PONY CLUB CENTRE PLUS
Welcome to the RAC Saddle Club Pony Club Centre Plus.
Over the past 30 years we have seen so many children grow into experienced riders, showing empathy and understanding towards horses and the industry. We are extremely proud to have had the opportunity to help them progress into the riders and eventers they are today.
We are officially part of the Pony Club as a Centre+. This means we can offer all the benefits of Pony Club plus lower cost for rallies. The Pony Club is the world's largest equestrian youth organisation, with over 30,000 Members in the UK alone. RAC Saddle Club Pony Club Centre +. This is an exciting opportunity and will be offered to riders with their own ponies/lease ponies.
The aim of the Pony Club Centre + is to encourage growth and offer new experiences for the riders and their ponies. It will be exciting and engaging and focus on developing core knowledge and skills. The rallies will be both practical and theory, and we encourage riders to challenge themselves in a safe manner.
As a member your child will improve their riding, take part in rallies, camps, fun days, learn vital skills and team competitions!
Centre Plus Membership
· For riders with their own pony or lease/loan pony
· Cost is £86 per annum paid direct to The Pony Club
· Includes Public Liability Insurance
Pony Club Benefits
· Developing horsemanship skills with accredited coaches
· Gaining Achievement Badges, Pony Club Tests and Progressive Awards
· Blue Cross Horse and Pony Care Competition
· The Pony Club Art Competition
· Qualifying for the National Championships and Spring Festival
· 24/7 third party public liability insurance up to £30m
As part of the Pony Club we will also be able to compete as teams in the Pony Club Areas and Championships. Teams will need to be available on the dates listed below, Link in Button, to qualify and for the championships.
Please note you do not have to join the teams; you can be a member of the pony club and still enjoy all the other benefits.
The Pony Club is divided into 19 geographical areas throughout the UK. Each area has an Area Representative and a Centre Coordinator assigned to them who oversee their Branches and Centres, we are in Area 14.
RIDING GROUPS
MINI
For the younger equestrian members, less experienced and nervous riders. Can be led or assisted. They will be engaging in the basics of ridden and care levels.
Recommended age for children is 4 years to 9 years.
JUNIORS
Following on from the grassroots (Mini) basic level the next stepping platform is to gain and continue experience and knowledge in horse riding and horse care including the welfare of the horse.
Ability of rider must be able to walk, trot and canter confidently and controlled on their own in and out (XC course/hacking) of the arena.
Recommended age from 9 years plus
SENIORS
A more advance level and understanding of riding, horse care and welfare. The rider must be confident in all disciplines.
Recommended age from 13 years plus.
ALL GROUPS WILL COVER ALL DISCIPLINES WHICH WILL INCLUDE FLAT, SHOW JUMPING AND XC.
For more information please email office@racsaddleclub.co.uk or call 01929 403580
RAC Saddle Club Pony Club Centre+ Committee
Centre Proprietor - Steph Buchanan BEM, Yard Manager
Assistant Proprietor - Lisa Bonfield, BHS Stage 2 Coach
Treasurer - Sue Cobb, RACSC Accounts & HR
Administrator/Membership - Melody Bloomfield
To contact us please email office@racsaddleclub.co.uk or call 01929 403580.
Selection Policy for Area & National Competitions
During the summer months, there are special Pony Club (“PC”) competitions for all the principal disciplines. These are called “Area” competitions and involve individuals and teams competing against other PC Branches in Area 14.
In order to be considered for selection to compete at Area competitions and above, members and their horse/pony must have actively taken part in a minimum of three Rallies/Qualifying Coaching/Training Sessions since 1st July in the previous year. Attendance at summer camps will also count towards this.
In order to be considered for any team, members must regularly attend training rallies and show commitment to the branch. Selection will take into account both the commitment of the individual and their performance in previous competitions, at rallies and in training. Members putting themselves forward for selection are 2 encouraged to provide evidence of their competition results to the relevant team managers. Members are advised to maintain a record of all competitions at which they compete, and this record should be updated regularly and made available for the team manager, District Commissioner(s), and instructors. Please record venue, date, class, class size, and results.
Whenever RAC Saddle Club PC Centre + makes entries for Area competitions, the individuals and team will be selected in accordance with the following policy:
Code of Conducts
The Pony Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members and the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, to create strength of character and self-discipline.
The Pony Club believes that it is important that members, parents / guardians, officials, volunteers and coaches should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others.
Parents and Guardians Roles at The Pony Club
Parents play a vital role in their child’s Pony Club journey – from supporting and guiding their progress, to volunteering at local events. The following guidelines should be followed by parents/guardians:
- be a positive role model for your child and other members
- respect coaches, officials, volunteers, members and other parents
- remember that the main aim of The Pony Club is to teach fairness over competitiveness
- teach members to show sportsmanship, teamwork and supportiveness
- use appropriate conduct at all times, including on social media channels
- promote the wellbeing of members and their ponies ahead of winning
Coaches Roles at The Pony Club
As a Pony Club coach, you play a key role in providing members with positive and enjoyable experiences with The Pony Club from recreational participation through to high level competition, offering great opportunities to enhance members’ knowledge in horse management and riding, and supporting members both in mounted and unmounted activities whilst having fun. You also have an influential role for members to continue in equestrian activity and achieve their potential.
The Code of Conduct for coaches and trainers is built on the principles of integrity, honesty, fair play and respect. These principles are fundamental to The Pony Club and apply to all levels of ability and commitment, with the welfare of the horse or pony at the centre. All coaches must be accredited in accordance with The Pony Club Rules.
Safeguarding
The Pony Club has a statutory duty to protect children and safeguard their welfare. Participants in Pony Club activities are entitled to expect a safe and enjoyable environment.
“Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play. Children who need help and protection deserve high quality and effective support as soon as the need is identified.” (Working together to safeguard children, 2020)
The Pony Club Safeguarding Policy can be found via the link here. Other core documents and materials are available on the Resource Hub. Further support can be obtained via The Pony Club Safeguarding Team whose contact details are listed at the bottom of this page.
If you feel there is a child or adult at risk in immediate danger, you are advised to contact your local Social Care Service or the police immediately.