Team Selection Policy for National & regional Competitions

Every Summer Junior & Senior members are invited by the Branch to compete for their Branch in the Area 9 qualifier competitions. These are qualifiers either for the Regional Champs held late August at Rectory Farm or the National Champs held early August at Offchurch Bury.

Area 9 Rule re Eligibility to Represent the Branch at Area Competitions

Guidance for Team Selection

In order to be eligible to compete at Area Competitions, members from all branches in Area 9 and their horse/pony must have actively taken part in at least 3 rallies, qualifying coaching, or training sessions during the previous 12-month period unless prevented from doing so by illness, absence from home, or any other reason which in the opinion of the DC and Area Rep justifies absence.

For the purposes of this rule a rally, qualifying coaching or training session is one which is organised by a branch committee, the Area Rep, or by the training committee and must be a minimum of 1 hour in length. Each day of a Camp shall be counted as a separate rally, qualifying coaching, or training session.

In addition to demonstrating loyalty to the branch, the combination of horse and rider may also be required to prove their competence, safety, plus fitness of horse or pony, in the specific sport and level that the member wishes to participate at. They must also be available to attend the Champs if the team qualifies. 

To summarise, in order to be selected Berkeley members should:

Be active and committed branch members

Be safe and competent for the level at which they wish to compete

Meet the eligibility requirements for the selected class or competition in the Pony Club Rule Book

Team selection is undertaken by a subgroup consisting of the relevant team organiser(s), the DC and the ADC, who may consult with trainers or coaches involved with preparing members for team events.

Show Jumping: Ellie Chirnside & Helen Du Heaume

Dressage: Chloe Dawes & Hannah Bryant

Eventing: Sophie Hulme & Helen Du Heaume

The aim of team selection will be to ensure the best results possible for the branch at Area and Championship level, whilst fulfilling the team selection criteria. Our aim is to have a fair and transparent process.

Any parent may appeal a decision, which will then be considered by the Team Selectors.