LILYDALE DISTRICT PONY CLUB INC Tasmania

Transcription

1 LILYDALE DISTRICT PONY CLUB INC Tasmania INFORMATION BROCHURE

2 LILYDALE DISTRICT PONY CLUB, Tasmania (Est. 1985) Welcome to the Lilydale District Pony Club, we thank you for your interest in becoming a member of our Club and trust that your experience will be rewarding and enjoyable. Our Club has a proud tradition of providing our members with excellent instruction, horsemanship skills and varied activities which contribute towards making their experience of horse riding as safe and enjoyable as possible. Riders must always obey the club's rules and instructions. LDPC strives to achieve the aims of the Pony Club movement which is to encourage young people to ride and to learn all kinds of sport concerned with horses and riding. To provide instruction in riding and horsemastership and to instil in members the proper care of their animals. To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby cultivating strength of character and self-discipline in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. The Club caters for young riders up to 25 years of age. Riders may be on a lead rein, and working toward independence. The Club also caters for adult rider older than 25 years of age with adult riding membership. Adult riding rallies are held on a different day to the PC rallies. LDPC rallies are conducted at the Karoola Recreation Ground or at our cross country course at Fairlands, Newnham. MEMBERSHIP For new Pony Club members, there is a three-month introduction period, where riders can attend 3 rallies before deciding whether to join as a member. Insurance and rally fees must be paid before riding. If your child wishes to join our club at the end of that period, it will be necessary to pay an annual membership fee (less costs that have already been paid). The current membership fees are: Membership Categories (Note: Age is taken at 1 st January) Note: Please contact the Treasurer to confirm the insurance/affiliation fee which will be additional to the membership fees listed below First child (under 17 years) 2nd and subsequent child (under 17 years) Topsy riders (6 years and under) Associate riders (17 25 years) Adult riders (aged over 25) $200 membership PLUS insurance/affiliation Includes 10 rallies $170 membership PLUS insurance/affiliation Includes 10 rallies $100 membership PLUS insurance/affiliation Includes 10 x ½ day rallies $10 extra to attend a full day rally (must give prior notice) Insurance/affiliation PLUS $20 per rally (must give prior notice) $20 membership PLUS insurance/affiliation $40 rally per rally (pre-paid one week prior to rally) Note: Adult riders attend a separate rally to the under 25 s All members are welcome to nominate for positions on the committee at the AGM. Members cannot vote until they reach the age of 18 years. Parents as family members are welcome to attend meetings and vote on matters concerning the club if they are a member of the committee. LDPC New Member Handbook

3 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Ticket to Play is a Tasmanian Government initiative designed to reduce the cost of participating in club sporting activities for Tasmanian children. The key objective of Ticket to Play is to increase the number of young Tasmanians playing sport. Ticket to Play provides vouchers up to $100 in value towards club membership for children aged 5-17 years and listed on a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card or in Out of Home Care. You may apply for a Ticket to Play voucher at WORKING BEES and FUNDRAISING FOR THE CLUB We are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our grounds (Karoola Recreation Ground and Fairlands Cross Country course). Our club membership fees are very low compared to most other pony clubs and do not cover rally instruction fees as well as the ongoing annual expenses for the Club facilities. We have multiple fund raising events to pay for these annual expenses and also purchase new equipment for riders. All families are required to participate at a minimum of 3 working bees or events each year. These may include ground maintenance of Karoola Recreation Ground, setting up and helping at ODE s or helping at sausage sizzles. A few hours of your time at each of these events results in a great benefit to the club and keeps us operating for the members and is very much appreciated by the committee as it decreased their workload. UNIFORM Upon joining the Club, the rider is required to wear the formal club uniform or working rally rugby top. Items can be purchased from the club and are available either as new items or through our pre-loved clothing selection. Formal uniform: Burgundy jumper with 8cm gold bands on sleeves, white shirt, yellow tie, beige jodhpurs Saddle Cloth: Burgundy with gold/yellow binding Cap Cover: Burgundy Active Top: Burgundy & Gold rugby top Riders must wear Pony Club Australia approved Australian Standard riding helmet (AS/NZS 3838, EN1384 (manufactured before 31/12/2015), ASTMF1163, PAS015 and VGI are allowed) and wear smooth sole, approved riding boots, (work type, ridged sole type boots are not permitted.) If you are not sure if your riding apparel is compliant, please refer to the Pony Club Tasmania Handbook or contact a committee member. CAMP During the year, our Club conducts a Pony Club Camp for all riders. The camp is usually held over 3 days and riders live in for the duration of camp with sleeping quarters available on site. The camp is partially catered for and parents are encouraged to stay. LDPC New Member Handbook

4 RALLIES The working rally is the basis of the Pony Club calendar. Rallies are held on the third Sunday of each month and this date is only changed in exceptional circumstances (where perhaps it clashes with a major event). It is important for you to inform the Chief Coach if you will be attending so we can book a sufficient number of instructors. A Facebook event will be created on the club Facebook page for each rally and you can book in via this page or by ing lilydalepc@gmail.com. Any changes to a date are immediately notified via Facebook or an from the Club s account. If a Club member is unable to attend a rally, they must inform the Chief Coach (CC) as soon as possible, as rallies are organised according to the number of riders attending, therefore in order to arrange instructors and lessons, it is essential that the CC has an accurate record of riders. Failure to advise the CC of inability to attend a rally will inconvenience instructors and fellow riders as well as affecting your rider s optimum lesson grouping. Rallies are held in all weather, so if it is inclement, assume that the rally will go ahead (bring wet weather gear) as it is very difficult to cancel a rally with many riders attending and instructors booked. The committee will decide early on the day if it is too wet to continue and you will be informed as early as possible via our Club s Facebook page if the rally is cancelled. The committee will also decide at the rally if the weather becomes too severe to continue. If in the case of inclement weather, you decide that you will not attend, you must inform the CC early on the morning of the rally. Rally days are conducted as follows: A gear check is undertaken prior to riding. This is where the rider and horse s gear is inspected for safety, fitting and correctness of standard. Riders must present for gear check before commencing lessons. There are generally four lessons of approximately one hour each, generally comprising of flat, showjumping, cross-country, games or a horsemastership lesson. A variety of other activities and lessons are often included according to availability of instructors. On the morning of the rally, a list of riders groups and lessons is displayed near the hall a.m. First lesson commences FRUIT BREAK At end of first lesson a.m. Second lesson p.m. Lunch break 1.00 p.m. Third lesson 2.00 p.m. Fourth Lesson (Parent/Guardian meeting usually held at the same time) 3.00 p.m. Lessons finish (pack up) All parents and riders assist with packing up equipment, show jumps, etc. To keep the Karoola grounds clean we all have to clean up ALL our manure and hay out of the car park, yards and arenas, at the conclusion of the rally BEFORE leaving the ground. (You can deposit the manure/hay on the fence lines along the road but not near the gate or the tennis court.) Riders lesson groupings at Pony Club rallies are allocated at the discretion of the Chief Coach and District Commissioner and generally according to age and ability, as enjoyment with riders of their own age and friendship within groups is paramount. As riders complete Pony Club efficiency tests, they generally stay with their group as they move through to the next test, thus ensuring that they receive lessons relevant to their test level. The CC and District Commissioner (DC) are responsible for allocation of riders to their groups, so if you have any concerns that your child s grouping is not appropriate, please approach either of these people for advice. However it is often beneficial for a rider to start in a group which will initially offer encouragement and confidence, after which the rider may then be moved to another group. LDPC New Member Handbook

5 All riders must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all rallies. No rider is to be left at a rally (including before and after the rally) without parent supervision. If a parent needs to leave a rally for any reason, the rider must be left in the care of a person designated by the parent as a supervisor and the DC must be informed and the absent parent rally book be signed off, before the parent leaves the rally. This policy is strictly adhered to in the interests of riders safety in the event of an accident requiring medical attention and is also an insurance requirement. Please also carefully supervise younger family members whom may attend the rally with you. Only insured Pony Club members are permitted to ride at rallies. HORSE CARE Whilst attending rallies it is important that your pony is adequately cared for especially when not in use. It is encouraged that riders to bring a rug for horses all year round as even summer days can turn chilly and hot sweaty horses need to be covered to prevent chills. If horses wear jumping boots, they should be removed when not is use so as to prevent their tendons becoming overheated and damaged. All horses must have hay net or feed for lunchtime. If your pony shows any sign of illness, particularly coughing or a runny, congested nose, do not bring him to the rally or events, as these types of illnesses rapidly spread to other horses at great cost to their owners, so please do the right thing and rest your pony at home. Horses are not expected to be shod for pony club providing their hooves are in good condition, however all horse s feet must show signs of being trimmed and cared for. For safety reasons, no stallions are permitted at pony club rallies or events under any circumstances. If you have any concerns about your horse s condition or health, please approach a committee member or instructor for advice. PARKING If you are unable to keep your horse in a yard, then you will need to tie your horse up to your float. In this case, you should leave at least a 6 metre distance between your float and adjacent floats. This is to reduce the likelihood of horses kicking or pulling back and damaging other floats/cars/horses or injuring riders, as this type of accident causes the majority of insurance claims in pony clubs. Horses should be tied to string, which is attached to a solid object. Under no circumstances are horses to be tied to a float that is not attached to a vehicle. The ramp of your float should be in a closed position to prevent accidents. Visitors passenger vehicles (not attached to a float) must be parked away from the horse float area. YARDS Yards are provided for horses and ponies. To help us keep everyone safe we request that you put your pony in a yard instead of tying your pony up to a float. If no pens are vacant you can tie your pony up to a float provided the float is not in a location that would create a hazard, especially where people are going to and fro. Please see a committee member if you have any queries on the day. CLEANING UP All hay and manure are to be picked up at the end of the day from the arenas, car park and yards. You may deposit hay/manure on the fence lines along the road but not near the gate or the tennis court. SMOKING Smoking is not permitted inside the pony club grounds. DOGS Dogs are not permitted at any pony club run event including rallies. LUNCH AT RALLIES In the spirit of community and sharing, each family brings a savoury or a sweet dish to share at lunch time. This system works well with yummy food on offer and new dishes discovered and shared!!! LDPC New Member Handbook

6 PONY CLUB TASMANIA POLICIES We endorse PCT s State Member Protection Policies available at If you do not have access to the website please inform us and we will provide a copy. PONY CLUB EFFICIENCY TESTS Throughout their pony club career, riders are encouraged to undertake various efficiency tests according to their age and ability, commencing with the basic E test available to children under the age of 7 yrs through to A test the highest level. A copy of the Australian Pony Club Syllabus of Instruction should be purchased by each member as this contains all information relating to the requirements for tests, and also a copy of the Pony Club Manual No. 1, which is an excellent reference manual for riders and parents, as it contains information concerning all aspects of riding and horse care. The tests 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 experience, and provide achievable goals for every Pony Club rider to aspire to. They are purely voluntary at the rider s discretion. Riders are encouraged to maintain a PC Record book also (they do not need to start a new one each year), which records their experiences in Pony Club and other interesting records of their horse s care, etc. which can then be used as their reference when completing efficiency tests. Both manuals and Record books are readily available from the D.C. at a reasonable cost. COMPETITION Pony Club offers a variety of competition opportunities if the riders wish to compete. Many clubs conduct Gymkhanas which include saddle, riding and jumping classes, as well as fun novelty events; One Day Events - ODE which incorporates dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Pony Club Tasmania (PCT) conducts Championships in Horse Trials (One Day Event), Dressage, Showjumping and Pony Club Team Games. There are three pony club zones in Tasmania, and Lilydale is a member of the Northern Zone. The Zones also run dressage, show jumping and games competition days. Pony Club competition provides experiences from beginners through to State Championship level. LDPC New Member Handbook

7 CLUB STRUCTURE Listed are current Committee members and their roles within the Club. Please feel free to approach a member at anytime for assistance, we are all volunteers and are happy to help. If children are experiencing difficulties the DC should be informed. If parents have any problems please approach the president of the Club. We look forward to having you and your family as members of our Club and we hope that your time with LDPC is very rewarding. COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2017/2018 District Commissioner (DC) Tania Walsh The DC is in charge of the club and works closely with the committee and represents the club at zone and state meetings. All club matters should be referred to the DC. Chief Coach (CC) Julie Binns The CC works under the direction of the DC and is responsible for organising instructional rallies and camps. President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Assistant DC Assistant CC Adult Riding Coordinator Committee Members Katrina Kelly Marlene Goss Karen Gale Grada Andrews Claire Miller Karen Gale Grada Andrews Samantha Nast, Marlene Goss Club lilydalepc@gmail.com PONY CLUB STRUCTURE Pony Club Australia Website: Pony Club Tasmania (PCT) Website: There are three Club Zones North, North West and South LDPC is in the Northern Zone LDPC New Member Handbook

8 CLUB AWARDS AND ANNUAL PRESENTATION EVENING The Club holds an annual presentation day to celebrate the progress and achievements of the club. Prizes are awarded for a number of Club Awards and also for high achievement at competitions. Club Award nominations are tallied over the year and final award recipients are determined by the Club s District Commissioner and chief instructors using the nominations as a guide. The award categories are: LDPC Award Category Information (2018/2019) 1. Club Awards Nominations for these awards will be tallied over the year. Final award recipients to be determined by District Commissioner and chief instructors using this data as a guide. Attitude Most Improved Horsemanship For a rider with a polite and positive attitude, particularly towards you as the instructor but also towards their equine partner and other club members. Resilience to adversity. For a rider who has demonstrated improvement in their riding and horse handling abilities. For a rider that uses techniques that promote respect and safety while handling, training and riding their horse. "Putting the relationship first". Pony Clubber For a rider who has shown commitment to Pony Club. This can include consideration to others, helping other riders, helping at Pony Club events. Riding ability is not a consideration. 2. Competition Awards These awards are presented to the riders who have competed most successfully at the highest level at official Pony Club competitions Horse Master Eventing Show Jumping Dressage Games Rider of the Year This is the single horse/rider combination with the highest achievement across the three Pony Club Championships of Eventing (Trials), Show Jumping and Dressage. One rider who has competed most successfully at the highest level in eventing at pony club events. One rider who has competed successfully at the highest level in show jumping at pony club events. One rider who has competed most successfully at the highest level in dressage at pony club events. One rider who has shown a high level of commitment to the team, development of games skills. This award will recognise our highest achieving Pony Club all rounder and will recognise effort across all Pony Club sanctioned events. This award gives all riders the opportunity to achieve points as it recognises effort, participation, education and achievements. It is also very inclusive, reflecting the future direction of Pony Club Australia which is embracing disciplines not necessarily considered traditional Pony Club disciplines. LDPC New Member Handbook

9 RULES FOR PONY CLUB RALLIES 1. AS/NZS 3838, EN1384 (manufactured before 31/12/2015), ASTMF1163, PAS015 and VGI safety helmets must be worn at all times while riding. 2. Rallies commence at am sharp (gear check prior to riding) and finish at approximately 3.00 pm. 3. Children are to be accompanied by an adult at all times. 4. Riders are not permitted to leave a class without the permission of the instructor. Late comers joining a class must have passed their gear check first, and have permission from the instructor. 5. No unsupervised riding at a rally. 6. The District Commissioner has the right to suspend any rider for misbehavior. 7. Only safety standard riding boots will be accepted. 8. There are to be no horses on the riding areas before starting or after finishing times unless supervised by an instructor or an adult. 9. Safety is paramount; riders shall lead or ride their horses at a walk outside of lessons. 10. Horses are not to be ridden during lunch break. 11. Riders are not to leave the grounds unless someone in authority is told. 12. Horses are to be tied up with a lead rope and halter to bailing twine. NEVER TIE UP WITH THE BRIDLE AND REINS. NEVER TIE UP TO A FLOAT THAT IS NOT ATTACHED TO A CAR. 13. Horses are to be unsaddled, fed and watered BEFORE the riders eat. 14. Riders (and parents) will not argue with instructors or any adults in authority. Good manners are expected at all times. Any problems or disagreements are to be discussed after the lesson with the DC and/or instructor. LDPC New Member Handbook

10 THE PARENT S ROLE IN PONY CLUB Pony Club, like any other youth movement, needs parent help. There are many ways in which even the least horsey person can be of assistance. Your own professional knowledge i.e. accountancy, carpentry, bank clerk, or being a mum or dad, will be invaluable, so never be backwards in offering your services, even if you know little about horses. Here are some ways parents can help at rallies and in other ways. 1. Be on time. If your child is dependent on you for transport to Pony Club, get him/her there on time. Late comers disrupt a carefully planned lesson that has already begun. 2. Be tactful. Take an interest but never interrupt a lesson in progress by talking to the instructor or the child, or by making audible comments on the sideline. No system is perfect. If you are unhappy about what is being done, please have a word with the DC, or with the instructor AFTER the lesson is finished. 3. Be helpful. Each rally there will be a jobs roster, please take note of the job you have been allocated and if you are unable to perform this job, please arrange a replacement or contact a committee member. Each family is allocated just 1 or 2 small jobs and this lightens the rally workload for everyone. New members will not be required to be on the rally jobs list for 3 rallies. 4. Be strong. Dads in particular can assist tremendously by helping to set up jumping gear under the instructor s direction, before the rally begins, and also as a jump steward while the lesson is in progress. Many of our instructors are women and much of the jumping gear is heavy to handle. Too often however, they do have to manage on their own. It is not the instructor s job to have to alter fences to cater for the varying abilities of the riders and their mounts. Help is essential. 5. Be safe. Our riders, in particular our young riders are not always aware of unsafe behaviour. Parents are encouraged to help riders keep safe and remind them of safe practices, such as wearing their helmet whenever they are around the horses. If assisting a child to lead their pony, you should both be on the same side of the pony. 6. Fruit break. Please bring fruit to each rally to share at our fruit break between the first and second lesson. 7. Extra-curricular. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings and outside activities that are arranged by the Club. It is important that parents as well as riders read the newsletters. Parents may wish to accept responsibility by taking a position on the Committee. A parent may even be keen enough to become an instructor. 8. Please volunteer. Our membership fees do not cover the annual running costs of the club. For this reason, the club hosts a number of fundraising events throughout the year. These events raise much needed funds to minimise the cost of membership, subsidise rally instruction fees, maintain facilities and purchase new equipment. We request that families assist at 3 working bees/events/fundraisers a year as part of your membership. Your assistance benefits all club members and is very much appreciated by the committee as it reduces their workload. LDPC New Member Handbook

11 ADULT RIDING AT LILYDALE DISTRICT PONY CLUB Our club is delighted to be able to offer riding options for riders in the community aged over 25. We offer an adult riding membership option to riders aged 25 and over (as at the 1 st January) Adult riding rallies are held on the 3 rd Saturday of every month at the Pony Club grounds at Karoola. Annual adult riding membership (including insurance) is $100 and rallies are currently a cost of $40 which covers the instructor fees and ground hire costs for the day. Rallies are to be booked into and pre-paid within one week prior to the rally. Our current adult riding rally program is: a.m. First lesson commences a.m. Second lesson p.m. Lunch break (bring your own lunch) 1.00 p.m. Third lesson 2.00 p.m. Pack up Adult riders are required to contribute to the club by volunteering at 3 working bees / club fundraising events like our other pony club members. Adult riders benefit by being able to use the club s equipment and facilities at each rally and are also able to participate in club training days and events. Volunteering at working bees and club fundraising events is an important way for adult riders to contribute to the club and help us maintain our equipment and facilities. Every month we will create a Facebook event for the upcoming adult rally where members are required to book in. We have the following booking process in place for adult rallies. 1. Either lilydalepc@gmail.com or rsvp on the Facebook rally event to book into the rally. 2. Rallies are to be pre-paid at least one week prior to the rally - so generally that is the Saturday before the rally. Your booking spot will be offered to someone on the wait list if payment is not received one week prior (unless you have contacted me to make other arrangements) 3. We do not cancel rallies unless it is dangerous weather. We don't cancel for showers or if it's a bit windy (unless ALL instructors request we cancel) 4. No refunds/credits if you cancel less than a week before the rally. This is because we have to confirm instructors one week prior to the rally and still have to pay them if we cancel after that. Exceptions will be made only in circumstances where you provide a vet certificate / medical certificate 5. You may have a rally credit if you have paid and cancel more than one week before the rally but you will need to use that rally credit within 3 months else it is forfeited as a donation to the club. 6. Occasionally we need to restrict the number of riders booking into a rally this may be due to using another venue with limited space (such as an indoor arena) or if we are going to be restricted with parking space or if we cannot engage sufficient instructors for the day. We will have a waitlist for riders who miss out on booking a spot and they will be offered a spot as we receive cancellations. 7. Please provide as much notice as you can if you are cancelling so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. LDPC New Member Handbook