Friendly competitions
These are often run ad-hoc throughout the year, and we welcome parents to organise teams for these amongst friends. These are typically show-jumping competitions, and are great fun particularly as a get together during the winter months. We will generally share these on our Facebook page for visibility, if you spot them first please feel free to let us know.
How are teams selected?
For Area and Invitation teams, your Committee will ask for expressions of interest about 6 weeks before the competition depending on schedules being published. They will then look at the members who have asked to be considered, and compile teams and individuals based on capability, previous performance and engagement in the club. Our main aim is to put teams together that have the best chance at doing well, whilst being safe and happy. We will run reserve lists for all oversubscribed competitions should a member be unlucky in the run up to the competition e.g. pony lameness. The Committee’s decision is final as relates to team structure, as we have to declare that we are confident that members are safe at the level they are competing at.
For Friendly competitions, we encourage parents to take a leading role. Get members together, put together teams and have a great day!
Do I have to pay for entries?
For all Area, Invitation and Friendly teams, members will need to pay the cost of entries and other fees (such as first aid). For Area and Invitation teams the Committee will make the entries on your behalf and ask you to pay us back (except for Calvert where members make their own entries), and for Friendly competitions members will make their own entries.
What happens on the day?
First and foremost, we have fun! Whether the result is what you wanted, or if it wasn’t the best day, these are brilliantly sociable events where we can all cheer each other on. Enjoy team course-walks with your team mates and celebrate taking part with a great picnic with your team friends after the competition.
Before the Area or Invitation competitions we will create a WhatsApp group to ensure you have all the information you need. This is also a great opportunity to coordinate any other activities – in 2023, our regional finalists enjoyed staying overnight and then went riding on a nearby beach for a proper weekend.
How do I prepare?
Everyone should attend rallies and training activities throughout the year to give us the best understanding of your level, ensure their horses are fit and well, and send their expressions of interest for competitions they wish to attend. Outside of that each horse, and each discipline, will be different in terms of its preparation. For guidance on how to prepare for specific competitions for your horse, speak to your coach.
Want more information?
Your Entries Manager for 2024 is Zoe Brown; please feel free to contact her on puckeridgewestern@pcuk.org or call her on 07845 734023.
