DARLINGTON PONY CLUB - INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR MEMBERS
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DARLINGTON
PONY CLUB
INFORMATION BOOKLET
FOR MEMBERS
1WELCOME TO DARLINGTON PONY CLUB
The Committee would like to welcome all members and their families to Darlington Pony
Club. We hope you enjoy your time here. We pride ourselves on being family friendly and
supportive to all riders and their horses/ponies. We encourage all members to participate,
learn and enjoy their journey through the world of horses. We will encourage those who want
to aim for the stars, as well as those who just enjoy the partnership they have with their
special friend.
We would like to remind you that the club is run by parents trying to create an environment
for all children to enjoy. The committee are here to help and to be helped and would like any
parents to come to us with any little problems before they become big problems that cause
tension in the club.
Please take the time to read through this booklet. It contains important information about
pony club in general, as well as information, rules and procedures relevant to Darlington
Pony Club.
2CONTENTS Page No
Welcome to the Pony Club Movement 3
The Aims and Objectives of the Pony Club Movement 3
The Pony Club Movement in Western Australia 3
What Does Pony Club Do? 4
Pony Club Structure 4
The Ethos of Darlington Pony Club 4
Darlington Pony Club Office Bearers and Committee 6
Darlington Pony Club Uniform 6
Club Rules 7
Gear Checking 7
Unsound Horses 7
The Working Rally 8
When You Get to Pony Club on a Rally Day 8
Disputes & Mediation 9
Insurance 9
Canteen 10
Newsletter 10
Fundraising 10
Roster Duties 10
Certificates 12
Trophies 13
Theatre Arts Gymkhana 13
Competitions 14
3WELCOME TO THE PONY CLUB MOVEMENT
Pony Club is a Youth Movement and uses the horse as a focal point of interest to train its members
in the aims and objectives.
The Pony Club member must learn to understand and care for their pony, while at the same time
learning to improve their riding skills.
THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PONY CLUB MOVEMENT
• To encourage young people to ride and learn to enjoy all approved kinds of sport connected
with horse and riding
• To provide instruction in horsemastership and to instil in members the proper care of their
animals
• To promote the highest ideals of fellowship, citizenship and loyalty and to cultivate strength
of character and self-discipline.
THE PONY CLUB MOVEMENT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The Pony Club Association of Western Australia (PCAWA)
There are 81 Pony Clubs affiliated with the PCAWA, of which 68 are presently active.
Each Club is also a member of a Zone, which is a regional group of Clubs. There are thirteen Zones
in Western Australia.
The Pony Club, through its activities, is a world wide youth organisation for those interested in
horses, ponies and riding.
It is the largest association of riders in the world.
It is a voluntary youth organisation which exists to promote the physical, mental and spiritual
development of young people, encouraging in them an awareness of responsibility, sportsmanship
and citizenship.
The Pony Club differs from other youth movements because the horse is used as the main centre of
interest around which to cultivate strength of character and self-discipline.
The OBJECT of the Pony Club is to encourage young people to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport
connected with horses and riding and to provide instruction in riding and to instil in members the
proper care of their animals.
4WHAT DOES PONY CLUB DO?
It provides an environment in which a young / senior rider can find knowledge and mutual
friendship with other riders. Riders of Pony Club are able to compete at the various competitions
held at Club, Inter - Club, Zone, Inter - Zone, State, National and International level. These are
arranged as team events, therefore team spirit and sportsmanship are encouraged, rather than
individual competition.
PONY CLUB STRUCTURE
BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY
PONY CLUB AUSTRALIA
PONY CLUB ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Council)
ZONE LEVEL (13 Zones in Western Australia)
HILLS (one of the Zones of WA)
(Darlington, Eastern Hills, Walliston, Wooroloo, Gidgegannup, and Balkuling)
THE ETHOS OF DARLINGTON PONY CLUB
At Darlington Pony Club we aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our
members.
Instruction at Darlington follows the Pony Club Association national syllabus, which encourages
members to work towards assessment at appropriate levels.
Through this process riders are taught to ride well and most importantly look after their horse or
pony whilst upholding the aims and objectives of the pony club movement.
DARLINGTON PONY CLUB OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE
5A committee of volunteers who are elected at an Annual General Meeting run your pony club. The
newsletter lists the current office bearers for the club. Committee meetings are held on the 1st
Wednesday of each month at the pony club grounds. If you would like to have any issue discussed
at a committee meeting please contact a committee member who will raise the issue in a suitable
forum.
The committee consists of:
President
Vice President (should be the immediate past president if available)
Treasurer (This office may be combined with secretary)
Secretary
Committee:
The committee consists of a minimum of six members excluding the above listed Office Bearers. At
least one member shall be a riding and/or associate member 14 yrs or over.
Chief Coach also attends committee meetings.
DARLINGTON PONY CLUB UNIFORM
At instructional rallies and all occasions where you are representing your club you are
expected to wear club uniform.
Darlington’s colours are RED, BLACK and GREY.
Our club uniform is:
• Pony Club approved helmet
(ASA/NZS 3838,) (PAS 015 UK) (ASTM F 1163 USA) (EN1384 Europe)
• Beige jodhpurs
• Smooth soled riding boots
• Red long sleeved shirt
• Black Tie
• Grey V necked woollen jumper
• Red saddle blanket with black trim
For the Rally, riders can choose the following:
• Club uniform
• Darlington Pony Club Cross Country shirt (long sleeves) in winter.
Lead liners may wear a long sleeved red polo shirt if they wish.
Hair must be tied back neatly and no makeup, nail polish or jewellery to be worn (except medic
alert bracelets and watches). Earrings must be removed or taped.
Chappettes can be worn to rallies, but cannot be used in competitions or certificate assessments.
Leather gaiters can be worn at rallies and competitions but must be the same colour as boots.
6CLUB RULES
• Members must wear helmets and boots at all times when mounted.
• Horses/ponies can only be mounted after being gear checked by instructor.
• Horses/ponies can only be ridden by club members at rallies.
• Horses/ponies must be led between arenas on rally days.
• We encourage horses/ponies to be ridden in a snaffle bit at rallies. If a more severe bit is
being used we suggest the rider know how the bit works and the reason it is being used.
• Horses/ponies must be 4 years of age or older.
• Members can join DPC from the year they turn six.
• A parent or guardian must be present for the whole day for any rider under the age of 18.
• Rider safety is our priority so unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the grounds.
• The front gate is to be kept shut at all times and gates to arenas shut whilst arenas are in use.
• Smoking on grounds is not encouraged. If it is necessary for an adult to smoke, we request it
is well clear of the club room and not in sight of any children.
• The consumption of alcohol is prohibited for any member under the age of 18yrs and is not
encouraged for parents whilst engaged in pony club activities.
• DPC require all coaches, officials, volunteers and camp supervisors to hold a current
Working with Children Check.
• It is requested that language be kept appropriate whilst supporting pony club activities.
• Darlington Pony Club strongly recommends and supports the sun safe practices adopted by
the PCAWA.
GEAR CHECKING
Riding members must present unmounted at the start of every ridden session for gear checking.
Horses and rider are gear checked to ensure that gear is safe within PCAWA guidelines. Riding
members are informed immediately if something does not pass gear check. The instructor will try to
rectify the situation on the spot if possible, ask the member to address the situation before the next
rally if applicable or at times if the problem is a breach of club or PCAWA safety guidelines the
member will not be able to continue with the mounted sessions.
UNSOUND HORSES
Occasionally horses may present to be unsound or unwell during the course of the rally. The
welfare of the horse is of utmost importance so a rider may be asked to discontinue with the
mounted sessions for that day by an instructor. If a second opinion is required the Club President,
Rally Coordinator or Club Coach Coordinator may be called upon.
7THE WORKING RALLY
The Working Rally is the backbone of the Pony Club. A Working Rally is a rally to which all
financial members are eligible to attend and where coaching from the Pony Club Australia Syllabus
of Instruction is given.
The Pony Club year consists of 9 working rallies held on the 1st Sunday of each month from
February to October. Rally dates are occasionally moved when the need arises. If a rally date is
changed members will be given appropriate notice. The last meet of the year in November is a
closed club gymkhana.
The working rally day consists of four sessions – Flatwork, Jumping, Horsemastership and Active
Riding i.e. jumping, games (a minimum of 4 hours). The day may be changed to accommodate
special visitors and activities to allow all members access. If you are not attending a rally, please
inform either the rally coordinator or the chief coach as soon as you are aware that you will be
absent from that rally. If a rider needs to leave the rally early, they must inform the rally coordinator
or chief coach beforehand, this rally will not count as a qualifying rally.
If for some reason a member is not participating in a mounted session they must inform the Club
Coach Coordinator or Rally Coordinator and still present at the session unmounted in full uniform
Members should bring a file, pen and paper with them to each rally to record and store
horsemastership notes.
Parents are welcome to attend the different sessions with their riders, but please DO NOT give your
rider instructions – that is the Coach’s duty. Parents are encouraged to ask questions or to have
something explained if you do not understand when the opportunity arises. This may be at the end
of the session, lunchtime or at the end of the day. It is both distracting for the Coach and it is
confusing for the rider to have too many instructions.
For those members that are fortunate enough to have lessons away from Pony Club, you might be
asked to do something in ‘different way’ to your normal coach’s directions. Riders are encouraged
to try this ‘different way’. All coaches are aiming for the same end result – a good riding position
and a more obedient responsive mount. Parents and riders must be aware that coaches have
different ways of reaching the same goal.
WHEN YOU GET TO PONY CLUB ON A RALLY DAY
• The circular driveway near the sheds is one way and for unloading only. Please check that
the area is clear of children before unloading. Unload horse and gear and then immediately
move car and float down to lower parking area so traffic flow is not blocked.
• Safely tie your horse in a stable, yard or to your float with feed and water. The large stables
are only for horses 14.2hh and over. Horses should be tied to baling twine and if tying to
float it must be attached to a vehicle.
• Sign on for attendance. Attendance records are kept to enable you to compete in pony club
competitions and to maintain your PCAWA record of performance card. A parent or
guardian must sign you in if you are not 18 yet and be present for the entire rally.
• Fill in the stable booking plan.
8WHEN YOU GET TO PONY CLUB ON A RALLY DAY cont.
• Check the timetable and prepare for your first session. Lesson starts without you if you are
late.
• Attend lunchtime meeting. This is compulsory for parents and members and it is how we
keep you informed of the many activities and happenings at pony club.
• Help your coach set up and pack up any equipment they need during the day, this makes
everyone’s job easier.
• At the end of the day make sure your stable or yard is clean before you go home. Manure is
to be placed in the manure pit at the end of the shed, not placed around trees.
DISPUTES AND MEDIATION
In the unfortunate case of a dispute arising
a) between members of the club
b) between members of the club and a member of the committee
c) between a member and the coach
The following procedures will be followed:
The matter is to be brought to the attention of the President, Rally Coordinator or Club Coach
Coordinator. The parties, if deemed necessary, will meet and discuss the dispute within 14 days to
see if it can be resolved.
If it can not be resolved simply, the issue must be put in writing presented at the next club
committee meeting. The issue may be addressed in writing by the committee, or a meeting arranged
with a mediator. The mediator may be a person chosen by agreement by the parties or a person
appointed by the Council of the PCAWA.
If the Mediation process does not result in the dispute being resolved, the parties may seek to
resolve the dispute in accordance with the act or otherwise at law.
INSURANCE
All members plus nominated/parent guardian are covered by insurance through PCAWA. Insurance
for other parents/siblings may be taken out at a small cost extra to membership fees. Please see the
Treasurer for relevant information.
9CANTEEN
A canteen is open at every rally and gymkhana and this is a major component of our fundraising
activities so please take advantage of it and support it.
The canteen on rally days is open for breakfast through to 2pm.
All lunches need to be preordered and pre paid by 10 am and can then be collected in the lunch
break.
Please note – credit will not be given, please ensure cash is on hand when purchasing food.
Tea and coffee is complimentary to parents attending rally days.
NEWSLETTER
A monthly newsletter is sent to all members 7 – 10 days prior to each rally. Electronic newsletters
are the easiest way for us so please ensure you write your email address on your enrolment form
and check your emails regularly. This is a great way of keeping everyone informed of upcoming
events, achievements and successes of club members. We encourage our members to advise the
newsletter editor if they wish to share some of their successes, which could be in or outside of pony
club activities. It is a good way to get to know our members better. A newsletter book is left out on
the table during rallies and members are invited to write results, for sale items, news items etc to be
published in the next newsletter.
FUNDRAISING
Throughout the year Darlington Pony Club holds various Fundraising days such as Training Days,
encouragement gymkhana, camps etc. These fundraisers are an important part of running the club
and we encourage members to participate and support their club.
Without everyone’s effort at fundraising we would not be able to provide qualified coaches and
special activities through the year.
ROSTER DUTIES
Every parent/guardian must help at least five rallies during the year, plus you will be asked to help
at any fundraisers that we hold. Please refer to the DUTIES section on the membership form when
enrolling. There is $50 to be paid at enrolment and refunded on completion of the 5 duties or carried
over to the next pony club year. Rally duties must be filled from February through to October. The
November gymkhana is an all hands on deck event with all parents being allocated a job. Families
not completing their five duties will both lose their $50 bond and the children will not be able to
participate competitively in the end of year gymkhana. Although this sounds harsh, it is not fair that
other families have to double up on rosters to make up the short fall.
You are reminded of your rostered duty in the newsletter and if you are unable to fulfil your
commitment find someone to swap with and inform the roster coordinator prior to the duty. A
detailed description of each duty is outlined below. These duty descriptions and the monthly roster
can also be found listed in the Duty Book at rallies. You will need to sign off on completed duties at
each rally.
10ROSTER DUTIES cont.
• Canteen Duty
There will be 3 canteen shifts:
1. Breakfast 8 – 9.30
Putting the urn on, putting pie warmer on, unpacking the canteen cupboard in shed, setting up tea &
coffee, preparing and cooking bacon & egg burners.
2. Lunch prep 9 – 11.30
Putting any drinks in fridge
Taking lunch pre orders
Serving snacks and drinks
Preparing lunches into named bags and storing in fridge or pie warmer
3. Lunch & Clean Up 11.30 – 2pm
Finish off any lunch preparation
Serving lunches, snacks and drinks
Cleaning up from lunch and serving incidentals after the lunch break.
Washing up, packing away, storing DPC items in shed cupboard, sweep and mop kitchen floor.
• .Set Up Duty
Those on set up must be available an hour and a half before the scheduled rally start time to help set
up arenas. A nominated committee member will be responsible for coordinating the set up and
ensuring gates and Clubhouse are closed and locked.
• Pack Away Duty
All members and parents present are required to pack away arena equipment at the end of each rally
day. This is a case of many hands make light work. Please ensure that children are well clear of
jump trailers before moving.
• Clean Up Duty
The club house including toilets need to be tidied and vacuumed at the end of the day. Toilets and
basins need disinfecting and wiping over. Vacuums and cleaning utensils are stored in the toilets.
• Rubbish Duty
All rubbish from inside and outside rubbish bins is to be emptied into chaff sacks, taken to the
FRONT GATE and placed at the cage.
11CERTIFICATES
Rallies are structured to encourage riders to prepare for and take tests, which enable them to learn
progressively about horse and pony care (horsemastership) and riding (horsemanship). The
Australian Pony Club Council Syllabus of instruction sets out in detail the requirements of each
efficiency test. The coach coordinator in consultation with the individual group coaches selects
candidates to sit certificates when they feel a rider is ready. Certificates are: D, D*, C, C* or K, B
and A. They must be gained in that order. * Certificates are optional.
D CERTIFICATE - The minimum age for this test is 7 years.
To gain confidence in riding, handling and care of a pony.
To be keen to learn and improve.
Candidates must have reasonable control of their ponies.
D* CERTIFICATE - The minimum age for this test is 9 years.
To work towards a balanced seat and independence of the reins.
To improve the rider’s control of the pony
To have an elementary knowledge of the care of the pony.
This certificate is an extra activity and fills in the years form age 10-12.
C CERTIFICATE –The minimum age for this test is 12 years.
To attain a balanced seat, independent of the reins on the flat and over small fences.
To show control of the pony at all paces.
To demonstrate knowledge of horsemanship as outlined in the examination format.
C* CERTIFICATE - The minimum age for this test is 14 years
To become an active rider with knowledge of the aids and how to apply them correctly and effectively.
To ride simple cross-country and show jumping fences.
To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care and conditioning of the horse in preparation for a
strenuous event.
To have thorough knowledge of the road rules for horses as apply to your state.
To ride safely and sensible on the roads and in the country.
K CERTIFICATE – Minimum age for this test is 14 years.
To widen the candidate’s experience in various aspects of horsemastership.
To become an active, efficient rider who is thoughtful for the horse.
To improve skills in horsemastership, and other horse related activities.
(This is an alternative Certificate to C*, between C & B. It is designed for the active rider, and covers many equestrian
aspects not included in other Certificates. The "K" comprises a compulsory section and a wide variety of optional
subjects.
B CERTIFICATES - The Minimum age for this test is 16 years.
To become a competent, all-round rider, who knows the reasons for what he/she is doing and is able to assess
results.
To ride over different types of fences at specified paces.
To be capable of riding and jumping any well-mannered horse or pony, and commenting on its way of moving.
To be capable of joining in any suitable Pony Club activities of interest to the rider, e.g. eventing, hunting,
trekking, gymkhanas, etc. and looking after the horse before, during and after the day’s activity.
To gain knowledge and practical experience of the care and conditioning of horses and to be able to look after
a stabled horse
To ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads and in the country, with a knowledge of pace
and distance.
A CERTIFICATE - The minimum age for this test is 17 years.
To become an educated horseperson, able to ride with confidence, style and polish on the flat and over fences.
To understand the principles of training, including young horses, as taught in Pony Club and be able to put
these principles into practice.
12 To be capable of riding and jumping horses of all temperaments and stages of training and of assessing a
horse’s potential and how it could be schooled to improve ride and performance.
To gain wide knowledge of the care and conditioning of horses.
To have a sound knowledge of the organization and running of the Australian Pony Club Council and the
Candidate’s own State Association
Knowledge of other societies and organizations connected with horses.
TROPHIES
Annual trophies are presented at the end of the year at our Trophy Night. This is normally a fun
social evening enjoyed by everyone.
Full Rally Attendance Award
Awarded to those members who have a 100% rally attendance for the year. If representing the club
at a PCAWA Championship event on rally day, this is counted as an attendance. Members must
sign the rally attendance sheet to have their attendance recorded.
President’s Trophy
Awarded to a member with outstanding appearance over the year, who shows a positive attitude and
is courteous at all times.
Instructor’s Trophies
Awarded to the most improved riders in allocated age groups.
Committee Trophies
Citizenship Award, Rider Who Strives, Keyparent, Kindest Pony, Stack of the Year
Theatre Arts Trophies
Hi Point Awards – 9yrs & Under, 12 yrs & Under, 13 yrs & over
President’s Theatre Art’s Turnout Trophy
Awarded to the member with the best presented horse or pony. Child must have done all, or the
majority, of the preparation themselves.
THEATRE ARTS GYMKHANA
When Darlington Pony Club was first formed, rallies were held in Darlington. Coinciding with the
now Darlington Arts Festival, a gymkhana was held by the club on the field near the Darlington
Hall. When Darlington Pony Club moved to the PEC, the gymkhana came too and is held on the
first Sunday of November.
It is our closed trophy day and an opportunity for members to show what they have learnt
throughout the year by riding a dressage test, show jumping and showing off their active riding
skills. The highlight of the day is the Fancy Dress competition.
Ribbons and trophies won on the day are to be awarded at our Trophy Night.
Since this is a competitive event, some basic rules need to be adhered to, to make it fair for all
involved.
1. Riders must be full financial members of Darlington Pony Club.
2. Riders must use the same horse for all events.
3. Horse needs to be the member’s regular pony club mount - or if new, riders must have
ridden at least one rally on the horse they are using at the Gymkhana. If circumstances mean
a child’s regular pony club horse is not available, they must approach the committee to have
a replacement horse approved.
4. Full pony club uniform must be worn and horses must be clean and plaited. A special award
is given to the member with the best presented horse or pony (prepared by themselves, or
with just a little help).
13COMPETITIONS
To be eligible to enter a pony club event you must qualify by attending three working rallies with
the horse you wish to compete on. Your attendance card is kept by the rally coordinator and signed
by the coach coordinator. The information is taken from the sign in – attendance sheet.
Competitions held by PCAWA or affiliated organisations are usually advertised at rally meetings or
through the newsletter. If you need more information, please see your coach or a committee
member who can, in most cases advise you appropriately.
Qualifying for competition
1. All riders must be financial members of a pony club.
2. Each rider must have attended three working rallies in the previous 12 months with the
horse/ horses they wish to compete on.
3. Riders must wear official pony club uniform to PCAWA events.
4. In most cases the rider must provide a helper. Helper must still fulfil duty even if their
rider scratches from the event.
5. The Chief Organising Coach or delegate and club Secretary or President must sign the
entry form verifying that the horse and rider combination is proficient at the standard of
riding required in the competition.
6. Competition fee must accompany entry form. Entry fee is non refundable unless a
replacement rider is found.
7. Selection criteria for teams will involve the coaches making decisions based on rider
competence, attitude and attendance to rallies and any specified training days. Some
riders may have to form composite teams with riders from other clubs depending on the
number of riders available for team selection.
Some of the competitions available to riders are:
Dressage:
Waldon Cup, PCAWA State Championships,
Show jumping:
Hazel Pither Shield, PCAWA State Championships.
Eventing:
PCAWA State Eventing, State Tetrathalon.
Games and Novelties:
Prince Phillip Mounted Games, Marsden Cup.
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