Spring Newsletter 2013 - The Pony Club Branches

Dear Members,
SHPC ICKWORTH RALLIES 2013.
I hope you are looking forward to returning to Ickworth Park for the Easter Holidays, we are all so
lucky to have such a beautiful park with excellent facilities.
As you will see by the rally form, we are going to try a new format in the Easter holidays and see how
it suits you or not.
We very much would like to know your thoughts and feedback would be much appreciated, once you
have tried the new format, before we put together the rest of the summer rallies.
The summer half term is the full day format, so that will give you a reminder what that entails and
also for new members to try out.
To help the rallies run smoothly and get the season off to a good start, could you all members/parents.
1. Check that your tack is in good order. Check the stitching, especially stirrup leather, girth
straps, buckles, etc. It is very unfair to the rest of the ride, if they are delayed, because the
tack is not fit for purpose. Now is a good time to have your saddle checked and possibly the
horses back & teeth looked at and that the ponies feet and shoes are in good order, so you are
up and ready to go for the new season.
2. If you have grown and have got new Jodhpur boots or long boots, make sure that you have
checked that your stirrups are wide enough. 1 cm (½ “) each side of the riders foot, at the
widest part of the boot. Ideally safety stirrups (peacock) for the younger members.
3. It is always advisable that if you have had a fall onto your head with your hat, that it should
be checked and it may need replacing.
4. Can you all make sure that you are at your marker 15 minutes before the ride time ie. If the
time is 10am start, you should be at the marker board at 9.45. This will then mean that the
instructor can have checked your tack and your turnout and you can have more time for
instruction and fun.
5. When you arrive, each rider needs to book in on foot with your hat to Lillian Flack so it can
be checked and then you will be advised which coloured marker to go to.
6. Lillian will have ties, badges, passes, etc. if you need them and I will try and get some sweat
shirts there as well.
7. Remember you need to wear your medical armband and a back protector is compulsory for
cross country.
8. Parents need to keep back at a safe distance (unless lead rein). The instructor should tell you
where to stand for your safety. Please do not teach your children from the side lines. If you
are concerned or want to make a comment, please can you speak to the Chief Instructor (Abi
McClure) or myself and we will do are best to rectify any problems.
9. Booking in and payment. Closing date for Easter & Summer Half Term is Thursday, 21 st
March 2013. Payment can be made in full or post dated cheques for each rally is acceptable,
to accompany rally form. Although, it would be easier for me, if you could commit to
booking in for all by Thursday, 21 st March, it has been agreed that there will be a second
closing date for the Summer Half Term Rally, which will be Tuesday, 14 th May 2013.
10. Air Vests – Could you please note that if you wish to wear an Air Vest, it is compulsory to
wear a permitted back protector underneath!
We have been advised by Head Office, that we do not recommend the wearing of an air vest
in a group situation, especially indoor rallies, as the result of the air vest going off with a
bang, is likely to cause multiple accidents. It is felt that if used for x/c and the rider is at a
distance further away from the group, then this is deemed to be acceptable.