Albourne Equestrian Centre is a Linked Pony Club Centre
We are a licensed riding school that has been visited by a Pony Club Regional Co-ordinator. We have gained approval as a suitable club base for children (under 21) who do not own their own ponies but would like to participate in Pony Club activities organised by the centre.
The activities may include...
Rallies - Ridden Instructional Sessions in a variety of disciplines using our own and visiting instructors.
Progressive Tests - These are designed as a preparation for the full efficiency tests and are taken at three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. These tests are a way that members can gradually prepare for the efficiency tests and show parents that the child is progressing.
Efficiency Tests - These are the traditional Pony Club tests and are taken at 'D' through to 'B' level. On completion of each test a certificate will be awarded to the successful candidates.
Achievement Badges - These are available in twenty subjects. Members who are successful are awarded an embroidered badge which can be sewn onto sweatshirts.
Camps - Summer Camps are held each year and are brilliant fun for children. It also gives the grown ups a chance to get some peace and quiet! The children are allocated a horse/pony for the duration. During camp they will enjoy a variety of ridden activities in all disciplines plus games on and off horseback. Also included is instruction in stable management and plenty of practice in grooming and mucking out.
Competitions - In Jumping and Dressage with superb rosettes to be won.
Fun Days - Games, treasure hunts, quizzes and a host of other activities.
Children do not have to be regular riders at Albourne Equestrian Centre in order to be a Centre member. They should however, have an assessment lesson. This allows us to place them in the correct group when rallies are held. A membership form must be completed and returned to us with the correct fee. We will then enter the person onto our list and forward the form and fee to the Pony Club head office.
Pony Club Uniform :
Pony Club runs very much under traditional lines. Children attending Pony Club must wear the Pony Club uniform at all times. As a Linked Centre, Albourne Equestrian Centre is very keen to adhere to the rules and we are therefore very strict about the turnout of our members. We feel that the wearing of the uniform sets the Pony Club Events apart from anything else the children do, is good discipline and helps to make the event a little bit more special.
RIDING HATS
Members must wear an approved protective helmet, with chinstrap done up when mounted at all times. All hats must now be tagged. Please ask for yours to be done. In the event of a fall where it is obvious that the hat has been in contact with the ground all hats should be replaced. It might appear from the outside that no damage has been done but the inner protective shell may well have been compromised.
Hats should be plain black, brown or blue. If wearing a jockey skull cap, hat covers must be plain coloured. Please note that some of the very fashionable hats available these days do not conform by way of their appearance even if they meet the current safety standards or even exceed them. Some of these hats may be worn at Rallies but never for tests or exams. Please read the leaflet on headwear attached.
SWEATSHIRTS
These are only available to purchase from Albourne Equestrian Centre. Please do not order one from Headquarters as theirs are different. I do have to order them so allow 2 weeks for delivery although occasionally I have a few in stock.We also sometimes have some secondhand ones available as the children grow so fast they don’t wear out. The achievement badges should be sewn on to the sweatshirt, usually down the sides of the arms.
A WHITE LONG SLEEVED SHIRT WITH STIFF COLLAR WORN WITH THE OFFICIAL PONY CLUB TIE
This is where we get all sorts of variations. Short sleeves are NEVER allowed under Pony Club Rules. Blouse type shirts are also not acceptable. The shirt should fit everywhere particularly the collar. So often we see shirts that are two sizes too big and look awful.Also please make sure the tie is tied correctly.
This year we purchased some long sleeved white polo shirts which are very comfortable and can be worn during Camp and on some other occasions.
THE OFFICIAL PONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP BADGE ( metal )
To be ordered from Headquarters
This can be worn. directly on the white shirt or the sweatshirt or on the lapel of the jacket
JACKETS (Tweed/navy/black)
In the old days it was compulsory to wear jackets for all events but rules have now been relaxed and jackets are only required at certain events so please do not rush out and buy one as it will probably stay in the cupboard gathering dust.
A tweed hacking jacket or plain navy or black riding jacket should be worn at certain events over a long sleeved shirt with Pony Club tie. The metal badge must be worn on the lapel of the jacket . A coloured felt showing the current test standard achieved by the Member should be displayed behind the metal badge.
JODHPURS OR BREECHES
It is compulsory to wear beige, cream or white jodhpurs for Working Rallies, Competitions, Tests or Exams.
Plain dark colours ie. navy, brown or black may be worn for some training days, dismounted rallies and fun events. The difficulty arises when you do not always know exactly what the children are going to be doing and therefore the safest thing is to only wear beige.
Jodhpur clips should be worn with jodhpurs when wearing short boots. These prevent the jodhpurs from riding up the leg and showing the socks which looks simply dreadful.
BOOTS
The long rubber boots of past years are very much out of date. They are not always very comfortable and even if they are they are not good for riding as the rubber is not very flexible and does not allow free movement of the ankle.
Short jodhpur boots either worn on their own with jodhpur clips are good, or short jodhpur boots worn with either plain chaps or gaiters are also very good.
Chaps must be completely plain and the same colour as the boots ie. black or brown. Gaiters are good because although they are a little bit more expensive they can be worn for Competitions and Exams unlike chaps which cannot.
Competitions and Exams unlike chaps which cannot.
Long leather boots are allowed but are very expensive.
All footwear must have a SMOOTH sole and a well defined square cut heel.
For safety reasons wellington boots, muckers or trainers should never be worn when mounted. Please be careful when buying boots as some of the fashion boots are not allowed either for Pony Club or for general riding at AEC.
GLOVES
Plain coloured proper riding gloves are compulsory. Navy, black or brown.
Please do not buy gloves that are not meant for riding.
RAINWEAR
A plain coloured waterproof jacket is sensible .Navy preferred but any dark plain colour is ok.
BODY PROTECTORS
Are not compulsory for most events but are strongly recommended as they can help prevent a more serious injury. Please ensure that you have them fitted properly as an ill fitting body protector can as much damage as good..
They are compulsory for cross country training and competitions.
WHIPS
Must be plain colours. Brown or black preferred.
Riders of a certain level should have 2 whips, one long and one short for the appropriate discipline.
Please ask if you are not sure.
JEWELLERY
Is not allowed ( including sleepers.) Earings are NEVER allowed for exams so if you can’t take them out do not book in for an exam.
HAIR
Must be neat and tidy and off the face.
A hairnet should be worn when hair is long but not long enough to tie back Very long hair should be plaited or worn in a low bun or similar.
Pony tails for very long hair are not acceptable.
Metal hair clips should be removed before riding.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBER THAT THEIR DRESS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES.
HATS AND BODY PROTECTORS ARE ITEMS OF HUGE IMPORTANCE AS THEY ARE WORN SPECIFICALLY FOR SAFETY PURPOSES.
IT IS THEREFORE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THEY FIT PROPERLY.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT WHEN YOU PURCHASE THESE ITEMS YOU DO SO FROM A REPUTABLE SHOP WHERE THERE ARE STAFF QUALIFIED TO FIT THEM PROPERLY. WE ALL KNOW THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN BUT A CHEAP HAT BOUGHT FROM A FRIEND THAT DOESN’T FIT COULD POTENTIALLY MEAN THAT A CHILD ENDS UP WITH BRAIN DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.
AND ALL FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW QUID.
SORRY TO BE SO BLATANT ABOUT IT BUT I’M AFRAID THAT’S HOW IT IS.
HORSE AND PONY WHAT NOT TO WEAR
All numnahs, saddle cloths, brushing and over-reach boots should be either black, dark blue or brown.
Saddles and bridles should be either black or brown leather with no coloured or fancy browbands.
All tack should be clean and in a safe condition.
Horses and ponies should be well turned out.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS AND I HOPE IT HELPS YOU WHEN PLANNING YOUR SHOPPING TRIPS.
DON’T FORGET, SOUTHDOWN HUNT WEST PONY CLUB HAVE A SECOND-HAND FACILITY WHICH IS RUN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THEIR CLUB. IF YOURE WANTING THINGS LIKE JODHPURS, SHIRTS AND BOOTS THEY USUALLY HAVE A GOOD SUPPLY AND VERY CHEAP.
TELEPHONE MRS PAM ALKHALISI ON 01273 563216
REMEMBER……. NO PINKS, PURPLES OR GLITZY ANYTHING.
