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Area Competitions - what are they?
Sonja Walker • April 5, 2021
Something to think about and aspire towards!
Area and Grassroot competitions give us the opportunity to represent East Sussex PC
against other Area 11 pony club teams in the disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping,
Eventing, Tetrathlon and Mounted Games (plus in Autumn Arena Eventing has been added).
Qualification for a converted place at PC championships is through these once a year Area
competitions.
These will soon be upon us! Our discipline heads will circulate the schedules when
available, the dates are already advertised on ESPC and Area 11 websites. Entries will
have to go in quickly so please register your interest with our discipline head NOW and
respond quickly as soon as is necessary.
When available please read the schedules carefully because:
- Some disciplines have age criteria (Tetrathlon and Mounted Games spring to mind).
- Previous competition experience may be a factor (for example, if you have ridden at Area
Open Dressage you cannot step back unless on a young horse).
- There may be specific tack requirements (for example snaffle bits only for mounted
games).
Our discipline heads will be happy to assist you deciding which class is best for you and
your horse/pony.
Also very importantly all ponies/horses need to have a valid flu vaccination within 6-
months of the Area competition - the first two jabs are a minimum requirement (can be
achieved in 29 days). Remember the horse/pony can not compete within 6 days after any
jab. Events held at some venues may be subject to additional rules.
To be eligible to ride at Area you will need to have attended three working rallies since July
last year (details how you achieve this are below).
The atmosphere at Area competitions is unique. For many it is their first experience of
formal competition whilst for others there is an expectation of securing a place at
championships. Without fail team work and the power of friendship comes to the forefront.
Area isn't always about how you do on the day, but instead is valued on the fact that you
made it there. Take pride in knowing that you are riding with the best in Area 11, you have
earned your place to be there so enjoy every minute. Good luck and please embrace the
experience whatever the result.
For the talented few, a ticket to Pony Club Championships is well deserved. This year PC
Champs are being held at Offchurch in Warwickshire, considerably closer than its previous
venue in Cheshire! Memories of attending Championships are priceless, the experience
offers so much more than just competing. I hope you are lucky enough to experience this
one day!
Please register your interest to compete at one or more Area competitions this June to July
TODAY!
How to rally-up for Area competitions:
For Area Competitions members are required to have demonstrated an interest in and
shown a com mitment to East Sussex Pony Club. Members must have attended a
minimum of three working rallies (since the 1st of July 2020) to be eligible to represent our
branch.
- Working Rallies are held during half-term and Easter break.
- Working Rallies are held each Wednesday- weather permitting once we are able to use
our Summer field at Montague.
- Camp (Boot, Senior or Junior) counts as one working rally.
- Regular attendance at a number of Test training clinics counts as one working rally if
authorised by the DC.
- When there is a jumping element (SJ/Eventing/TET) the combination of horse/pony and
rider must have attended at least one Pony Club jumping clinic which is authorised by the
DC as a "jumping working rally". This is a safety requirement.
- Normal training clinics do not count as a working rally. However, specialist Area clinics
pre authorised by the DC will count as one working rally.
- Those who are in work or further education (A levels and Uni) should contact the DC (in
good time before Area registration) to establish an acceptable rally requirement as we
appreciate it can be hard to rally up as detailed above.
Whatever level you are riding and training at I hope you have a happy and successful
season full of fun and laughter.
Please send your favourite photos from Area and Championships to our website manager
Sonja (espcwebsite1@gmail.com). They will be collected and posted on our ESPC
website to inspire our members - keep an eye out for some familiar faces having fun and
enjoying what they do best!
Best Wishes
Clare
email: clare.espc@gmail.com
Tel: 07979 851515
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 )
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
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