Area Competitions - are you ready?

Sonja Walker • May 16, 2023

What are Area competitions all about?

Representing East Sussex Branch of the Pony Club at an Area competition is a proud moment many members strive for. These will be upon us VERY soon.

What are Area Competitions?

  • Pony Club UK is divided into 19 Areas
  • ESPC is one of 17 Branches which form AREA 11
  • There is just ONE, discipline specific Area 11 competition to establish which talented members will qualify for The JCB Pony Club Championships, Regional Championships (Grassroots) or a sport specific Championship.
We are incredibly proud of all our members who achieve a level of riding sufficient to enter Area, definitely a PC career highlight for members and their families!
We were delighted to put forward 69 ESPC members in 2022 Area competitions:
Area Dressage x 19 - 4 qualified for Championships
Area Show Jumping x 25 - 1 qualified for Championships
Area Eventing x 7 (reduced from 17 due to extreme heatwave) - 2 qualified for Championships
Area TET x 18 - 8 qualified for Championships

Who can compete?
New Area 11 Eligibility Rule
  • In order to be eligible to compete at Area competitions, members from all branches in Area 11 and their horse/pony must have actively taken part in at least 3 rallies (since 1st July 2022), qualifying coaching, or training sessions during the previous 12-month period unless prevented from doing so by illness, absence from home (attending uni, college, work) or any other reason which in the opinion of the DC justifies absence.
  • At least one rally must have been in 2023
  • For the purpose of this rule a “rally” is one which is organised by a branch committee ie ESPC working rallies at Golden Cross, attendance at regular discipline sessions, test training courses, PC Camp, summer rallies at Montague. In addition discipline specific Area training days are acceptable if approved by our DC in advance.
  • The combination of horse and rider are required to prove their competence, safety, plus horse/pony fitness, at the level that the member wishes to participate. This is compulsory for ESPC members wishing to participate at any level of Eventing, Show Jumping or Tetrathlon. Under no circumstances will a combination be allowed to compete in an Area Competition at a level they have not previously completed to an agreed standard, at an approved competition.
What happens next ….
  • Training opportunities will be organised and PC competitions highlighted - attend as many as you can!
  • Discuss which section/class to enter with discipline coordinators, coaches, parents & peers
  • Check eligibility, classes, tack rules etc, it is strict! https://pcuk.org/officials/rulebooks/
  • Team members are expected to demonstrate commitment & loyalty to the Pony Club and their branch. Team selection will be influenced by this.
ESPC Discipline Coordinators:
Act NOW!
  • Entries have to go in weeks ahead, with no late entries allowed.
  • Team & individual entries are to be approved by the ESPC Area secretaries detailed below.
Area Dates, Discipline, ESPC Area Secretary:
The atmosphere at Area Competitions is unique, I hope you are fortunate to experience it if not as a competitor then as a supporter… DON’T delay contact our fabulous volunteer coordinators to register your interest.

🍀 Good Luck, 🤩 dream big, 👏 work hard
Clare Bassett, DC

COMP: Postal Shoot

By Sonja Walker • October 8, 2024
November 2024 to February 2025 Organised by: OSB Hunt PC ESPC shoot venue: Dunstars Farm, Herstmonceux, BN27 4QS Targets will be shot at Dunstars Farm on training evenings which will be the first and third Monday's of the month starting on the 21st October. Contact: Lucinda Morgan ( dunstarsfarm@btinternet.com )

COMP: ESPC Winter Pairs (Mounted Games)

By Sonja Walker • October 3, 2024
Sunday 13th October - 17th November - 8th December Hosted by: East Sussex PC at Bodiam Indoor Arena, TN32 5UJ Classes for Novice (lead/rein & assisted), Junior (up to 10yr) and Senior (11yr and up) Estimated timings morning Novice - midday Juniors - afternoon Seniors Secretary: Clare Bassett (East Sussex Pony Club) clare.espc@gmail.com

COMP: Dressage

By Sonja Walker • October 3, 2024
Saturday 9th November 2024 Saturday 7 th December 2024 Saturday 18th January 2025 Hosted by: Surrey Union PC Venue: Sands Farm Equitation Centre, Warnham, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3SQF