AVON VALE HUNT PONY CLUB NEW YEAR PROGRAMME 2016 WHAT S ON

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1 AVON VALE HUNT PONY CLUB NEW YEAR PROGRAMME 2016 WHAT S ON 1 PC website: Avon Vale website: avonvale@pcuk.org addresses: we need an address for every member that is checked regularly by an adult. Much of our information is sent by nowadays. If you are NOT receiving AVH Pony Club s, please let Clare Bromfield know and give her the one you want used. You never know what you will miss out on otherwise! New members: Welcome to the Avon Vale Hunt Pony Club. Please read this programme carefully as it contains a lot of information, and don t be afraid to ring if you aren t sure about something. When you sign up for a rally do try to give us all details that will help us put you in the correct ride. If you ordered a badge, tie or manual they will be ready for you to collect at the first rally you come to (remember to ask for them), otherwise contact Clare Bromfield who will leave them out for you to collect from her home. We send out s most weeks, if you aren t receiving them, let us know immediately so we can check your address has been entered correctly on the database. We hope you enjoy your time with the Pony Club WORKING RALLIES- to be able to be considered for selection for the Area qualifying teams you must have been to three working rallies. Rallies that count as a qualifying rally will have a QR by the date in the programme to avoid confusion. Camp 2015 counts as one rally. Please note that West Wilts have put their charges up so evening rally prices have had to raise a small amount 5.00pm pm pm - 13 ALL MEMBERS! Please make sure you sign in for rallies and activities in the correct way, on time and to the right person/ address. Weget many very last minute requests just because people didn t get themselves organized. If we accept you it puts the timings out or makes the rides too big, so beware, we may well not take you in future. This is disappointing for your child. It is impossible to book the amount of instructors needed if you sign in late. Competitions are entered on an Entry Form as per the schedule for that event with your cheque for the right amount, following all instructions, clearly written and sent well before the closing date to the entry secretary. Late entries may well not be accepted, so don t rely on the postman. Secretaries are volunteers, please respect their privacy and only phone at the allotted time. The main Pony Club website is full of useful information and is worth browsing through it. There are fun activities like Pony Prep as well as mini videos to watch. It has dressage tests to print off, and details on pc tests, badges etc. Just Google The Pony Club The CHRISTMAS SHOW was a great success last week, with many Avon Vale members enjoying the competition. Do enter the EVENTER S CHALLENGE on Tuesday 16 February at West Wilts Open to all members. Late entries will only be accepted if there are spaces in the class. 1

2 2 When doing your entries please write clearly, enclose your cheque and send to the Entries Secretary. If you are making up your own teams you MUST enter on ONE form with all the THREE or FOUR members of the team clearly stated, with your sensible team name! You must speak to the people who you are in a team with. People who send in an entry saying they want to be with various friends which ends up making a team of more than 4 will find themselves put in another team. Please help the secretary by getting your entries in as early as possible. if you haven't got a team, just enter as an individual and if possible we will put you in a team. This is a fun and popular competition so entries will close when classes are full.t his is a major fundraiser for the AVHPC, so do support it. Loads of help is needed on the day from car park duty to poo picking to coffee making and arena party. Do offer your services by to Clare Bromfileld thebromfields@lacock.wanadoo.co.ukk CHRISTMAS TOMBOLA run by the Parent s Committee at the Christmas Show Jumping made an incredible 772. Well done all. Avon Vale TRIATHLON on Sunday 21 st February. Helpers will be needed for this- no experience needed! Contact Paula Hughes david.hughes65@btopenworld Hunting with the Avon Vale Hunt - PLEASE READ BEFORE COMING HUNTING Pony Club contact: Clare Bromfield Hunt Secretary Natasha Poole The Avon Vale Hunt Pony Club has a close relationship with the hunt. Legal hunting in a modern form continues to be a popular activity and children are always made very welcome with the Avon Vale Hunt. However parents need to be aware that hunting can be a high risk equitation activity, but much of that risk can be mitigated by training and preparation. Children should be in control of their ponies and be able to jump small fences, although there is usually a way round.. Children 12yrs and under should always come out with a nominated responsible person, unless they have passed their Hunting Certificate and are deemed responsible, you are responsible for yourself. You must have a look at the Hunting section on the website before coming out. Remember it is important that you Clare Bromfield and sign in before each time you come out. This is so that we can keep an eye on you. Also there may be parking instructions or it may be an unsuitable day. The Caps for Avon Vale Hunt Pony Club members as long as they are wearing their PC badges are: All Avon Vale Hunt Pony Club members 18yrs and under 20 Visiting members from another pony club 25 Pc members young person yrs - 30 Mounted parents/adult with young child on lead rein/just off genuinely nannying 25 Parents escorting their young children may hunt for a reduced rate, but MUST let Clare Bromfield before hand and the Hunt Secretary Natasha Poole You should have the correct money or a cheque in your pocket ready to hand over to the Secretary or Clare Bromfield. All children should have a card in their pocket with their name, address and contact phone numbers in case of emergencies. A mobile phone is useful. The CHILDREN S MEET is on Thursday 18 February and will be at Blackland House, Calne, SN11 8NQ. Parking instructions will be given nearer the time, but it will be in a field (tractor available!) so if you have a heavy lorry you would be better parking outside in the layby behind the park and hacking in. This meet is for all AVH PC members lead reins are welcome, the intention is to stay on the flat to start with for 2

3 running mums! Parents/ riding nannies very welcome, and are essential. Full details nearer the time. So we know how many to cater for please Clare Bromfield to book in 3 Race Card Sellers needed at the Avon Vale Hunt Point to Point Races on Saturday 26 th March. The Point to Point is being held at Larkhill Racecourse and members of the Avon Vale Hunt PC are asked to sell the Race Cards on the day (free entry for helper s cars). You need to wear PC sweat shirts or waterproof jackets, and bring a bum bag for money and a bigger bag to carry the Race Cards. If you have been hunting this year you should be offering your services but anyone is welcome! It s a good day out, bring a picnic and enjoy the racing! More details nearer the time. Why not come and watch? Please ring or Clare Bromfield to find out more and offer to help Members and parents helping: all pony clubs are run by volunteers and each generation has its own group of helpers and volunteers. In the Avon Vale we are keen to encourage this ethos amongst our members and their families and are aware that many of you are new to the horse world and are perhaps hesitant about offering your help. We would welcome any parents or older members who would like to shadow an organiser at a rally or event to find out what goes on. ALL members who wish to be considered for any Area teams MUST offer their help at PC activities over the year, a minimum of one full day. This can be made up over several activities. All our main competitions need everyone to help, so do offer for these valuable fund-raisers as well. Helping is good fun and a way of meeting new people and making friends. Don t leave it to late Membership Card and Spur Permission 2016: if a member who has not yet passed their B test wishes to wear spurs at ANY Pony Club activity or competition, a 2015 signed Spur Permission is necessary. These forms will not be signed unless you have been to some rallies so we know how you ride. Spurs are not recommended and are not usually allowed for members under 12 years old in competitions. It will only be signed if your instructor and the DC are happy with your riding. The Spur Permission is on the back of your annual membership card; this must be signed by the DC and must be carried with you at all Pony Club events if you wish to wear spurs. Many competitions now ask for them when doing tack checks. British Eventing and British Show Jumping offer reductions on first time registrations on production of a PC Membership Card. Pony Club Clothing: Avon Vale Hunt Pony Club polo shirts, sweat shirts and waterproof jackets are available. Speak to Gillian Marston on or , jillian.marston@orange.net and she will get them to a rally for you PC Numnahs: are available for all pony club members to purchase. They are white squares with Avon Vale PC on the side. They come in small/cob and full size. They can be worn for team SJ competitions like the Eventer s Challenge and Area competitions as well as rallies. If you want to order one for a Christmas present, let Clare Bromfield know so that we know how many to order, no payment due until you receive yours, but you must collect it promptly. Hat Tagging: all hats worn at any Pony Club activity have to be tagged with the new white Pony Club tag (British Eventing / riding club tags do NOT count). We will be tagging hats at most rallies. Any hat with a purple tag will have to be replaced after January Details are on the main PC website. 3

4 It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet bearing the CE mark and manufactured to one of the minimum standards listed below; the CE mark on its own is not sufficient for British and European marks and there should be a kite mark as well. 4 The PAS 015:1998 or 2011 and the Snell E2001 meet higher impact criteria and therefore give more protection. The EN 1384 will be withdrawn from sale in December 2015, but can still be used. For all cross country riding a jockey skull cap, with no fixed peak, must be worn. The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit the hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. This is the responsibility of the parent of guardian, not the Pony Club hat inspectors. It is strongly recommended that second hand hats are not purchased. Children under 9 may wear an approved lightweight hat. Hats must be replaced after a severe impact as subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after 3 5 years depending on the amount of use. Hats should not be left in bright sunlight when not being worn. Hats must be worn at all times when mounted (including prize giving), with the chin strap fastened and adjusted to prevent movement in the event of a fall. For Show Jumping or Mounted games the cover, if applicable, should be dark blue, black or brown only. For Dressage hats and hat covers must be predominately black, navy blue or a conservative dark colour that matches the rider s jacket for Area Competitions or above. The Pony Club silk is also acceptable. The Official Steward/Organiser may, at his discretion, eliminate a competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or with the chinstrap unfastened or with a hat that does not comply with these standards. Always buy your hat from a reputable supplier with qualified hat fitters, never buy one off the internet or buy/use secondhand ones. Ensure the straps are securely and tightly fastened under the chin. No fixed peaks for cross country, only crash hats with silks. Please ensure hats fit securely and the straps are tightened correctly and tidied up neatly. If a Rally Organiser or Instructor is concerned about the fit of your hat you will not be allowed to ride. It is your responsibility. Hats should be replaced every 3-5 years. However if dropped or involved in a fall or accident where the hat is banged hard on the ground/road, it should be replaced straight away. Do not leave hats in hot direct sunlight ie in backs of cars/outside stables. First Aid at Rallies: If any parents hold these qualifications, or are qualified doctors or nurses, could you please let Clare Bromfield or rally organiser know as this might take the pressure off us having to provide this cover if you are already at the rally or training session with your child. Trained First Aider: someone who has a EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) qualification gained at a one day course. The qualification has to be revalidated after three years. Or a person who has the BHSD equestrian Specific First Aid qualification, two-day course with a bi-annual refresher. Qualified First Aider: a person who has a FAW (First Aid at Work) qualification gained at a three-day course. The qualification has to be revalidated after three years. Or a nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council providing they maintain a knowledge of, and are able to apply, the current standards that HSE accepts for the first aid management of injuries and illness. 4

5 Child Protection/Photographs: in view of current legislation we have to be careful about people taking photographs at any Pony Club activity. Please don t take photos of other people s children at any Pony Club activity unless their parent has given you permission. Taking photos at an indoor rally is not recommended as flash light is disturbing to the ponies. Please don t be offended if you are asked to identify yourself or to sign a Photographic Permission form. At camps and competitions we have a professional photographer who is known to us and will have the pictures for sale at the end. 5 THE ICE CAMPAIGN (In Case of Emergency) We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn t know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored, but which one is the person to call In Case of Emergency? Hence this ICE campaign. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during an emergency under the name ICE. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as ICE. For more than one contact just enter ICE1, ICE2 etc The concept of ICE is catching on quickly as a method of contact during emergency situations and is fully supported by doctors, nurses and paramedics. It really could save your life. Do it now! Manual of Horsemanship: all members should have a copy as to be able to take any tests they need to study it! It is a MUST for camps. They will be for sale at most rallies. Contact Clare Bromfield Contact Details: if your contact details change please can you notify the Membership Secretary and the District Commissioner so that we can keep our records up to date. In particular please make sure we have your up-to-date address. TETRATHLON/TRIATHLON Contact: Mrs Paula Hughes Tel: david.hughes65@btopenworld To all budding athletes within the Avon Vale, why not have a go at Tetrathlon (shooting, swimming, running and riding) or Triathlon (no riding) over the winter? The Avon Vale teams and individuals have been very successful recently and it would be great if we could get a few more members taking part in order to enter full teams across a number of age ranges. It would be particularly good to make up one or more boys teams, all are welcome aged Most of our Olympics successes at Modern Pentathlon have come through Pony Club Tetrathlon teams. PONY RACING Contact: Mr Gerald Burton Mob: oldburyprior@excite.com Congratulations to Sam Burton (148cm) who was 2 nd and Molly Burton (138cm) who was also 2 nd in the Pony Racing Points Series sponsored by Champion Headwear Gerald would be delighted to talk to anyone who is interested. Polo Contact: Venetia Fuller Tel: Mob: venetiafuller@hotmail.com 5

6 PONY CLUB TESTS Contact: Mrs Beverley Hopkins Tel: Mob: Mill Lane, Box, SN13 8PH 6 There are no test dates fixed yet for 2016 please await information All members are encouraged to take tests at the appropriate age and ability; your instructor will be able to advise you if you are unsure whether you are ready. You can download a Test Application Form from the Avon Vale PC website and send it to Susan so she knows you want to take a test and which one. Test days are expensive to hold, we cannot run one without enough candidates. No form means no test! If you think you sent the form in, and haven t heard anything, then check! Information on tests may be found on the main Pony Club website: under members activities/efficiency tests. All tests are downloadable. Tests: coloured Felts are worn under your Pony Club badge. Only wear the one for the latest test passed. A Test Card tells you what you need to know for that particular test. Susan has some for all tests. You have to start with D test, however old you are! E Test: Pale yellow felt. This is a very basic test for younger members and is taken at Camp. D test: yellow felt is usually taken at summer camps for members who are 8 or over. This is done with an examiner under test conditions. D+ test: white felt - is taken from 10 years old. This is now also done under test conditions and not, as previously, by having a form signed by your instructor. C test: green felt is taken from 11 years old and has two examiners, one for riding and one for stable management, on set Test Days. C+ test: pink felt - is taken by two examiners, one for riding and one for Stable Management on set Test Days. You must be at least 13 years old. B test is organised by Area 14 and is in two sections, Riding and Care. Age from 15 years. B+ test is organised by Area 14, see the main Pony Club website. You cannot be awarded any certificate and felt unless you have passed the appropriate Road Rider test Please note you cannot do: D and D+ test without passing your Road Rider Mini Achievement Badge C and C+ test without passing your Road Rider Achievement Badge B test without your Road Rider test ROAD RIDER TEST We would like to run another Road Rider test for 11yrs and up this year. If your child wants to take it, would you run it for us? Have you a suitable venue? It needs a field, parking for everyone s trailers and a room with a plug so the Road Rider DVD may be watched. Speak to Clare Bromfield ACHIEVEMENT BADGES Contact: Mrs Mandy Arnold Tel: Mobile: mandy.arnoldat33@tiscali.co.uk There are many different badges to be achieved on Horse & Pony Care, General Knowledge, the Countryside and the Environment. These are aimed at members 8-12 years and working towards D and C Tests. The badges can be sewn onto the sleeves of PC sweatshirts (in Brownie badge style). Dates and info will be ed out in due course. Mini Achievement Badges These badges are for 8 years and under and are very simple starter badges! Have a look at the main Pony Club website to see what they are 6

7 7 PONY CLUB RALLIES (suitable for all ages and abilities) Please sign in correctly for activities and rallies either on the forms or by , it saves a lot of time for the organiser! You must be sure to give your name, age, any tests passed and the size of your horse/pony, as well as any other useful information such as what height you are happy jumping that would help us to put you in the correct ride. Please put the name of the member on the back of the cheque when you pay. We will always try to acknowledge s, so if you don t get a reply, please try again. How to put your name down for rallies: For Daytime Rallies: see Diary dates for information. If you are sharing a pony, travelling with another member, or if you particularly want to be in the same ride as another member please let us know. The time of your ride will be on the AVHPC website two days before, or telephone at the time stated in the Diary. Phone enquiries only between 7 and 8 pm please. If you sign in for any rally and do not attend, you will be charged for the rally unless you let the Organiser know in good time it makes it very difficult to know how many instructors we need if we are not sure if you are going to turn up. However, congratulations, as most members are very good at letting us know For Evening Rallies contact Clare Bromfield, preferably by , to book in at least 3 days in advance and pay by cheque on the day. You can sign in at one evening rally for the next one. You get your time at the time of booking and this remains your time for that winter s evening rallies. No block bookings, please. Evening rallies are held at West Wilts Equestrian Centre, Holt dates in the Diary. Times: Session pm 9 Session pm 11 Session pm 13 AT THE RALLY: We are always happy to answer any queries you may have, but do please try and telephone the organiser only at sensible times. Try to be on time. We aim to start promptly at the time specified At the beginning and end of rallies HELP is needed to set out and put away jumps etc. Don t wait to be asked offer your services! At the end: dismount, run up the stirrups and lead out correctly Say thank you to your instructor and the rally organiser Clear up your horse s or pony s droppings and hay in the lorry park please! What to wear for rallies: Correct Dress: beige jodhpurs, white or dark blue PC polo shirts, PC sweat shirts, tagged hats with plain hat silks, gloves. For girls: hairnets or hair neatly tied up is a MUST. No earrings! Cross Country: fixed peak hats are not allowed for cross country, you should have a skull cap with a plain silk on it, back protector, medical armband, long sleeves and gloves. Correct Tack: tack should be clean and well fitting, check stitching especially on stirrup leathers and girth straps, numnahs should be plain and in white or dark colours, boots for ponies/horses going XC. Hat tagging can normally be done at rallies, see Hat Rules above NO JEWELLERY, NO HOODIES. You should look neat and tidy Please read if you are interested in Area teams 7

8 During July each Pony Club Area (we are Area 14) hold Area Qualifying Competitions in the various Pony Club disciplines. These are run by different Pony Club branches in different venues within our Area each year (see Diary for dates). The teams and individuals that qualify at the Area competitions go on to the Championships held in Cheshire in mid August. The teams are selected by the various trainers and the D.C. Members are then invited to be part of the team. You cannot enter Area competitions yourself, you have to be selected and the entries are done by the branch. Competition results forms are available for you to fill in (they can be downloaded from the website under the PC Forms tab) so we can see how you have been doing. It is a great honour to be selected for a Pony Club team. Area Team Qualification. To be eligible to represent your Pony Club at an Area Competition in the summer of 2016, you have to have done at least three Working Rallies since 1 July 2015, at least one of which has to have been in Camp counts as one rally, so does the Summer Show. We can t put you in a team if we haven t seen enough of you! If you would like to be considered for any of the Area teams, please try to compete at our Summer Show. If you wish to be considered for teams this summer: 1) Fill in the Competition Form (on the AVHPC website) and send to Clare Bromfield immediately. This lets us know you are interested in being in a team and gives us all the details we might need when completing the entry forms. 2) The Results Sheets for Show Jumping and Eventing should be returned after the end of May, when the teams are being picked. We then know how you ve been getting on and what you ve been doing. Be honest with both good days and bad! You do need to have competed at the right levels/height. 3) Please make sure you are available on the dates of the competitions, it is a shame when we pick teams to find half of the members are away. 4) Grass Roots Area teams are 12 years and under (as at 1 Jan) and 14.2hh and under. 5) You must attend 3 working rallies to be considered, so plan ahead and fit them in. 6) If you have transferred from another PC there are certain rules to abide by. Make sure you qualify. AREA COMPETITIONS ARE THE ONLY ONES WE SELECT TEAMS FOR. YOU MAY ENTER OTHER TEAM COMPETITIONS YOURSELF. JUST LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON! 8 8