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Frequently asked questions for new members 

How do I join? 

• New members are very welcome at the Flint and Denbigh Pony Club. 
• Instructions on how to join are on the main Pony Club website: https://pcuk.org/join/ 
• When you specify us as your branch we’ll see your application come in for approval and your details will be added to our membership records. You can then start to get involved! 
• If you have any questions about membership contact Catherine on: secretary@fndponyclub.org.uk 

How do I know what’s on? 

• Our activities are all listed on our calendar: https://branches.pcuk.org/flintdenbigh/calendar/ 
• You will find all the information about who to contact and how on the details of each activity.  
• Please do contact the organiser before booking into an activity so that they can make sure that there is a space for you with others of similar ability. We have limited space in each session due to the size of the facilities, and our rallies are popular so it’s a good idea to contact the organiser as soon as the rally opens for bookings so you can get a space. 
• Remember to let the organiser know if you aren’t able to attend a rally so they can give the space to the next person on the list.  
• You are very welcome to attend a rally as an observer before coming along with your pony for the first time. Just contact the rally organiser to arrange this.  

What do I wear? 

• Pony Club merchandise can be purchased from Wainwrights. The official FnD page is found here … 
• We ask that all FnD members should have the red FnD jumper as a minimum for PC activities.  
• If you have any questions please contact Elliw on: merch@fndponyclub.org.uk  
• Jodhpurs should be plain black, blue, cream or beige for branch activities. Hat silks/velvets should be blue or black with no pom poms. 
• When representing the branch at competitions a tweed jacket should be worn, or the FnD baselayer and red hat silk for XC. 
• ‘Matchy-matchy’ sets are not suitable for Pony Club! 
• Further information on boots, jewellery etc is here: https://pcuk.org/health-safety/#Dress-and-tack 
• Hats must comply with the Pony Club rules:  https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Hat-Rule.pdf 
• At your first rally an official will check your hat and apply a pink PC tag to confirm it complies. Fixed peaks are not allowed for certain disciplines. 
• Body protectors must be worn for certain disciplines: https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Body-Protector-Rule.pdf 
• If necessary for the activity, the body protector will be checked to confirm it complies.  
• Although body protectors are not compulsory for rallies (other than for XC and pony racing), most members do wear them for jumping rallies.  
• Air vests must not be worn at rallies.  
• A padded bat is the current permitted design of whip and must only be used appropriately: https://branches.pcuk.org/seskinore/pony-club-hat-body-protector-whips-stirrup-rules/ 
• Spurs must not be worn unless the rider has passed their C+ or Spurs test and only in accordance with the PC rules: https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/the-pony-club-guidelines-on-the-use-of-spurs.pdf 

How do I prepare my pony? 

• Ponies must be vaccinated in accordance with Pony Club rules before attending any activities: https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Pony-Club-Equine-Influenza-VACCINATION-RULE-.pdf  
• Your pony should be clean and tidy for rallies with well-fitting tack in good condition. 
• Saddle cloths should be black, navy or brown (or white for dressage). FnD saddle cloths are optional and available from Elliw: merch@fndponyclub.org.uk Black is for general use, white for dressage and red for mounted games. 
• Pony Club tack rules for different disciplines should be carefully checked if competing.  

How old do I have to be to join? 

There is no minimum age to join, but you can start riding and collecting your mini achievement badges from 4 years old. We have a lot of younger members and rallies specifically for younger children. Please contact Toni for more information: junior.rally@fndponyclub.org.uk 

Do I have to be a good rider? 

Riders of all abilities are welcome and we do our best to make sure that all members are placed into suitable groups. We’d recommend that a member has learnt to walk and trot at least to be able to get the best out of the activities. We do have rallies specifically for younger children on lead rein or just off: junior.rally@fndponyclub.org.uk 

How can family members help? 

All the activities that are arranged for the benefit of our members are run by volunteers. We ask that families of members help whenever possible and volunteer to help with competitions and events that the branch organises, so that we can continue running these activities for our members.   

At rallies family members must keep the arena clean of droppings and they should offer to help the instructor with setting up and tidying away poles and equipment. Otherwise parents should not interfere with the instructor’s session and should not go into the arena unless asked to do so. Parents or guardians must remain on site throughout a rally, and are responsible for any other children accompanying them. 

Vehicles should be parked considerately and the parking area should be left clean with no hay or droppings remaining. 

I have other questions – who do I ask? 

The different contacts in the FnD are available here …

If you have any questions where you aren’t sure who to contact then you can contact Catherine on: secretary@fndponyclub.org.uk 

Useful information on our Area (Area 5) policies and Pony Club codes of conduct for members, parents, coaches and officials are available here …

We hope you enjoy your time with the FnD and find us a welcoming and supportive group.

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