The Pony Club is a voluntary youth organisation for young people within an equestrian environment.

The Pony Club’s purpose is:

• To encourage young people to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with ponies and riding
• To give instruction in riding and horsemanship and to educate Members to look after and take proper care of their animals
• To promote the highest levels of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline

The Pony Club is a volunteer organisation and depends on parents and guardians to help. Fairness should take precedence over competitiveness. Teaching by example will foster caring and respect for all.

Parents / Guardians should therefore:

• Be a positive role model for my child and other Members by respecting coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders; their authority and decisions; the rules and regulations under which The Pony Club operates
• Agree to discuss disputes / appeals at a suitable, agreed time with the correct officials, within the appropriate level of The Pony Club organisation, without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Always remember that Pony Club activities are intended to be educational, safe and fun to benefit the Members rather than parents.
• Respect the horses and ponies and show humane care for them at all times.
• Respect the property and equipment used in any activities, considering safety uppermost in all situations
• Be knowledgeable about the rules of the discipline or competition their child is taking part in and encourage their child to know, be familiar with, and follow these rules.
• Promote the physical and emotional well-being of their child, other Members and horses ahead of any personal desire to win or succeed in any activity.
• Teach their child that taking part, learning and showing sportsmanship in all competitions, testing situations, clinics, etc are more important than winning.
• Praise all Members equally for trying hard and competing fairly.
• Inform officials as soon as possible if they or their child is unable to fulfil commitments or attendance at events.
• Help their child and others to understand the satisfaction of co-operation, group work and team spirit in achieving personal goals and growth, and good results.
• Volunteer their services and skills, whether equine-related or not, whenever possible.
• When using social networking sites always conduct yourself in an appropriate way as you would face to face.  Be aware of what you say and how you say it – the use of sarcasm and innuendo are not appropriate.

Parents / Guardians should not:

• Force their child or other Members to take part in activities with which they are not comfortable.
• Disrespect the decisions of coaches / officials concerning the skills and abilities of their child or other Members.
• Undermine the authority of coaches / officials by interfering with, or coaching any Members from the sidelines.
• Dispute the decisions of coaches / officials and volunteers during an event or in front of their child, other Members or parents.
• Engage in or condone unsportsmanlike behaviours such as booing, taunting, using profane language, refusing to congratulate winners, etc.
• Criticise officials, instructors, volunteers or members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging.