|
|
PONY
CLUB PLEDGE
As a member of the Contact Us with Questions or to
Join / Thoughts on Pony Club / General information / Personnel & resources / Club
membership Recommended reading / Mounts / Ratings / Activities Attire / For Parents
/ Volunteers / Terms Explained
/ Rallies / DCPC Policies Deer Creek pony Club is a
member of the United States Pony Club, Inc.,
an educational non-profit organization for youth. Pony Club teaches horseback
riding, mounted sports and the care of horses and ponies, therefore
developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence.
Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world,
represented throughout 30 countries. Pony Club is a volunteer organization.
Local clubs are made up of and run by volunteers. If it were not for a
dedicated network of volunteers, there would be no Pony Club. It is not
necessary for a child to own a horse or pony, but they must have access to
one when required. Deer Creek belongs
to the Sierra Pacific Region of the BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
COORDINATORS
|
The "three Rs of Pony Club" were established
twenty-five years ago and have been followed since:
James K. Ligon
USPC President 1978-80 & 1987-1988
from USPC Annual Report 1979
Lest we forget in the emotional excitement of competition or in the trauma of "A" and "B" testing just what Pony Club is all about, let me remind you that it is not to make Olympic riders, though we will take great pride in any Pony Clubber who can reach that height; it is not to turn out highly polished riders mounted on expensive horses, though we all admire the picture when treated to it; it is not to turn every child into an "A" rider or even a "B". it is to provide EVERY child with a backyard horse or pony the opportunity to develop his or her skill in riding and horse care to the point where he or she is a proficient "C". It is to instill in them a love for horses and an ability to care for and enjoy horses for the rest of their lives and through this contribute to their development as well-rounded, self-disciplined, and responsible citizens. If we have done these things, we will have done our job.
Rufus Wesson
USPC President 1970-72
Our ideal should be to produce a thoroughly happy, comfortable horseman, riding across a natural country, with complete confidence and perfect balance on a pony equally happy and confident and free from pain or bewilderment.
The Pony Club Handbook, 1983
We care about people. We want them to develop good sportsmanship, self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, and a feeling of belonging. We want them to have an opportunity to learn to cope with success and failure. Pony Club offers all of this through equestrian involvement.
Marylou Anderson
UPSC President 1983-85
I think that USPC gives your whole family an opportunity to learn about horses and learn the many lessons that you will always remember, but also patience, understanding, and responsibility.
Lucia Podlipny
Pony Clubber
Letter to USPC News, 1994
General Information and History
The Pony Club "idea" originated in
The USPC is a non-profit, IRS tax-exempt organization. Each club is
autonomous, working under the bylaws of the organization. The sponsors of each
club propose for election by the USPC Board of Governors one person to serve as
District Commissioner (DC) or two or more persons to serve as DC and
joint-District Commissioner(s). This is generally done at the Annual Sponsors'
Meeting but may be done at any properly called Meeting of Sponsors. Notice of
any Sponsors' meeting must be mailed to all Sponsors of record at least seven
days prior to the meeting. Parents should also be notified of all Sponsors'
meetings. Other elected club officers are a Secretary and Treasurer. One or
more instructors are also essential to the club's educational program. Club
Sponsors act as a club's board of directors. Parents often volunteer their time
to fill in gaps, such as helping to build and set up jumps at a rally,
operating a food concession, etc. In most cases, questions or problems should
be taken to the local-club DC. Local Pony Clubs fall under the jurisdiction of
a region, which is run by a Regional Supervisor (RS), often with the assistance
of a Vice RS. They act as liaison between local clubs and the national
organization. The national organization sets the directives for Pony Club. It
consists of an Executive Committee, a Board of Governors, an Advisory
Committee, and members of the USPC Activities and Instruction committees, all
of whom are volunteers. The National Office in
Available through the Bookstore at the National Office are various resource materials parents and Pony Clubbers will find useful and interesting. The Bookstore catalog contains scores of titles, which include rulebooks for different competitions and manuals on instruction, horse care, and safety. A listing of required and enrichment reading is included with the Bookstore catalog. Unless a local club has its own library for members to use, parents should contact the National Office for a Bookstore catalog and order form. Publications recommended for parents who are new to Pony Club include the following:
· AN INTRODUCTION TO PONY CLUB - Quick overview of Pony Club: what it is, what it does.
· STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY AND RECORD BOOK - Outlines the expectations in riding, horse management, and teaching. Because the Standards are the basis of the Pony Club system of instruction and testing, it is important to understand their progression.
· USPC MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP, VOL. 1, BASICS FOR BEGINNERS - Provides the basics of knowledge required for meeting the D standards.
Parents should ask the local-club District Commissioner (club leader) which
books would be most suitable for their child or contact the National Office.
Two useful resources that DCs have are THE GUIDE FOR DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS and
THE USPC HANDBOOK. Other resources that the National Office provides to clubs
are insurance and membership forms, national testing applications, and public
relations materials.
It is the policy of USPC to admit as local club members all interested young persons who comply with the requirements for membership regardless of race, color, gender, religion, or national origin. In order to become a member of a club or to maintain membership status, each individual must pay annual club, regional and national dues, as well as the annual insurance premium. Each club may set a minimum age for joining if it so desires, but no person may remain a member of a club after December 31 of the year of his or her 21st birthday.
Ownership of a horse or pony is not a prerequisite for membership in many Pony Clubs. Arrangements for obtaining a suitable mount must be made on an individual basis. Stallions are unsuitable mounts for Pony Club activities. Horses and ponies must be at least five years of age for USPC activities. The first year is considered to be Jan. 1 following date of foaling.
A child joins Pony Club as an un-rated member and progresses through the
lower-level ratings (D-1 through C-2) within the local club. The C-3 is a
regional rating, and the B, H-A, and A are national ratings, administered by
the National Testing Committee. Following is a brief overview of each level:
D Rating
The "D" Rating is an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding,
establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a
pony and tack. The D-1 through D-3 Pony Clubber learns to ride independently,
with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot, canter and over
low fences. All D ratings are awarded at the club level.
C Rating
The "C" Pony Clubber is learning to become an active horseman, to
care independently for pony and tack and to understand the reasons for what he
or she is doing. The C shows development towards a secure, independent seat,
and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding. The C-1 and C-2
ratings are awarded at the club level. The C-3 is a regional rating and
reflects a basis of competence in riding and horse care that will make possible
a lifetime of pleasure with horses.
B Rating
The "B" rating is for the active horseman and Pony Club member who is
interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in all phases of
riding and horse care. The "B" is able to ride experienced horses
with confidence and control on the flat, over fences and in the open and should
be able to ride and care for another person's experienced horse, maintaining
proper mental and physical condition without undoing any of the horse's education.
The "B" understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or
she is doing and contributes to the education of younger members.
H-A Rating
The "H-A" covers horse management, teaching and training. The
"H-A" has the knowledge, experience, and maturity to evaluate and
care for a horse's needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to
teach riding and horse care to others.
A Rating
The "A" is able to ride horses of various schooling levels with
judgment, tact and effectiveness, to train young horses and retrain spoiled
horses.
Please refer to the Standards of Proficiency for specific participation
requirements and recommended study guides.
Besides the regular instruction program provided by the local club, there
are many other activities a Pony Clubber can enjoy. These are part practice,
part instructional, and all fun! Each club is different, and some may have
personnel and facilities for just a few activities. To supplement local
instruction, clubs and/or regions often sponsor special clinics with well-known
instructors. These clinics are offered at a nominal cost, or the club through a
fund-raiser covers the fees. Throughout the year, clubs have the opportunity to
participate in local, regional, and national rallies in combined training,
dressage, show jumping, Know-Down, games, and Tetrathlon. Demonstrations and
scheduled activities in Foxhunting, Polo, Polocrosse, Vaulting, Distance Riding,
and Driving are available in many regions. Know-Down is verbal quiz bowl that
gives Pony Clubbers the opportunity to show their knowledge of things equine.
Championship rallies attract club teams from all over the country. The weeklong
USPC Festival is held every three years at the
Attire
For mounted instruction meetings, USPC safety practices must be followed.
The Pony Clubber is required to wear an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet with
harness chinstrap securely in place. While riding, a conventional type of
riding footwear with a heel, such as leather or rubber riding boots,
Specific activity rulebooks have dress requirements for USPC competitions.
Consider becoming a local club Sponsor. Sponsors are parents and other adults who have expressed an interest in the welfare of the club and have paid the current annual sponsors fee. All parents are entitled, but not required to be sponsors of the club. Each Sponsor joins on an individual basis. If both parents wish to become Sponsors, each must pay the Sponsors fee. Sponsorship requires that you be active in the club, attend sponsors meetings, cast votes for club officers, and aid the DC in planning, organizing, and running club activities. Giving a helping hand where needed. For example:
1. Painting and setting up stadium jumps
2. Providing food and beverages at meetings or competitions
3. Providing transportation for a field trip
4. Providing pony/horse transportation to a rally
5. Helping with fund-raising projects
6. Chaperoning a team
7. Fence judging at a combined training competition
8. Dreaming up costumes for a mounted Halloween parade
9. Helping as grounds person at your local meeting place
10. Building cross-country fences
11. Getting involved with a rally as a coach, chaperone, organizing secretary or fence judge
12. Running un-mounted meetings, or even mounted meetings; arranging for a speaker or instructor
13. Acting as a rally "chairman" for a club activity
14. Learning more about horse care and safe-riding practices as your Pony Clubber progresses through the levels of increasing proficiency, similar to the support parents provide when helping a child with regular school homework.
15.
Planning family vacations around Pony Club activities such as
the USPC Festival held every three years at
16. Becoming a DC or other officer of your local club.
17. Becoming a Sustaining Member of USPC and contributing to the USPC Annual Fund Drive to help support the continued development of the Pony Club program nationwide.
Volunteerism is the lifeblood of Pony Club. Without the thousands of adults who give freely of their time, energy, and expertise, there would be no Pony Club. How, then, do we keep volunteers happy and productive? How do we guarantee a continuing upward flow of volunteer talent? Here is a time-tested approach that works:
Define in detail what is expected and to whom the volunteer is responsible. In other words, develop a good job description and establish the chain of command.
Select a volunteer who's past performance would indicate likely success.
Ask for a commitment based on mutual understanding of expected results.
Provide whatever orientation or training is needed to guarantee a good start.
Set a time limit for the task to be accomplished or the tenure in office.
Have a system by means of which the volunteer knows he or she will be replaced. Involve the volunteer in this process.
Assure the volunteer that, if needed, assistance is available for the asking.
Check frequently with a simple "how are things going?"
Provide appropriate recognition for a job well done.
Any volunteer position should really be viewed as the middle of three levels - the person in the job, the one who has retired from it feeling good about what was accomplished, and one or more candidates in training. With this system in place, the position is always covered if the volunteer occupying it cannot continue. Either a candidate in training can be moved up or, if not quite ready, the former volunteer - not having "burned out" - can return for an interim period.
Volunteering should be fun - certainly
not burdensome.
George Helwig
USPC Executive Director, 1974-1985
Championship - Competition for riders/teams qualifying at
regional/inter-regional rally in any discipline
Combined Test - Activity or competition comprising dressage and stadium
jumping
Combined Training (CT or Eventing) - activity or competition comprising
dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping
District Commissioner - Leader of the local club
Dressage - Means "training." Education of the horse through
prescribed movements and tests from level to level
Eventing (Eventing or Combined Training) - activity or competition
comprising dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping
Formal Inspection - Check of rider and mount for cleanliness and safety
Horse Management - Care of horse in accordance with USPC Standards
Horse Manager (HM) - Non-riding member of a team
Know-Down - Pony Club oral quiz-bowl competition to test horse knowledge
Mounted Games - Playing team games on horseback
Mounted Meeting - Scheduled club riding activity
National Examiner (NE) - Examiner at B, H-A, and A level
Rally - Mounted - or unmounted - activity competition among Pony
Clubbers at the club, interclub, region, inter-region, semi-national, or
national levels
Rating - Level of proficiency, level of achievement in riding and horse
care OR test conducted by a club (D-1 through C-2), region (C-3), or national
examiner (B through A)
Regional/Inter-Regional Rally - team competition for members of local
clubs in combined training, dressage, games, show jumping, or Tetrathlon
Regional Supervisor - Regional leader/coordinator
Standards of Proficiency - Levels of achievement in riding and horse
care
Tack - Term includes saddle, bridle and other horse equipment
Tetrathlon - Activity or competition comprising running, riding,
swimming, and pistol target shooting
Un-mounted Meeting - Scheduled club non-riding activity
|
|
A
rally is the Pony Club equivalent of a horse show and is an opportunity for
Pony Club members to compete on a team in one of the Pony Club disciplines.
Rallies are intended to be fair and friendly competitions organized at both the
regional and national levels. Mounted rally competitions are held in dressage,
show jumping, combined training, Tetrathlon, games, and Polocrosse. In the
winter, an unmounted rally -- called Quiz -- is held, which is a test of equine
knowledge.
Rallies
have specific starting and ending times. All participants are expected to be on
the grounds during the entire rally and must stay through the closing awards
ceremony. Rallies differ from horse shows in that there are no post entries,
and each rider competes in all phases of the rally barring injury to horse or
rider.
Rally teams are generally made up of 3 or 4 riders and a non-riding horse manager. Each team must have an official adult chaperone. At rallies, teams compete and earn final placement ribbons in horse management and in the combined phases or riding and horse management. A written test is also scored at regional rallies. The written test scores are added to both the horse management and final combined scores. The horse management phase of each rally evaluates the competitor's knowledge of sound, practical horse care. The horse management score is based on the team's combined written test scores, the formal inspection scores, the team's required equipment score, and scores for additional "spot" inspections carried out during competition. For more information on horse management rules and procedures, refer to the most current edition of the Rules and Regulations for USPC Rallies (on the USPC website > Forms > Rules).
Parental Responsibilities at
Rallies
Once a rally begins, parents may not assist a Pony Club member in any way!
Teams
will be penalized if there is any unauthorized assistance given. Parents should
enjoy having only the responsibility of getting the Pony Club member to the
rally on time and volunteering to help.
Parents
are responsible for getting their child to the rally at a time predetermined by
the rally team. They should assist their child in collecting the items that
they have agreed to bring for their own personal use and those items to be
shared by the team. Each parent is expected to volunteer at the rally in some
capacity. Volunteers run every rally, and the rally organizer relies on
the clubs to provide volunteer help. Parents will be contacted by the
rally organizer and asked to help at the rally; usually 3 volunteers are
required per rally team.
Parents
are usually expected to arrange for their own overnight accommodations.
Although every parent is not designated an official team chaperone, the
presence and assistance of all parents is needed. Although we do not expect ALL
parents to attend EVERY rally, parental involvement is needed as often as
possible.
A
rally team consists of three or four riding members and a non-riding horse
manager whose job is to assist in caring for riders and ponies. (In some
disciplines, there is no horse manager and the number of riders may vary). One
member of the team acts as the Captain. Generally, the lowest riding score is
dropped, and the best three scores of each riding phase are added together for
the team total.
DCPC
attempts to form teams in an equitable distribution of abilities. In other words,
we do not "stack" our teams, placing the most competent members on
one team to increase the odds of winning. If the rally is a mixed-rating rally,
teams will be composed of members of different levels, thereby allowing the
older more experienced members an opportunity to help and encourage the
younger, less experienced riders. This exemplifies the Pony Club ideal of
"giving back" to someone else what you have gained as a member. In
the case of a single-rating rally, every attempt will be made to have an
equitable mix of experience and ability on each team. Occasionally, there are
not enough DCPC members participating to form a full team. When this happens,
"scratch teams" are formed with extra Pony Club members from two or
more clubs.
DCPC
expects all members to demonstrate positive and cheerful attitudes at every
activity, particularly rallies. Team members are expected to work together with
an attitude of respect, cooperation, and mutual encouragement.
National
Championships
Regional
rallies are qualifying competitions for National Championships. Team selections
for national rallies are based on individual scores at regional rallies. Every
three years, the USPC National Championships and Festival are held at the
Rally
dates are announced far in advance of the actual event, and all paperwork must
be completed and submitted to the DCPC Rally Coordinator in order to be sent to
the rally host. Once a Pony Club member has committed to a rally team, he/she
is expected to participate. If a bona fide emergency arises (e.g. lame horse,
sick child, family emergency), we will attempt to substitute another
participant but can refund any fees paid only if DCPC is not charged for the
entry. Whenever a team member is not available and a team has to ride
"short," it leaves the team at a scoring disadvantage.
Rally
teams are charged entry fees by the host organization to cover costs of the
rally. Rallies are not fundraisers, so entry fees are kept as low as possible.
Coaching fees are divided equally between team members. Rally participants must
remember to bring money for meals and incidental expenses.
The Team Captain
The team captain is selected by the DC and is chosen according to age, experience, rating, and attitude. The Stable manager may also serve as Captain. The job of the Captain is to:
|
What is a Stable Manager? |
||
|
|
|
|
|
From: "Michael J. Ragland, Sr." Date: Sun Jun 11, 2000 6:21 pm Subject: Horse Management and Judges I
would like to share with you a very special happening. This weekend I
was one of three Chief Horse Management Judges at the Capital Region's Show
Jumping Rally at Rosemont Farm in The
competitor approached my position with their mount in tow. Their Stable
Manager was walking with them. When I saw them coming, I knew that we
would have a special problem when the competitor presented himself for the
safety check. I called to the Stable Manager by her pinnie number and
she immediately came forward. I asked her "What is your job as a
stable manager? Are you to help your teammates? Do you make sure
they arrive on time, with their horse, with their helmet and with their
pinnie? What do you do #45?" The question was
rhetorical. I got my intended result. While the stable manager
pondered the question - or pondered if I hard lost my mind, the competitor turned
around and ran back to the stables with mount in hand. The stable
manager with mouth open followed her charge back to the barn. A few
minutes later # 44 presented himself - wearing a properly tied pinnie.
The safety check went without incident. The competitor, stable manager
and mount went on to their round. I forgot all about the matter. An
hour later I was sitting on an upside down water pail - safer than some
folding chairs for a person of my stature. I did not see #45 and #44 walk
up behind me on the way back from the ride. #45 whispered into my ear
"Thank You!" and then she pressed a tightly folded piece of paper
into the palm of my hand. After they left I open the note and read
it. Here is what it said. "I would like to thank you for reminding
me about my members pennie (sic). As you may know the
"Multi-Threats" haven't lived up to our name. Two of out
riders have been eliminated from all their rounds. This is my first
showjumping rally and only my second time as stable manager. When you
asked me what a stable manager does, I thought about it. A stable
manager aids, encourages, strengthens his or her charges, members,
companions, friends. We must keep our voices ringing with power and our
eyes lowered in humility. We must guide and be lead, teach and learn,
protect and be protected. My position is no higher or lower than my
teammates, but, I must think for four people and horses. When one
member does wrong, I feel her sorrow, but just must bring her up; but am
feeling I owe you a debt of thanks for reminding me. I will be a better
stable manager in time. A humble apprentice - A. Shilis #45
Multi-Threats" |
|
I dare anyone to give a better definition of what we are about than this "Apprentice". She has defined more than a stable manager. She wrote on purple paper with a pencil (hard to read) the very heart and soul of Horse Management. I did not go through the process to be a Chief in order to check off endless required equipment lists or worry about what a plastic currycomb is or is not. I am not interested in giving points to those who do not care enough to even try. Horse Management judging is to "Keep our voices ringing with power" so those who do not know will learn what needs to be done and WHY. Judging requires that we have "our eyes lowered in humility" lest we honor the penalty points and lose the education. The Horse Management Judge's creed should be "We must guide and be led, teach and learn, protect and be protected. My position is no higher or lower than my team mates." I think this "humble apprentice" has described the soul of Horse Management. NO - she has written the very soul of PONY CLUB. Never has anyone so eloquently given a reason to keep horse management in both instruction and in competition. Never has a stronger case been made for being involved with USPC. This was a very exciting moment. It erased to memory of dirty bits and competitors walking around in spurs. It gave new meaning to the rally, to horse management and to USPC. Your
humble student - Mike Ragland, CHMJ from The
second posting regarding this: From: "Michael J. Ragland, Sr." Date: Tue Jun 13, 2000 4:32 pm I have received several questions about the competitor without a pinnie and what I did. 1. The competitor who was not wearing their pinnie did not present themselves to me until they had their pinnie on. For some reason they ran back to get their pinnie? I can't imagine why. Since they had the pinnie on at the time they presented themselves for the safety check, I took off NO points. 2. Those who asked about unauthorized assistance. I have this to say. I said NOTHING to the competitor without the pinnie - so I gave no unauthorized assistance under ANY interpretation. Secondly, it is my belief that any advice given by a Horse Management Judge is exempt from the unauthorized assistance rule. I expect my assistants to teach competitors what needs to be done and in most cases to warn them how to avoid penalties. That is their job. I certainly have as much right to do this as my assistants. IN SHORT - help given by a HMJ before they start the safety check, formal, turnback, etc. is not "Unauthorized" and is EXPECTED. In any event I said nothing, nothing, nothing to the potentially at fault competitor. I simply asked general questions of their stable manager. 3. Finally, I do not know the rating of either the stable manager nor the almost offending competitor. Mike |
The Stable Manager is NOT a groom but is expected to help the team members as much as possible. Riders are ultimately responsible for their own equipment and pony care. The job of the stable Manager is to:
All appropriately rated members of DCPC should plan to serve as a Stable manager occasionally.
DCPC
maintains team equipment tack trunks and saddle and bridle racks. The team
including the Stable Manager should arrange to check the team trunks a week
before the rally in order to have time to get replacement items if needed. The
Equipment Coordinator stocks the trunks at the beginning of rally season, but
the Captain and Stable Manager must double check the contents before leaving
for rallies.
Attire (See USPC Horse Management Handbook, 1998, p. 29-30)
Attire at rallies must be neat, clean, and in good repair. Long hair reaching below the shoulder must always be neatly secured away from the competitor's eyes and identification number. Jewelry can be hazardous to the rider and is inappropriate at all times. Watches and emergency alert jewelry are permitted. A Pony Club pin must be worn for formal inspection and may be worn for riding unless specifically forbidden in the rules of the discipline. Pony Club pin, identification, and rally pinney must be worn at all times during the competition, even when unmounted. Proper headgear and footwear are required. Participants must make sure they are neatly turned out for the jog to show respect for the attending veterinarian, the officials, and the sport. DCPC strongly encourages wearing DCPC polo shirts during rallies. (Horse management judges are often impressed with teams who coordinate shirt colors, etc.). Do not wear sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or tube tops sleeves are necessary for protection from sunburn and abrasions.
when
riding, Pony Clubbers may wear either formal or correctly informal attire.
Note:
o It is the coat which determines whether the rider is formal or informal, not the tie.
o Show bows with metal fasteners are not allowed as metal may cause injury.
o During extreme heat, jackets may be waived at the discretion of the rally organizer. If jackets are excused, competitors must wear a plain-colored or white shirt with collar and sleeves. Short-sleeved, plain polo shirts are allowed. No tee shirts are permitted. Sleeveless shirts may NOT be worn.
Sample Rally Schedule
First Day
Arrive; set up tack room & stalls
Soundness jog
Equipment check
Second Day
Feeding & stable chores
Formal inspection
Competition
Turn backs (post-ride check of horse & tack)
Written test (may be read aloud, if requested)
Feeding & stable chores
Final Day
Feeding & stable chores
Final competition phases
Turn backs
Awards ceremony
Pack up & go home
Dressage Rally
The Dressage Rally was historically the only rally that allowed all Pony Club members, regardless of age or rating, to compete together on teams. However, since we no longer have the use of a facility large enough to handle everyone, the Dressage Rally has been reduced (hopefully temporarily) in size to accommodate only riders rated D3 and above.
You
do not have to be an experienced dressage rider to attend Dressage Rally. Competitors are free to ride at the dressage level
they believe is appropriate for their own abilities as well as the ability and
experience of their horse. The competitor is judged on a specific set of
dressage tests. D level riders are encouraged to start with simple
dressage tests. As the rider moves up the ratings levels, competitors are
encouraged to choose tests where the amount of skill necessary to perform the
dressage test also increases. The tests used at USPC dressage rallies have been
developed either by the US Dressage Federation (USDF) or the USA Equestrian
Each
Pony Club member may choose to compete in a musical freestyle section of the
rally by riding a kur and/or pas de deux (two riders) or
quadrille. These are dressage rides choreographed to music with specific
movements required. In the Virginia Region, riders who hope to qualify for
national championships in dressage MUST participate in a pas de deux or kur.
Riders who are C1 or above and 13 years old by the first of January of the
current year and participate in a musical freestyle are eligible to qualify for
national championships.
CT rallies test the participants in horse management and the riding phases of dressage, cross, country, and stadium jumping. All riding members of the team must participate in all three riding disciplines on the same horse.
For D
level riders, rallies are held according to rating levels (the D2 Rally and the
D3 Rally). For C level riders and up, rallies are organized by
competition level (Pre-Novice, Novice, and Training Level). To qualify
for National Championships in CT at the Preliminary, Training, or Novice level,
the Pony Clubber must be at least 13 years old by January 1 of the current year
and rated C2 or above.