2010 RALLY DAYS:

RALLY SESSIONS

RALLY INFORMATION
While the rally is in progress, riders are asked not to leave their group without the permission of their instructor, nor should they leave the Pony Club grounds before the end of the Rally without the permission of the DC.

At the conclusion of the Rally, all mounts are to be unsaddled and taken home

No rider, parent or friend is permitted to ride any mount on the Club Grounds until after 5pm.

AREAS OUT OF BOUNDS
Areas out of bounds to horses/ponies (mounted or led) during Pony Club Activities:

• In front of the Grandstand and Trotting Club Canteen
• The shelter next to the Grandstand
• The Trotting Track surface
• Directly in front of the Pony Club Shed

AMBULANCE COVER
In case of a fall or injury to a rider attending a Rally or Pony Club activity and not parent is available, the instructor or person in charge of the activity will call an ambulance if they have any doubt to the extent of the injury.

GEAR CHECK
Riders need to attend gear check for the following reasons:

• Safety of riders tack , horses comfort and condition
• Record of attendance
• To ensure the day starts smoothly with all riders in their appropriate groups

DOGS
No Dogs are allowed at Pony Club Rallies, activities or Competitions.

ACTIVITIES
The Rally will cover a diverse range of equestrian skills – flat work/dressage, jumping, games, cross country, polocrosse and anything else that can be thought of to provide a broad range of experiences, fun and education to the riders. Whilst due emphasis will be given to providing a solid foundation in elementary areas of flat work and jumping, the aims of Pony Club are to provide broad experience, skill and enjoyment. Pony Club is not solely about instruction and certainly not about focussing on one area of riding. Consequently, all riders are expected to participate in all activities. Pony Club is not designed for riders who want to specialise in one or two equestrian disciplines alone.

ATTENDANCE
All members of Pony Club will be issued with an official PCAV Attendance Card one rally after payment of fees. Yearly fees are payable at the June Rally of each year. Please Note: No rider may ride in the July Rally without paying their fees beforehand.
A cover can be purchased to keep the Attendance Card in.

• Attendance cards should be placed in the Brown Box at the gate entrance to the Pony Club shed at the start of the rally
• Attendance Cards are the responsibility of the rider and must be kept up to date with attendance and gradings
• Attendance Cards will be signed on the Rally Day. Any change of mount must be notified to the DC at the Rally so that it can be noted on the rider’s card (a note attached to the Card is sufficient)
• Riders must attend a full day to gain an attendance mark
• Writing on or altering cards is strictly forbidden

• Riders cannot compete at a Pony Club competition without an Attendance Card or proof of current membership.
• Riders must attend 50% of the Official Club Rallies in the past 12 months preceding the event, or since becoming a member of Pony Club.
• The mount and rider as a combination must have attended two (2) Pony Club Rallies in the 12 months preceding the event, or since becoming a member of Pony Club.
• Riders must be graded on the mount they are competing on (for age and ability). No grading will mean no competition.

GRADING OR HORSE AND RIDER COMBINATIONS
Horse and riders are graded into different grades according to age and ability. Grade 5 is the starting Grade and riders can progress up to Grade 1. Riders should make their initial enquiries through their instructor and any gradings must be approved by the DC. The DC is the only person allowed to mark gradings on the Attendance Cards.

CERTIFICATES
PCAV has a Certificate award system that whilst optional, is encouraged and included as part of the club activities. The Certificate system is designed to ensure that riders undertake elementary studies in both riding (horsemanship) and care of horses (horsemastership) and citizenship.

AWARDS
During the course of each rally, points are allocated not only for horse and rider presentation but also for rider application to activities. This does not mean that the best rider will always win but rather, the points are allocated on the basis of rider attitude, willingness, co-operation, demeanour and overall endeavour towards each activity. These points are accrued throughout the year and winners are allocated accordingly.

EQUIPMENT SETUP AND CANTEEN DUTIES
There are many things that need to be organised at Pony Club on Rally Days. Parents assistance and support is greatly appreciated in setting up equipment at the start of the Rally and then packing it up at the end. An equipment roster is drawn up at the start of July and posted on the noticeboard in the Club Shed.

BMPC also runs a canteen for riders and parents. Snacks, drinks and lunch are served and lunch orders should be placed by 10.30 each Rally Day. Parents assistance in the Canteen is greatly appreciated.

SUNSMART CLUB/VIC HEALTH
Bacchus Marsh Pony Club promotes sunsafe with sunscreen available and recommends long sleeve shirts in summer.