Pony Club CEO Update - 24th April

To: Company Members, Branch Officials, Centre Proprietors, Centre Coordinators, Centre Committee, Pony Club Staff, Pony Club Members From: Marcus Capel

 

Dear Members, families, volunteers and staff, What a busy week at The Pony Club. We were pleased to announce the winners Mary King selected for our Easter bonnet competition. If you haven't already seen who's won, please visit our creative activities page and view the wonderful creations, as I mentioned last week, they are spectacular. We are now looking forward to watching the submissions come through for our Art Competition. We know we have many talented members out there and hope you enjoy our theme of Equestrian Hopes and Dreams. You have until June 30th to submit your work, so please visit https://artcomp.pcuk.org, for all the details on how to enter. Keep checking our Creative Activities page here. Riding We know the conversation on riding is a contentious issue, but we do feel it is important to highlight our guidance again. Our stance has not changed since the Government began restrictions and we remain aligned with the BEF and member bodies. We ask that you do not ride, unless it is necessary for the welfare of the horse or pony. We do understand that this is an individual decision and that you know what is best to keep our members and your families safe, as well as the best way to manage the welfare of your horse or pony. However, we should all respect the Government's message of 'stay home, protect the NHS, save lives', and carefully consider the risks associated with riding. As a community, we should not be putting any additional pressure on our emergency and NHS services. The Pony Club does not endorse any group gathering, online competition or activities involving jumping your horse or pony. Shared Resources We have been working hard with our branches and centres to ensure we offer as much support and guidance at this time. As part of this work we have created a collaborative space on Google Drive to post resources everyone can leverage. We have sections on Arts & Crafts, Badges, Quizzes, Pony Club Tests and much more. However, it has come to our attention that many of our volunteer network are part of the vital group of key workers supporting us in even more wonderful ways. Therefore, their time has been limited to make all our resources available to our members. In light of this, I would like to announce that we have created a member only area on our website, where you can get direct access to many of the resources shared on the Google Drive. We will continue to keep the area updated with new documents over the coming weeks, but we wanted to share the news as soon as possible. To access this new page please click here and use the password: pony1929. We hope this offers more support for members and we hope you enjoy completing the activities. We would love to hear your feedback on the area as we look to develop it in the future. To send your feedback please fill in our contact us form on the website. Online Safety As we invite our members to spend more time online joining our competitions, accessing resources, and connecting with their friends, we want to ensure everyone is staying safe. We have very robust safeguarding policies in place to protect our members taking part in Pony Club activities and now more than ever it is important to address keeping yourself safe online. I would encourage all parents to visit the NSPCC website where they share a raft of useful information and links to other organisations who can inform us all when it comes to staying ahead with the latest online risks to our young people. Looking to the future! It is still an uncertain landscape and the news can change daily, but at The Pony Club we are starting to look ahead. We are mapping out what our summer activities could look like under the current discussions around future restrictions. We want you to be assured we will do all we can to offer our members the best summer possible and we hope this will be spending time with our horses and ponies enjoying the sunshine. I will keep you up to date in the coming weeks when we can plan more concretely. Please continue to stay safe in these times and thank you for your continued support. Marcus Marcus Capel Interim CEO

Write to ride competition

Please see details of a writing competition for Pony Club Members (attached).

Abby Bernard
Area 11 Representative

Pony Club Easter Bonnet Competition

We are organising an Easter Bonnet Competition. This competition is to try to keep us going through these difficult times, to keep us entertained and to hopefully keep our wonderful Pony Club spirit going! Please try and participate for some much needed fun!!

      The winner and runner up in each section will go forward to be judged in the

                                             REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!!

Entry form is attached.

Covid-19 rally cancellation refunds

Hi Everyone

I hope I have now refunded everyone's PayPal payments made for rallies we have had to cancel due to the enforced period of hibernation.  Let me know if you feel you should have had a PayPal refund but haven't had one.

We still receive a small number of payments by BACs transfer for rallies.  In general it is harder for me to work out which rally these were meant for and if they were cancelled.  The 'stop' date for Pony Club was 17th March.  Also I can not make a refund unless I know the appropriate bank sort code and account number.  Can I therefore ask if anyone wants a refund for a BACs payment they e-mail a request to me including bank details and I will put these through ASAP.

Hope you all stay well, safe and sane in trying times.

Best wishes

Mike Nichols
Branch Treasurer

 

rallies cancelled due to cornavirus and refunds

I hope everyone is staying well.  We will be doing refunds for any rallies booked and paid for but did not go ahead due to the coronavirus.    This may take a bit of time to sort out so please do be patient.  Many thanks  Anne  

Covid-19 and suspension of Pony Club Activities

Dear All   Following the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday requesting that we minimise social contact and non-essential travel, the Pony Club Board of Trustees advises that all Pony Club activities cease with immediate effect.   We would like to thank our members, parents and volunteers for their support of the Pony Club in this decision to play our part in preventing the spread of Covid-19.  We will keep you updated as soon as we have any further information.  Please continue to stay safe and well during this difficult time.     From the Committee   of the Southdown Hunt East Pony Club    

AGM postponed

With regard to the current cornonavirus situation we have postponed the AGM, due to have taken place on 26th March, until further notice

E/D/D+ groups fpr Plumpton rally Saturday 14th March - from Melanie Cammies

11am ride for lead rein/just off and for members who need a bit more confidence    Bea Swanson - Berry  Milly Pile - Piglet  Charlotte Daw - Chelli    3 spaces available    12pm D & those working towards D+     Leon Martin - Starlite  Amelie de La Rosa -  Lilli-mae Citrone - Billy  Tabitha Buxton - Jelly Bean  Millie Boreham - Bo    1 space available    Please bring your pony's passport for checking before you unload and I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.  All enquiries to melaniecammies@btinternet.com / 07831 184821 please.    Regards,  Melanie

C/C+ rally at Plumpton 14th March - from Sarah Taylor

Times for c/ c+ rides at Plumpton Saturday 14th March are:  1pm  Valentine Gage  Chloe Wright  Imi Taylor  2pm  Freya Conroy  Lily Taylor Martin  Lily Taylor  Lily Musson  Lettice Schulz     I look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Any problems please let me know, Sarah 07900272655.

C/C+ rally at Plumpton 14th March - from Sarah Taylor

 

C/C+ mounted rally Plumpton College Saturday 14th March

We have a few spaces left for C and C+ members at the final Plumpton winter rally of the year. I am hoping there will be 2 groups one at 1pm and one at 2pm however we currently don't have enough C members (those that have passed their D+) to make up a ride.

Sonia will be instructing, do let me know if you would like to join us. I will circulate ride times on Wednesday.

Sarah, 07900272655

 

Ascot - Pony Club Racing

Please find a schedule and entry form attached.

Anne

Mounted rally at Plumpton College 14th March - replies to Melanie Cammies

Hello everyone,    This will be the last indoor Mounted rally at Plumpton College until next October, in the dry, and there are some spaces available so please book online asap.    11am ride for lead rein/just off and for those members who need a bit of confidence.  12pm ride for D standard working towards D+.    Enquiries to melaniecammies@btinternet.com / 07831 184821.    Regards,  Melanie  

Achievement badge rally this Friday - from Melanie Cammies

The Achievement Badge Rally this Friday is on 'Pet Sense'.  Please keep a diary for a week on a pet of your choice which can be cat, dog, chicken, goat, pony etc., showing feeding, exercise if applicable, cleaning etc. and add drawings/photos to discuss with the group.    The following rally on Friday 20th March is 'Worm Control'.  Hope to see lots of you there.  Melanie  melaniecammies@btinternet.com  07831 184821  

Coronavirus

Hi All

 

I am writing this email to let everyone know that I rang Pony Club Headquarters yesterday and their policy on the Coronavirus is to follow the advice given on the NHS website.

 

This sets out all areas where there is a higher risk of Coronavirus. We feel that we have a responsibility to all our members and because things are changing so quickly, we have made the decision that anyone returning from these areas should self-isolate for 14 days even if they have no symptoms, so will not be able to attend any rallies during this time.

 

If you require more help, please call the NHS helpline 111.

 

Anne

Looking for a pony!

 

Looking for pony up to 14.1hh school master type, no vices for my eldest daughter. Need a steady, safe pony who enjoys PC activities, hacking, show-jumping and cross country for a rider who isn't gung-ho but loves her riding and is keen to do more. We offer a 5* knowledgeable home and with two other daughters potentially long term home for the right pony.

 

Please call Sarah Day 07789 985804

 

Meeting for first time senior campers

A reminder of the meeting being held for first time Senior Campers on Wednesday 4th March at the Bent Arms, Lindfield - 7.15 for a 7.30 start in the upstairs function room.

Please could you let me know if you are coming so that we know how many chairs to set up etc.  Many thanks

Candy Robbins

Branch Secretary

C/C+ stable mamagement at Vixengrove Saturday 29th February - from Sarah Taylor

C/C+ Stable Management Vixengrove Farm. Saturday 29th February

The groups for Saturdays rally are as follows:

10am C group covering Equitation Theory

Valentine Gage

Polly Biggins

Lily Hemsley

Imi Taylor

Chloe Wright

11am C+ Group covering the foot, shoeing lower leg, poultice etc.

Charlie Collins

Freya Conroy

Lily Taylor

Rhianna Hawkins

Abby Beckett

Sonia is instructing.

We have spaces in both groups, please let me know if you would like to come. These rallies are important if you want to take either test this year.

No need to wear Pony Club sweatshirt just be warm, smart and practical. Please bring gloves, hat, a pen and notepad.

As Vixengrove Farm has a livery yard please would all members let me know if there is any illness/infection in their own yard prior to attending and please have clean hands and boots when coming from their own yard to save any possible transfer of infection.

See you on Saturday

Sarah x 07900272655

 

 

 

C/C+ stable management 29th February - from Sarah Taylor

C/C+ stable mgmt Saturday 29th February Vixengrove Farm.    We have a few spaces left for C and C+ members at this unmounted rally, 10 -12. There will be 2 groups one at 10 and one at 11.      The rally will be held at Vixengrove Farm by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Day.     Please book online, groups and times will be circulated on Wednesday.    Thanks    Sarah  07900272655

C/C+ rally at Plumpton 22nd February - from Sarah Taylor

Hi All,     Groups and times for Saturday's rearranged C and C+ rally at Plumpton are:    1pm  Valentine Gage  Lily Hemsley  Chloe Warren  Isobel Day    2pm  Charlotte Hutt  Chloe Wright  Alex Page  Natascha Chalkley    I've had to change the rides around a bit. Please let me know if this causes any problems for anyone.    Thanks    Sarah x

Drawn order for Felbridge 18th February - from Candy & Tracy

Drawn order for Felbridge Tuesday 18^th February

Approximate times are a guess only allowing 2 minutes per round x number of competitors – please don't hold a gun to my head if they are wrong!

Class 1: 60cm  - 16 in the class (3 teams)  9.00 start

 

13^th – Issie Pollard - Arnie

16^th Lettice Schulz – Sharrats Topaz

 

Class 2: 70cm  -  43 in the class (6 teams)

 

Expecting class to start approx. 9.45  -  We are the 5^th team to jump hopefully around 10.20

 

19^th – Charlie Collins – Snow Train

20^th – Ben Pollard - Bridie

21^st – Chloe Wright - Cosmic

22^nd – Lettice Schultz – Sharrats Topaz

 

27^th – Emily Allardyce Bassett – Nelly Kid (individual)

 

Class 3: 80cm -   54 in the class (9 teams)

 

Guessing class to start around 11.30 -   we are the 2^nd team to jump so will need to be warmed up beforehand.

5^th –

6^th – Emily Allardyce Bassett – Nelly Kid

7^th – Alex Page - Bailey

8^th – Lily Taylor – Blackbird

 

40^th – Charlie Collins – Snow Train

 

 

Class 4:  90cm  - 49  in this class and I would guess it to start around 1.30

 

31^st - Frankie Walker – Fahys Queen

38^th - Tilly Appleyard – Malone's Mate

 

 

 

Class 5:  1mt– there are 27 in the class  and hopefully starting around 3.00

 

24th        Frankie Walker – Fahys Queen

27^th        Tilly Appleyard – Malone's Mate

 

 

Sonia will be there to walk the course with the 70cm team – please meet her at the ringside at 9.30 – you will have time to warm up afterwards

 

 

Briosa will be there to walk the course with the 80cm team – please meet him at the ringside at 10.45 as you will need to warm up before walking the course.

 

Please all be smartly turned out – clean, plaited horses wearing clean plain tack and wearing team saddlecloths.  Riders in hacking jackets, shirt, tie, badge, gloves, hairnet beige jods, clean boots and gaiters and again no bling!

 

Good luck to all of you – we will be there to support and to sample the bacon butties just in case they are not as good as they should be! 

 

Candy & Tracy xx