RALLIES

Our rally procedure is:

Notice that a rally is happening will be posted on Facebook and emailed to the APPC database. We expect members to advise that they are coming for each rally (i.e. you must opt-in).

If there are changes to rally or cancellation due to weather etc then:
1. Update will be posted on Facebook
2. Members can contact Louise on 027 495 1885 to check for cancellations, changes or to update their situation.

PLEASE NOTE;  Some Sunday Rally start times may change.  It may suit to have a morning rally, rather than an afternoon rally.  If there is a change, notification via Facebook, email and on the website will be given.

Rallies are planned around a busy event calendar.  We aim to have one Sunday rally a month, but also provide Twilight and holiday rallies. 
Due to the tighter timeframe of a twilight rally, these rallies may be planned around a discipline. ie. Jumping.  This enables our members to pick which rallies they would most like to attend.Pony Club usually starts in September and runs through to May. 
During the Christmas/New year holidays, we aim to provide teaching clinics or camps for all riders.The season is concluded with a prize giving evening mid-May to celebrate our accomplishments.

Rallies generally begin at either 10.30am or 1.30pm with a care and attention inspection which counts towards a trophy at the end of the season.  Riders, their mounts and gear are marked on cleanliness, correct turnout and are checked for safety.

Most rallies run for approximately 2 - 3 hours and will include a variety of flatwork, jumping and games.  Please be punctual.  To ensure we have the appropriate number and level of instructors it is crucial that members let the head instructor know if they are coming to rally.  This is common courtesy and enables us to plan our groups getting the right Instructor.Our rallies are mostly held at the Ashhurst Domain, however, we try to incorporate beach ride, cross country schooling and farm treks as well.

All parents and riders attending rallies are expected to help set-up before the rally and pack up after, as required.

CERTIFICATES

During the season the head instructor will be assessing each rider’s ability and will advise them when they are ready to sit the next level of certificate (the examination is undertaken by an external examiner).  Knowledge of what is required at each level of the certificates can be found in the NZPCA manuals 1 and 2 of which all riders should have access to.  For riders considering sitting their C+ and higher certificates, the club will try to ensure additional coaching is available.

For riders wanting to represent our branch and/or sit a certificate, they must be financial members and have attended the prerequisite number of rallies depending on the certificate that the rider holds. Check out the NZPCA website for details.

REPRESENTATIVE EVENTS

As a member of APPC you are eligible for selection to represent your Branch, Club and Area at a variety of events, these include:

  • Show hunter Champs – September
  • Dressage Champs – January
  • Teams Training (Eventing) – January
  • Timberlands (Eventing) – April
  • Cambridge Show Jumping – January
  • Windemere and Area (Games) – November
  • Zone (Games) - March
  • Gymkhana - March

Some of these events are at national level and are selected by the head instructor or a team of selectors and involve a selection process that may start months prior.  Others are at a local level and all members are invited to participate. 

Information regarding pony club events is forwarded to members from the club secretary usually via email and is available on Facebook.