Our End of Year Celebration will be held at Amberley Parish Rooms, Margaret will again be providing her ‘legendary’ Hog Roast – with a vegetarian option! There is no charge for food and drink at this event but I will need to know numbers, so will be sending out a reminder nearer the time.
The End of Year Celebration is our ‘annual meeting’ to which all members and their families are invited, it is a chance for us to look back at what the branch has achieved in 2021 and for you to put forward any suggestions you might have for 2022.
I am very pleased to announce that Tom McEwen has agreed to be our guest of honour and will be presenting the awards at the end of the evening – we would like members to send us some questions that they would like to ask Tom so that we can pass them on to him in advance.
Area Horse & Pony Care – 23rd April
The competition features teams of three Members who demonstrate their knowledge and practical horsemanship skills taken from the Pony Club Efficiency Tests over a number of rounds.
Teams compete at their Area Competition with the aim to qualify for the Championships.
There are three levels:
- Mini – Teams to consist of three members aged 10 years and under on the 1st January of the competition year, with one member to be 8 years or under. Questions to be based on the Care section of the E, D and easier parts of the D+ Efficiency Tests.
- Junior – Teams to consist of three members aged 13 years and under on the 1st January of the competition year, with one member to be 11 years or under. Questions to be based on the Care section of the D, D+, C and easier parts of the C+ Efficiency Tests.
- Senior – Teams to consist of three members aged 25 years and under on the 1st January of the competition year, with one member to be 16 years or under. Questions to be based on the Care section of the C+, B and AH Efficiency Tests.
We have had members representing our branch at this competition for the past few years and I always say that the more times you take part – the better you will do! Questions for this competition are based on the PC Tests (see details above) so it is very achievable to be ‘competitive’
9Jan22
Area Quiz – Sunday 20th Feb
Area Quiz – Sunday 20th Feb
The Pony Club Quiz is a chance for members to test their equestrian knowledge in a fun and friendly team environment.
Teams are made up of:
1 Member 12 years & under
1 Member 14 years & under
1 Member 16 years & under
1 Member of any age
Rounds for 2022 are as follows:
- Pony Club Rules – Dressage and Polo (based on 2022 Rule Books)
- Around the UK – Wales (equine and general knowledge)
- The Systems – Cardiovascular
- Practical Round – taking apart and putting together a bridle
- Pairs Round – Bits and Bitting
- Picture Round – Famous Horse/Rider Combinations
Let me know if you would like to take part and we will organise some training sessions over the next few weeks
Challenge Yourself Series: This is a series of 6 activities where each person does their own research into the set topic. This is then sent to Nicola Bates, gamblesend@gmail.com. Once a fortnight there will be a zoom session to talk about the topic and sum up people’s ideas, which must be sent to in to above 3 days prior to this zoom session. The sessions will be on a Sunday evening starting at 5pm. The first one will be 31stJanuary and will run fortnightly after that, ie 14th Feb, 28th Feb, 14th March, 28th March and 11thApril. The cost for the WHOLE series is £15 for Cotswold members. Hopefully these activities will give you the chance to develop your understanding and thought process. Pay: Cotswold Hunt Pony Club Sort: 30-95-75 Account: 0036056 quote: CYS and Branch Name please fill ensure you fill in a consent form found here and that an adult is present during the zoom.
31st January 2021 ACTIVITY 1: Write a dressage test of no more than 12 movements plus 4 boxes for the collectives. For each movement you must include the directives (what the judge is looking for). You can choose what level you are basing your test upon up to PC open level. Any questions please email Nick Bates: gamblesend@gmail.com M: 07791 205095
14th February 2021 ACTIVITY 2: What to think about, ask and look for when buying a new horse.
28th February 2021 ACTIVITY 3: Design a show jumping course. You must state at what level your course is aimed at. You need to include a course map, plus a separate description of each fence. You do not have to give the distances between each fence but must do so for doubles and trebles. Think of how to encourage a good round.
14th March 2021 ACTIVITY 4: What you need to think about when buying or renting a field.
28th March 2021 ACTIVITY 5: Design your own stable yard. Show the plan and describe why you have the choices. Money is not unlimited so don’t go overboard!
11th April 2021 ACTIVITY 6: What to pack when heading off to a ODE.
Should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Nichola Bates, Chief Instructor gamblesend@gmail.com M:07791 205095 Pay: Cotswold Hunt Pony Club Sort: 30-95-75 Account: 0036056 quote: CYS & Branch ENSURE YOU FILL IN A CONSENT FORM
—
Lucy Garbutt
DC
CHPC
M: 07884 251455
5Feb21
Beaufort Hunt Zoom Training
|
We are very fortunate to have secured a session with Charlie Unwin on
Wednesday 17th February, this is aimed at members who are aged 13 and
above.
You only need to pay for one ticket per household, so it’s excellent
value for for members and parents who would also like to observe.
If you would like to attend please book in asap, as this will go out to
the whole country after the weekend.
26Jan21
End of Year Celebration
End of Year Celebration
Hi everyone,
We will be holding our End of Year Celebration online this year, and the date will be Friday 12th March from 6.30 – 7.30pm – please bring your own food and drinks!
We will aim to follow the usual format, starting with a with a recap of 2020 from me, followed by a short address from each the committee covering our formal business of accounts and health & safety etc, also informing members what we can offer for all age groups. Please let me know if there are any members or parents who would like to say something – this is your evening – and it would be great to have input from as many of you as possible.
Fran has offered to put together a presentation of ‘your memories’ from 2020 – please send her any photos or videos that you would like to be included, and perhaps some funny photos that you don’t mind sharing? It would be really good to have all our members represented on this video, which in turn, will become a piece of history to look back on in years to come. Plus if there is something you’d like to say about the year, your favourite memory or how your ponies have help you during this time please do let Fran know when you send through your videos as it would be beautiful to have some quotes in there too.
Members Challenge – we would like to set members a challenge of making their own rosettes as a ‘keep sake’ from 2020, these can be displayed on the night and there will be a prize for the best one!
The usual trophies will be awarded for the following –
Most Improved Member at ‘Fun & Friendly’ Rallies
The Brice Shield for most rallies attended in 2020
Young Rider Trophy
The Alliston Trophy for member showing ?????
The Senior Shield for older member with best results at Area Competitions
The Lara Crook Trophy for Member of the Year
I will be in contact, but if you have one of these trophies from last year please get in touch to arrange either returning to me, or passing on to whoever is awarded it this year.
The invitation to the End of Year Celebration will be sent to everyone, but it would be good if you can let me know if you plan to attend.
Don’t forget to send Fran you photos and videos, this is probably best done by WhatsApp
I look forward to hearing from you
Julie
As this year we will not be able to hold out usual End of Year Celebration, we have discussed some alternatives and a popular choice was to do a video – similar to the loo roll challenge – to which all members could contribute their ‘favourite’ pony club memories from 2020. Fran has kindly offered to put this together, so please send your photos and videos to her at <calamity.fran@gmail.com> or by What’s App etc. All photos/videos must be sent to Fran before 31st January.
Once the video has been completed, we will arrange an online presentation where the usual awards will take place
26Jan21
Area and National Quiz 2021
Area Quiz – Saturday 27th February
This will take place online – so you can do it from the comfort of your own home. We have one member who is keen to take part, so just need 3 more to make up a team. Due to the logistics of organising an online quiz, and to give members more time to train, the date may be postponed to March – so no excuse for not getting involved. Ideally the team should be made up of the following – 1 Member 12 years & under, 14 years & under, 16 years & under and 1 Member of any age, all ages at 1st January 2021.
The Cotswold branch have kindly invited us to join in with their online training for the quiz – which is another reason to get involved
National Quiz 2021 – the competition will be by zoom. Berkeley Hunt South Branch are organising the Area Qualifier on 27th of February, the schedule will follow shortly, in the meantime could you please advertise out to members as this is a super lockdown activity.
Teams are made up of: 1 Member 12 years & under, 14 years & under, 16 years & under and 1 Member of any age, all ages at 1st January 2021
N.B. A Team may consist of four members under the age of 12. In this instance, the Team will be asked to nominate which Member will answer the more advanced questions.
Rounds for 2021 are as follows
Pony Club Rules – Eventing and Endurance
The Systems – Nervous
Children’s Equestrian Literature
Riding Away from Home (Countryside Access, Beach Riding, Map Reading, Road Rider)
Pairs Round – Alphabet Soup (Junior – Points of the Horse / Senior – Ailments)
Picture Round – Equestrian Equipment
The Pony Club Quiz is a chance for members to test their equestrian knowledge in a fun and friendly team environment.
One AH Test holder in each Team is allowed to take part in each National Quiz Team.
The National final will be held via Zoom on Saturday 24th April 2020
18May20
Latest update from CEO
The Pony Club Phased Operational Plan for resumption of activities under Covid19
12th May 2020
The Pony Club Board of Trustees have considered various contingency options for the resumption of ridden activity as lockdown restrictions are eased. These have been influenced by government guidelines, consideration of the welfare of horses and ponies and the safety of our members. The trustees are very mindful of the need to keep safe and reduce the impact on the NHS, and the consequent social perception and pressure around riding, together with considerations to social distancing, travel and safety guidelines.
We have been responding in a reactive way to the crisis over the past few weeks. The plan is to move into a period of resumption of ridden activity and the recovery of the organisation. The phased plan below sets out short, medium and long term objectives. We cannot predict the specific timescales for when the different phases can start but we want to be ready to resume riding and training as soon as it is safe to do so. We also want to support our centres to open again as soon as safely possible. The Government restrictions may have a geographical difference and we are mindful that not all areas across the UK will be in a position to move through the phases at the same time.
The enactment of our phased operational plan will depend on the current state of lockdown and restrictions. If the pressure on the NHS eases, our proposed Phase 1 may start. This would see riding resuming if possible (acknowledging that many members may not be able to travel to their horses or centres). The focus in this phase will be our members’ and their families’ safety. As horses and ponies get fitter, and if conditions continue to improve, Phase 2 – the resumption of online competition or training – could then start. Depending on social distancing, travel restrictions and medical cover, training and lessons may start as part of phase 3, this could include smaller rallies for example. Phase 4 would be the resumption of competitions where we will be guided by the Government limitations on numbers / first aid cover and other restrictions including toilets, catering, parking, stabling etc. At any point, if the virus flares up again, we may have to restart the phased approach. We also need to be very mindful of our volunteers, many of whom may be in a vulnerable category and will need to maintain careful social distancing.
Phase 1&2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5
Home based riding if possible, focus on Safety, Fitness and Welfare. Centre Staff start getting ponies fit. Small ridden activity (lessons at centres / rallies)
Small competitions / camps
Larger competitions / recovery of usual timetable of activities
The Pony Club Phased Covid19 Operational Plan
Phase and Conditions
Pony Club Members
Pony Club Branches
Pony Club Centres
Pony Club Staff and Volunteers
Lockdown
Government lockdown
Restrictions on non-
essential travel
NHS under pressure
Rideonlywhenitis necessary and safe to do so, in order to avoid pressure on the NHS and emergency services
Enjoyunmountedonline activities, badges, competitions and training through the branch, centre or the Members area on the website.
Supportyourbranchor centre
No organised ridden activity
Promote online learning and
activities, follow
safeguarding guidance
Run competitions, quizzes,
badges, unmounted training sessions, unmounted virtual day camps
Share ideas and activities in The Pony Club Shared drive
No organised ridden activity
Promote online learning and
activities, follow
safeguarding guidance
Run competitions, quizzes,
badges, unmounted training sessions, unmounted virtual day camps
Share ideas and activities in The Pony Club Shared drive
Access business support and grant information
Staff working from home
Most staff on furlough,
essential operational, IT, communications and finance functions remain
Online Meetings with Volunteers
Communication: at least weekly updates, website FAQs, social channels content, National online competitions and activities
Phase 1: Riding 2-3 weeks
Pressure on NHS reduced
Social acceptance of riding
at home
Horses and Ponies brought
back into work
Travel restrictions may be
in place
KeepSafe
Bringhorsesandponiesback
into work with care and in line with Government restrictions on travel etc.
UseGuidanceongetting horses and ponies fit
Continuetoenjoyonline unmounted activities
Ifyoudonotownahorseor pony or cannot travel to them, support your centre or livery yard and follow their guidance
Support members with guidance on getting their horses and ponies fit, safely.
Continue to provide online unmounted learning and activities
Centres start to get horses and ponies fit, safely.
Continue to provide online learning and activities
Communicate with members how fit the ponies are getting and communicate the plan for the return to lessons and members coming back on site if travel restrictions and social distancing allows.
Access guidance on return to business, risk assessments etc.
Guidance on safely getting horses and ponies fit.
Considerations: fresh ponies, spring grass, level of ability of rider, eg: at least 2 weeks’ walk/trot. Week 3 basic fitness including some schooling / cantering
Support Centres with guidance on business activities – risk assessments, social distancing and medical requirements etc. link with BEF,BHS/RDA
Communication plans
Phase 2: Online Competitions / Training
Continuation of Phase 1 conditions
Travel restrictions may be in place
KeepSafe
Awarenessoffitnessfor
competition / training – you
and your horse or pony.
Takepartinonlinetraining
or competitions
Support members with access to appropriate online training and competitions
Continue to provide online learning and activities
Continue to provide online learning and activities
If members are allowed to travel and visit centre, consider appropriate lessons
Promote safe online training and competitions.
Support centres in preparations for opening
Continue Communication plan
The Pony Club Phased Covid19 Operational Plan
Phase and Conditions
Pony Club Members
Pony Club Branches
Pony Club Centres
Pony Club Staff and Volunteers
Phase 3: Small Ridden Group Activities: rallies, lessons, tests
Travel with horses allowed
Government allows small,
socially distanced groups
Appropriate medical cover
available
Member and Volunteer
health and safety a priority
Availability of suitable PPE /
sanitisation
If you and your horse or pony are fit enough and you are allowed to travel, consider attending rallies, mounted or unmounted.
Yoursafetyandthoseofyour family and friends is a priority – follow the guidance of your branch or centre
Continuetoenjoyonline activities and competitions
Organise rallies within Government restrictions (number attending, social distancing etc.)
Rallies can be mounted / unmounted, be mindful of fitness and ability of riders – rebuild confidence and skills
Undertake tests and badges as appropriate
Ensure risk assessments in place
Open within Government Guidelines on social distancing etc and with appropriate risk assessments in place
Resume lessons and rallies, mounted and unmounted, be mindful of fitness and ability of riders – rebuild confidence and skills
Undertake tests and badges as appropriate
Staff still working from home where possible.
Plan office reopening
Return from furlough of
some staff
Staff / Volunteers support
branches and centres in resumption of rallies and lessons.
Communication and Marketing plan, change in pattern of updates as appropriate
Phase 4: Small Competitions
All conditions of Phase 3 still in place, particularly medical
cover availability
Volunteers able to help and
be kept safe
Consideration for Toilets,
parking, catering, social distancing (prize giving, secretaries etc)
Abletotraveltosmall competitions
Enjoydaycampsandbranch and centre activities
Continuetoenjoyonline activities and competitions
Continue with rallies, tests badges
Consider organising smaller competitions, within Government restrictions (number attending, social distancing etc.)
Ensure risk assessments and medical cover are in place
Continue with rallies, tests badges
Consider organising smaller competitions, within Government restrictions (number attending, social distancing etc.)
Ensure risk assessments and medical cover are in place
Staff return to office as appropriate
Sports Committees and ARs input how sport can be run at a local or regional level
Staff and Volunteers support branches and centres in running competitions and activities
Communication and Marketing: Membership and Volunteer Experience. Education and Training.
Phase 5: National / larger Competitions and activities
Situation ‘normal’ or possible with specific conditions eg: social distancing and good hygiene
All considerations in place, medical, safety etc.
Enjoy riding your horse or pony at all levels
Take part in rallies, tests, badges and all activities
Qualify for Regional and
National Competitions
Appreciate all the work done
by the staff and volunteers
Provide a full Branch programme of events
Support members and teams in qualifying competitions
Develop membership and
volunteer experience
Work with Area Rep and
other Branches and Centres to develop offering to members
Provide a full programme of events
Support members in competing as appropriate
Develop membership experience, coordinate with Branches and other centres
Sustain business with support from Centre Coordinator.
Staff and Volunteers return to usual pattern of activity
Organisation of National Competitions
Focus on Members and Volunteers
Drive Membership campaign
Promote charitable and
educational priorities