Introduction
During the summer months there are special Pony Club (PC) competitions for all the principal
disciplines. These are called ‘AREA’ Competitions and involve individuals and teams competing
against other PC branches within Area 14.
Individuals and teams that are highly placed at AREAs, can qualify for: (1) The PONY CLUB NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS (2) The NATIONAL TETRATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS. (3) The REGIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS (previously called Grassroots). (4) ENDURANCE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS only.
All championship competitions are generally held in August. They are highly prestigious and are considered to be the peak of the competitive year for all PC members.
The standard at all of these competitions is high, so it is important that those representing the HPC are both well prepared and capable of achieving the standard.
It is also true that for jumping classes the Championship heights can be up to 10cm higher than the class description – ie 90 will be 90cm at AREAs but maybe 100cm.
For all AREA competitions HPC commits to paying the 50% of all entry fees. HPA will pay 100% of the Championship entry fees and one nights stabling should it be required. In addition HPC has in the past always paid for the team trainer to attend the AREA and CHAMPIONSHIP competitions. This is possible while our account balance is healthy. Our annual bill for Area entries is generally between £4,000 and £6,000.
HPCs ability to fund these entry fees is dependent on the club running a number of successful events during the year. Showjumping and Arena Eventing competitions and our Hunter Trial for example. All members are expected to help at these events to ensure that these funds are available. Any other fundraising suggestions will be welcomed.
In the last few years we have had a number of wasted entries (children the branch paid to enter AREAs, who did not then turn up), we have also had instances where combinations are not yet ready for the AREAs or are competing at a level for which they are not capable of success. As well as being costly these entries can be very dispiriting for the combinations, often affecting their progress and confidence.
SELECTION POLICY
Entry and Stabling Fees
Each individual will be required to pay their own entry fee for AREA and CHAMPIONSHIP competitions and their stabling fee for CHAMPIONSHIPS. Once they have competed at the competition, their 50% of their AREA entry fee will be reimbursed. If they do not compete the entry and stabling fee will not be reimbursed. HPC does not reimburse entry fees for the qualifying competitions of the MINI or REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS organised by Area 15.
If anyone is unable to fund their entry in the first instance, the DC or Treasurer can be contacted in confidence to discuss other options).
HPC will only pay for the Team Trainer to attend AREA or CHAMPIONSHIP competitions if there is an HPC team competing.
The Selection Process
Selection will be undertaken by the District Commissioner (DC), the discipline coach and Discipline ONLY.
Whenever the HPC makes entries for AREA competitions, the individuals and team will be selected in accordance with the following policy:
We seek to manage expectations during the team selection process. Disappointment is inevitable; however, we hope that those who fail to meet the selection criteria will have a plan for how to achieve it the following year.
Updated: 24th March 2024 Approved By: The Branch Committee