Thunderstorm guidance during and event – 18/07/25

What do organisers do at a Pony Club event if thunderstorms are in the weather forecast?

If thunderstorms are expected, organisers take clear steps to protect people and
horses:

Bad Weather Plan – Pony Club Organised Events (Thunderstorms)

Purpose:
To ensure the safety of all horses, riders, volunteers, and spectators in the event of
thunderstorms or other dangerous weather.

1. Before the Event

• Check weather forecasts regularly in the days leading up to the event.
• It is sensible to appoint a volunteer to regularly check the forecast to
  monitor conditions on the day.
• Make sure all volunteers and stewards know what to do if the plan is
  activated.
• Inform competitors at registration or in advance (e.g. in Pony Club Results)

2. Monitoring Weather

• Use reliable sources (e.g. Weather and climate change – Met Office or Real Time Lightning Map :: LightningMaps.org
• Watch for:
  o Thunder or lightning within 10 miles (16 km)
  o Sudden changes in wind or heavy rain
• Use the “30/30 Rule”:
  If thunder follows lightning in less than 30 seconds, it’s too close.
  Suspend activity for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning.
• If thunder is rumbling in the distance, have someone monitor it closely, if you are happy, continue until the 30 second rule applies.

3. If Thunderstorms are too close

Announce a delay or suspension of competition via loudspeakers and stewards.

• Stop all activity in arenas and warm-up rings immediately.
• Ask competitors to:
  o Return horses to stables if available
  o OR load horses back onto lorries/trailers for safety (the tyres on the
  vehicles will earth everyone in them)
• Instruct people to shelter in solid buildings or vehicles (not under trees or
  tents).
• Keep away from metal objects, fences, and open fields.

4. Communication

• Use:
  o PA system
  o Text or WhatsApp group (if pre-arranged)
  o Officials/stewards to spread the message
  o Pony Club Results
• Keep everyone updated every 15–30 minutes.

5. After the Storm

• Wait at least 30 minutes after last thunder/lightning before resuming
  activity.
• Check arena and field conditions for safety (e.g. wet, slippery ground).
• Decide whether to resume, reschedule, or cancel – communicate clearly.

6. Serious Incident Management (SIM) Plan and Emergency Contacts
Make sure a SIM plan is completed for the event, which includes all contact details for organisers, medical providers, vets, local fire brigades, local A&E departments.

Management-of-Serious-Incident

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Pony Club Safety Team
at safety@pcuk.org.

NB: This advice may get updated, please download the document using the link below to get the latest advice!