General Working Rallies
Working Rallies are thought of as the “backbone of The Pony Club” and consist of group lessons of ridden instruction. The sessions are designed to be fun whilst also improving a wide range of skills and abilities. All members are encouraged to attend with groups from lead rein to 90cm+. The sessions encompasses both flatwork and jumping (or poles).
These rallies are a fantastic place to start for beginners and those new to the branch due to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, whilst also providing a great place for the older members to improve too.
Achievement Badges
The Pony Club has a wide selection of badges that can be attained, ranging from grooming to camping, beach riding to countryside access. A cloth badge is awarded once a member has met the required standard for the badge which can be sewn onto the PC sweatshirt.
We run regular badge rallies and encourage all members to come and join us. The rallies are a great way to learn and make friends and are very popular amongst our members. Many friendships and memories have been formed through the badge rally programme and older members frequently come back to help and begin their volunteering experience.
Pony Club Tests & Training
The Pony Club offers a series of tests that encourage a member to improve their knowledge of riding and stable management. There are 9 Pony Club Tests beginning with E up to the most difficult A test. After attaining a test, a certificate will be issued along with a felt disc to be worn behind the PC badge on your jacket. The Pony Club test pathway is a valued mark of proficiency in the equestrian industry and unlocks many opportunities, including international Pony Club teams and the Pony Club coaching pathway.
We organise multiple training courses throughout the year to train for and achieve The Pony Club Tests.
Camps
The annual summer camps are for many members the highlight of the PC calendar. We are very fortunate to have the use of the international facilities at Somerford Park Farm to run our Junior and Senior camps.
2024 Date: Sunday 21st – Wednesday 24th July
Senior Camp – 11 years and over
Senior camp is residential for both children and horses. The days consist of mounted instruction in small groups, in addition to a competitions day, farm ride and lots more. The camp ‘nightlife’ is a highlight for all with team challenges, relay games and plenty more. Members sleep in small groups in their tents.
Junior Camp – 11 years and under
Junior Camp runs on for 2 days during Senior camp . Junior camp is non-residential for the children but residential for the ponies. Children are dropped off every day at approx. 8.30am and collected at approx. 5pm.
Area 5 16+ Camp
Older members are invited to attend a camp together with members of other branches within Area 5. This is a good chance to make wider friends and receive specialist coaching.
Dressage
Dressage involves working to improve you and your pony on the flat, whether you intend to compete at competitions or not. Dressage and flatwork is vital for success in all disciplines, and is key to improving your jumping. We hold dressage rallies and training throughout the year with a range of fantastic instructors. Dressage rallies are suitable for all ages and abilities from beginners and lead rein riders to those competing at open dressage.
There are regular branch competitions throughout the year, in which members can accrue points for a league. All members are welcome with tests from lead rein to open level. Many of our members compete in the Winter League Dressage Series and qualifiers for Pony Club Regional and National competitions in Summer and Winter. BCF has a fantastic dressage record with riders qualifying for the championships each year.
Show Jumping
Show Jumping rallies are run regularly throughout the year, with separate rallies for beginners and more experienced combinations aiming for teams. A range of instructors are used, including international riders. Rallies include tuition in all aspects of Show Jumping including jump-off technique and are popular among members.
We run a series of annual branch competitions at which points are tallied for end of year branch trophies. Classes run from cross poles to 1.05m and include special classes to celebrate festivities.
There are plenty of opportunities to ride on a team for the branch. Over the Winter, we participate in the Area 5 Winter League SJ series, starting at 60cm for 10 & unders. We also send members to Area qualifiers in Summer and Winter, with a number qualifying for the regional and national championships.
Eventing
Eventing is an all-round test of horse and rider involving dressage, show jumping and cross country.
Regular cross country training on grass is held over the Spring and Summer for all abilities and potential team members.
There are a number of inter-branch competitions through the year and team and individual qualifiers, from 70cm to 110cm. We also send members to Area qualifiers in Summer and Winter, with a members qualifying for the regional and national championships.
Mounted Games
Mounted Games involves speed, agility, and most importantly, accuracy. Members gain a great amount of team spirit as they urge each other on. At the top level ponies are highly trained, fast and riders are very proficient.
Our branch have recently set up regular mounted games training sessions with an aim of developing Junior and Novice teams. Currently we have sessions every 4 weeks focusing on introducing our members to the discipline, fostering team spirit and friendship.
Horse & Pony Care
The annual Horse & Pony Care and Quiz competitions involves members demonstrating their knowledge and practical horsemanship skills taken from Achievement Badges and Pony Club Test cards over a number of rounds. Teams make their way around different ‘stations’, each of which will comprise a different theory or practical based topic. Each area holds a qualifier with the winning team going forward to compete at Championship. We have had some fantastic fun and successes training for and participating in these team competitions and allows our most dedicated and committed horse and pony care gurus to show off their skills.