Handbook. Got Questions? We ve got answers!

Transcription

1 Handbook 2017 Got Questions? We ve got answers!

2 Welcome to Canterbury Pony Club, a member of The United States Pony Clubs. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Pony Club or USPC is not just about riding, or horse sports, or horse care. Although important, Pony Club is also about having fun, making friends, being a leader, being a team member, gaining self-confidence and recognition for being responsible, while advancing through the certificates as a proficient equestrian! Parents don t let your child(ren) hide this Handbook from you! Kids make sure you refer to this Handbook often! This is the first place to look when you need an answer. If it is not here, or if you are still befuddled, ask your mentor (you will get one in your first weeks of membership) or your mentor s parents. If they can t help, check with the Canterbury Pony Club District Commissioner (the DC - the person who runs the show) or another Board member (the people who help the DC run the show). One way or another, you will have your questions answered. As easy as it is to ask other new families or fellow unrated members, they are probably just as confused as you are, so don t expect that they will know any better than you! Instead, ask somebody who s been there, done that. As a new member of Pony Club, you have been bombarded with a lot of information to absorb, interpret and understand. No doubt you have many, many questions. If you are confused about something, there is a good chance that another family, past or present, was also confused about that same point. This Canterbury Pony Club Handbook is based on those questions and was written to guide you through Pony Club. Refer to this Handbook throughout your Pony Club career it contains information that will apply for years to come. Updated by KT, CH, and CSK 2017

3 i Table Of Contents * indicates more information can be found in the on-line version of this Handbook CPC Parent Pledge ii USPC Pledge 2 USPC General Information 3-4 Parent Involvement 5 We Love our Volunteers! 6 Parent Opportunities 7 Where Does the $$ Go? 9 CPC Awards 11 Dogs at CPC Activities 12 CPC Mentor Program 12 What You Need and Why 13 Member & Parent Attire 14 Safety Check(s) 15 Tips for a Successful Lesson 16 The Adult-in-Charge (AIC) 16 Other Parent Handbook Topics at Forms Tab, Parent Handbook, at Canterbury.ponyclub.org Suitable Mounts: for the safety of your child and others USPC Insurance: Members, Volunteers, Guests and Facilities. What is does & does not cover EIA & Coggins: Description & Importance Club-Level Certifications: D1-C2 Pony Club Chart of Learning: How do the Certification levels work Certification Information How to prepare for a Certification Borrowing of Equipment & Horses Use of Facilities & PC Etiquette Trailering Etiquette What is a Health Certificate and when do you need one? Trail Riding & Etiquette Clinic Protocol - Mounted & unmounted What level am I outside of Pony Club? Rallies - The Pony Club Competition What are they, who can go How are they set up & run Everything you want to know!! Rally Countdown Rally/Clinic Checklist Handy-Dandy Rally Guide The 12 Days of Rally Stable Manager Regional Participation Guidelines USPC Championships & Festival see CPC & USPC websites *CANTERBURY PONY CLUB POLICIES & PRACTICES Current policies & practices can be found on our website at Canterbury.ponyclub.org. It is your responsibility to be familiar with these. Updated by KT, CH, and CSK 2017

4 Canterbury Pony Club Parent Pledge ii See also USPC Parent's Answer Booklet As the parent of a Canterbury Pony Club member, I understand that my child needs to be safe and prepared for all Pony Club functions, mounted or unmounted. I will help my child to be punctual and prepared for activities and lessons and, when appropriate, enlist him or her in active time management. If in doubt, I/we will arrive early. This is essential and shows respect for other parents, members, and instructors. I will know what is needed in terms of equipment, attire, etc., since this is part of being prepared and helps keep my child safe. When in doubt, I will refer to the Pony Club manuals and/or check with the District Commissioner or a higher rated member for clarification. I understand that Canterbury Pony Club is a mounted Club and that the majority of its activities involve transportation of horses to various events. Providing a horse and transportation for the horse and my child is totally my responsibility. I am aware that Canterbury Pony Club will not be involved in arranging for either. I will uphold the safety standards of Canterbury Pony Club and will provide my child with a safe and suitable mount for Club activities. I realize that, if that mount is deemed inappropriate by the clinician, instructor, District Commissioner, or adult-in-charge, I will remove the mount from the premises. If that mount s behavior continues to be inappropriate at Club events, I understand that I cannot bring it to future Club activities. I also understand that for my child to have a successful, positive experience, my support and assistance are necessary. I understand that I will be expected to give my time to the Club by taking a Board position or duty and/or working at Club events. Canterbury Pony Club survives solely due to the volunteered time and effort of Canterbury Pony Club leaders and parents. The majority of persons involved with Pony Club are volunteers who try to make Pony Club a positive experience. Thus, patience, common sense, and consideration are necessary virtues for all. I will uphold the safety standards and rules of the United States Pony Club and Canterbury Pony Club. Pony Club does a wonderful job of making a highly popular sport comparatively safe, affordable, and fun, since all rules apply to all of us, all of the time. I will ensure that a parent or qualified person will accompany my Pony Club child to his/her certification at all levels. I, or another qualified person, will be present at Club activities as appropriate. I understand that all members, regardless of role, will be treated equally in all areas. I also understand that Pony Club involves local and regional participation and that both are required to meet certain advancements in the program. I understand that to be a member in good standing, and to be able to participate in any Pony Club activity, the fee (if any) for that activity must be paid in advance of my child s participation. Failure to do so will disqualify my child s participation in that activity. I understand that before my child may participate in a certification, our family account must be paid in full. Failure to do so will disqualify my child s participation in that certification. Signed Date

5 United States Pony Club Pledge Our ideal should be to produce a thoroughly happy, comfortable horseman or horsewoman, riding across a natural country, with complete confidence and perfect balance on a pony equally happy and confident and free from pain or bewilderment. The Pony Club Handbook for Parents 2

6 The United States Pony Club The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) is a national organization that teaches riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies to those up to twenty-five years old. Nontraditional pony club members, or Horsemasters, can be up to any age. In addition to its instructional function, USPC provides opportunities for competition in various horse sports. The Pony Club name refers to the history of the organization, not the size of the animal. Children and young adults may be traditional active members through the year of their 25 th birthday. The Pony Club movement is worldwide with clubs organized in 26 countries. Pony Club was first established in England in 1929 as the junior branch of England s Institute of the Horse. Originally, Pony Clubs were formed as an extension of local hunts to teach the members children how to ride and be responsible members of the hunt. Pony Club began in the United States in Canterbury Pony Club was founded in By the end of the 1970 s, most American clubs were not associated with hunts. In the beginning, the clubs held small hunter shows for members. By the mid-1980 s, the focus was switched to combined training events. Today, Pony Club members participate in team competitions called Rallies. USPC Mission Statement Refer to USPC Parent's Answer Booklet The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. USPC Guiding Beliefs Refer to USPC Parent's Answer Booklet USPC is an educational organization that progressively develops the wellrounded horseperson. The well-rounded horseperson is capable of riding safely and tactfully on the flat, over fences and in the open. Knowledgeable care of horses and ponies (Horse Management) is basic to the well-rounded horseperson. USPC is committed to the well-being of the horse. USPC is committed to safety. 3

7 USPC General Information Logo: The USPC logo is registered nationally as a service mark. Any member club or region of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is authorized to use the logo in the administration of its program. United States Pony Club Pin: Only Pony Club members may wear the Pony Club pin. Members should wear their pins at EVERY Pony Club activity. That includes regular mounted and unmounted meetings! Pins are worn on the left side of the shirt or on the front of the riding helmet. Adults may wear pins with the Pony Club logo, which include wording depicting their positions, such as District Commissioner, Regional Supervisor, club instructor, or USPC volunteer or former holders of these positions. Activities committees that sponsor Championships are permitted to issue and distribute memento pins at these activities. Official Publication: The USPC NEWS (published quarterly) Colors: United States Pony Club: royal blue and white Northern Lakes Region: royal blue, white and black Canterbury Pony Club: royal blue and red Certificates: indicated by colored felt discs worn behind the Pony Club pin. A: blue H-A: orange B: red H: lavender C-3: white C+: pink H-B: brown C-1, C-2: green D: yellow Festival: Every third year, a USPC Festival is held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The object of Festival is to include Championship competitions and a showcase of opportunities for instruction, activities, and competition for members and their families. Championships: In non-festival years, competitions for riders/teams qualifying at regional and/or inter-regional Rallies in any discipline; held in Kentucky in Festival years, otherwise may be in the East, Central, South and/or West. Mounts: Ownership of a horse or pony is not a requirement for membership in Pony Club. However, members must have access to a suitable mount for mounted activities. Horses and ponies must be a least five years of age for USPC activities. Mounts should be temperamentally suited for the level of the rider, as well as healthy, well cared for, and sound. Stallions are not allowed as mounts for Pony Club activities. Alcohol Use: USPC emphatically forbids the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances by participants, competitors, or chaperones at all Pony Club activities. This applies for the duration of any Pony Club activity. Medication: Any competitor bringing prescribed medication to an activity or competition must notify both the chaperone and the organizer. 4

8 Parent Involvement and Participation Why does Pony Club need parent volunteers? Pony Club is not only your child s activity it must also be yours. Parents are very important to the growth of the children and the Club. It is true that what we get out of Pony Club is in direct relation to what we put into it! As a parent, it is critical to be educated in what the organization is looking for in your child s equine knowledge and riding ability. To best assist your child, please attend meetings, ask questions, watch and listen. There are many learning opportunities for everyone. Your participation as a volunteer, observer, sounding board, taxi driver, horse holder, cheering squad, tear wiper, photographer, etc. is critical not only to your child, but to the Club as a whole. There are numerous opportunities for parents to help; some require horse knowledge, but most do not require any special training! Sign up for the areas that interest you and feel free to ask questions. How can I, as a parent, help my child? One of Pony Club s stated purposes is to develop independence in children. To this end, we ask that you try very hard not to do everything for your child but rather, let him/her tack up and prepare to ride on his/her own. Perhaps the horse may need to be held or that heavy saddle may need to be put on its back, but most children can groom and tack up their own mount without the help of an adult. Children helping children is encouraged. Horseback riding is a sport that, because of the inherent potential for problems, the member must own. As Pony Club members advance through the certificates, it becomes more important that the decision to certify come from them. Only the rider knows how he/she is feeling and what he/she is experiencing. Therefore, only the rider really knows if he/she is feeling ready for the next certificate. That is not to say that some encouragement or guidance is not appropriate, but the older member, for the most part, makes these decisions and owns his/her progress. That said, there are children who do not recognize their own potential; in these cases, please speak with the instructor or the District Commissioner to explore the possibilities together. USPC Adult Code of Conduct. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is proud of its reputation for good sportsmanship, horsemanship, teamwork and well-behaved members. It expects no less from the parents, guardians, adult family members or others who volunteer for the organization. The USPC expects appropriate behavior when participating in any Pony Club activity. Inappropriate behavior may include, but not be limited to: profanity, vulgar language or gestures; harassment (for example: using words or actions that intimidate, threaten or persecute others before, during or following any Pony Club activity); failure to follow rules; cheating; or abusive behavior. 5

9 Parents should understand that USPC activities operate under the governance of National, Regional and Club By-laws, Policies and Rulebooks. And that they have access to these By-laws, Policies and Rulebooks and that it is their responsibility to read them. Failure to adhere to these By-laws, Policies, Rulebooks and this Code of Conduct may, at the discretion of USPC, result in being restricted from attendance or participation in Pony Club activities. We Love our Volunteers! We Can t Run the Club without You How many hours of time do you think are donated to Canterbury Pony Club by parents in a year? 20? 50? 100? 250? 500? If you guessed any of these, you are incorrect. You ll probably be surprised. The correct answer is that Canterbury Pony Club families contribute an estimated 725 hours each year!. If Canterbury Pony Club has 10 member families, when broken down on a per-family basis, each of those 10 families would contribute an average of about 70 hours to Canterbury Pony Club. Working Together: If the 700+ hours required to keep Canterbury a viable and active club is spread out among all member families, we can, TOGETHER, provide a high quality equine, leadership and service experience for our kids. As clearly stated in the Canterbury Parent Pledge, parents are expected to give time to the Club by taking turns serving on the Board, coordinating an activity, and volunteering at club and regional events. Canterbury Pony Club survives solely due to the volunteered time and effort of Canterbury Pony Club leaders and parents. 6

10 Parent Committee Opportunities Parents who serve as committee members and organizers (and are on file with Canterbury Pony Club as such) are covered by USPC insurance when acting in that capacity at covered activities. This is a partial listing of Committees available!! Apparel/Logo Wear Coordinator o Identify suppliers/embroidery services and coordinate ordering of Canterbury Pony Club logo apparel and accessories (shirts, hats, saddle pads, etc.) Auditor o Audit Canterbury Pony Club financial records annually in January Camp Organizer o Plan and organize a Pony Club summer camp Clinic Organizer o Coordinate riding clinics hosted by Canterbury Pony Club, Clinician, Site & Equipment o Distribute and collect entry forms, paperwork, and fees o Set riding groups and schedule o Arrange clinician meals, lodging; organize meet the clinician potluck. Instructional Coordinator(s)/Lesson Coordinator(s) o Organize and coordinate Canterbury Pony Club education program in collaboration with the District Commissioner and Instructional Coordinators o Update member educational packets as needed o Work with the DC to set up lesson groups & times, coordinate lesson site & equipment Badge Program Coordinator o Administer the badge program, sign off on book work to earn badges Equipment/Rally Kits Manager(s) o Store and make available to Canterbury members Club equipment o Inventory available equipment to distribute to Canterbury members o Track Club equipment and assure their return in good condition Fundraising Coordinator(s) o Organize and implement the annual fundraiser(s) Certification Organizer (Spring and/or Fall) o Assist District Commissioner with preparation for certifications: examiner, site, equipment, schedule, volunteers, paperwork (includes letter of intent to certify), etc. Club Historian o Maintain a record of Canterbury Pony Club history o Take pictures and share them with members and families and post on social media o Collect pictures of members and families from various activities throughout the year to be shared at year end in a slideshow Hospitality Coordinator o Organize potluck meals and snacks as scheduled o Coordinate food and cleanup for mounted and unmounted meetings 7

11 Librarian o Create and maintain a current list of Canterbury Pony Club library holdings o Facilitate lending of Canterbury Pony Club library books and supplies to members Membership Coordinator o Meet with, and assist, new members and families to help them understand Pony Club and to be sure they have access to all necessary paperwork, web sites, and to help meet other members and ease their way into Canterbury Pony Club o Coordinate annual renewal process, submit forms to USPC. Mentor Program Coordinator o Pair older members younger members to facilitate the learning process o Pair parents of new members with those of experienced members Mock Rally or Mock Quiz Organizer o Work with District Commissioner, members of nearby clubs and Canterbury Pony Club C-level members to organize a Mock Rally (in scheduled Mock Rally years). Nominating Committee (Min. of 3 Sponsor/Members) o Develop a slate of officers for the following year s CPC Board Election Parent Handbook o Review yearly and update the Parent Handbook as necessary Photo Roster o Create a Club photo roster of each member with and/or without their horses/ponies to be posted on the club website Public Relations Coordinator o Send press releases to local newspapers o Organize participation in community events Rally Coordinator o Distribute Mounted & Quiz Rally information (what, where, when, who, cost and date, time, and location of mandatory meetings for interested members and parents) o With the Pony Club member and parent, complete and sign all forms to ensure that they are completed correctly and submitted on time o Be responsible for knowing rider and mount qualifications o Form teams and meet with participants to review Rally rules, expectations, equipment, etc. o Have current copies of horse management and riding discipline rulebooks available for each team o Determine chaperones (one per team) and review duties and responsibilities o Confirm hotel reservations (reserved in a block by the Rally organizer) and make hotel room assignments, if needed Rally Liaison o Organize the Regional Mega Rally in collaboration with other club liaisons Webmaster o Maintain the Canterbury Pony Club website 8

12 Where Does the Money Go? * Whether you own your horse, or lease, beg, borrow or steal one, you know that horses and riding are an expensive hobby. To support its activities, Canterbury Pony Club conducts fund-raising each year. The money earned from these activities helps decrease the financial burden members. The board members do their very best to be good stewards of the Club s treasury and look for every opportunity to pinch pennies. However, some costs are inherent to club operation. Facilities: When Canterbury Pony Club holds an activity, it usually must pay a fee for use (rental) of that facility. This includes mounted & unmounted activities Insurance: USPC supplies insurance coverage for all of our events. This covers the members as well as the facility owners and instructors we use. Each time we use a different facility we pay a fee. These fees add up over the course of the year. Certifications: Examiners from outside of our club are compensated for their time and expertise. The facility we use may also be paid a fee, which is divided between the candidates of that day. In 2016, this amounted to an average cost of $50 per Canterbury candidate. Instruction: Upper level Canterbury Pony Club members instruct their lower level counterparts as part of their education as teachers, both in unmounted and mounted activities. Upper level members receive instruction from recognized, local instructors who are paid to give lessons to our members. CPC instructors, parents & officers develop curriculum, supervise lessons, instruct Club members, and assist in the education of upper level members as teachers and instructors themselves. As they advance in independence and skill, some of their time is volunteered, but some also may be compensated by the Club. Rallies and Clinics To encourage participation in regional and national rallies, as the budget allows, Canterbury Pony Club may pay a portion of the registration fee for one rally per year for participants. See Club Policies. Canterbury Pony Club has been fortunate to host many nationally known and respected clinicians over the years and the club does its best to make clinics held by these experts affordable to its members. Clinicians are paid for their instruction and 9

13 travel expenses. When possible, Canterbury families host clinicians, but when it is not, the Club pays their meal and lodging expenses. Money raised by Club members helps defray some of these costs so as many members as possible can participate. Equipment Canterbury Pony Club has some equipment available for use by its members without charge. This includes team equipment required for participation in rallies (e.g., games equipment), a public address system, rally kits, and an extensive library of equine-related books and audio-visual resources. Printing and Supplies To operate an organization such as Canterbury Pony Club, supplies and materials are a must. Handouts, flyers and registration materials, postage, copying, etc. Whenever possible, technology is used to offset these costs, but as with any large organization, there sometimes needs to be a paper trail! Even the paper goods and plastic ware used at our social events and potlucks must be paid for somehow! Other Expenses Any time non-pony Club members participate in a club-sponsored activity (e.g., family trail rides, family quadrilles), extra insurance must be purchased for that event (see USPC Insurance Coverage Information & Forms for details on exactly what is covered by the USPC insurance plan). Travel expenses to the USPC National Convention for the District Commissioner and other board members, corporate membership for the DC and JtDC, sponsorship fees, and awards and certificates are just some of the other things paid for by club funds. For further detail, see the Canterbury Pony Club Rules and Policies, Finances and the Annual Treasurer s Report 10

14 Canterbury Pony Club Awards * Each year Canterbury Pony Club members vote for fellow Canterbury members who deserve recognition. These are awards of merit, they are presented at the Canterbury Pony Club Annual Dinner. See the Canterbury Pony Club Rules and Policies on our website. Canterbury.ponyclub.org. Canterbury Cup: Presented to an active member at the C-3 level or above. Spirit Award: Presented to an active C-2 or above member who has given generously of his/her time to the Club & the Region. Blue Ribbon Award: Presented to an active D-1 through C-1 member who has shown excellence in Pony Club, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and growth. Reed Award: Presented to an outstanding Pony Club horse or pony who has shared their skills with riders other than their owner. This award is named for Reed, a beloved pony who passed away in 2005 at the age of 35 years. Fundraising Award: Given to the Member(s) who earn the most in their fundraising efforts for the benefit of the club. Volunteer Pin Awards: Given to the parent(s) who give generously of their time and skills to the club. 11

15 Dogs at Canterbury Pony Club Activities * Please DO NOT BRING DOGS (or other pets) to Canterbury Pony Club activities, mounted or unmounted. Most Canterbury members/families are dog owners and like dogs. However, dogs are not appropriate at Canterbury activities for many reasons: See on-line Handbook Leave Fido and Fluffy home Even though you know your pets, others don t. Why risk the chance that there will be trouble? Canterbury Pony Club Mentor Program * The Canterbury Pony Club Mentor Program pairs a new member (the mentoree) with a higher level Pony Club member (the mentor). It is hoped that a bond will develop between the two members and will last throughout their Pony Club years and even beyond. Our goals with the program are to build community, increase retention and satisfaction, facilitate and improve promotion rates, prepare members for club leadership roles and to have fun together. The Mentor Program should: Foster a relationship between the mentoree and a more experienced Pony Club member Help new members find answers, on any subjects, Pony Club, Horses, etc Provide mentors with teaching and problem-solving experience. Give parents of new Pony Club members a parent resource to answer questions. The mentor/mentoree relationship begins with the bookwork sessions. It is hoped they develop a valuable relationship that continues well beyond their Pony Cub years! If a mentoree (or his/her parents) has a question, about Pony Club or riding in general, the first person to ask is the mentor (or the mentor s parents as appropriate). If the mentor cannot answer the question, or if the information is unavailable, the mentor will assist the mentoree to find the answer. If the question still cannot be answered, the Canterbury Pony Club District Commissioner or other board member should be consulted. 12

16 What You Need and Why * Also See USPC Top 5 things You Need in Pony Club and the USPC Safety Booklet Boots must have a ¾-inch heel to prevent feet from slipping through stirrup irons and must have hard soles because they slip out of the stirrups more easily. For unmounted Pony Club activities taking place near horses, acceptable footwear must be worn by members and parents: thicksoled boots (such as paddock boots) in good condition securely fastened, entirely closed, and covering the ankle. Breakaway Halter: A breakaway halter is mandatory. Leather is favored over nylon since it will break when a horse pulls, thus lessening the chance of injury. Helmet: (USPC Safety Packet-Proper Helmet Fitting and Troxel Helmet Fitting Guide.) Every rider, at every level, falls off at some time or another, so a properly fitting equestrian helmet that is ASTM/SEI certified is critical (and mandatory). Bike helmets, or other sport helmets, are not designed for equestrian-related accidents and are not acceptable. A helmet must be worn at all times when mounted, longeing, and is even suggested for grooming. The chinstrap must be fastened and a proper helmet fit is essential. Cotton Lead Rope: a cotton lead rope will break if a horse pulls, thus lessening the chance of injury. Do not use lead ropes with bull snaps. Saddle & Bridle: must be appropriate, clean, safe and in good condition, and properly fitted to horse and rider. Coggins Test & Equine Flu Documentation: To insure that an animal is not harboring the virus which causes equine infectious anemia (EIA) *Other important information is found in on-line Handbook 13

17 Pony Club Attire (dress) Formal, Informal & Casual It is the COAT, not the tie, which determines whether dress is formal or informal. Attire requirements for rallies may be found in the appropriate USPC Rulebook and/or Standards of Proficiency D-1 through C-2 and H/B through A Manuals. Casual - consists of Polo-type shirt, breeches (always wear a belt if your breeches have belt loops), appropriate footwear, helmet, Pony Club pin & medical armband or bracelet. Informal - Helmet (black or any conservative color), jacket (any color or pattern other than solid black), collared shirt of any color, rat catcher, breeches of any conservative color other than white, black or brown boots and USPC pin & medical armband or bracelet. Formal Helmet (black or any conservative color), white riding shirt, stock tie (boys may wear necktie), stock pin, white, canary, tan or buff breeches, black tall boots & medical armband or bracelet. Consult the Turnout Sections of your D or C Manuals for more detailed requirements. Parent Footwear: For safety reasons, parents & other adults must also wear horse-safe footwear at any PC activity where there are horses. No adult will be allowed around horses if they are not wearing appropriate footwear. See online Handbook for more detailed explanation. 14

18 Safety Check * A safety check must be performed for each rider and mount before each mounted Pony Club activity. See also USPC Safety Packet-Performing a Safety Check. Rider Helmet fit Clothing appropriate for the Appropriate footwear activity Belt (if belt loops) No gum or candy Pony Club pin firmly attached and on left side of shirt/jacket or on helmet Jewelry may be worn but must lay flat against the skin so that there is no risk of getting caught. Necklaces must be inside the collar/under the shirt. Hair out of the eyes and off the face, tied back at the nape of the neck (if hair long enough) Medical armband or bracelet Tack Appropriate for the activity Proper tack fit Intact leather and stitching Clean and Safe Boots or bandages as appropriate Tight girth Horse Properly groomed and tacked appropriately to avoid discomfort Suitable for the rider s ability 15

19 Tips for a Successful Lesson Before the Lesson Arrive with plenty of time to tack up (30 minutes before your scheduled ride time) Bring all necessary equipment Dress appropriately (neat and workmanlike PC attire) Horse and tack clean and well maintained The Lesson Be Respectful Learn the common terms - Rail, Outside, Inside, X, Change Rein, Volte, Serpentine, etc. These are found in your manual. Ask questions Parents & Spectators - please do not coach from the sidelines, it is disrespectful and distracting for the rider! BUT, please do help with water, poop scooping and photographing!!! After the Lesson Cool down your horse Review with the instructor what to work on and ask questions Consider watching and helping with other lessons Pick up any manure that your horse (or other s) may have left Make sure that you have not left any equipment, belongings, or trash (e.g., crops, water bottles, etc.) behind Say thank you to your instructor, the facility owner, and your parents! The Adult-in-Charge (AIC-Volunteer)* The DC may appoint an Adult-in-Charge (AIC) for a mounted activity. This is an adult who knows the ins & outs of supervising a club activity. This person may be a second pair of eyes on the lessons or a stand-in for the DC if they cannot be at an activity. This person will be the go-to person and helps ensure rider & horse safety at that activity. If you are asked to be the AIC, please be sure to refer to the on line handbook, it contains a job description for this role!! 16 Updated 2017 by KT, CH and CSK