SHOWJUMPING 2016/17
Team Selection:
We welcome and encourage all our members to step up and "have-a-go" in team events and also to compete as individuals.
However, we remind parents and members that we have a duty of care to our members and do not encourage children to be put forward for classes that are too much for them.
Groupings for both training and team selection are done on the basis of training attendance, experience of pony and rider, age and ability. This is the competitive element of the branch and we work out teams in collaboration with our trainers with a view to competing with significant success. For example, if a member is competing successfully at 2'6 (reasonably consistent clears) then we will feel happy to include them in a 2'6 team. We will possibly include them in a 2'9 team if it is felt that the combination is ready to move up a level. However, please remember that a 3 inch height increase also involves a corresponding increase in the width of spreads and often the frequency and nature of fillers and other obstacles.
The health and safety of all our members and their horses is of paramount importance and we will not take what we consider to be unnecessary risks and will not condone over facing either pony or rider.
As a branch, we do not limit the number of teams we enter and will try and accommodate all members who show an interest. However, personal invites are not an option and we will not chase people to join a team. As we can only enter full teams, there are frequently reserves waiting so please do not try to organise teams yourselves!
Team selection is done through the show jumping organisers: Emily Pincus for L1 and L2 and Candy Robbins for L3 and L4. Emily and Candy liaise with the appropriate instructors, Angela and Sarah, for their levels – it is up to the instructors who are in the team.
Jumping practices and rallies are run throughout the year so the instructors can see combinations and their progress. Team selections are NOT made at ordinary working rallies. It is important for members to attend as many of these rallies as possible to gain experience and also to be able to jump with confidence when attending an event and not be out of their comfort zone.
For some competitions, such as Area and Interbranch, combinations have to be "rallied up" – attend a minimum of 3 working rallies.
Look out for e-mails with details regarding show jumping practices or the programme on our website.
Candy Robbins 0781 6580322 Emily Pincus 07808 783974
Team Events:
Please remember that when you are competing in a SDHE team, you are representing the branch and so we ask and expect the following:
Rudeness, pushiness or aggression towards anyone will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Clean and plaited horses wearing clean, plain tack and equally clean and correctly turned out members (this includes hairnets, ties, gloves, beige jodphurs at all times – NO BLING!)
Appropriate behaviour and manners from all members and all those that they bring with them
The team manager only is to liaise with the event organisers. Multiple parents interfering causes stress and confusion. As a branch that organises large events itself, we are all aware that everything goes a lot smoother when dealing with 1 branch representative. If an issue arises or you have a query, please contact either Candy or Emily who will sort everything out.
Here's to a successful rest of 2016 and 2017 season of show jumping.
Candy and Emily
