Every year SOHC has the opportunity to put forward members to compete on behalf of the branch in Area competitions. Our branch belongs to Area 12 and between late June and mid-July there are Area competitions for all the major disciplines. We put forward teams of three or four members to compete against other Area 12 branches. Where we have insufficient numbers to make up a team, members may be entered as individuals or be put in a combined Area 12 team. Qualifying teams, usually the first and sometimes the runner-up team, depending on the number of entrants, have the opportunity to compete against teams from across the area, region or UK at the different Championships.
We really encourage people to come forward for team selection, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to represent SOHC, at the right level, so that they have a fun & enjoyable experience. It’s not a time to step up to the next level, but rather to show off at a level you feel really confident at, but don’t feel if you aren’t one of the people normally on a team that you shouldn’t put your name forward – we would really encourage you to do so and the more teams we can put out the better.
Further information about each of the disciplines and rulesbooks can be found on our disciplines page.
To be considered for teams, you should be an active member of the branch and regularly attending rallies relevant to the discipline you want to compete in. This is so that the Team Manager knows you and your pony, to help inform team selection. It’s also a safety consideration, particularly for younger members, who may be only just starting to compete.
To be considered for team places at championship qualification competition, members need to be regularly competing at the level they are entering and be able to evidence that they are achieving results that suggest they will be able to take part in competition at that level.
It is helpful if members can send news of competition participation both in PC and at other events, to the relevant Team Managers, for dressage they need to keep test sheets to show the Team Manager.
Team Managers can advise members on suitable competitions and there is often information on the SOHC rally programme and website calendar about forthcoming PC events. Sometimes Team Managers will put forward teams for non-qualifying events during the year and this is a good thing to participate in if you are interested in being in an Area team.
Area and Championship team selection decisions are made by the SOHC discipline/team manager in liaison with the DC and regular instructors who know our members.
Representing the SOHC branch at Championship competitions is a privilege and normally only a relatively small number of members out of the total branch membership will represent us at the Areas and Championships.
In previous years the branch has only made a contribution to members who are taking part in the Main Summer Championships however we have taken the decision to include those competing at regional Championships in 2026, recognizing that the cost of entries for champs class entries is usually higher than normal competition entries.
The branch also supports members at the competitions by, where possible, having instructors present on the day to prepare our competitors. This cost is subsidized by the branch but we cannot underwrite the full costs and ask for a small contribution per rider for instructor fees. This is not mandatory, if you prefer to have your own trainer or parent to warm you up at competition then you will not be expected to contribute.
Area competitions: the entry fees for Area competitions are paid for by members themselves, in full. Entry fees are set at a similar level to other PC competitions at that level/discipline.
SOHC will try, where possible, to organize appropriate instructors for the discipline to warm up individuals and teams on the day of the event.
A decision on the subsidy from the branch to fund instructors will be based upon the number of our members who will be at the competition. Where the branch does not contribute to instructor costs (for example if member numbers participating are very small), parents can of course organize an instructor to be there, amongst themselves at their own cost.
The JCB Pony Club Championships and Regional Championships: members representing SOHC at either of the two summer Championships in 2026 will have 50% of one entry per discipline paid by the branch . This is only for the championship classes for which you’ve qualified at Areas, and not warm up or direct entry classes. It is limited to one class per horse per discipline, but if a member is riding a 2nd horse we will pay 50% for the 2nd horse on the same basis. This will be subject to a maximum cap of £150 per member, irrespective of the number of disciplines or horses entered. Members will be responsible for making and paying for entries, and should send the receipt to the Treasurer to obtain reimbursement.
We are fortunate to be located closely to the championship venues so no branch contribution will be made for stabling. Any members wishing to stay at venues will be responsible for paying stabling directly with the organizers.