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Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire
MEMBERS HANDBOOK 2020/2021
Welcome to the
Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Pony Club
Thank you for joining the Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Pony Club. We hope you enjoy your time with us.
If you are looking for fun with your horse or pony, like minded friends, lots of good lessons and a competitive spirit in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere, you are in the right place!!
We will help you improve your riding and your knowledge of Pony Care. Pony Club is meant to be fun, and we will do our best to make it so.
We provide a full programme of all activities throughout the year including mounted and unmounted rallies, specialised training clinics, social events and competitions.
We will teach you how to look after and ride your pony as well as encourage confidence and self-discipline in the majority of equestrian disciplines. We welcome members from all backgrounds – a friend made in Pony Club is often a friend for life.
Please encourage your parents and carers to stay and watch you ride at rallies and other events. It gives us the opportunity to meet them and helps them to make friends with others.
We are here to help you get the most from your membership. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. Our committee contact details are at the back of this booklet as well as on our website.
Finally, now that you are a member you can wear your pony club tie and badge. Wear them with pride – you belong to a very large voluntary youth organisation, known for its courtesy, consideration, good sportsmanship, self-discipline and loyalty.
We all wish you happy Pony Clubbing
Pony Club
The Pony Club is the largest association of riders in the world, and our Branch is one of around 350 in the UK.
Objectives:
To encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sports connected with horses and riding.
To give instruction in riding and horsemanship and to educate Members to look after and to take proper care of their animals.
To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline.
Key Facts:
The Pony Club was formed in 1929 and was granted charitable status in 1997. The Pony Club celebrated its 90th Birthday in 2019. The fourth biggest youth organisation in the country. The biggest equestrian youth organisation in the world. 110,000 members in 18 countries across the globe, in addition to nearly 50,000
members in the UK spread through 344 Branches and over 570 Centres. The overwhelming majority of leading international riders and Olympians both past
and present spent their formative years in Pony Club. The Pony Club is a training organisation and is the only equestrian organisation to
cover every discipline including Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Tetrathlon, Mounted Games, Endurance, Polo, Polocross and Pony Racing.
How Pony Club Works
Membership is open to all young people up until the end of the calendar year in which the Member reaches 25 years of age. Subscriptions are renewed annually.
Each Branch is self-contained and administered by elected, voluntary, unpaid District Commissioner(s) known as the DC, assisted by a Branch Committee. A proportion of each Members annual subscription is returned to The Pony Club Office to cover insurance and administration costs.
Pony Club insurance is operative 24/7 and covers accidental damage to a third party. Personal injury cover is not included.
The UK Branches of the Pony Club are grouped into 19 Areas. We are in Area 19. (There are also other Pony Club branches around the world). Each area is administered by an Area Representative whose contact details are in this booklet
The Pony Club employs a Chief Executive and administrative staff who deal with the day to day running of the club. They are all based in Stoneleigh.
Volunteers
One of the best ways to integrate in a Branch is to offer to help in some way. It always makes the job easier when there are plenty of people to help set up and pack away the equipment. Without support the DC’s and Committee have to prepare and dismantle the venues for rallies. Look for opportunities to help out – it will be gratefully appreciated and will help the Branch successfully run events for your child. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded parents, make friends and learn. All parents and carers are expected to help during the year at key events.
Please let us know if you have a skill you feel would be helpful to our Branch and look out for notices and emails asking for help for events. We set up, contribute towards courses such as First Aid, and give you the opportunity to learn about event organisation and judging. Thank you for any support you can give.
About Our Branch
The Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Hunt Branch was established in 1934 and is part of Pony Club Area 19. It covers a wide area of West Central Scotland. There are about 43 members at present. The Branch offers participation in dressage, show jumping, eventing and tetrathlon, and although we do not have an active games team, we try to include this at rallies. We have a full rally and training programme with outdoor summer rallies running weekly, as long as weather and ground conditions allow, and monthly indoor winter rallies.
The Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Hunt is based around Houston. All Pony Club members are made most welcome and children’s meets are also organised. One benefit of being a PC member is that you get a discounted cap (cost of a day’s hunting).
With the help of volunteers and great instructors we try to cater for all ages and abilities from 4 – 25.
Our branch is run by a Committee of volunteers so your support is vital for the successful running of our Branch.
Our Pony Club Year
Spring Arena Event, Muirmill AyrshireLawfield Hunter Trials, near KilmacolmTitwood All Day Rally, AyrshireTest TrainingTeam Training
Summer Area Team and Individual Competition (Dressage, Show-jumping & Eventing)Camps – Senior & JuniorJunior O D E at Lawfield near KilmacolmNational PC Championships
Autumn Area Show jumping competition at Muirmill, AyrshireLawfield Hunter Trials, near Kilmacolm
Activities
Rallies
Rallies are the core of the Branch. These are group lessons across a broad range of disciplines. Some are regular weekly or fortnight rallies which give you the chance to ride and develop consistently over time as well as building a rapport with the instructors.
Rallies represent excellent value for money whilst you learn and develop your riding and pony care skills.
We do not run rallies specifically to raise funds but they are organised to cover their costs. Whilst we try hard to accommodate all needs, please be aware sometimes due to over or under subscription we are unable to run a rally or always offer a place.
All rallies will be published on our website. You will need a PayPal account to pay for the rallies. Please book your places sooner rather than later as when the rally is full or reaches its closing date, it will disappear from the website. You will receive an email 24-48 hours before the rally confirming details. If unsure please contact the rally organiser;
details can be found at the back of this booklet.
Achievement Badge Rallies are very popular with all our members especially the younger ones, These are usually unmounted and provide a great incentive to learn about all aspects of pony care and lots more besides. Members enjoy displaying their Achievement Badges sewn onto the arm of their Branch jumper. There are also mounted and unmounted training rallies for children who wish to progress through the Pony Club Tests.
In addition to this we hold an open night on the last Tuesday of each month through the summer where we do Clear Round jumping open to Members and Non-Members so it’s an ideal chance to invite your friends with ponies and have some fun.
Rallies – Useful Information
The first rally can be a nerve-wracking experience for rider and parent. “What to Wear” is covered on another page in this booklet. Please do ask for help if you need it. Most parents are only too pleased to help if asked and will continue to do so until you are settled in. For specific questions contact the Rally Co-ordinator, DC or Branch Secretary.
Check List
Find out where the rally is being held and plan your transport and route Ensure you travel with passport Ensure horse/pony vaccinations are up to date Know what time your rally starts and calculate departure time and arrive in good
time Check any specific requirements for the rally Ensure pony is fit enough, sound, groomed and neatly turned out (not plaited) Check tack is clean and ready Make sure spectators (you) will be comfortable regardless of the weather
Rally Conduct
Always call the rally organiser if you can’t make the rally, as soon as you know For Raithmuir Rally please contact Hazel Shaw if running late due to access
restrictions Take equipment to clean up after your pony and take any mess home Look after the venue with the greatest of respect – we are indebted to those people
who allow us to use them Thank your instructor and help tidy away if needed
Payments
Please note a booking is sometimes made without payment being processed. Please always check your payments are confirmed in an email from PayPal
Cheques are no longer accepted for Payment for rallies and activities PayPal Payments should be made to [email protected]
Late Bookings
If booking closing date has passed, ask the Rally Organiser if you can book late Members will be confirmed on the rally on receipt of payment confirmation Rallies not visible on the website or unable to book, are full or have been closed
Undersubscribed Rallies
If a rally costs are not covered by the number of riders, the rally may be cancelled and a PayPal refund will be made.
Refunds
No credits Acceptable reasons: withdrawals on Vet/Doctors advice (evidence may be requested
by the DC), a genuine mistake reported within 24 hrs e.g. booked wrong rally The DC will consider special requests for refunds on a case by case basis, The
member should email [email protected]
Waiting List
This can be done manually at the discretion of the Rally Organiser
Taster Rallies
Can be arranged for friends who are non-members but would like to try out the Pony Club with a view to joining.
Cross Country Schooling
We are lucky enough to have our own Cross-Country Course, we use this to run rallies, specific XC Training and we also try to hold 2 competitions per year on the course. The XC Course is also available for private hire please contact Cathy Beaton or Lynn Rayner (details at back of booklet) to organise. You will also be asked to
complete a disclaimer and an up to date body protector must be worn.
Hunting
The Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Hunt welcomes children to hunt with them and are happy to provide help and guidance. Some meets are more child friendly than others. For any questions or advice please contact email Lesley Burns [email protected]
Camp
We try each year to hold a camp for both Senior and Junior members. We try to keep the cost as reasonable as possible and allow plenty of time for this to be paid in instalments.
Teams
We encourage members to aim for the Branch Teams in the different disciplines. The teams are usually 3 or 4 riders. They compete in Area 19 competitions and if they win, they qualify for the Championships. It is important if you apply to be in a team that your membership was paid by 28th February of the current year except New members who can join up until 31st March and still be eligible for teams. To be eligible for teams you must have participated in a minimum of 3 working rallies since 1st July of the previous year. For the most part, team members are chosen based on their ability and the ability of their pony/horse.
Social Events
Throughout the year we try to organise Social Events that do not include our horses/ponies. So far these have been well attended and everyone seems to have enjoyed them. In early 2019 we had a pizza/cinema outing, then later in the year we had a sleep over at The Sea-life Centre. We welcome ideas from the children for different activities.
Pony Club Tests
These are optional and some children choose not to take them. When you achieve a test, you are entitled to wear the circle of coloured felt underneath your Pony Club Badge. Most tuition is given at special rallies throughout the year. You will be advised if your child is ready to take a test. The full description of the tests is on the Pony Club Website.
D Standard – Yellow Felt
Objectives - To have a basic understanding of ponies; to achieve confidence in handling and riding a pony; to improve and enjoy learning about ponies. Recommended minimum age 8 or 9 years old.
D+ Standard – White Felt
Objectives – to be working towards developing a balanced seat; independent of the reins; to understand elementary aids and be able to apply them. Recommended age 10 years old.
C Standard – Green Felt
Objectives – to understand the importance of, and be working towards, a secure seat independent of the reins; to apply simple aids correctly; to have a knowledge of the care and working of a pony off grass; to be in control of the pony on the roads and in the countryside, to have a proper regard for country lore. Recommended minimum age 11 or 12 years old.
C+ Standard – Pink Felt
Objectives – to become an educated and practical horse-person; to ride over fences at all paces; to gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and of a pony at grass; to be capable of riding a well-mannered pony out hunting and in all Pony Club activities; to ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads, and in the country, and with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding along and in groups. Recommended minimum age 14 years old.
B Standard – Riding – Red Felt
Objectives – to become an effective horse-person who knows the reasons for what he is doing; to ride over fences at all paces; to be capable of riding a well-mannered horse or pony out hunting, in horse trials, or on a long distance ride; to look after a pony before, during, and after the day's hunting or other activity; to ride intelligently and with due regard to others in the country, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups. Recommended minimum age 15 or 16 years old.
B Standard – Horse and Pony Care – Brown Felt
Objectives – to gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and a pony at grass; to look after a pony before, during and after a day's hunting or other activity. Recommended minimum age 15 or 16 years old.
A Test – Riding – Blue Felt / A Test – Horse and Pony Care – Orange Felt
Objectives – the Pony Club A Test is the highest test of horsemastership available in the Pony Club. Normally taken between 18 and 21 years old.
Riding and Road Safety
Before a member can receive their Green Felt for C Test, they must have passed the Riding and Road Safety Achievement Badge. Before a member can receive their Pink Felt for C+ Test they must have passed the Riding and Road Safety Test.
What To Wear for Rallies, Training & Competitions
We are very proud of the reputation that L&R members have with visiting instructors for excellent turnout! Here are some tips and reminders to ensure we maintain our high standards!
IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES
You must be familiar with these rules and comply with them.
See the Pony Club website for full current information.
The Pony Club have announced that they have joined together to unify the hat standards across all three equestrian bodies; resulting in a single hat tag being accepted across British Eventing, The Pony Club and British Riding Club events in 2018.
The new ‘aqua’ coloured hat tag will carry the logo of the body that checks the hat so that the source of the tagging can be tracked and will mean that riders no longer have to wear multiple tags on their hats.
Hats
Hat Standard Safety Mark Allowed at the following activities: PAS 015:1998 or 2011* with BSI Kitemark Hat Rule and AS/NZS 3838 standard for The Pony Club and British Eventing, both of which will now only be accepting from 2006 onwards. For more information on hat standards please refer to Pony club Website
Body Protectors
The Pony Club does not make the use of body protectors compulsory, except for all Cross-Country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing. If a Body Protector is worn for any Pony Club activity it must meet BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label) or BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label). For general use, the responsibility for choosing body protectors and the decision as to their use must rest with Members and their parents. It is recommended that a rider’s body protector should not be more than 2% of their body weight. When worn, body protectors must fit correctly, be comfortable and must not restrict movement. BETA recommend body protectors are replaced at least every three to five years, after which the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline. BETA 2009 Level3 (purple label) body protectors will continue to be accepted at Pony Club competitions until 1st December 2024.
Hat Tagging
It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet at all times when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall. This rule defines the quality of manufacture that is required. The individual Sports also have additional requirements with regard to colour and type. It is strongly recommended that secondhand hats are not purchased. You must check the rules online for minimum standards. Your hat needs to be checked and then tagged by the DC and if you are unable to find us at a rally or event please contact us to arrange a time.
Clothing for Rallies and Training
Hat silks should be dark. Hairnets should be worn if your hair reaches your collar. No jewellery other than a wristwatch, wedding ring and stock pin (for over 16s) and all earrings should be removed – if not, it is not possible to participate in riding activities. Stock pins are not recommended for cross country activities. If jodhpur boots are worn, they should be accompanied by either jodhpur clips, or half chaps/gaiters in the same colour as the boots, without tassels. Black or brown long boots are also acceptable. Gloves should be worn. Long sleeves are required for cross country rallies and are strongly advised for all jumping rallies. Hoodies are not permitted. In bad weather, warm/waterproof coats may be worn, preferably navy blue, but they must be buttoned/zipped up for safety reasons (and not have hoods). L&R Pony Club coats are available. For unmounted rallies Pony Club polo or rugby shirt, navy Pony Club sweatshirt, trousers and jodhpur boots are essential. Jodhpurs are not necessary.
Clothing for Tests and Competitions
Jacket, Shirt, Badge, Pony Club tie, (16 year olds and upwards may wear a plain white or cream stock with a black or navy jacket, or a coloured stock with a tweed jacket), light coloured jodhpurs, short or long boots and gloves must be worn when taking tests or competing. Half chaps are optional if the same colour as your boots. If half chaps/gaiters aren’t worn, jodhpur clips to be used.
Footwear
Only standard riding or jodhpur boots with a well-defined square cut heel may be worn. Plain black or brown half chaps may be worn with jodhpur boots of the same colour. Tassels and fringes are not allowed. No other footwear will be permitted, including wellington boots, yard boots, country boots, “muckers” or trainers. Boots with interlocking treads are not permitted, nor are the boots or treads individually. Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the riders boots (see the Stirrup rule). Laces on boots must be taped for Mounted Games only.
Tack
Tack should be in good repair and clean, with attention to stitching, and should be well fitted. Bits should be simple and well fitted, and checked regularly for signs of wear, especially the “happy mouth” type. Bridles should be made of leather. Girths should be dark coloured or white. “Humane” girths are not permitted by Pony Club for safety reasons. Browbands may incorporate discreet colours but this is discouraged. Numnahs - any solid colour is permitted. Contrasting piping is permitted. Branch logos are allowed when competing for the Branch; logos must not exceed 200 sq. cm. This does not preclude the wearing of clothing for horses or riders that has been presented by sponsors of the Championships in the current or previous years. Leg protection boots and bandages should be dark coloured or white. All bandages and velcro boot straps should be taped for cross-country. Your ponies should be turned out to the same standard as the rider however, we don’t mind if your pony has been rained on in the field before a rally so long as you have done your best!
Stirrups
Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the rider’s boots. They must have 7mm (¼”) clearance on either side of the boot. To find this measurement, tack checkers should move the foot across to one side of the stirrup, with the widest part of the foot on the tread. From the side of the foot to the edge of the stirrup should be 14mm. Note: There are now many types of stirrups marketed as ‘safety stirrups’. All riders must ensure that their stirrups are suitable for: their type of footwear, the activities in which they take part and that the stirrup leathers are also in good condition. There are no prescribed weight limits on metal stirrups, however with the advent of stirrups of other materials, weight limits are seen to be given by manufacturers. Any person buying these stirrups, should, take particular notice if weight limits are on the box or attached information leaflets. Neither the feet or the stirrup leathers or irons, may be attached to the girth, nor the feet attached to the stirrup irons.
BRANCH COMMITTEE
ROLE COMMITTEEMEMBER
MOBILENUMBER
EMAILADDRESS
District Commissioner
Susan Bower 07748907197 [email protected]
Assistant D C Lynn Rayner 07841506813 [email protected]
SecretaryGillian Hay 07939344639 [email protected]
Membership Secretary
Diane Galt 07725858693 [email protected]
Chief Instructor Sheila Thom 07989601293 [email protected]
Protection/ Safe Guarding
Clare McCulloch
07711893807 [email protected]
Treasurer Sophie Luke 07990075591 [email protected] Rally
OrganiserJude Reid 07879038882 [email protected]
Summer Rally Organiser (Houston)
Wendy McDougall
07729137843 [email protected]
Summer Rally Organiser
(Raithmuir)
Sharon McHarg 07876636659 [email protected]
Team Training Liaison
Hazel Shaw 07833728402 [email protected]
Team/Test Training & Lawfield
Cathy Beaton 07733442504 [email protected]
Risk Assessment & 1st Aid
Tom Alexander [email protected]
Social Activities Lexi Alexander [email protected]