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Competing For Our Branch

We are very keen to encourage each and every PC member to take part or to be involved with our Area Teams.   Regional (70cm / 80cm or equivalent dressage level) and Area competitions (90cm / 100cm / 110cm) for H&PC, SJ, Dressage, Eventing, Polo and Tetrathlon are from May to July.  We would love some more interest in Mounted Games to field a Mounted Games Team or two!  Each branch can put forward teams in each sport to compete against the other branches in Area 9.  Please see individual discipline pages for Rules and further information.

The top teams and individuals at the Area competitions qualify to compete at the prestigious PC Championships.

There are also entry level Regional competitions in all sports to qualify for the REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS at Rectory Farm, Glos at the end of August.

Eligibility:

Please read the eligibility rules for EACH sport you are competing in. They are found as links on specific discipline pages.  It is essential that you are eligible on the day of the competition AND on the day of the Championships if you qualify – or the ENTIRE TEAM will be disqualified.

Qualifier and championship competitions are a step up, they can be technical and ask questions of ponies and riders so training ahead is a must and a key to success. You should aim to attend as many training rallies in the run up to an event as possible, minimum 3. Talk to our rally organisers, team leaders and instructors to find out what’s expected before you enter. There’s a lot of fun to be had as part of a lovely, supportive group of members and being armed with plenty of practice and knowing what’s to come will put you at a real advantage and help give you the best experience.

If you have any concerns about what level you can do in the different competitions please contact Lisa Powell or Helen James-Moore in the first instance.

OBHPC Criteria for Team Selection 2026 (for dressage, SJ and eventing)

Introduction

Competing in a team is fun and rewarding, and we encourage members to get involved. Members who are keen to represent the pony club should be aiming towards either Regional (entry level 70/80cm) competition or Area (90/100/110cm) competition.

The Regional and Area competitions take place in June/July each year, and depending upon results, may qualify individuals and teams for a place at the Regional and National Championships, held usually in the second half of August.

You are expected to be available to compete at the Championships, should you qualify.

Members are required to meet the entry fees for these competitions.

Eligibility

To be eligible for team selection, members need to – Be paid up members of the pony clubHave attended a minimum of 3 PC rallies between 1st July 2025 and June 2026Demonstrate recent (current season), consistent results of the combination (horse/pony and rider) in the relevant discipline and at the relevant levelSubmit recent competition results of the relevant discipline to the Teams co-ordinator & manager before the selection deadline.

Process for Entering & Team Selection

All eligible members who wish to compete will be asked to make their own individual entries in the appropriate, relevant class for each discipline. Around the entry closing date, team selection will then take place, and teams will be confirmed to members usually about a week or so prior to the competition.

Teams of 4 are preferred, and we’ll put forward the strongest team members in the relevant class and discipline. Teams of 4 allow for a drop score, as it is only the top 3 scores that ultimately count.

Depending upon entry numbers, some members may compete as an individual; some prefer this, others are happy to volunteer, but otherwise the following will apply to help us decide who competes in a team or as an individual – Results & experience at the relevant levelNumber and content of rallies attended during the year Is the member in a team for another discipline and / or riding two ponies/horses.

Team Selection

The selection panel will be made up of the following people :

  • Team co ordinator
  • Team trainer
  • Teams manager
  • DC

The DC ensures the process is fair and transparent and will make the final decision if required.

Please see the attached sheet confirming the Teams co-ordinators and Team trainers for each discipline.

 

OBHPC Team Co-ordinators & Trainers 2026

Dressage

  • Team Co-ordinators                        Helen James Moore (areas) & Becky Marsh (regionals)
  • Team Trainers                                    Rob Lumb, Carol Starkey

Show Jumping

  • Team Co-ordinators                         Helen James Moore (areas) & Holly Dunham-Shortt (regionals)
  • Team Trainers                                    Fi Dowding, Sarah Charles, Carol Starkey

Eventing

  • Team Co-ordinators                        Helen James Moore (areas) & Lucy O’Meara (regionals)
  • Team Trainers                                    Fi Dowding, Sarah Charles, Carol Starkey, Rob Lumb

Horse & Pony Care

  • Team Co-ordinator                          Emma Erskine Crum

Polo

  • Team Co-ordinator                          Mel Pejkovic
  • Team Trainer                                      Toby Pejkovic

Tetrathlon

  • Team Manager/Trainer                   Fred Church

Area 9 Rule re Eligibility to Represent the Branch at Area Competitions

In order to be eligible to compete at Area Competitions, members from all branches in Area 9 and their horse/pony must have actively taken part in at least 3 rallies, qualifying coaching, or training sessions during the previous 12-month period unless prevented from doing so by illness, absence from home, or any other reason which in the opinion of the DC and Area Rep justifies absence.

For the purposes of this rule a rally, qualifying coaching or training session is one which is organised by a branch committee, the Area Rep, or by the training committee and must be a minimum of 1 hour in length. Each day of a Camp shall be counted as a separate rally, qualifying coaching, or training session.

In addition to demonstrating loyalty to the branch, the combination of horse and rider may also be required to prove their competence, safety, plus fitness of horse or pony, in the specific sport and level that the member wishes to participate at.

Key Dates for Teams Competitions 2026
  • April 10th – Area 9Horse & Pony Care Qualifier – (Organised by Cotswold Hunt branch) – The Kennels, Andoversford.
  • May 30th – Area 9 Show Jumping Qualifier – (Organised by North Cotswold branch) – Regional and National Championships (Teams competition from 70 – 110cms) – Moreton Showground, Moreton-in-the-Marsh (GL56 0AB). Booking open here: https://www.horse-events.co.uk/horse-events/area-9-pony-club-show-jumping-qualifier-hosted-by-the-north-cotswold-hunt-pc/
  • July 5th – Area 9 Dressage Qualifier (organised by Heythrop branch) – Regional and National Championships (Teams competition from Grassroots through to Open level) – Waverton House (GL56 9TB)
  • July 11th Area 9 Horse Trials Qualifier (organised by Berkeley branch) – Regional and National Championships (Teams competition from 70 – 100cms) – Howick (NP16 6BL)
  • July 18/19th – Area 9 Tetrathlon Qualifier (organised by Beaufort branch) – Further information TBC
  • Still waiting for date for Horse and Pony Care – but coming soon…..

For anyone interested in learning more about Teams please contact Helen James-Moore – our fabulous Teams Manager on helenjamesmoore@hotmail.com or call her on 07801 973005.