Lunge Training

Area 5 Lunge Training with Katy Powell-Jones on Monday 12th December at Equiti near St Asaph; at 6, 7 or 8pm. 2 per group. £10 each. Own horse required plus lunge equipment, but email if you need to borrow equipment. For C+ and above but priority given to those who wish to take the test before 31st January. Coffee and mince pies for spectators/parents. Email to book your place (area5@pcuk.org).

Liverpool International Horse Show – A high-energy, family friendly show to make your New Year

World class sport and spectacular entertainment on 31st December to 2nd January, from just £19.50 for adults, £10 for children and family tickets from £49.48.

Each day there will be afternoon and evening performances with international show jumping with entertainment for all the family.  And, on the evening of New Year’s Eve a special show featuring fireworks and operatic boy band Collabro.

  • Award winning Abba tribute band Revival
  • Horse Power – LED dressage to music with Charlie and Abi Hutton
  • The Shetland Pony Grand National – the ever popular action packed steeplechase
  • Chariots of Fire – high speed carriage racing
  • The Black Fire Girls – dazzling display with special effects
  • To book call 0844 8000 400 or visit com

Visit the Shopping Villages with 100 outlets, enjoy gastropub style food in the Collecting Ring Bistro or Mersey View Restaurant.  Treat yourself to a Champagne Bar Experience – in 2 great locations.  Make a day of it – tickets give access to the venue from 9.00am for shopping and dining. With a seating capacity of 6,000 per performance, easy access by road and rail and masses of parking the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show will be the place to be this New Year!

Make it extra special in Hospitality: A spectacular ringside experience or private box, the choice is yours, with unrivalled views, fine dining and champagne reception from £195; for hospitality call 01829 307676 or e-mail melanie@bolesworth.com

Group Discounts: There’s a special 20% discount for Bronze and Silver Adult Tickets for 15 or more, call the special group booking line on 0844 561 7672.

Code of Conduct

After attending an Equality Workshop in Stoneleigh, I feel it is necessary for every member/Parent/Guardian to be reminded of the Pony Club Code of Conduct and in particular, the points in red.

Please ensure that this is forwarded to all.

Role of Members

The Pony Club aims to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline.

Members should:

  • Show respect for their ponies / horses, coaches, officials, competition organisers and stewards and their fellow members.
  • When competing they should abide by the rules of the competition and accept the decisions of the event stewards and organisers.
  • They may query a decision they do not understand politely and listen to the explanation.
  • They should support the other members of their team and also the other members of their Branch / Centre.

They should not:

  • Possess or consume alcohol or illegal and performance enhancing drugs
  • Smoke
  • Engage in sexual activity
  • Use foul language
  • Tolerate or be involved in discrimination of any kind
  • Leave an organised event unless accompanied by their parent or guardian or by a Branch / Centre official.
  • Criticise officials, instructors, volunteers or members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging.

NB: It is unacceptable, under possible assault, to photograph or video an injured person.

Code of Conduct for Participants at Equestrian Events

Taking part in sport is fun and I want to improve my skills and feel good. I am aware that I am an ambassador for my family and my sport and I take full responsibility for my actions. I have read this contract with my parent/carer, understand the guidelines set out below and agree to comply with the following contract.

I agree that I will not:

  • Possess or consume alcohol, illegal and / or performance enhancing drugs.
  • Smoke.
  • Engage in sexual activity.
  • Use foul or abusive language.
  • Be involved in discrimination of any kind.
  • Leave the Event unless accompanied by a member of staff or parent/guardian.
  • Act with violence towards any other person or animal.
  • Bully anyone including cyber bullying

NB. The Organiser reserves the right to send participants home if they do not keep to the signed contract. We do hope this will not be necessary.

Role of Parents/Guardians

The Pony Club is a voluntary youth organisation for young people within an equestrian environment. The Pony Club’s purpose is:

  • To encourage young people to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with ponies and riding
  • To give instruction in riding and horsemanship and to educate Members to look after and take proper care of their animals
  • To promote the highest levels of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline
  • The Pony Club is a volunteer organisation and depends on parents and guardians to help. Fairness should take precedence over competitiveness. Teaching by example will foster caring and respect for all.

Parents/ Guardians should therefore:

  • Be a positive role model for his / her child and other Members by respecting coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders, their authority and decisions, and the rules and regulations under which The Pony Club operates
  • Agree to discuss disputes / appeals at a suitable, agreed time with the correct officials, within the appropriate level of The Pony Club organisation, without resorting to hostility or violence.
  • Always remember that Pony Club activities are intended to be educational, safe and fun to benefit the Members rather than parents / guardians.
  • Respect the horses and ponies and show humane care for them at all times.
  • Respect the property and equipment used in any activities, considering safety uppermost in all situations
  • Be knowledgeable about the rules of the discipline or competition their child is taking part in and encourage their child to know, be familiar with, and follow these rules.
  • Promote the physical and emotional well-being of their child, other Members and horses ahead of any personal desire to win or succeed in any activity.
  • Teach their child that taking part, learning and showing sportsmanship in all competitions, testing situations, clinics, etc. are more important than winning.
  • Praise all Members equally for trying hard and competing fairly.
  • Inform officials as soon as possible if they or their child is unable to fulfil commitments or attendance at events.
  • Help their child and others to understand the satisfaction of co-operation, group work and team spirit in achieving personal goals and growth, and good results.
  • Volunteer their services and skills, whether equine-related or not, whenever possible.
  • When using social networking sites always conduct yourself in an appropriate way as you would face to face. Be aware of what you say and how you say it – the use of sarcasm and innuendo are not appropriate.
  • Encourage his / her child to learn the rules and ride within them.
  • Discourage unfair competition and arguing with officials.
  • Help his / her child to recognise good performance, not just results.
  • Never force his / her child to take part in equestrian events.
  • Set a good example by recognising fair competition and applauding good performances of all. · Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
  • Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
  • Support his / her child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
  • Use correct and proper language at all times.
  • Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

Parents / Guardians should not:

  • Force their child or other Members to take part in activities with which they are not comfortable.
  • Disrespect the decisions of coaches / officials concerning the skills and abilities of their child or other Members.
  • Undermine the authority of coaches / officials by interfering with, or coaching any Members from the side-lines.
  • Dispute the decisions of coaches / officials and volunteers during an event or in front of their child, other Members or parents / guardians.
  • Engage in or condone unsportsmanlike behaviours such as booing, taunting, using profane language, refusing to congratulate winners, etc.
  • Criticise officials, coaches, volunteers or members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging.

NB: It is unacceptable, under possible assault, to photograph or video an injured person / rider.

Pony Club Talent Pathway 2017 to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University for 3 years

The Pony Club Talent Pathway was unveiled at Your Horse Live. It is developed from, and will replace, the popular Rider Development Pathway which aided the development of Pony Club Members who showed an ability to progress in their chosen discipline of Show Jumping, Dressage or Eventing.

The minimum criteria previously used for the Rider Development Pathway has been altered to open the application process to a wider audience; enabling more Pony Club Members to take part and benefit from the coaching on offer. The programme will work as follows:

  • Applications will open early in 2017, when Members who feel they meet the expanded criteria can apply to attend one of the training days being held in February and March around the UK. Here, Members will benefit from top class coaching. Some will then progress to the Regional Assessment stage of the programme.
  • Regional Assessment Days offer further training opportunities with some of the UK’s best known coaches, and will be held during April. Riders will attend two training sessions, with flat and/or jumping coaches as appropriate, and will receive feedback to help their future development. Thirty riders will then be selected for a weekend-long National Camp where they will work with top class discipline-specific coaches, as well as benefit from mounted and dismounted balance sessions, video analysis and help and advice with goal setting.
  • A final six riders will then be chosen to form The Pony Club Talent Pathway Squad; each receiving a training bursary, support from an experienced mentor who will continue to develop their progression and training within their discipline and other opportunities such as advice on gaining sponsorship.

Aberystwyth University is the oldest provider of equine university education in the UK and one of very few universities where you can take your horse with you – whatever you study. Their superb livery facilities are within a purpose built teaching unit where there are stables available and the setting is a beautiful one; with mountains behind and a beach to the front. Students who don’t have a horse of their own can ride one of Aberystwyth’s well-schooled horses in lessons or hacks. As well as numerous riding opportunities, the University is also home to a vibrant student community which boasts over 200 social clubs and societies.

We would encourage Members who are interested to find out more about what the University can offer to sign up to their Virtual Open Day on Thursday 8th December between 6pm and 8pm.

Further details of how to apply for The Pony Club Talent Pathway will be announced on pcuk.org towards the end of the year, and on The Pony Club’s social media channels.