Representing WHPC at a Pony Club Competition

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Woodland Hunt Dressage

Representing WHPC is a privilege and we are proud of how we present ourselves both internally and at external PC competitions whether you are entered as an individual or as part of a team.

When attending a competition, please remember that you are an ambassador for WHPC. We ask that you show consideration and respect to:

  • Your horse or pony
  • Your teammates
  • Parents and supporters
  • Designated trainers
  • The many volunteers and officials who make competitions possible

Pony Club DCs know each other well, and it is always a pleasure to hear positive feedback about good sportsmanship, behaviour and teamwork. We aim to ensure WHPC is represented positively at all times.

Please ensure that parents, members and supporters are all aware of, and understand, their responsibilities when attending competitions.

Before entering a Competition

We strongly recommend entering competitions in good time, as many close early due to popularity.

Before entering, please:

  • Carefully read the schedule
  • Check which classes you are and are not eligible to enter
  • Understand that by entering, you agree to follow the rules under which the competition is run
  • For Pony Club competitions, this will be the relevant Pony Club discipline rulebook for that year.

Make sure you:

  • Have read and understand the rules for your discipline
  • Know what tack, equipment, bits, spurs and whips are permitted
  • Understand the reasons you could be eliminated
  • It is the member’s responsibility to be familiar with the rules. Please do not ask officials for exceptions, such as permission to continue after elimination.

Additional checks:

  • Ensure all tack is safe, correctly fitted and well maintained
  • Check stitching and buckles well in advance

Ensure you have:

  • A current body protector (BETA 2018 – mandatory from January 2024)
  • A PINK-tagged hat
  • A YELLOW hat tag if wearing spurs

Please note:

  • You must be prepared to compete at any time during the day
  • Factor in course walks and prize giving
  • Avoid making other commitments on the competition day
  • Digital rulebooks are available from www.pcuk.org, and hard copies can be purchased from www.amazon.co.uk. It is helpful to have a copy with you on the day.
  • Parents are encouraged to agree roles and responsibilities with their child well before the competition.

Preparing for an Event

Your horse or pony should always be at the centre of your preparations. Please ensure:

  • Routine foot, dental and veterinary care is up to date
  • Vaccinations are current
  • Feeding and fitness are appropriate for the competition
  • Be thorough in your preparation:
  • Prepare a full kit in advance
  • Bring a box of spares, including:
  • Headcollar
  • Reins
  • Girth
  • Leathers
  • Studs and spanners
  • Gloves
  • Hairnets

Also remember:

  • Hay and feed for the day (plus extra, just in case)
  • Plenty of water
  • At least two buckets and sponges
  • Appropriate rugs for the time of year
  • An equine first aid kit
  • Your horse or pony passport (required for all travel)

Tack and Turnout

Both horse and rider should be immaculately turned out.

Rider

  • PINK-tagged hat (YELLOW tag if wearing spurs)
  • Plain navy, black or dark green if wearing a skullcap
  • Body protector (BETA 2018)
  • White shirt (collared for tie or stock shirt)
  • Pony Club tie or stock
  • Hacking or show jacket with PC badge on the left lapel (with felt backing)
  • WHPC base layer (green or white for XC where applicable)
  • WHPC white/green hooped XC hat silk (if applicable)
  • White or cream jodhpurs
  • Clean, polished leather long boots or jodhpur boots with half chaps/clips
  • Hair neat and tidy in a hairnet
  • Gloves (compulsory for dressage)
  • No jewellery (watch and studs acceptable, but earrings are best removed)
  • Number bib with printed or reusable number

Pony

  • Plaited (for Area competitions)
  • Hooves picked out and oiled
  • Clean, well-groomed coat with no stable stains
  • Mane and tail brushed and tidy
  • Eyes, nostrils and dock clean
  • Tack
  • Plain brown or black tack (no embellishments)
  • Saddle and bridle clean and well-maintained
  • Clean bit
  • WHPC white saddlecloth
  • Clean stirrup treads
  • All keepers secured

On the Day

  • Check course walk times and plan your warm-up accordingly,
  • Walk the course correctly dressed, including:
    • Jacket, shirt and tie/stock
    • Riding boots
    • Hat
  • Arrive at tack check in good time (at least 20 minutes)
  • Report to stewards promptly
  • For team competitions, attend tack check as a team
  • Be mindful of others and allow plenty of time to be ready

Please:

  • Thank stewards, starters and officials
  • Greet them politely, a smile and good manners go a long way
  • Walk your pony regularly if there is a long wait
  • Do not leave ponies standing on trailers for extended periods

Prize Giving

If you are placed, attendance at prize giving is expected and is an important part of Pony Club competition.

  • Correct dress for prize giving:
  • Jacket, shirt and tie/stock
  • Riding boots
  • Hat with chin strap fastened and hairnet
  • Boys may carry their hat
  • Gloves (right glove held in left hand)
  • No mobile phones in pockets
  • Not in XC kit for ODEs (Arena Eventing excepted)

For team competitions, all team members must attend prize giving, including discard scores.

Please congratulate other clubs and competitors, this reflects true Pony Club sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship and Behaviour

Take responsibility for your own performance. Parents and trainers are there to support and guide you, but preparation and decision-making ultimately lie with the rider.

If things don’t go to plan:

  • Remain calm and composed
  • Learn from the experience
  • Pat your horse and walk away if needed
  • Never direct frustration at your horse, parents or others
  • Anger towards a horse or misuse of aids will not be tolerated and may affect future selection.
  • Winning is wonderful — but so is riding your best and doing your horse proud. Celebrate successes with dignity, and support teammates whatever the result.
  • Be kind, encouraging and respectful:
  • Never criticise teammates or other riders
  • Avoid negative or public comments
  • If you have nothing positive to say, it’s best to say nothing

If you have a genuine concern or objection, this must be raised politely and through the correct channels via your team manager or DC, following Pony Club procedures.

We hope these notes help and that you have a fantastic time representing your club – please ask the DC, Team manager or trainers if there is anything you are not sure about.