Membership

All members of pony club require a performance card for each of their mounts to provide proof at competitions and pony clubs they are current members and their mount is qualified to compete in the chosen event.  To be qualified you need to have ridden your mount for four rallies of at least a duration of one hour’s instruction.  The four qualifications must be obtained in the 12 months preceding the event.

Attendance/performance cards must be presented by the competitor to the organising body prior to the commencement of all pony club competitions and held for the duration of competition.  Adults, senior/associates do not compete against juniors.  Cards will be checked on receipt for qualifications, grades and financial status.  Cards will be returned on completion of the competition.  They will be endorsed for all place-getters and upgraded where appropriate by the organising body’s Secretary.

AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS OR ANY OTHER ORGANISED PONY CLUB EVENT a combination can only be competitive if their performance card is filled out and signed accordingly (i.e. four qualifications in the preceding 12 months).

Any rider who does not produce a current attendance/performance card will not be permitted to ride competitively, however they may be able to ride HC (‘hors concours’ or non-competitively).

IT IS THE MEMBER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THEIR CARD IS UPDATED.

In belonging to a pony club, members have the opportunity if they wish, to sit for certificates which are designed to test their general horse knowledge and riding ability.  The certificates must be gained in order, commencing with D, followed by D star, C, C Star or K, B and A.  As each milestone is reached a badge is presented which is to be sewn on to the jumper.

Achievement patches can also be gained along the way for such activities as preliminary riding, bareback riding and vaulting, grooming and care of saddlery to name a few.  These patches are sewn to the right sleeve of the jumper.

Dedicated and talented riders can aspire to achieve selection in representative teams which may travel interstate or overseas.

Over the years Barossa Valley Pony Club has had a number of riders selected in both state and Australian teams, an experience that will be proudly remembered by those fortunate enough to be selected.

Most Consistent

As well as regularly attending pony club rallies, horse and rider combinations are judged throughout each calendar year on:

• Horse presentation
• Rider presentation
• Saddlery presentation

Horse Presentation

• Well maintained, oiled and cleaned feet.
• A brushed and tidy coat, no visible mud/dirt (does not need to be cleaned to the skin)
• Mane and tail combed

Rider Presentation

• Neat, correct uniform.
• Polished and clean boots
• Correct helmet
• No jewellery

Saddlery Presentation

• Cleaned and oiled (if leather)
• Safe and correct fitting

Most Improved

The following areas are used when identifying the most improved rider:

• Regular attendance at rallies
• Willingness to try new things, listen to the instructors suggestions and try their best at all times
• Consistent improvement throughout the year
• A positive member of the club – setting an example to others, good role model

As with any club, the Barossa Valley Pony Club relies heavily on its dedicated band of parents and supporters. The instructors at the club are usually parents or members, past and present, or adults who have passed through the ranks of pony club – and they are all volunteers.

Do not be put off by the fact that you may never have ridden a horse, or in fact owned a horse before now.  Both you and your child will learn lots, as you take the pony club journey together.  And of course there are always other avenues for you to volunteer your services, be it in the canteen, in a handyman role or serving on the committee.

Sharing the pony club experience with your child is genuinely rewarding.