Southern

Hills
Pony
Club

2016

MEMBERS HANDBOOK

www.southernhillsponyclub.weebly.com

Railway Terrace, Willunga

Contents
Welcome to Southern Hills Pony Club Inc. ............................................................................................. 2
MEMBERSHIP .......................................................................................................................................... 3
ATTENDANCE PERFORMANCE CARDS .................................................................................................... 3
INSURANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 4
RALLIES .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Parental Supervision at Rally Days & Visitors ..................................................................................... 5
CLUB UNIFORM ....................................................................................................................................... 6
GEAR CHECK ............................................................................................................................................ 7
CLUB GROUNDS ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Dogs .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Parking ................................................................................................................................................ 8
CLUB WORKING BEES .............................................................................................................................. 8
PONY CLUB STRUCTURE.......................................................................................................................... 9
Southern Zone..................................................................................................................................... 9
The Monarto Equestrian Centre ......................................................................................................... 9
EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATES ....................................................................................................................... 9
ACHIEVEMENT PATCHES ....................................................................................................................... 10
CLUB TROPHIES ..................................................................................................................................... 10
MEMBER REPONSIBILITIES & CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................... 10
GRIEVANCES .......................................................................................................................................... 11
HOT WEATHER POLICY .......................................................................................................................... 12
PROPERTY REGISTRATION (PIC) ............................................................................................................ 12
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................... 12
Can I participate in the committee or meetings? ......................................................................... 12
CONTACTS 2016 .................................................................................................................................... 13
LIFE MEMBERS ...................................................................................................................................... 13
BANK DETAILS ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Where can I get more information? ..................................................................................................... 14

Welcome to Southern Hills Pony Club Inc.

Welcome to Pony Club.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide new and prospective members with an overview of Pony
Club in South Australia and Southern Hills Pony Club (SHPC).
The Objects of Pony Club

To encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with
horses and riding.
To provide instruction in riding and horse-mastership and to instil in members the proper
care of their animals.
To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby cultivating
strength of character and self- discipline.

MEMBERSHIP
A SHPC Membership Application Form for the new financial year will be published in July each year.
Priority consideration is given to existing members and family of existing members.
New member application forms received are tabled for consideration at SHPC committee meetings.
If there is space available, the proposed member will be contacted an invited for an assessment with
their mount at the next available rally.

12 month membership for first family member : 4-16y

(Includes Affiliation fee to PCASA & insurance of $83.25)
Riding brother or sister of the first riding member: 4 -16y
(Includes Affiliation fee to PCASA & insurance of $83.25)
Associate: riders aged 17 to under 21 years
Senior: riders aged 21 to under 26 years
12 month membership for riders aged 17 to under 21 years (Includes
Affiliation fee to PCASA & insurance of $83.25)

$180

Part Year

Part year membership (from 1 April to 30 June) . Any age.

(Includes Affiliation fee to PCASA & insurance of $54.70)

$75

Monarto Levy

Monarto working bee levy: For 2016-17 this is non-refundable and will be
paid directly to Southern Zone for Monarto Centre maintenance.
$60 per rider.
*Committee Member or parent/guardian of current financial member.

$60

First family member Junior

Second/ Subsequent Junior
Associate or Senior
Member

Adult

$95
$180

$80

A rider 26 yrs and over to join club, but may not take part in any Pony
Club Competition, other than set down for this age group. (Yellow
card)(Includes Affiliation fee to PCASA & insurance of $70.05)

Visitor Trial

Allows participation in a maximum of 3 rallies and or 3 months (includes

instructors assessment of rider/horse combination) $30 refunded if full
membership then paid.

$60

Strapper/Groom

A member of any age who doesnt have a horse & joins to be part of club
& to prepare for efficiency levels to C standard in theory only until
becoming a full riding member. (can only have 3 rides per year)

$70

CHQ made to: Treasurer, SHPC, PO Box 56, Willunga, 5172 or alternatively Southern Hills Pony Club bank details
are BSB 105 108 Account Number 394074040

ATTENDANCE PERFORMANCE CARDS

EACH COMBINATION is required to have attendance card once full financial membership paid. The
secretary of the Club must apply for a card for each combination within three months of their first
rally . The Performance Card must be produced at each Rally, for attendances and gradings to be
recorded. Attendances at rallies must be signed by the Club President or the Club Secretary.
Grading is done by the Club Chief Instructor (CI), or if the club does not have a nominated CI then it
is done by the Zone CI, and is based on the ability of the horse and rider as a combination, thereby
providing the opportunity for each combination to compete at a standard commensurate with their
ability.

The grading is achieved by assessing the capability of the horse and rider as a combination,
irrespective of the age of the rider or the size of the horse, or the horse's previous grading or
performance. A separate grading is required for each discipline ie green card for eventing and
showjumping and a light blue card for dressage.
Gradings are done at the initial assessment by the CI and can be upgraded at any time.Riders are
able to compete at one grade higher than indicated on their cards, but any points accumulated at
the higher grade will go on the riders card.
Remember that if you do not have your performance card at an event conducted under PCASA
rules you are not permitted to participate.

INSURANCE- yet to be updated for 2016-17

All members of Southern Hills Pony Club are automatically covered by GOW GATES Insurance
Services on Rally Days and at pony club events. While there is a Liability Cover on our grounds during
an official rally under this policy, all members and visitors are reminded that this is a liability policy
only.
Refer to http://www.ponyclub.asn.au/documents/membership for more detail on the insurance.
Or the current member policy document is available in the club rooms.
PCASA Insurance IS NOT a 24 hour/7 day policy for Riding if you require this type of cover you will
have to gain your own. PCASA insurance only covers you for PCASA events which include rallies and
any other activity minuted at club level.
Ambulance Cover- Please note that in case of a fall or injury to a rider or member attending a rally
or activity, a club official will call an ambulance if there is any doubt as to the extent of the injury.
We encourage all families and individuals to have Ambulance Cover.

RALLIES
Rally Days are the regular, non-competitive yet structured sessions for riders and are run by the
Clubs Instructor/s and/or a nominated Rally Co-Ordinator.
Unless otherwise notified, Pony Club rally days are held on the Sunday of the first full weekend and
the third full weekend of each month. What this means is that if the date of a Sunday is the 1st on
the month, then rally days for that month will be held on the 8th and 22nd, and if the 1st is a Saturday,
rallies will be on the 2nd and the 16th. This program exists to fit in with the PCASAs calendar.
1st Rally of the month Full Day Rally
3rd Rally of the month- Half Day Rally

There is a summer break from rallies after the Christmas breakup, until the first rally in February,
each year.
Riders, please be on time for rallies, so that the days program will not be delayed or interrupted.
Dont forget to sign the attendance book as soon as you arrive. All riders should be saddled and
ready for gear check at 10am, and be mounted and ready for the days instruction by 10:30 sharp.
* Arrive at grounds and sign in attendance book
* 945 Committee available in clubrooms for paperwork/cards etc
* 10am Horse saddled and haltered, tied in yard. Attend clubrooms for pre-start meeting
* Attend clubrooms for pre-start meeting
* 1015am Gear Check
* 1030- Morning Session
* 1200-100 Lunch
* 100-300 Afternoon Session (if a Full Day Rally)
If you are unavoidably late, you must report to a Committee Member for a gear check and to be
directed to your appropriate activity. Do not attempt to join a group, but report to the Instructor in
charge of your group for permission to do so.
If you must leave before the conclusion of the days activities, it is essential that you inform whoever
is in charge when you leave. Remember, your safety and welfare are the responsibility of the Club,
so riders whereabouts at all times are of paramount importance.
Safety is of paramount importance at all Clun activities. That is why there is always a responsible
person in charge of every activity, on a rally day. Our Club in fortunate in having among our
members some very experienced and knowledgeable people who give their time voluntarily as
instructors. They are to be obeyed at all times and treated respectfully.
Riders are divided into groups according to ability, and instruction is given on flat
work, cross-country, show jumping, dressage and games. We also have a beginners group if
required, to give new riders basic instruction.
Instruction is given by the Club's accredited Pony Club instructors and Guest Instructors
for special disciplines. There may be an additional fee to cover these costs.
All riders are encouraged to work towards Achievement Badges and Efficiency Certificates.

Parental Supervision at Rally Days & Visitors

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An adult family member must attend any Rally Days when their children, under the age of 17, are
taking part in case of an accident and/or medical emergency.
If for any reason a parent is unable to stay for the full day, the club chief instructor must be informed
and the name of a nominated guardian, who will be on the grounds, must be placed in the relevant
book and be signed by both the parent and guardian.
All visitors to the grounds on a rally day are required to sign in at the clubrooms.

CLUB UNIFORM
Helmet: Your helmet MUST be of the approved type. i.e. it must be labelled with the appropriate
standards number :
AS/NZ3838 (Australia)
ASTM F 1163 (USA) or VG1 (Europe) or PAS 015 (UK)
EN 1384 (Europe) elmets made up to and including 2015. (But NOT 2016)
and it must fit correctly.
Boots: Must be of the approved type :- either top boots, which fit to just below the knee, or the
short jodhpur boot with elastic sides. The boot must be in good repair and have a smooth sole.
These items are mandatory and safety requirements of the PCASA which must be complied with.
Official Uniform:
The formal uniform is to be worn at all events as well as at rallies with guest instructors and includes:
Navy Blue "V* Neck Jumper with red stripe.
Beige jodphurs
Red Tie
White Shirt
Approved riding hat and boots. If gaiters are worn they must be leather.
The formal uniform is to be worn at all events as well as at rallies with guest instructors and includes:

Rally (Casual) Uniform

Navy/Red Polo Shirt - Embroidered with "Southern hills Pony Club"
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Navy Windcheater/ Rugby Top - Embroidered with "Southern hills Pony Club"
Beige or Navy Jpdpurs. Approved riding hat and boots (Synthetic gaters allowed)
Eventing:
Cross Country Top Navy blue and red stripe rugby top
New and second-hand uniforms are available from the Club Uniform Co-coordinator at most
rallies.
*Official Uniform must be worn at all Pony Club events.
*Either uniform can be worn at home rallies

GEAR CHECK
Gear Check is done in accordance with the Gear Check Rule Guidelines which is available from the
PCASA Website www.ponyclub.asn.au Refer to PCASA General Rules.
If you have any extra queries talk to the Chief Instructor.
Here are some general guidelines:

The bit must fit correctly and should be clean; ask yourself would you like it in your mouth?
Saddle blanket and girth should be clean
Saddle, bridle etc. should be clean and in good order and repair.
Stitching on the bridle and stirrup leathers must be secure.
Any bandages must be stitched in contrasting colour thread.
Spurs must be fitted correctly and worn point down and must have a rounded end.
Martingales must be fitted correctly and have stoppers
Noseband and headpieces must fit correctly.
Your horses should be clean.
Your horses mane and tail should be groomed.
Your horses shoes should be well maintained; ie shoe should not be loose, no rising
clenches, hoof overgrowing.
Stirrup rubbers are permitted.

Horses must be tied with an approved knot in the tie-up bays with halter and lead rope.
Bring a water bucket and feed for your horse.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU CLOSE ALL GATES WHEN YOU ENTER OR LEAVE THE CLUB GROUNDS.
Refer to the most current gear check guidelines book, available in the club rooms.

CLUB GROUNDS
The Club grounds extend from the Clubhouse, north to the Main Rd, including the land bounded by
the creek, the old railway track (linear track) the rear of the veterinarian centre and the Main road.
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This land is leased from the City of Onkaparinga and SHPC has the right to its exclusive use on all
Club rally days and any other days for which prior approval has been given. On any other days, the
grounds are freely available for use by the general public. The use of the grounds by members is
encouraged. Southern Hills Pony Club is situated in the vibrant historical township of Willunga on
Railway Terrace.
Our facilities include an all-weather arena, enclosed pony paddock area, large open grass area for
show jumping, and equipment for practising all disciplines, ample day yards for horses and ponies
and our clubrooms.
Please help to keep YOUR grounds tidy, Please make sure that ALL manure is collected from the
grounds and the carpark area before you leave and put in the appropriate bines. Separate bins are
provided for both rubbish and drink cans. Cans are recycled by the Club as a fundraiser.

Dogs
Dogs will only be permitted at Club activities if they are on a lead. They must be kept on a lead at all
times. They are not permitted inside the Clubrooms under any circumstances. Any dog which
creates a nuisance to people or horses at Club activities, the owners will be asked to remove the
animal forthwith.

Parking
Parking is only permitted in the public parking area on the eastern side of the old railway station
building. Parking is not permitted on any part of the Pony Club grounds service and emergency
vehicles excepted.
All vehicles without a float are asked to park so as to allow access and exit of floats.
As horses are not to be tied to floats, vehicles can be parked closely to maximise the limited car
parking area.
No manure is to be left in the car park area. Pick up your poo!

CLUB WORKING BEES

Working Bees are often the only way the club can effectively manage its repairs and maintenance.
Working Bees will be promoted with as much notice as possible. Parents and sometimes the children
are asked to volunteer to do some type of work needed around the club. Some people go ahead and
do jobs like mowing or cleaning the amenities or club kitchen whenever they see they need doing.
Other times a working bee is organised for bigger things such as erecting a new fence or painting
equipment.
If and when possible, the SHPC will ask the Onkaparinga Council to undertake jobs such as trimming
of the large trees on the property.
Members (riders and parents) please respond to these requests when they are made to help keep
the grounds clean and safe.

PONY CLUB STRUCTURE

The Pony Club Association of South Australia Incorporated is managed by the Executive Council
which is comprised office bearers and two delegates from each of the eight Zones.
Southern Hills Pony Club is in the Southern Zone.

Southern Zone
As well as competing at Zone events, our pony club has a responsibility to Zone and State to assist in
designated roles/duties that are normally assigned at the Southern Zone AGM in August each year.
This could be :

Setting up dressage/showjumping areas

Catering
Scoring/judge jumping and collecting dressage tests
Ground/event management (including parking)

All parents are asked to assist so that these tasks are not left to one or two parents.
Our Club also has two Zone Delegates to attend Zone meetings on our Clubs behalf.
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Southern Zone Handbook of Events is published each year and available to purchase from
the clubrooms at the start of the calendar year. Its a good resource for finding more
information and the events calendar for the year.

The Monarto Equestrian Centre

In June 1985 the PCASA Southern Zone Inc purchased the Monarto Centre for $48,000 with monies
raised from fundraising and selling debentures to Pony Club members. The property is situated on
85 hectares 69km from Adelaide and 13km from Murray Bridge. Southern Hills is a member of the
Southern Zone, so in effect is part owner of Monarto.
A levy on each rider per year is included in annual Club subscriptions for maintenance of the
Monarto property. In addition to this, ALL clubs are expected to participate in working bees at the
centre. Riders and parents can camp overnight and riders are free to use the excellent cross country
course. These outings are great for all concerned.
Visit the Monarto website: www.monartoequestriancentere.com or find it on Facebook.

EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATES
Southern Hills Pony Club follows the Syllabus of Instruction as supplied by PCASA from Pony Club
Australia.
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More about what each Certificate (E, D,D*, C, C*, K, B, H and A) is available from
hwww.ponyclub.asn.au Certificates.
Working towards these Certificates will involve Theory and Practice and Active Riding. There are
Workbooks available via our club or direct from PCASA which are complete and accurate to the
syllabus.

ACHIEVEMENT PATCHES
Achievement Patches are awarded at club level for meeting technical criteria as per PCASA Rules
Book, and are worn on the right sleeve of the Pony Club Jumper. Working towards achievement
patches is included in the rally calendar planning.
Achievement patches include: Bareback riding, Camp drafting, Care of Saddlery, Clipping (Minimum
age for this achievement patch is 13 years), Distance Ride (K efficiency certificate), First Aid The
rider must obtain a Senior First Aid certificate to obtain this Achievement Patch, Grooming, Hunting,
Musical Ride, Orienteering, Polocrosse, Service to Clubs, Show Grooming, Team Ride, Tent pegging,
Trail Riding, Vaulting, Riding and Road Safety

CLUB TROPHIES
More Information to be added.

MEMBER REPONSIBILITIES & CODE OF CONDUCT

Riders
1. Play by the rules.
2. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the
official at a suitable time.
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3. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting
or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
4. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your teams performance will benefit, so will
you.
5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good performances whether by your team or the opposition.
6. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage
of another competitor.
7. Cooperate with your instructor, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no
competition.
8. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and instructors.
9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural
background or religion.
Parents
1. Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
2. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
3. Focus on the childs efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
4. Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without
resorting to hostility or violence.
5. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
6. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays
by all participants.
7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
8. Show appreciation for instructors, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not
participate.
9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability,
cultural background or religion.
The PCASA Code of Conduct also describes the policy for administrators, officials and coaches. For
further detail please refer to the PCASA General Rules on the PCASA website

GRIEVANCES
The Chief Instructors Panel (CIP) ask that all clubs and zones be reminded of the protocol to be
followed when there are questions, issues or grievances at club level.
1. The issue is to be raised at the Clubs Management Committee level, including the Chief
Instructor. If unresolved at this level, then.
2. The issue is escalated by the Club to the Zones Chief Instructor. If still not resolved, then.
3. The issue is then taken by the Zone Chief Instructor to the State Executive Council.
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Clubs and members should not go straight to the top but follow the correct protocols;
that is, beginning at local Club level, then to Zone CI's through to State Executive.
More detailed information can be found in the PCASA Rule Book, including the Complaints
Procedure.
The intention of this process is not to hinder people, rather to allow resolution at the lowest level
possible.

HOT WEATHER POLICY

The Pony Club Association of South Australia Incorporated has a duty of care to the health, comfort
and welfare of all members, volunteers, officials and to the equine members of the organization.
This policy has been adopted to assist clubs/Zones when organizing rally days /Events or Functions
to be aware for the need of shade and plenty of water for both human and equine participants.
If the weather forecast on Saturday night predicts the temperature in the Noarlunga area to be in
35 degrees Celsius or above, the following day (Sunday), then there will only be a morning rally.
The rally will conclude before 11 am, so an earlier start may be organised.
Check: www.bom.gov.au/sa/ if unsure of conditions in your area.

PROPERTY REGISTRATION (PIC)

All landholders who have one or more horses on their property are required to register that
property with PIRSA /Biosecurity SA and obtain a Property Identification Code. Many pony club
events require you to provide your PIC number on the entry form. Make sure you update your
details if your circumstances change. To obtain the necessary forms, call 8207 7919 or 1800 654 688
or visit http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/animal_health/property_identification_code_pic

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
Can I participate in the committee or meetings?
Yes. You are welcome and encouraged to participate in the scheduled meetings. These are held at
the SHPC Clubhouse, usually every month following the half day rally, commencing at 1pm.

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There are 5 Executive Management Committee (EMC) positions including the Chief Instructor and
several General Committee (GC) positions.
All committee positions are automatically vacated at the Clubs Annual General Meeting (AGM)
which is held shortly after the cessation of the Clubs financial year in July. (the membership year
runs as per financial year, thereby ending on 30 June each year).
Please feel free to nominate for either an EMC position or other GC role at the AGM.
The EMC positions are: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Also Chief Instructor.
There are also several general GC positions which may include responsibilities for: Fundraising,
Canteen, Uniforms , Grounds & Maintenance to name but a few.
Please give consideration to holding one of these portfolios as many hands make light work and
there are plenty of willing and experienced Club members to support you.
Please note, the EMC people are neither responsible for nor able to manage the entire years
schedule and day-to-day Club business without the assistance of general members; so please come
along to the meetings if you can so that you can contribute not only ideas, but assistance. It is only
with the coordinated assistance of everyone that the SHPC can have a rich and fulfilling schedule of
events to meet the needs and expectations of its members.

CONTACTS 2016
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Chief Instructor
Canteen
Uniforms
Committee
Committee
Committee
Zone Reps

Kylie Rowan
Matt Carroll
Karen Schwob
Nadine Carrol
Anne Hollick
vacant position
Kristen Hunt
Lesley Bakker
Deb Perkins
Julie Day
Felicity & Lesley

0428732344
0412059158
0433320952
0403 368 233

kylierowan01@gmail.com
mattnad@hotmail.com
karen.deland@bigpond.com
mattnad@hotmail.com
annehollick@bigpond.com

0422433591
0418846700
0410293232
0429401954

x10goldie@hotmail.com
mlbakker5@bigpond.com
debperkins@outlook.com
riversidetrev@skymesh.com.au

LIFE MEMBERS
Southern Hills Pony Club proudly acknowledges its Life Members:
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Ron Spicer : Anne Hollick

: Lorraine Dunn : Jack Feran : Wally Bolt :

Felicity Stanway

BANK DETAILS
Cheques made to: Treasurer, SHPC, PO Box 56, Willunga, 5172
or alternatively Southern Hills Pony Club
Bank Details are:
BSB: 105 108 Account Number 394074040

Where can I get more information?

The PCA, PCASA, Southern Hills Pony Club websites are a great place to start. Being involved in pony
club on many levels will give you a wealth of information and experience, so do not be afraid to
participate as much as possible in all pony club events and ask questions anytime

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