We are very proud of the reputation that Hursley members have with visiting instructors for excellent turnout! Here are some tips and reminders to ensure we maintain our high standards!
PONY CLUB MERCHANDISE, TIES, BADGES, BOOKS etc. CAN BE PURCHASED FROM WAINWRIGHT
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HURSLEY CLOTHING IS AVAILABLE FROM
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DRESS CODES Please note………………
You can wear a white shirt and tie or a Hursley polo or rugby shirt at team trainings and rallies, please always wear plain cream, white or dark jodphurs. As far as your ponies/horses are concerned, always go for the plain option – numnahs with any writing or coloured piping are not allowed, and neither are decorated brow-bands.
General
A hat must be worn at all times whilst mounted, which must conform to one the following minimum standards.
Your hat needs to be checked and then tagged. Please contact the DC or Secretary to arrange this.
https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hat-rule-2024.pdf
Hairnets are to be worn at all times if your hair is long enough to reach your collar – this is a safety requirement and will be enforced at all disciplines.
For safety reasons, NO jewellery (including “sleepers”) may be worn other than a wristwatch, a stock pin worn horizontally (for over 16’s) or a tie clip. Members who are contemplating piercing their ears or any other part of their body should be aware that they will not be allowed to participate in Pony Club mounted activities until such a time as the “sleepers” can be safely removed.
Body Protector Rule
The Pony Club does not make the use of body protectors compulsory, except for all Cross Country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing. If a Body protector is worn for any Pony Club activity it must meet BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label) – see below
.
https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/body-protector-rule-2024.pdf
For general use, the responsibility for choosing body protectors and the decision as to their use must rest with Members and their parents. It is recommended that a rider’s body protector should not be more than 2% of their body weight. When worn, body protectors must fit correctly, be comfortable and must not restrict movement. BETA recommends body protectors are replaced at least every threetofive years, after which the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline.
Riders who choose to use the Woof Wear Body Cage EXO must lodge a key with the Event Organiser when they collect their number.
Air Jackets
If a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in Cross Country or Pony Racing, it must only be used in addition to a normal body protector which meets the BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label). Parents and Members must be aware that riders may be permitted to continue after a fall in both competition and training rides for Cross Country and/or Pony Racing, provided the rider has been passed as fit to continue by First Aid Providers. In the event of a fall, it must be fully deflated or removed before continuing, after which, the conventional body protector will continue to give protection. Air jackets must not be worn under a jacket and number bibs should be fitted loosely or with elasticised fastenings over the air jacket.
Stirrups
Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the rider’s boots. They must have 7mm (1⁄4”) clearance on either side of the boot. To find this measurement, tack checkers should move the foot across to one side of the stirrup, with the widest part of the foot on the tread. From the side of the boot to the edge of the stirrup should not be less than 14mm.
Whip and Spur Guidance
Please be aware that the whip and spur guidance has been amended for 2022.
For Show Jumping and Cross Country a padded whip must be used, full details of the type of whip can be found in the relevant sport Rulebook. In order to improve welfare of horses and ponies competing under The Pony Club, appropriate and excessive use of the whip has been defined, all members should be aware that excessive use of the whip will result in disqualification.
Spurs must only be used to enhance the normal leg aids and never to vent a competitor’s anger. Use of spurs which cause injury e.g. blood or broken skin is always classed as misuse, any misuse of spurs anywhere on a showground will result in disqualification. Further information can be found in the Rulebooks.
Rallies
Hats must be tagged before you will be able to take part in a rally. If wearing a skull cap, silks should be dark. Either Hursley polo shirt and/or Hursley rugby shirt or shirt and PC tie with tweed or dark jackets, with light coloured jods or breeches, and brown or black boots. If jodhpur boots are worn, they should be accompanied by either jodhpur clips, or half chaps/gaiters in the same colour as the boots, without tassles. Traditionally children under 16 wear brown jodhpur boots, and over 16 wear black. Black or brown long boots are also acceptable. Gloves should be worn. Long sleeves will be required for cross country rallies, and are strongly advised for all jumping rallies.
Tests and competing
Jacket, Shirt, Badge, PC tie, (16 year olds and upwards may wear a plain white or cream stock with a black or navy jacket, or a coloured stock with a tweed jacket), light coloured jodhpurs, short or long boots and gloves must be worn when taking tests or competing. Half chaps are optional, but must be the same colour as your boots. If half chaps/gaiters are not worn, jodhpur clips must be used.
In bad weather, warm/waterproof coats may of course be worn, but they must be buttoned/zipped up for safety reasons.
Tack and Turnout
We know most of you take great pride in your appearance and always turn up to rallies and events incredibly well turned out. You are a credit to our Club when representing us. We appreciate that it’s not always easy to turn up with a spotless pony, especially when they live out 24/7 but making sure your tack and your boots are clean is something that is easier to achieve and shows your instructors that you have made an effort for their rally. Hursley are known in our area for their high standard of turnout and it would be lovely to continue this tradition. Keep up the good work. If anyone is not sure what they should be wearing for a rally please do get in touch with the discipline co-ordinators who will happily advise you.