Welcome to New Members

We will be making contact with every new member to make sure that they understand how practices, rallies and other activities are run and who to contact.   Any member can ring any of the Committee if they would like to – that is what we are here for!  Please see the Contacts page for details. 

Please keep an eye on this website and our Facebook page to ensure you stay up to date with EPC news and events.

Dress & Tack

Please see the Dress & Tack Rules page for full details of what to wear for Pony Club activities.

Passports and Flu Vaccinations

All ponies and horses must have up to date ( within 12 months) to attend all events and rallies. Please note that some venues require 6 monthly vaccinations but organisers will make you aware if required. Horses and ponies must have 7 days clear between date of vaccination and attendance at an event/rally. Please remember to bring your passport as random checks may be made.

Before your first Pony Club competition

It is VERY IMPORTANT to check the Pony Club rulebook for your chosen discipline before competing, especially those regarding the correct dress, tack and safety equipment such as hats, body protectors and medical armbands.   Additionally, all parents and children are advised to ensure they understand the ‘outside assistance’ rules to prevent unnecessary eliminations.  All the rulebooks for the various disciplines, plus the hat and body protector rules, can be found at the bottom of the page on this link.  If you are unsure of anything, you can also contact the co-ordinator for your specific discipline (see Contacts page) and ask their advice – much easier to do this in advance of the competition, than on the day if you can.

Please see the main pony club rulebook page for specific information on the discipline your are competing in. The page can be found on the link here

Rules for qualifying to represent this Branch at Interbranch events either as an individual or in a team

The Branch rule for the above is that you and your horse/pony must have attended three working rallies (July to July), one of which must be as a combination in the current calendar year, as well as attending training. To be invited to represent the Branch at Area level, the above rally qualification applies in addition to showing a commitment through the year by attending training sessions in the relevant disciplines organised by the Branch.

Area Teams:  If you wish to be considered for an Area team you must make sure you are available for the appropriate Championship – dates in the fixture card.

New members, new combinations and those aged 15 years and under:  It is a requirement of this Branch that, to enter a one day event or Tetrathlon whether it be run by our Branch or any other, you should, in addition to fulfilling the rally requirement, have attended at least one cross country practice during the current calendar year on the pony you intend competing on. This cross country practice must have been organised by the Branch.

IMPORTANT: Help Required

Because the Branch has such a full calendar of events and activities we need to rely on a great deal of help from parents.   Enclosed with your fixture card is a list of events/tasks for you to complete and return. For those parents who are ‘non-horsey’ please do not be put off by this – there are many varied tasks that do not involve close contact with horses!

Practices

Please book in for practices at least 2 weeks before the date and times will be emailed or on the website

Practices for each discipline – Open to all members:  These are arranged throughout the year.  Some are listed in the fixture card with details on the website.  We will be arranging additional practices and training so keep an eye on the website and facebook.

Tetrathlon shoot practices: please phone Sally Bowman to arrange a time.

Tests

Tests up to and including C Test are worked towards and taken at rallies. Information will go out to members about these as they are organised. Separate training is organised for the C+ test, again emails will be sent out to members who are at the appropriate level and age.

Organisers

Please contact the relevant organiser who will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you information on practices etc. and guidance on which practices would be suitable for new members.  (See the Contacts page for details).  There is more information for you all on the website and facebook.