MidlandsPonyClubMemberhandbook

2015–2016

WelcometoMidlandsPonyClub(MPC).Thankyouforyourinterestinbecomingamemberofourclub.Wetrustyourexperiencewillberewardingandenjoyable.MidlandsPonyClubwasestablishedduringAugust1980andisamemberofthePony Club Association of Tasmania (PCAT). Our club has a proud history ofproviding members with sound and safe horsemanship skills, a sense ofcommunity, teamwork and sportsmanship, and exposure to a wide range ofequestrian pursuits — all of which contribute towards making their ridingexperienceassafeandenjoyableaspossible.MidlandsPonyClubridersandparentsmustalwaysobeytheClub’srulesandinstructions.

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Contents:TheMidlandsPonyClubphilosophy…………………………………………3 Newmembers

MidlandsPonyClubwebsiteandFacebookpagePonyClubStructureinTasmania

MidlandsPonyClubstructureMidlandsPonyClubcommittee

TheMidlandsPonyClubuniformMidlandsPonyClubrallies Gearcheck StandardMidlandsPonyClubrallyformat MidlandsPonyClubrallyactivities Lessongroupings

CoachesHorsecareatralliesRidersafetyFirstAidSunsmartpolicyParkingatralliesDogsMidlandsPonyClubdrugandalcoholpolicyWorkingwithvulnerablechildrenregistration

TheroleofMidlandsPonyClubparents Expectationsofparents

ExpectationsofridingmembersEfficiencytestsCompetitionMidlandsPonyClubcamp Qualifyingforcamp

CampcostsAppendixA:FeescheduleAppendixB:MidlandsPonyClubOfficeBearersAppendixC:MidlandsPonyClubAwardsandpresentationnightAppendixD:MidlandsPonyClubCaptainroleandresponsibilitiesAppendixE:MidlandsPonyClubnewmemberprocessAppendixF:MidlandsPonyClubHonoraryLifemembers

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TheMidlandsPonyClubphilosophyTheMidlandsPonyClub(MPC)aimsforchildrenandtheirparentsto:enjoyawiderangeofequestrianpursuitsinafunandsocialmanner,fosterfriendshipsandcreateapositiveenvironmentinwhichallmemberscontinuetolearnandgrowasindividualswithinthesafetyandframeworkoftheMPCcommunity.Overall—atMPCweaimtoenjoydevelopastrongandsaferelationshipwithourponiesandmembersamidstandenvironmentoffunandlaughter.Withinthisover-archingphilosophy,theMidlandsPonyClub(MPC)strivestoachievetheaimsofthePonyClubmovement,whichisto:

• Encourageyoungpeopletorideandlearnallkindsofsportconcernedwithhorsesandriding.

• Toprovideinstructioninridingandhorsemanshipandtoinstillinmembersthepropercareoftheiranimals.

• Topromotethehighestidealsofsportsmanship,citizenshipandloyalty,therebycultivatingstrengthofcharacterandself-disciplineinanenvironmentfreefromharassmentanddiscrimination.

MidlandsPonyCluboperatesunderthePonyClubTasmania(PCT)guidelines.ReadtheMPChandbookinconjunctionwiththePCThandbook,whichprovidesahandyresourceandcanbedownloadedfromthePCTwebsite:www.pcat.org.auTheClubcatersforridersfrom6–25yearsofage.YoungridersshouldbeonaleadreinuntildeemedsafeasindependentridersbytheClubCommittee.TheirparticipationinformallessonswillbeatthediscretionoftheCCandDC.MPCralliesareheldonthefirstSundayofeachmonthateitherMyrtlewood,EppingForestorKingStreetOval,CampbellTown.Thisgivesourmembersawonderfulopportunitytogaindifferentexperiencesfromawidevarietyofvenuesandridingconditions.Moreinformationonralliescanbefoundwithinthishandbook.NewmembersNewMPCmembersareacceptedeachyeardependingoncurrentmembernumbersandridinglevels.Thereisathree-monthtrialperiod,whereriderscanattendthreeralliesbeforedecidingtojoinasapermanentmemberandbeforetheyareaccepted.Duringthisintroductoryperiodriderswillneedtopayacompulsoryinsurancefee,plusanominalfeeperrallypayabletoMPC.

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IfyourchildwishestobecomeapermanentMPCmemberattheendofthisperiod,youwillneedtopaytheannualsubscriptionfee.TheannualMPCmembershipfeeincludesthePCTaffiliation,PCTinsurancefees(whicharepassedondirectlytoPCT),aNorthernZoneTrialslevyandMPCsubs.Theseareallsubjecttochangeonanannualbasis.Membershiprenewalisduebeforethefirstrallyofeachnewfinancialyear(i.e.July).Memberswhohavenotpaidtheirfeeswillnotbeabletoride.Paymentplanscanbearrangedwiththetreasurerifnecessary.AcurrentscheduleoffeesisattachedatAppendixA.Membersdonotvoteuntiltheyreach18yearsofage,butparentswhoarefinancialfamilymembersmayvoteonanymattersconcerningtheClub.MPCwebsiteandFacebookgroupMidlandsPonyClubhasitsownwebsite(http://www.midlands.pcat.org.au)itsownFacebookGrouptoallowmemberstosharetheirphotosandexperienceswiththeirponiesandkeepmembersuptodatewithupcomingevents.ThewebsiteandFacebookGroupalsocontainsdetailsofupcominghorseyeventsandactivities,andentryformsforlistedevents.TheFacebookGroupisaclosedgroupandisadministeredbytheWebsiteCoordinator.ItisforMPCmembersandtheirfamiliesonly.AllnewFacebookGroupmembers,commentsandimagesneedtobeacceptedbytheWebsiteCoordinatorbeforetheygolive.IfyoudonotwishtobecomeamemberoftheMPCFacebookpage,ordonotwantphotosofyourchildtobepostedonthewebsiteortotheFacebookpagepleasecontacttheDistrictCommissioner(DC).ContactdetailsofallcurrentMPCofficebearerscanbefoundinAppendixB

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PonyClubstructureTheMidlandsPonyClub(MPC)operateswithinthefollowingnationalPonyClubstructure:

PonyClubAustralia(PCA)www.ponyclubaustralia.com.auPonyClubTasmania(PCT)

www.pcat.org.auTherearethreeClubzoneswithTasmania—Northern,NorthWesternandSouthern.MPCoperateswithintheNorthernZone.Thereare25ponyclubsinTasmania.MPCstructureListedbelowaretheOfficebearingrolesoftheMPC.AttachedatAppendixBisalistmemberswhocurrentlyfilltheseroles:

• President• DistrictCommissioner(DC)• AssistantDC• ChiefCoach(CC)• TestCoordinator• Treasurer• Secretary• FirstAidOfficer• UniformCoordinator• WebsiteCoordinator• ClubCaptain

MPCCommitteeThegeneralcommitteemembersareusuallysupportiveparentswhoarepreparedtoworkfortheobjectivesoftheclub.Allcommitteemembersshallbefinancialmembersoftheirclubandholdacurrent‘Workingwithvulnerablepeople’registration.Theymusteitherbeasupportivememberofsometype,e.g.family,adultorhonorarylifemember.Committeemembersmustbeabletoregularlyattendgeneralcommitteemeetingsandhavereadthepreviousmeetingminutesandcurrentmeetingagendabeforeeachmeeting.Participationinmeetingsmustberespectfulatalltimes,keepinginmindthevaluesandobjectivesoftheClub.AnyagendaitemsaretobeforwardedtotheMPCSecretarywellinadvanceofthemeeting.

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TheMidlandsPonyClubUniformRidersarerequiredtoweartheMPCuniformateachrally,whichconsistsofclubpoloandrugbyjumperorwoollenjumperandbeigejodhpurs.WhenridersarerepresentingMPCatPCTevents,thefollowinguniformisrequired:

• beigewoollenclubjumperwithbottlegreenstripe(orClubrugbyjumperforcross-countryelements)

• beigejodhpurs• greentiewithwhiteshirtorClubT-shirt• greensaddlecloth• safetyvestsarenowarequirementforgrade3cross-countryandabove

AlluniformitemscanbeorderedthroughtheUniformcoordinator.Itismandatory,beforeparticipatinginanyPonyClubrally,forallriderstowearanaccreditedhelmet—Australian#3838,European#EN1384andUSA#ASTNF1163areallacceptable.Forsafetyreasons,ridersmustwearsmooth-soled,approvedridingboots(work-type,ridged-soledbootsarenotpermitted).

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MPCralliesTheworkingrallyisthebasisofthePonyClubcalendar.RalliesrareheldonthefirstSundayofeachmonth,unlessotherwiseindicated.Anychangestoadatewillbedistributedtomembersbyemail.ItistheresponsibilityofeachmembertoadvisetheChiefCoach(CC)oneweekpriortoarallywhethertheyareabletoattendtheupcomingrally.Ifarider’splanschangeandtheywillnolongerbeattendingarally,orcanonlyattendpartofarally,theyshouldnotifytheCCassoonaspossible.Promptcommunicationinthisareamakesiteasiertoorganiserallies.AnymemberthatdoesnotinformtheCIinapromptmannermaynothavetheirchildallocatedtoalessonifridernumbersexceedtheacceptablegroupsize.GearcheckRidersmustpresentforgearcheckstartingat9.30ambeforestartinglessons.Ahandyguidetocorrectgearfittingandrequirementsandaquick-referencegearcheckchecklistcanbefoundinthePCAThandbookonthePCATwebsite:www.pcat.org.auDuringgearcheck,theDistrictCommissioner(DC)willaddressanyimportantissuesbeforelessonsstart.Ridersandtheirhorsesareinspectedforsafety,fittingandcorrectnessofstandardandrecorded.AtthediscretionoftheDC,aridermayberequestedtomakechangestogearorifnotclearedforgearcheck,maybepreventedfromparticipatinginarally.StandardrallyplanformatsRalliesusuallyconsistoffourone-hourlessons.Rallyplansandlessongroupsaredistributedatthestartofeachrally.10.00am—Lessonone11.00am—Lessontwo12.00–1.00pm—Lunchbreak:Membersaretoprovidetheirownlunchunlessotherwisedirectedandareencouragedtosittogetheratlunchtime.BBQfacilitiesareavailableatmostrallies.1.00pm—Lessonthree2.00pm—Lessonfour3.00pm—LessonsfinishNote:Allparentsandridersassistwithsettingupandpackingupequipment,suchasshowjumpsandgamesequipment,atthestartandendoftherally.

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Ridersareaskedtoscoopupallmanureandhay,andremoveitfromthegroundsbeforeleaving.MidlandsPonyClub(MPC)rallyactivitiesThroughouteachyearMPCaimstoofferitsmembersawidevarietyofactivitiesthatwillenhancetheirenjoymentofridingandstrengthenthebondbetweenhorsesandtheirriders.AteachrallyMPCaimstogetarangeofskilledinstructorswho,overtheday,willoffersomethingthateachchildcanenjoyastheylearn.Dependingonthelocation,timeofyearandinstructoravailabilityMPCralliescaninclude:Showjumpinginstruction—MPChasit’sownsetofshowjumpsandajumps

trailer,withregularinstructionfromskilledinstructors.Flatwork—flatworkistheessenceofasoundrider.Mostralliesincorporatean

elementofflatworktoensuremembersaregiventhebestfoundationsfortheirridingfuture

Theoryandhorsemanship—notallinstructioniscarriedoutinthesaddle.Asolidunderstandingofthetheorybehindgoodhorsemanshipandthecareofponiesisimportant.

Crosscountry—MPCisluckyenoughtohaveaccesstoanumberofcrosscountrycourses,includingMyrtlewoodandPowranna.

Games—gamesarefunactivitiesforriders,whichboostagilityandimprovetheteamworkbetweenhorseandrider.Gamesalsoencourageteamspiritandco-operationbetweenriders.

Trailrides—atvarioustimesthroughouttheyearMPCrallieswillincorporateatrailrideononeofTasmania’sbeautifulruralproperties.

Polocrosse—forthosekeenonteamcompetition,polocrosselessonsofferanopportunitytotryoutyourballskills.

Tasmanianmountaincattlemen’sassociation(TMCA)—occasionalinstructionfromvisitingmembersoftheTMCA,whichfocussesridersonnaturalhorsemanshipwiththeaimofbuildingastrongerbondandsenseoftrustbetweenhorseandrider.

Christmasride—anannualChristmastrailrideisheldduringthelastrallyoftheyear.

Navigationrides–usuallyheldattheMPCCampandaredesignedtoencouragesocialisingandfunamongsttheriders.

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LessongroupingsRiders’lessongroupingsatMPCralliesarebasedonanumberoffactorsincludingridingability,riderandhorseageandexperience,efficiencyteststandardreachedandoverallnumbersattendingontheday.Groupsarenotrigidandmaychangeovertimebasedonthefactorsmentioned.Whileageandfriendshipsareconsidered,numbersingroupsmustbemanageableforallconcerned.Safetyandenjoymentarethepriorities.IfyoueverhaveanyconcernsregardinggroupingspleasecontacttheDCorCIforadvice.Ridersoftenbenefitbystartinginagroupthatoffersencouragementandboostsconfidence,afterwhichtheridermaythenbemovedtoagroupatamorechallenginglevel.TheDCandCCorganiseralliesandallocateriderstoridinggroupsaccordingtothenumberofridersattendingandtheirabilitiesontheday.Inordertoarrangeinstructorsandlessonsitisessentialorganisershaveanaccurateindicationofriderattendanceoneweekpriortotherally.Itisalsoimportantthatyoualsonotifythemofchangestothehorsesamembermightberidingatarally,asboththehorseandriderexperienceasacombinationcomesintoplaywhenarranginggroups.Failuretoadviseofyourinabilitytoattendarallywillinconvenienceinstructorsandfellowriders,andaffectoptimumlessongroupings.AlleffortswillbemadetoholdralliesonthefirstSundayofeachmonth,butralliesmaybecancelledandrallydateschangedatthediscretionoftheDCandCC.Ifarallyiscancelledduetoinclementweather,theorganiserswillattempttocontactallmembersasearlyaspossible.Ifyouareunsure,pleasecontacttheCCorDCtoconfirm.Itishardtocancelarallywithasmanyas30ridersattendingandinstructorsbooked.Ifweatherremainspoor,organiserswilldeterminewhethertherallywillcontinueandanalternative(forexampleatheoryday)maybecarriedout.

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CoachesCoachesarededicatedpeoplefromallprofessionsandwalksoflifewhodevotetimeandefforttohelpClubridersgetthemostoutoftheirtimeinthesaddle—andtocarefortheirponies.Manycoachesputtimeandmoneyintoprofessionaldevelopmenttofurthertheirskills.Naturallytheirskilllevelsvary—somearemoreexpertthanothers—butitisworthremembering,allcoachesarekeentoseetheirpupilsimproveandenjoythemselves.CoachesneedsupportfromparentswhoareinterestedinwhatgoesonatPonyClub.Withoutthissupport,theycannotbeexpectedtocontinuewithwhatappearstooftenbeathanklesstask.Showourcoachesyouappreciatetheireffortsandencourageyourchildrentodothesame.IfatanytimeyouhaveconcernsovertheinstructionyourchildreceivesduringalessonpleasespeakwiththeCCorDCaboutyourconcerns.Donotapproachthecoachdirectly.ItisatthediscretionofthecoachtowithdrawachildfromalessonwheretheirbehaviorisinappropriateperthePCATcodeofconduct.

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HorsecareatralliesWhenattendingralliesitisimportantallponiesareadequatelycaredfor,especiallywhennotinuse.Ridersneedtobringawarmrugforhorsesyear-round—evensummerdayscanturnchilly.Hot,sweatyhorsesneedtobecoveredtopreventchills.Ifhorseswearjumpingboots,removethemwhenhorsesarenotbeingused.Thiswillpreventtendonsbecomingoverheatedanddamaged.Ensureallhorseshaveaccesstohayandwaterduringbreaks.Allhayandmanuremustbecleanedupandtakenhomeattheendofeachrally.Ifaponyshowsanysignofillness,particularlycoughingorarunny,congestednose,donotbringthemtoarallyoranyotherevent—theseillnessesrapidlyspreadtootherhorsesatagreatcosttotheirowners.Pleasedotherightthingandrestanunwellponyathome.Horsesdonotneedtobeshodforrallies,providingtheirhoovesarewelltrimmed,ingoodconditionandshowsignsofbeingtrimmedandcaredfor.Ifyouareconcernedaboutyourhorse’sconditionorhealthpleaseapproachacommitteememberorinstructorforadvice.Forsafetyreasons,nostallionsarepermittedatPonyClubunderanycircumstances.

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RidersafetyAparentorguardianmustaccompanyariderundertheageof18,atallrallies.Norideristobeleftatarally(includingbeforeandaftertherally)withoutsupervision.IfaparentmustleavearallyatanytimetheymustlettheDCknowandindicatewhichremainingadultwillberesponsiblefortherider.Thispolicymuststrictlybeadheredtointheinterestsofridersafetyandintheeventofanaccidentrequiringmedicalattention—itisalsoaPonyClubinsurancerequirement.Younger,non-ridingchildrenalsorequiresupervisionandareencouragedtowearsafetyhelmets.OnlyPonyClubmembersarepermittedtorideatralliesforinsurancereasons(noparentsorfriendsmayridehorsesatanytime)andridersarenotpermittedtorideothermembers’horsesattherally,unlessunderaninstructor’ssupervision,oraftergainingpermissionfromtheDC.FirstAid

Horseridingisadangerousactivity.MPChasapersonappointedastheFirstAidOfficerandawell-equippedfirstaidkit.ShouldyourequirefirstaidpleaseapproachaClubofficialforassistance.UponjoiningtheCluballridersmustcompleteaconfidentialmedical/consentformforuseinmedicalemergencies.Thisisparticularlyimportantifariderhasanexistingmedicalconditionthatmayrequireurgentattention.Similarly,inthecaseofahorseinjuryallmembersareencouragedtobringawell-equippedhorsefirstaidkitwiththem.However,inanemergencyorinthecaseofaseriousinjurytoahorse,pleasecontacttheFirstAidOfficerwhocanassistincallingavet.SunsmartpolicyPCATencouragesmembersandtheirfamiliestouseahigh-SPFbroad-spectrumsunscreenatalltimes.Ridersareencouragedtowearabroad-brimmedhatwhennotriding.Personalsunprotectionistheresponsibilityofeachindividual.ParkingUponarrivingatarally,ensurea6mdistancebetweenyourfloatandadjacentfloats.Similarly,ensureallvisitorvehiclesareparkedwellawayfromfloatsandhorses.Thiswillreducethelikelihoodofhorseskickingorpullingbackanddamagingotherfloats,horsesorcars,orinjuringriders.ThistypeofaccidentcausesmostinsuranceclaimsinPonyClub.

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Tiehorsestoapieceofstring,attachedtoasolidobject.Nevertieahorsetoafloatthatisnotattachedtoavehicle.DogsDogsmustbeonaleashatalltimesattheKingStreetovalandinthecaseofralliesatothervenues,mustnotbetakenontoprivatepropertywithoutpermissionfromtheowner.PCATdrug,alcoholandsmoke-freepolicyPonyClubisayouthmovementandisobligatedtodiscouragetheconsumptionofanydrugs—includingalcoholandcigarettes.Accordingly,thePCATpolicyrequireseachPonyClubtokeeptheirvenuesdrugandalcoholfreeandthepolicyappliestoallmembers,administrators,officials,coaches,ridersandvisitors.Non-compliancewithanyPCATpoliciescouldresultindisciplinaryactionbeingtakenbytheCluborzoneofStatedisciplinarycommittee.ThiscouldplacetheAssociationinjeopardyofGovernmentfunding.Formoreinformationoncurrentregulationsgotowww.dhhs.tas.gov.au/pehorcall1800671738.WorkingwithVulnerablechildrenregistrationAllMPCcommitteemembersandanyparentsinvolvedinrallyorMPCcampactivitiesmusthaveacurrent‘Workingwithvulnerablechildren’registration.Theapplicationprocessisverysimple—completetheapplicationformfoundatwww.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children,printoffaregistrationnumberandtakeittoServiceTaswithproofofidentity.TheMPCcontacttobenotedontheapplicationformistheMPCsecretary,seeAppendixBforcontactdetails.

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TheroleofMPCparentsTheMidlandsPonyClubneedsparenthelptothrive.Therearemanywaysinwhicheventhe‘leasthorsey’parentcanhelptheClub.Yourownknowledgeandskills,betheyinaccountancy,socialmedia,carpentry,bankingorparenthoodwillbeinvaluablesoalwaysbeforwardinofferingyourservices—evenifyouknowlittleabouthorses.ParentsandguardiansofMPCmembersparticipatinginPCT,ZoneandMPCactivitiesshouldbeawareofallPCTpoliciesandcomplywiththem.Herearesomepracticalwaysallparentscanhelpatrallies:Beontime—ifyourchildreliesonyoutogettoarally,getthemthereontime.Late-comersdisruptacarefully-plannedlessonthatisunderway.Betactful—byallmeanstakeaninterestinyourchild’slesson,butdonotinterruptalessonbytalkingtotheinstructororyourchild,orbymakingaudiblecommentsfromthesideline.Allmembersmustunderstandiftheyhaveanyconcernswithanyactivityduringarally(includinglessoninstructionorotherparentorriderbehavior)theyaretosharetheirconcernsdirectlywiththeDCandtheCCinthefirstinstance,andnotdirectlyapproachtheoffendingcoach/instructor/parentorrider.Behelpful—parentscanbeoftremendoushelpbysettingupanddismantlingjumpingequipmentundertheguidanceofinstructors.Jumpstewardsarealsoinvaluableduringalesson.Manyinstructorsarewomenandjumpingequipmentisoftenheavy—itisnotaninstructor’sjobtobuildjumps.Whenfencesneedtobealteredaccordingtoriders’andponies’varyingabilities,helpisessential.Parentscanalsohelpsetupdressagearenasandgamesequipment.Parentsarealsoagreatresourcewhenitcomestojumprepairandmaintenance.Volunteering—ParentsareneededatClubmeetings,fund-raisingactivitiesandexternalcompetitions.Allmembersarewelcometoattendmeetings.Eventuallyitisexpectedthateachmember’sparent/parentswillcontributeatthecommitteelevel.Gettoknowtheothermembers–thesocialaspectsoftheClubcanberewardingandfun.ItisimportanteveryonetakesthetimetogettoknowandextendawarmwelcometonewClubmembers.Keepupwithcommunication-itisimportanttoreadanyemailsandcontacttheDCifunsureaboutrallydetails.YoumayevenbekeenenoughtoacceptapositionontheMPCcommitteeorbecomeaClubcoach—besuretoletyourDCknow!Ifyouhaveanyideas,suggestionsorconcernsrelatingtoMPCpleasecontacttheDCinthefirstinstance,followedbytheCCandCommitteemembersthereafter.ContactdetailsforofficebearerscanbefoundinAppendixB.

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TheroleofMPCParents(cont’d)AstheMPCoperateswithinthePCTframework,allparents/guardiansshouldmakethemselvesfamiliarwiththePCTCodeofconductinrespectofParents:

1. Rememberthatchildrenparticipateinsportfortheirenjoyment,notyours.

2. Encouragechildrentoparticipate,donotforcethem.3. Focusontherider'seffortsandperformanceratherthanwinningor

losing.4. Insistthatridersalwaystoparticipateaccordingtotherulesandnever

resorttohostilityorviolence.5. Neverridiculeoryellatariderformakingamistakeorblamethehorse

fornotwinningacompetition.6. Rememberthatchildrenlearnbestbyexample.Appreciategood

performancesbyallparticipants.7. Supportalleffortstoremovebadlanguageorverbalandphysicalabuse

ofridersandhorsesfromponyclubactivities.8. Respectofficials’decisionsandteachchildrentodolikewise.9. Showappreciationforcoaches,officialsandadministrators.Without

them,yourchildcouldnotparticipate.10. Respecttherights,dignityandworthofeveryyoungpersonregardlessof

theirgender,abilityordisability,culturalbackgroundorreligion.ExpectationofridingmembersAstheMPCoperateswithinthePCTframework,allridingmembersshouldbemadefamiliarwiththePCTCodeofconductinrespectofRiders:

1. Ridebytherules.2. Neverarguewithanofficial.Ifyoudisagree,haveyourcoachor

managerfollowthecorrectprocedureforobjectionsatasuitabletime.3. Controlyourtemper.Verbalabuseofofficialsandsledgingother

riders,deliberatelydistractingorprovokinganopponentarenotacceptableorpermittedbehavioursinanysport.

4. Workequallyhardforyourselfand/oryourteam.Yourteam'sperformancewillbenefit,sowillyou.

5. Beagoodsport.Applaudallgoodperformanceswhethertheybebyyourteam/clubortheopposition.

6. Treatallparticipantsinyoursportasyouliketobetreated.Donotinterferewith,bullyortakeunfairadvantageofanothercompetitor.

7. Cooperatewithofficials,yourcoach,fellowclub/teammembersandotherclub/teammembers.Withoutthemtherewouldbenoralliesorcompetition.

8. Participateforyourownenjoymentandbenefit,notjusttopleaseparentsandcoaches.

9. Respecttherights,dignityandworthofallparticipantsregardlessoftheirgender,abilityordisability,culturalbackgroundorreligion.

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EfficiencytestsThroughouttheirPonyClubcareer,ridersareencouragedtoundertakevariousefficiencytestsaccordingtotheirageandability,commencingwiththebasic‘E’test,throughtothe‘A’testatthehighestlevel(whichonlyafewseniorridersachieve).Thesetestsmeasurearider’sprogressintheiroverallefficiency.Inworkingtowardsthem,ridersacquirevaluableknowledgeandskills,whichenhancetheirridingexperienceandprovideachievablegoalsforeveryPonyClubridertoaspireto.Thetestsarevoluntary.Tositatest,ridersmustberallyqualified—attendedthreeralliesina12-monthperiod.RidersareencouragedtomaintainaPonyClubrecordbook,whichrecordstheirexperiencesinPonyClubandotherinterestingrecordsoftheirhorse’scare.Thisrecordbookcanbeusedastheirreferenceguidewhencompletingtests.AhandyguidetoefficiencytestingandrequirementscanbefoundinthePCThandbookonthePCTwebsite:www.pcat.org.auCompetitionPonyCluboffersavarietyofcompetitionopportunitiesifriderswishtocompete.PonyClubcompetitionprovidesexperiencesforbeginnersthroughtoStatechampionshiplevel.Mostclubswithineachzonecarryout:

• Agymkhana—includessaddle,ridingandjumpingclassesaswellasfunnoveltyevents

• One-dayevent(ODE)—incorporatesdressage,showjumpingandcrosscountry.

• PCTholdschampionshipsinhorsetrials,dressage,showjumpingandPonyClubteamgames.FormoreinformationaboutStateeventsgotothePCTwebsite(www.pcat.org.au).

Zonesalsorundressage,showjumpingandgamesdays.Arangeofotheractivitiesisalsoavailableincludingpolocrosse,campdraftingandhunting.MPCcontributestowardsthecostofsomePonyClubevents.FormoredetailsseetheScheduleofFeessectionatAppendixA

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MPCcampEachyearduringJanuaryMPCholdsitsannual‘PonyClubCamp’.Dependingonnumbersandages,riderscan‘livein’forthedurationofthecamporattendcampduringthedayandreturnhomeeachnight.For2015–16thefollowingrulesapply;

• Allmembers(includingassociates)needtohaveattendedthreeralliesduringthepast12monthstoqualifyforcamp(Iamintheprocessofclarifyingwhatconstitutesarally).

• AllridersmustbeFullfinancialmemberstoattendcamp.• MembersnineyearsandabovecancompeteintheODEheldonthefinal

dayofcamp.• RidersundernineyearsarewelcometoobservetheODEonthefinalday

ofcamp.• Membersnineyearsandundercanattendtwoshortdaysofinstruction

andthenavigationride.• Nomembersundernineyearsofagearetosleepinwitholdermembers.

Ifchildrenareattendingandareunderthisagetheyaretosleepwiththeirparents.

Pleasekeepinmindthatanadultmustbepresentandresponsibleforallridersunder18yearsofageforthedurationofcamp(includingatnight).VolunteerparentssupervisecampandtheClubcatersforallmeals,withassistancefromparentdonationsintheformofcakes,biscuitsandslices.Allvolunteerparentsarerequiredtohaveacurrent‘Workingwithvulnerablechildren’registration.Theapplicationprocessisverysimple—completetheapplicationformfoundatwww.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children,printoffaregistrationnumberandtakeittoServiceTaswithproofofidentity.QualifyingforCampToattendcamp,ridersmustbefullfinancialmembersofMPCandhaveattendedatleastthreeralliesduringthepast12months.ItisatthediscretionoftheDCandCCtodeterminethenumberofdaystheyoungerridersareabletoattend.Thecommitteehastherighttoreviewexceptionalcircumstances.CampcostsThecostofcampisinadditiontotheannualmembershipfees.Moredetailedinformationisprovidedtomembersleadinguptocamp

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AppendixA

Feeschedule2015–2016

Ridingmember: $40PCATaffiliationfees

(6–17years) $30insurance $150membership

$10NorthernZoneTrialslevy =$230 Familymember(riding): $40PCATaffiliationfees

$30insurance$5membervotingrights =$75

ThisamountispayableforanyparentwhomaybeastrideahorseforanyreasonatPonyClub.

Familymember: $5membervotingrights

Associatemember:$40PCATaffiliationfees(17–25years) $30insurance

$60membership$10NorthernZoneTrialslevy

=$140**Associatemembershipallows this classofmember toattend three structuredrallies. Eachadditional structuredrallywill cost$20perrallyupuntil the fullmembershipfeehasbeenaccrued($230).Note:Theassociatemembershipisaimedatmembersover17yearsofagewhoexpecttoattendnomorethanthreeralliesandtheannualMPCCamp.Associatememberswhoattendmorethanthreerallieswillpay$20perrallyforeachadditionalrallyattended.

Familyorvolunteermember:$20membershipThisamountispayableforanyparentwhowishestojointheCommitteeorvoteinanygeneralmeetings.

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FeesandcompletedmembershipdocumentationmustbegiventotheTreasurerpriortothefirstrallyofthenewfinancialyear: MrsPennyFoster POBox40 ROSS7209 IntheeventofaPonyClubGymkhanaorOpenDay,DayMembershiparrangementscanbemade.

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AppendixBMPCCommittee–2015–16Listedbelow(andontheMPCwebsite—www.midlands.pcat.org.au)arecurrentcommitteemembers:

Position Name Contactnumber

President AndrewScott 0447356595

DistrictCommissioner(DC) JoArcher 0408283239

AssistantDC PipGibson 0417507532

ChiefCoach(CC) JoBradley 0409973776

EfficiencyTestcoordinator KirstyFranklin 0417352259

TreasurerandPublicOfficer PennyFoster 0438815209

Secretary CatrionaNicholls 0427571199

Firstaidofficer GraemeGreen 0438912717

Uniformcoordinator MelissaQuinn 0478228383

Websitecoordinator SarahJohnston 0407048806

Committeemembers:JulieFerrall

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AppendixC

MidlandPonyClubAwardsandpresentationnightEachyearMidlandsPonyClubrecognisestheachievementsofitsmembersthroughthepresentationofanumberofawards.SomeoftheseawardsarepresentedattheannualPresentationnightandothersareawardedatthecommencementoftheyearandattheannualMPCCamp.TobehandedoverinJulyeachyearatthecommencementofthenewcaptaincy:

• Kingfisheraward(receivedbyincomingcaptain)• Captain’saward(chosenandawardedbyoutgoingcaptainforarider

duringpast12months)Presentationnight(ideallytobeheldinNovemberofeachyear)

• FlickerMemorialaward(improvedriderandhorsecombinationchosenbyDCandCIforcalendaryear)

• Instructors’award(votedbyinstructorsateachrallyforcalendaryear)• DC’saward(chosenbyDCforpastcalendaryear)• Allcertificateawardsarepresented

MPCCamp

• ODEawards—dressage,showjumpingandcrosscountryforindividualgrades(ribbons)

• ODEtrophiesforbestoverallforeachdisciplineacrossallgrades• ODEoveralltrophy

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AppendixDClubCaptain—roleandresponsibilitiesTheMidlandsPonyClub(MPC)ClubCaptainprovidesamentoringandleadershiproleforthemembersoftheClubthroughouttheyear.//needtoinsertcriteriaforbecomingcaptain//TheClubCaptainisnominatedandelectedbyMPCmemberseachyear.ThepositionofCaptainisheldforoneyear.ResponsibilitiesTheresponsibilitiesoftheClubCaptaininclude:

• EncouragingexistingMPCmemberstowelcomeandincludeanynewmembersintotheClub.

• PromotingafriendlyandinclusivecultureintheClub.• EncouragingallMPCmemberstopresentthemselvesandtheirponies

neatlyforallralliesandevents.• Providesupportandencouragementtomembersasrequiredatrallies

andevents.• Organiseteam-buildingactivitiesatralliesthroughouttheyear.• Organiseteam–buildingactivitiesduringtheannualMPCcamp.• WorkwiththeMPCcommitteeasrequiredatfundraisingevents,rallies

andtheannualMPCcamp.• Monitortheactions,attitudeandachievementofMPCmembers

throughouttheyearwiththeviewtoawardingtheCaptain’sawardattheannualpresentationnight.

ChoosingtheCaptain’sAwardAttheendoftheyeartheCaptainwillchooseariderfortheCaptain’saward.Inselectingarecipient,theMPCClubCaptainwilllookforamemberwhohas:

• AttendedMPCralliesregularly• Demonstratedapositiveattitudeatralliesandevents• Showntheyarecommittedtocaringfortheirpony• Beenanactiveteamplayerthroughouttheyear

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AppendixE

MidlandsPonyClubnewmemberprocessMidlandsPonyClubencouragesandwelcomesnewmembersintotheclub.ThefollowinginformationisintendedtoensuretheprocessofattractingandprocessingnewmembersisclearandconsistentfornewMPCcommitteemembers.Membershipguidelines

• TobeeligibleformembershiparidermustbesixyearsofageatthetimeofjoiningMidlandsPonyClub.

• MidlandsPonyClubhassetacapofamaximumof35ridingmembersinanyonefinancialyear.

• Uponreachingtheaforementionedlimit,anypotentialnewmemberswillbeaddedtoawaitinglist.

• Newmemberscanattendthreetrialralliesbeforecommittingtobecomingafully-financialMPCmember.

• Newmemberswillbecharged$10pertrialrally,andmustpaythe$30PCATinsurancefeebeforeridingatanyrallies.

• Iftheycommittobecomingafully-financialmember,allrallyfeesandinsurancealreadypaidwillbedeductedfromthefullmembershipfeeuponjoining.

• Norefundswillbemadetothosewhochoosenottobecomemembers.• Memberscanjoinatanytimeduringthefinancialyear,andwillbe

chargedfullmembershipuponjoining.• Potentialnewmembersareprovidedwitha“Newmemberapplication

form”bytheMPCSecretary,whichiscirculatedforconsiderationatthenextMPCCommitteemeeting.

• UponconsiderationandapprovalbytheDCand/orCCtheMPCSecretarywillforwardtothepotentialnewmemberthefollowingdocuments:

o MPCHandbook(currentyear)o Amemberrenewalformo Anewmemberinductionformo Ahealthconsentformo PCATWaiverform

• Allcompletedformsandacurrent-yearmemberregisterareheldbytheMPCSecretary.

• TheMPCTreasurerwillinvoicemembersonanannualbasisandliaisewiththeSecretarytoensurethemembershiprecordsareuptodate.

• ThenewmemberregisteriskeptandmaintainedbytheMPCSecretary.• Intheeventofawaitinglist,preferencewillbegiventosiblingsof

existingmembers.

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AppendixF

MidlandsPonyClubHonoraryLifemembers//stilltobecompleted//1992:HelenNapierandMerylDiprosexx:JaneTaylor2010:RobynBrown