100 MEDICAL POLICY: all active participants (Riders, Competitors, Officials, etc.) at PCAWA activities are strongly advised to carry on them, or have with their Team Manager or accompanying adult, up to date information regarding current or previous medical conditions which could require treatment in the future (e.g. Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes) or affect the emergency treatment of serious accidents (e.g. allergies or previous head trauma). Any rider who has, or recently had, a medical or physical problem that could impair safe participation in an Activity, must provide an up to date Doctor s Certificate confirming his/her fitness to take part. This Certificate must be produced at the Gear Check prior to the commencement of each activity. RIDERS AND HEAT STRESS: It is up to the Judge/Examiner/Coach to give permission for a rider to remove their jumper (if hot). Use of neck wraps soaked in cold water and placed at back of neck under shirt collar is a very effective way of cooling. Participants (for their own safety) should listen to their bodies and retire from participation or competition if affected by the heat. Clubs need to observe riders with this problem and consider Risk Management practices of allowing them to ride in hot conditions. (Formerly p.22, Section Rider Dress General). A RIDER WEIGHING MORE THAN 53 KILOGRAMS (8 STONE 5LBS) DRESSED TO RIDE, MAY NOT RIDE A PONY 12.2 hands or under IN ANY ACTIVITY. RIDERS TO BE GEAR CHECKED DISMOUNTED AT AND THEN RE-CHECKED WHEN MOUNTED FOR SADDLE FIT AND STIRRUP IRON SIZE THIS IS ALSO AN IDEAL TIME TO CHECK MOUNTING PROCEDURE! No item of gear may be used for any other purpose, or in any other way than for which it was designed and intended, e.g.: Running / BIB Martingale may not be used as a Standing Martingale, or using end of reins to hit mount. FOR FULL DETAILS OF DRESS / SADDLERY ETC. SEE GENERAL SECTION OF THIS MANUAL ANY ITEM OF GEAR OR EQUIPMENT, OR COMBINATION OF GEAR AND/OR EQUIPMENT, NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED IN THIS MANUAL IS NOT PERMITTTED. - DRESS FORMAL / OFFICIAL PONY CLUB UNIFORM must be worn Safety Helmet, V-Necked Jumper, Sleeved Or Sleeveless, to be worn over Long Sleeved Shirt With Tie in Club/Zone colours, Beige/Bone/Fawn Jodhpurs / Breeches, Short or Long Riding Boots, Club/Zone or white Saddle Cloth/Numnah and/or Hat Cover.
PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR The wearing of a correctly fitting and secured Safety Helmet which complies with the requirements of ASA / NZS 3838 2006 is compulsory. 101 Also acceptable are Safety Helmets which comply with one of the following standards: PAS 015 (UK) ASTM F 1163 (USA) EN 1384 (Europe) Helmet cameras not permitted. The retention harness and chinstrap must be correctly and firmly fastened at all times when mounted Should a Helmet come off, it must be replaced immediately before resuming the Activity The Helmet must not be removed for saluting or for presentation of awards Bicycle Helmets are not permitted Any Helmet that receives a moderate to serious impact, must be replaced Helmets normally have the date of manufacture marked on the helmet. AS/NZS 3838 advises that helmets have a usable life of 5 years, and those that are used very frequently may require earlier replacement Peaks on Helmets are optional May have cover in Club/Zone colours. Fluffy Beanie Hat Covers are NOT permitted as they are not PC Uniform. The wearing of Safety Helmets around horses/ponies in yards/tie up areas is strongly recommended The helmet should be properly fitted and fastened under the lower jaw when riding and handling horses. Store helmets away from heat and direct sunlight and be aware that the helmet may be damaged and rendered ineffective by cleaning agents SHIRTS Long sleeved, in Pony Club colour/s, fastened at the wrist and tucked in to waistband of Jodhpurs / Breeches/riding trousers. Sleeves must not be rolled or pushed up. See specific competition rules for other permitted shirts. TIES Optional. In Pony Club or Zone colour/s (as applicable). May not be taken off when jumpers are removed JUMPERS V-Necked Sleeved (or Sleeveless) Jumpers in Registered Pony Club / Zone Colour/s to be worn over Long Sleeved Shirt With Tie Jumper must not be removed without permission of the Examiner or Coach. Long Sleeves must NOT be pushed or rolled up.
POLO/RUGBY TOPS Many Pony Clubs have special Polo/Rugby Tops, Windcheaters and coloured/dark Jodhpurs / Breeches for their Rally Uniform. These are not the formal / official Pony Club Uniform and are NOT to be used at any other Pony Club activity outside of rallies. 102 Polo/Rugby Tops must have long sleeves (in keeping with the Sun Smart Policy) and if worn, be tucked into the waistband of Jodhpurs / Breeches/ riding trousers. Sleeves must not be rolled or pushed up Tops can be made of any material and must be in the Club s or Zone s Primary Colour, i.e. the colour of the jumper (or colour as approved by State Coaching Panel). Achievement Badges are permitted to be worn on left side sleeve, from shoulder to wrist (rally uniform only not at competition) WET WEATHER GEAR Wet weather gear not to be worn without permission of the Examiner or Coach. If permitted no loose or flappable pieces BADGE / DISK The State Pony Club badge and disk, if worn, MUST be positioned on the "V" of the jumper. JODHPURS / BREECHES/ RIDING TROUSERS OR MOLESKINS Jodhpurs / Breeches to be PLAIN (no badges, ribbing or coloured stripes) Jodhpurs / Breeches, the top of which shall be at the rider s waist (i.e. NO hipsters or low-rise), must be Beige, Bone or Fawn Bright Yellow, White, and dark coloured Jodhpurs / Breeches permitted at Rallies, Musical Ride and Fancy Dress only Jodhpur Clips optional Long socks are NOT permitted to worn over Jodhpurs / Breeches. Riding Trousers or Moleskins (Bootleg Style) of Fawn, Bone or Beige colour, the top of which shall be at the rider s waist (NO hipsters or low-rise) and the length of which shall be such that when mounted the top of the rider s boot shall be covered, are permitted for Rallies, Cross Country, Show Jumping, Prince Philip Mounted Games, Novelties, Pony Club Mount, Polocrosse and Efficiency Certificates. They do not have to be of a stretchy material. Long socks are NOT permitted to worn over trousers. Riding Trousers or Moleskins are NOT permitted to be worn for Dressage or National/International Competition. BOOTS English style riding Long Boots or Jodhpur Boots in only black or brown with low heel, smooth sole must be worn. Soles must be continued to heel no half soles Light treads and other patterns on the sole which provide an overall smooth feel are permitted Deeply ridged treads which may cause the stirrup iron to become stuck are not permitted Elastic sides must be firm. If stretched, use Jodhpur clips to keep
BOOTS (CONT.) Jodhpurs / Breeches firmly over the top of the front of the boots so that the stirrup iron cannot get caught/stuck. Preferably replace. Short laced-boots must be worn either: o With gaiters ensuring that the gaiters are covering the lace tie-up or o When wearing Jodhpurs / Breeches, with Jodhpur clips to make sure Jodhpur remain covering the laces. Long laced boots (also called Field Boots) must to be laced in such a way that the laces will not be caught on any saddle, stirrup or girth fitting. Gumboots / Wellington Boots are not permitted for any ridden activity 103 CHAPS / GAITERS Chaps /Gaiters of full grain Leather or Leather-like matching the colour of the boots may be worn. Chaps /Gaiters with suede inserts may be worn provided that they have full grain Leather or Leather-like on the outside and that this matches the colour of the boots that are being worn. CHAPPETTES Chapettes are permitted at Rallies only Riders must practice without Chapettes prior to Efficiency Certificates and Competitions SPURS Must be smooth metal. There must be a shank not be more than 4 cms long, pointing downwards to the rear and without rowels The end must be blunt in order to prevent wounding the horse. If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards. Straps must be correctly fitted with buckles to the outside. Spur Ends are optional, must have one on each spur if used. Rowels, Swan Neck Spurs, Jumping Spurs NOT permitted. JEWELLERY Medic-Alert bracelets and chains must be taped leaving the disk exposed. Watches, Medic Alert Sports Bands, mouthguards and PCAWA Badges permitted. Rings must be removed or taped. No other jewellery or body piercing permitted. GLASSES Prescription Spectacles permitted. Sun Glasses (Preferably Aus Std 1067, Cancer Council Approved), close-fitting and flat-wrap style permitted. GLOVES Wearing of gloves is optional but, if worn, must be in good condition. Compulsory when lungeing.
HAIR Must be neatly restrained. Long hair to be plaited to collar-length OR restrained in a hairnet. 104 MAKE UP Sunscreen protection is recommended The wearing of make-up is discouraged. Coloured Nail Polish/Artificial Nails not permitted. BODY PROTECTORS Body protectors are optional, but recommended. If worn must be correctly fitted. SADDLERY AND EQUIPMENT ALL GEAR MUST BE CLEAN, SOFT AND SUPPLE, and have No rotting stitching No cracks or signs of wear (particularly at turnings (e.g. where the bit sits in the cheekstrap) No broken keepers or runners No stripped / split holes Correctly fitting BRIDLE Correctly fitting Bridle of leather or synthetic fibre snaffle bit preferred. Bits must be CLEAN. All Bridles must have a Noseband of the same material for Efficiency Certificates and Competitions (a noseband is considered part of the Bridle) NOSEBANDS A noseband is compulsory. Either a Cavesson Noseband, Dropped Noseband, Hanoverian (Flash) or a Grakle or Mexican Grakle (Crossover) Noseband Continental or Crank Noseband Must be used with a snaffle bridle MARTINGALES Permitted: o Running (must have rein and neck stoppers) o Irish (must have rein stoppers) o Standing Martingale (must have neck stopper) MUST be attached to a Cavesson Nose band), correctly fitted, at Rallies for Flatwork, Prince Philip Mounted Games and Polocrosse. o Standing Martingales are permitted for Show Jumping at Rallies only when a safety issue arises. Must be fitted by a knowledgeable coach. o NOT permitted for Dressage, Pony Club Mount, Cross
MARTINGALES (CONT.) Country or Show Jumping competition. o Parents and Coaches are reminded that riders must practice without a Standing Martingale prior to riding in an Activity where they are not permitted (e.g. Efficiency Certificates, Competitions, Dressage etc.). 105 BIT GUARDS, AUSTRALIAN CHEEKERS Permitted for Cross Country, Jumping and Polocrosse only BREASTPLATES Permitted and must be correctly fitted NECK STRAPS Neck Straps are permitted for all activities. It provides the rider, in an emergency, with something to hang on to other than the reins and thus lessen the risk of the horse or pony being pulled/jerked in the mouth. It is a great help to riders in rough, hilly country and also when riding a horse with a hogged mane. It is essential when riding bareback! It can help a nervous rider feel more secure. It is also essential when teaching a rider or horse to jump and should be fitted one third of the way up the horse or pony s neck GRASS REINS Grass Reins/Check Cord permitted at Rallies for flat work and games and for Musical Ride/Fancy Dress only. A separate rein must be used for each side and must not be attached directly from the bit to the saddle. (See Fitting in General Section, Page 48) They must be adjusted so that horse/pony s nose can reach to the level of its knees. MONKEY GRIPS Monkey Grips (Handholds) are permitted for use at any time, by any age of rider The Monkey Grip is a strap attached between the front Ds of the saddle over the Pommel. A Closed Fist should be able to fit between the Pommel and the top of the Monkey Grip. The Monkey Grip can be purchased as such, or can be either a leather strap, a piece of binder twine, or thin rope. Not permitted for jumping where the Neck Strap must be used as holding the Monkey Grip would put the rider in the incorrect jumping position. SADDLE Must have a Girth with a minimum of two buckles, OR Girth with single buckle and surcingle. Correctly fitting fully mounted English type saddle (Dressage / All Purpose / Jumping) preferred. May be of Leather or Synthetic Fibre. Pony Pads, Wintec Child s Saddle are permitted for riders 7 years of
SADDLE (CONT.) age and under at Rallies, Musical Ride and Fancy Dress only Poley/Stock, saddles are permitted at Rallies (prior to C Efficiency Level) and for Prince Philip Mounted Games, Novelties, Polocrosse, Musical Ride and Fancy Dress only or K Option if applicable. 106 Fender Saddles are permitted at Rallies (prior to C Efficiency Level) and for Polocrosse, Musical Ride and Fancy Dress only or K Option if applicable. Western Saddles are permitted at Rallies (prior to C Efficiency Level) and for Musical Ride and Fancy Dress. CRUPPER Cruppers, correctly fitted, may be used for all activities GIRTHS Girths must have at least two (occasionally three buckles) and be fastened on the front and middle, or front and back, girth straps. If a single buckle girth is being used, then a surcingle MUST be used. Some saddles have two girth straps attached by a single piece of leather / webbing to the saddle. This must be very carefully checked for wear and tear. SURCINGLES Surcingles are permitted in all activities and must be correctly fitted. Surcingles must be buckled on the left hand (near) side of the horse/pony Surcingles must not be tighter than the girth Surcingles must not impede any part of the stirrup leather Surcingles are compulsory on a saddle with a single buckle girth. STIRRUP LEATHERS Stirrup bar safety clip must be turned down. Stirrup Leathers must not be tied down, Stirrup Leathers must not be worn under the saddle flap. Stirrup Leathers must not have splitting holes or stitching coming undone. Stirrup Leathers are permitted to be wrapped around top of stirrup iron (for shortening stirrup length if no available place to put in more holes) as a temporary measure at rallies only. To ensure even wear/stretching, stirrup leathers need to be changed to alternate sides regularly. SPARE END OF STIRRUP LEATHERS The correct positioning of the spare end of the stirrup leather is putting it through the keeper on the saddle flap. However it is not compulsory to use the keeper. The spare end of the leather can be left hanging. Do not feed it back through the buckle as this makes it very difficult to adjust the stirrup leathers particularly with stiff leather or synthetic stirrup leathers. It can also be bulky under the thigh for riders. If the spare end looks rather long and could cause annoyance to the
SPARE END OF STIRRUP LEATHERS (CONT.) horse, do NOT fold it back and place it under the existing stirrup leather in the keeper (this causes a loop that is potentially dangerous and is therefore NOT permitted). If it doesn t worry the horse, leave it OR get shorter leathers OR cut the end off! 107 STIRRUP IRONS Stirrup Irons must be Metal or Carbon Polymer but not wooden or pure aluminium. Stirrup Irons must be Stainless Steel (Silver), Black or Brass and are permitted for Efficiency Certificates or Competitions. Irons or Treads that are Coloured may only be used at Rallies, Musical Ride, Fancy Dress, Pas de Deux only. STIRRUP IRONS MUST NEVER BE LEFT DANGLING they could frighten the horse by banging against its sides, get caught, or the horse could get its teeth or bit caught when biting at flies in the girth area. They must always be run up when rider is dismounted. WIDTH Minimum Stirrup Irons to allow 1cm each side of the rider s boot at the broadest part (2cm total) Maximum Stirrup Irons not to allow more than 1.5cm each side of the rider s boot at the broadest part (3cm) or they ll be too big HEIGHT Also to be checked is the height of the arch of the stirrup iron in relation to the front of the short boot i.e. the front of the short boot must be higher than the front arch of the stirrup iron and that long boots could not slip through. Quick Release Stirrups are permitted for all activities, hinges must be regularly cleaned and oiled. Peacock Irons are permitted for rallies, rubber band and leather loop to be in good repair and to be worn on the outside i.e. not next to horse/pony when rider s foot is in the stirrup Bent Irons are permitted for all activities (previously known as Safety Irons ), the bent side to be worn on the outside with the bend facing forwards i.e. not next to horse/pony when rider s foot is in the stirrup TOE STOPPERS Are permitted, and if used, must fit as for stirrup irons They must be correctly attached to the stirrup iron and the top and base fastenings must be secure and not showing signs of wear and tear
STIRRUP TREADS Use of stirrup treads is optional in any activity, but if used, must not be too large for the stirrup iron. Removable treads must be of rubber, plastic, polymer or metal. Black, Silver or White Treads are permitted, included for Competition and Efficiency Certificates. Coloured Treads are permitted only at Rallies, Musical Ride, Fancy Dress, Pas de Deux only. 108 CLOGS May be used by riders 7 years of age and under at Rallies, Musical Ride and Fancy Dress only. OXBOW STIRRUPS SAFESTYLE STIRRUPS & Are NOT permitted at any Pony Club activity WHIPS Loop Handles must be removed (Loops can be dangerous in the event of a fall, and inhibit the proper use of the whip) WHIPS WITH HANDS OR STARS AS FLAPS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AS THE ENDS ARE NOT FLEXIBLE. GENERAL PURPOSE WHIPS Must have a flexible flap or tassle Must not be weighted at the end Maximum length 75cm including flap/ tassle DRESSAGE WHIPS Must have a flexible flap or tassle Maximum length for pony 13h and under 1m Maximum length for pony/horse over 13h 1.20m JUMPING WHIPS/CROPS Must have a flexible flap Tassle not permitted Must not be weighted at the end Maximum length 75cm including flap LUNGE WHIPS Must be in good condition, particularly at join of handle and thong and have a tassle at the end of the thong SADDLE CLOTHS / NUMNAHS Correctly fitted risers and gel pads are permitted. Saddle Cloth loops to be used or removed. Saddle Cloths/Numnahs must be clean, larger than the saddle, and pulled up into the gullet of the saddle with no wrinkles. They should be positioned so that the weight does not come onto a fold or on to the binding.
SADDLE CLOTHS / NUMNAHS (CONT.) It is recommended that not more than one Saddle Cloth or Numnah be worn as this increases the tendency to slip and moves the rider further from contact with the horse. Saddle Cloth / Numnah loops to be used or removed. Saddle Cloth / Numnahs must be in Club primary colour (contrast edging permitted), or white, for Efficiency Certificates. Saddle Cloth / Numnahs must be in Club or Zone (as applicable) primary colour (contrast edging permitted), or white, for Competition, Presentations, Demonstrations etc. LOGO SIZE Pony Club/Zone logo permitted. Most commonly on saddle blankets. Maximum size for Logo to be 7cms x 7cms. As Open Riders do not have an Official Pony Club Uniform, any logos worn must comply with EA logo guidelines. 109 BANDAGES / BOOTS / BELL BOOTS Bandages must have padding and be either stitched, or taped with a minimum of three (3) separate rounds of electrical tape. Padding is recommended for polar fleece bandages, and they are not recommended for Cross Country or Showjumping. Bandages and tape not to be tight enough to cause pressure areas. Boots to be clean and correctly fitted fastenings at the outside, straps facing backwards. Taping of Boots is optional. Boots with metal loop-fasteners must be fitted and fastened correctly, fastenings on the outside with straps facing backwards. ROPE TRAINING HALTERS TRAINING LEADS OVER 2 METRES LONG IT IS VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THESE ARE NOT USED AT ANY PONY CLUB ACTIVITY Can also be known as Nungar Knot Headstalls. The Rope Training Halters are designed to increase control where necessary They are NOT designed for general use i.e. NOT for tying up and they are definitely NOT safe for the horse to wear when turned out in the paddock. IT IS VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THESE ARE NOT USED AT ANY PONY CLUB ACTIVITY as they create many dangerous situations, particularly for the younger members.
THE HORSE or PONY 110 THE COMFORT AND WELFARE OF THE HORSE/PONY MUST BE CONSIDERED PARAMOUNT AND SHALL BE ABOVE THE DEMANDS OF RIDERS, COACHES, OWNERS, OFFICIALS, ORGANISERS OR SPONSORS. This all relates to the PCAWA s main objective the Safety of the Rider and Comfort of the Horse. A RIDER WEIGHING MORE THAN 53 KILOGRAMS (8 STONE 5LBS) DRESSED TO RIDE, MAY NOT RIDE A PONY 12.2 hands or under IN ANY ACTIVITY HORSE/PONY To be good condition with shiny coat, and fit for work required Not to be thin and tucked up with a staring coat appearing to be underweight. The horse/pony should not be over fat To be clean, well groomed (no dried sweat or dirt) and neat (trimmed) Eyes and Nose to be free from discharge The sighting of any blood (whether wet or dry) on the horse from either the mouth, nostrils or spur area during any Activity. Horse/pony not permitted to be ridden in these circumstances. If in doubt, refer to Chief Coach. Eyes, Nose and Dock to be clean No chronic cough Not lame No injuries, wounds, bleeding, swellings, sores causing lameness Horse/pony 2 to 3 years of age may be ridden or lunged at rallies with the knowledge and approval of the Club Coach Co-Ordinator. Recommended that they only be ridden or lunged for short, gentle sessions with NO jumping Horse/Pony over 20 years of age may be ridden or lunged at rallies and Competitions with the knowledge and approval of the Club Coach Co-Ordinator False tails permitted but they must not have metal parts Hooves To show evidence of recent care No splits or big chips out of unshod hooves; no loose shoes, risen clenches, lost shoe, hoof too long at toe or growing over shoe Horse/Pony must have either: 4 Unshod Hooves OR Front 2 Hooves Shod, Back Hooves Unshod OR Back 2 Hooves Shod, Front Hooves Unshod OR All Hooves Shod SAFETY NOTE For horses or ponies with long flowing manes, if pulling or shortening the mane is not an option, then it should be secured: By either sectioning it off with rubber bands By a running plait along the top of the neck
Or by normal plaiting to keep it out of the way of becoming tangled round the rider s hand, whip or gear 111 LEAD LINE RIDERS Riders being led in Show Horse activities are called LEAD REIN RIDERS. This is not to be confused with LEAD LINE RIDERS, who are riders being led at pony club rallies. GENERAL Parents are responsible for their Lead Line Rider Parents are responsible for providing a competent Leader 18 years and over. Leaders must be on the Club s current Strength Return. Minimum age for Rider as per Club Ruling. Child Rider being led with a supporting hand from the Leader on the rider s knee, to assist with balance and confidence. LEAD LINE RIDERS DRESS As for Rallies. LEADER DRESS In keeping with Risk Management and Sun Smart Policies, Leaders attire to be tasteful and functional to compliment the overall picture and not to take away from the pony and rider. Clothing Close fitting, sensible and suitable for weather conditions Footwear Correctly fitting, covered in with no flimsy straps Jewellery No jewellery etc. that could get caught on pony s gear/mane etc. Hats Stable and suitable for weather conditions Gloves If used, should be soft enough to feel buckles and reins Whip/Cane Handler/Leader to carry the whip or cane, never the rider
LEADER PRACTICE Must always use the Head Collar and Lead Rope Must always lead from the shoulder where contact with Pony and Rider are optimum Must allow the rider to attempt the exercise before assisting Must be careful when changing direction or pace not to unbalance the rider Leaders are there to ASSIST the rider with steering, stopping and making the pony go - NOT to pull or push the pony around. 112 As for Rallies LEAD LINE SADDLERY LEAD LINE - SADDLERY As for Rallies but with a Head Collar (worn under the bridle) with lead rein attached to the Head Collar. Snaffle bit only no Kimblewick or Pelham bits allowed. LEAD LINE - HORSE & PONY As for Rallies LEAD LINE HORSE/PONY As for Rally Horse/Pony requirements and to be of a suitable temperament and size for the Rider. Manners must be impeccable. Must be quiet enough to carry small child. Must only ever walk or trot and never run past handler. PERMITTED AT PONY CLUB PERMITTED AT PONY CLUB, FANCY DRESS, AND MUSICAL RIDE ONLY Fender / Western Saddles prior to C Efficiency Certificate level Pony Pads / Wintec Child s Saddle 7 yrs & under Clogs - 7 yrs. & under Coloured stirrup irons or treads Achievement Badges (allowed at rallies only) Grass Reins/Anti Grazing Strap Barefoot Boots (Rallies only) may be worn in exceptional circumstances at rallies only when permission has been given by the SCP via the Club Chief Coach. GEAR CHECKING SHEET NOW LOCATED IN THE APPENDICES