1. Please make sure your child(ren) and their ponies are always correctly turned out for training, rallies and competitions. If you are unsure of what is appropriate please refer to our branch website ‘what to wear’ section. We are always on the public eye and you never know who is watching us.
2. Please help with setting out and putting away of equipment and poo picking at training sessions and don’t just leave it to the same few people. Everyone is keen to get away, especially at the end of the long cold dark nights, but everyone needs to get involved..maybe sort a rota amongst yourselves?
3. Children, including siblings, when not riding must be supervised at all times by their parents…we are privileged to be able to use the venues we do and don’t want to upset them.
4. Children when riding are supervised by their trainers and we ask that you respect their decisions. If you have an issue please discuss it at the end of the session, or contact the trainer by phone afterwards …. do not interfere in the training sessions. If your child has an fall, in the first instance let the trainers who are all first aid trained, deal with things. You will be asked to come and help your child once the situation has been assessed.
5. Safeguarding has become a major issue over the past few years and we are aware that the way in which things are interpreted can cause problems. Safeguarding is to protect ALL individuals and it is essential for all parents to read the pony club safeguarding rule book (available online on the main pc website) so that everyone is clear on how the system works and the expectations and responsibilities of all concerned. Any concerns should be in the first instance directed to Leah Haven who is the branch safeguarding officer.
6. At competitions ALL parents are expected to take their turn in stewarding for both line stewarding and equipment. There is no excuse…buy or download a rule book and read the rules! Ask questions if you’re not sure and shadow someone if you’ve never done it before. The rules are for your children’s safety as well as for competition results. Make sure you attend the study day which is held in February.