.tumutponyclub.org.au 8 Pony Club Camp

A camp is held for 7 days each January at Tumbarumba. To be eligible, the child must have attended at least 3 club rallies throughout the year. x Riders should be aged at least 9 years old and under 17 years as at start of camp. x If you do plan to attend camp, you must attend rallies on the horse you intend to take to camp with you. x Your horse must be fit as it will be ridden every day, all day for 6 days straight. If your horse is not fit, it will not get through the week. Ensure that you feed your horse enough food during the week at camp. You may need to take extra horse feed. x Your horse should be freshly shod. x Take at least 3 saddlecloths and rotate them to prevent your horse from getting a sore back. A body brush, saddle soap and cloth will also be needed as well as suitable water bucket and a feed bucket. x Take a bucket and sponge to wash your horse down each day. x Take a waterproof rug for your horse for the cool nights. x Your saddle and bridle should be in good condition. Check all stitching on your gear, especially your stirrup leathers and bridle, as you will not be allowed to use the gear if it is not safe. Gear is thoroughly checked at the gear check on the Sunday prior to camp. If your gear does not pass gear check, you will need to replace it or have it stitched before it can be used. The gear should be cleaned and oiled prior to camp. x You will need your Formal Club uniform for the street parade on the last day of camp. x Riders will be signed over to camp officials on the first day after the gear check and will then be the responsibility of camp officials until the last day when they are signed out by parents after all the camp clean up jobs have been done by clubs. x Parents please note that children are not allowed to visit your camp at any time of the day or night whilst they are signed into camp. Parents are not allowed to take children away from the yards or dorm areas unless permission has been sought from the Camp Secretary and permission is granted. Please reiterate this to your children as harsh penalties will be applied. x Parents are not allowed to enter the yards to feed, water or otherwise check their child’s horse without prior permission of the camp executive. x Dorms are split into male and female. Female dorms are split again into a junior and senior dorm. Riders are responsible for their own items, clothing etc whilst in the dorms. Mobile phones and cigarette lighters are banned. x Food and Water are supplied. Please encourage your child to drink lots of water and eat 3 decent meals a day. The meals menu includes a whole range of healthy, home cooked meals. If your child has a special need, please advise on the enrolment form. x A Camp Representative is assigned by each club and that person will be the contact person whilst at camp. Ensure you find out who that person is prior to camp. x Parents are welcome and encouraged as helpers to attend. You will need to book your camp site if you intend to stay at either the caravan park or the showground area. The Tumbarumba Creek Caravan Park will charge you to camp at the showground as well and you will need to check in at the Camping Ground office to find out where you can camp prior to setting up. Remember to book your spot well in advance. x Parents are required to help each day of the camp. Jobs include:- cleaners, gear crew, instructors, outriders, office, dorm, kitchen, dinning room, afternoon ground supervisors, security, first aid – just to mention a few.

Enrolment forms are forwarded to your Club in about August.

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