Welcome to our branch of the Pony Club. We like to promote friendship and fun alongside equestrian learning for our members. This information pack should help answer any questions you have, whether you are new to Pony Club or an old member now returning as a parent.
Which Group Is My Child In?
We run three different groups. They generally follow the criteria of:
Mini: For those members aged up to 8.
Junior: For those members aged 8 to 11.
Senior: For those members aged 11 and over (School Year 7+)
The groups are ability dependent, so there can be some variation.
How Do I know What Events Are On?
On joining you will be added to the NCHPC whatsapp community. This will keep you up to date with NCHPC events and other horse shows that are on.
All NCHPC rallies/events are listed on Horse Events: www.horse-events.co.uk and you enter on this system. Please make sure you keep your contact details up to date as times and information are sent out to the registered email address.
Where Are The Events Held?
Our branch is centred around Broadway and Summer Camp is held at Lybrook Farm. Other rallies are often held within the local area. Twice a year we hold an Arena Eventing Event at the Unicorn Centre, Stow on the Wold and we also hold an Easter Camp for our Senior members at the Unicorn Centre.
More specific training for our Junior/Senior members are held at places like Swalcliffe XC, Ace XC, Lyneham XC, Moores Farm and Marfurlong Farm.
All event listings on Horse Events, have a What Three Words location for the parking.
What Does My Pony/Horse Need?
The most important thing is your Pony/Horse is vaccinated in accordance with the Pony Club rules. Passports do get randomly checked at rallies and if in breach of the rules, the Pony/Horse will be sent home. It will not be allowed to return to Pony Club events until its vaccinations are up to date.
Your Pony/Horse also needs to be in work. The mini activities are low intensity, but as the children get older, the intensity increases and the Pony/Horse needs to be able to cope with what is asked.
We do not expect tack/equipment to be new. It should fit well and be serviceable. Pony/Horse should be clean and tidy.
Pony/Horse Equipment
* Complete saddle & bridle.
* Stirrups – as per PC rules, no magnetic stirrups and must have 7mm (1/4 inch) clearance on each side of rider’s boot.
* Balance support reins and daisy reins are permitted. Side reins fitted direct from bit to saddle are NOT allowed.
* Numnah (black / brown / navy / white).
* Girth (black / brown / navy / white).
* Neck strap.
* Fly spray when required.
* If your Pony/Horse requires a fly hood it should be black / brown / navy / white.
What Does The Rider Require?
At the first event you attend, the riders hat will be checked to make sure it is the correct standard and a Pink PC tag attached. Peaked hats are not permitted for XC, you must wear a skull cap. When you replace a hat that will require checking and a tag.
Body protectors are compulsory when jumping fixed obstacles, as are long sleeves.
We do ask for members to wear jackets, again we do not expect them to be new. Many parents source second hand ones from places like Vinted, Ebay and Facebook.
Rider Wear – Ridden Rallies
* Riding hat (no SJ Peak for XC) with Plain Navy or Plain Black Hat Cover with pink PC tag.
* Body Protector with 2018 Level 3 black/blue label.
* Hairnet: all chin length or longer hair must be covered with a hair net. Long hair should be in a bun with hairnet over.
* Tweed preferably or Navy/Black Jacket, with Pony club badge.
* White long/short sleeved shirt/stock shirt with PC Tie/Stock.
* NCHPC Sweatshirt in colder weather
* Jodhpurs / breeches – Ideally cream, beige or white (However grey, navy or black can be worn).
* Boots/Chaps (matching in colour)
* Long sleeves for XC: white shirt / NCHPC sweatshirt / NCHPC base layer / Plain navy base layer / Plain white base layer
* Gloves – Black / Brown / Navy
* Whip
* Spurs: Only to be worn if rider has passed Spurs test or C+ test and has YELLOW hat tag.
* Dark coloured or NCHPC branded jacket for cold/wet weather.
The following are not allowed at any time and you will not be allowed to ride:
NO JEWELLERY – except a watch
NO FALSE/ACRYLIC NAILS
NO HOODED TOPS
Rider Wear – Non-Ridden Rallies
* White long/short sleeved shirt/stock shirt with PC Tie/Stock.
* NCHPC Sweatshirt in colder weather.
* Jodhpurs / breeches – Ideally cream, beige or white (However grey, navy or black can be worn).
* Boots
* Dark coloured or NCHPC branded jacket for cold/wet weather.
* Riding hat with pink tag should be available, as may be required.
* Gloves – Black / Brown / Navy should be available, as may be required.
NCHPC have a limited stock of Pony club ties and badges. They are also available from Colne Saddlery near Bourton on the Water: www.colnesaddlery.co.uk
All NCHPC branded items are available from Wreal Sports in Bourton on the Water: www.wrealsports.co.uk
NCHPC branded base layer from Treehouse Sporting: www.treehouseonline.co.uk
What is Summer Camp?
We hold our annual summer camp at Lybook Farm, Broadway over 5 days (Monday to Friday). It is split into the following sections:
Residential: This is an opportunity for our Senior members to camp for the 4 nights, look after their pony on site and have masses of fun with their friends!! It is open to all senior members, but priority is given to our oldest members.
5 Day Rally: Our Junior and Senior members come daily for the 5 days. Instruction runs each day from 10.00 to 16.00 with a 1 hour break for lunch and 1 hour unmounted demonstration.
4 Day Rally: Our Mini members come daily from Tuesday to Friday. Again instruction runs daily from 10.00 to 16.00 with a 1 hour break for lunch and 1 hour unmounted demonstration. Due to the number of hours riding, we suggest that riders are around 4 years of age to attend.