Dum dud
March 15th 2016
Dear All
Please read the following carefully and use it in conjunction with the Dumfriesshire website has dates, entry forms etc on it. No excuses for not realising something is on!!!! Fingers crossed for a dry sunny fun filled spring/summer.
Please let us know if you would like anything organised that we haven't mentioned and we will try and fit it in.
Branding
As you have probably heard, Pony Club is being rebranded (note Pony Club not The Pony Club!) There has been a lot of controversy over the alterations and it may alter slightly again so if you are thinking of buying any Pony Club merchandise, then I advise you to hold off until after it has all been finalised. This does not mean that you have to run out and change all your PC jumpers etc, the old branding is still very acceptable.
The new badge will be as above. It has been updated to make the rider unisex, it has done away with the old fashioned jacket, and appears to have lost the back of the saddle. Opinions on the badge would be appreciated.
Grass Roots competition at Area's
There is to be a new level of competition to be run at the Area Dressage and Show Jumping Competitions. This is a team competition and will be for any aged member as long as they have not represented the branch or any other branch, at Novice level and above. Basically this means that the Junior competitions will in effect be open to all ages with the height of the jumps at about 80cms and a grass roots level dressage test. This does mean that the Juniors (Grassroots) now have a chance of qualifying for a Championship, but this will be run on a regional basis for the first year, maybe at the Ian Stark Centre near Selkirk. If you would like to be considered, please fill in the form attached to the email and return to me.
Pony Club Profile
Nationally numbers of Members joining Pony Club has fallen over the last few years, however DFH have managed to retain our numbers so thank you all for supporting us. HQ are keen that we try to raise the profile of the Pony Club in the community and to encourage people to come and join in the fun. We are hoping to address this in some way but if anyone has any ideas as to how this might be done, then please let us know. In the meantime, put out the word that we are all about fun, learning and making lifelong friends of both the two and four legged variety! Anyone can come to a trial rally as long as I know in advance so that insurance can be arranged. Camp BBQ is open to everyone, friends and family not just those at camp. Why not bring some friends.
Spring Events
The Easter holidays is nearly upon us. Games has already started and is being well supported at Graitney every Tuesday night until 7th May. There is D, D+ and C training organised for the holidays along with a Flatwork rally at Graitney, and a SJ Rally at Greenlands. Entry for these has been slow. Please get your names down asap so that we can organise Instructors. Pay by Paypal and txt PC phone (Ali) to confirm.
On Easter Monday there is an Easter Egg hunt suitable for all ages at Hartwood/Rammerscales. XC Training at Raehills on 30th April and of course Raehills on May 15th. No doubt Andrew Porteous will be on the phone rustling up helpers before too long although the course has survived the winter well. All help before and on the day very gratefully received. Every member benefits from the monies we raise from Raehills, not just the competitors, and it can be a fun day out for all the family (if the weather is kind!!).
Area Competitions
The Area Horse and Pony Care competition is on April 17th at Biggar. This is an ideal competition for those doing tests etc. It is based on practical subjects (you do not need to take a Pony) and covers things like poisonous plants, grooming, tack, bandaging, rugs shoeing etc. Check out main PC website for more info. Teams are of 3 members both senior and junior teams. Let's get as many teams as possible for this. Please txt Merlin if interested.
Area Games is on 7th May at Lanark. Entries due in by 7th April. LetMarjory know if interested but must be going to Games nights.
Summer Rallies
The summer rallies start on Tuesday 3rd May weather permitting and will run every Tuesday until 30th August except 5th July (no rally as camp), Monday 11th July and Monday 25th July which replace 12th and 24th due to Area's. Don't forget there is a £25 levy to cover the rallies. Please pay by Paypal and let Ali know well in advance if you have to cancel a rally.
Hat Tags
Don't forget all hats must be tagged with the 2016 tags (White with purple writing). Chris and I both have tags so please see us before an event/rally if you haven't got the new tag.
Let's hope this lovely weather continues and you can start getting your ponies fit. See you all soon.
Merlin