NMG Skills Training Clinic & Entry FormPage 1 of 9

National Mounted Games

Information Pack

History

Squad/Team SelectionCriteria

2005 Competition Information

Entry Form for Skills Training Clinic

Including

Expression of Interest for Selection to State Training Squads

2005

HISTORY OF THE PRINCE PHILIP MOUNTED GAMES

Mounted Games emerged as a Pony Club activity in Great Britain in 1957 (28 years after the inauguration of Pony Club in 1929

In 1956 His Royal Highness Prince Philip spoke of his interest in developing a team competition for Pony Club riders who didn’t necessarily have “show ponies” He envisaged a series of games on horseback for teams of four riders. His vision was to arrange races that would be exciting for the spectator and rider alike and encourage outstanding horsemanship, skills and balance without the need for “specialist ponies or horses”

By 1965 the Prince Philip Mounted Games had spread from Great Britain to America, Canada and Australia. With the first event conducted in Australia at the Perth Royal Show in the same year. These Games have been included in the International Equestrian Federation’s list of International Rules since 1972.

It was in 1985 that the Australian Pony Club Council sought permission from Prince Philip to use the name “Prince Philip Mounted Games” for the conduct of official National Mounted Games Championships within Australia. This request was granted in 1986 and an elegantly engraved silver cup was presented on behalf of Prince Philip to the Australian Pony Club Council for perpetual competition.

The aim was to increase the popularity of Mounted Games in Australia and to encourage active, happy riders whose success does not necessarily depend on expensive ponies – just careful, systematic training and determination. With practice and patience, mounted games help to develop skills, horsemanship and a fabulous team spirit, which complements all equestrian disciplines.

The Pony Club Association of Victoria annually conduct a Skills Training Clinic for Mounted Games on the final weekend in January at Werribee Park Equestrian Centre. Twelve pony club members are selected for a Prince Philip (Junior) training squad and a further twelve for the Senior State training squad at the final day of the clinic. There is also an opportunity for younger riders to be invited or try out for the National Mounted Games Development squad.

These squads trains together regularly at a central location until the final teams are selected. One rider from the junior team has the opportunity to be selected for the Australian Representative Team that competes internationally.

The Australian competition generally consists of twenty-one different games over a three to four-hour period, usually without a break. The riders don’t take their own horses to the competition, but ride horses provided by pony club members from the Host State. Riders use different horses for each set of three games. In other words they will ride a minimum of seven and a maximum of twenty-one different horses for the competition. Horses they have never ridden before.

These teams are selected for the entire year and ride together at demonstrations at pony club events around the state. Senior Team members assist with club and zone coaching clinics to encourage and help our younger riders to participate and enjoy the fun and excitement of games riding.

Selection Criteria and information for the Junior, Senior and Development Squads for the National Mounted Games

Age:

Development Squadriders must be ten years not to have reached 14 yrs at 01 January in the year of selection or, if younger, be invited to seek selection.

Junior Squadmust be 13 years and under 16 years on 01 January in the year of the competition

Senior Squadmust be over 16 years on 01 January 2005 and not have reached 20 years by 30 June 2005 in the year of the competition

Qualifications:

  • Riders must be a current financial member of a pony club
  • Rider must attend selection on a horse on which they have had two club rallies
  • Riders must meet the “50% attendance at rallies” requirement.
  • Riders, with the exception of Development Squad riders, must have attained their “C” Certificate by the time of team selection.
  • Riders seeking selection will be expected to ride a variety of different horses for the selection process.

Training:

Development Squad:

  • Trains monthly from February to September (8 sessions)
  • Training sessions will be approximately 4 hours
  • The squad will ride in composite teams at Games Events
  • The squad will have a final weekend camp
  • A cost of $100 per rider applies to this squad to cover part of the coaching fees.

Junior Squad:

  • Trains together monthly at various locations until the Team is selected, generally in June
  • Squad members are expected to train independently between scheduled training sessions
  • Once the team is selected, training is fortnightly
  • One or more weekend training camps are held for the team
  • Several training sessions for the team are “horseless”
  • Fitness & Nutrition program are set
  • The squad will ride in composite teams at several games events
  • Costs may apply for “horseless training”, any venue hire and event entry fees

Senior Squad:

  • Training dates and venues are set in consultation with riders with fewer training sessions over a shorter period of time
  • Squad members are expected to train independently between scheduled training sessions
  • One or more weekend training camps are held for the team
  • Several training sessions are “horseless”
  • Fitness & Nutrition program are set
  • The squad will ride in composite teams at several games events
  • Some squad members may be asked to ride a “Demonstration” at several events
  • If the timing for the competition fits, Senior squad members who have not previously been a squad or team member, either with the senior or Junior squads/Teams, are invited to train with the Junior Squad until the commencement of the senior training
  • Costs may apply for “horseless training”, any venue hire and event entry fees

Team Selection:

  • The squads will ride before a panel of independent selectors to determine the final teams.
  • A team of five riders and a reserve rider is selected to represent Victoria for the Junior and Senior National Mounted Games competition.
  • The Reserve Rider is not able to accompany the team to the National competition
  • Riders selected to the team are required to sign a Rider Memorandum and abide by the policies governing their behaviour

Qualities the Selectors will lookfor:

  • Agility and skills
  • Ability to vault or learn to vault
  • Demonstrated improvement and consistency
  • Horsemanship – riding different horses of different sizes and abilities
  • Fitness – strength and speed on the ground
  • Commitment to squad/team goals
  • Ability to become a supportive squad/team member
  • Willingness to assist and encourage others

Parental Support:

  • Because training is held at various locations there is considerable travel required for squad and team members

Junior Team Selection 2005 14th May 2005 Werribee Equestrian Centre

Senior team Selection 2nd April 2005

The National Competition 2005

Date:

Junior and Senior competition in 2005 will be held on 9th July 2005 in Western Australia to co-inside with the Australian Pony Club National Competitions.

Time Away:

Junior:Anywhere from 3 to 5 days

Senior:Generally 3 days

Venue:

WA State Equestrian Centre

Accommodation:

Swanleigh residential college

Accompanying the Team:

Vic State Coach

Vic State Team Manager

Parents, siblings, and friends are encouraged and welcome to be at the competition and the official Team Dinner. However family and friends are not able to stay at the same venue as the team or participate in the organized activities and sightseeing for the team.

Costs:

Team:UniformCompulsoryTeam Polo Shirt (Summer)

Team Rugby Shirt (Winter)

Team Track Suit Jacket & Pants

Dress Uniform (Female)Navy skirt & white top

(Male)Cream Moleskins & Navy shirt

OptionalTeam Cap

Team bag

Team Vest

Team Raincoat

Airfare:Riders pay 25% of their total airfare, PCAV pay the balance

Accommodation:Team Members pay for their accommodation and meals (this is usually well subsidized by the host state

Official Dinner:Generally included (extra guests pay)

Please direct your enquiries for:-

Squad Selection:Marilyn Healey 0419 738719 or email:

PONY CLUB ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA INC. AOO134113S

Mounted Games Skills Training Clinic & National Mounted Games Squad Selection

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 January 2005

Skills Training Clinic Entry Form and Details

PCAV riding members interested in developing their skills in mounted games are invited to attend the PCAV Mounted Games Skills Training Clinic.

The Skills Training Clinic program will include specific skills used in National Mounted Games and the PCAV State Games followed by a “Mini Competition” of the PCAV State Games with ribbons for 1st – 4th place-getters.

Overnight camping is available – Please contact Werribee Park to book

Dinner on Saturday night will be a Spit Roast, salads & dessert – see attached flyer for details

Who Can participate at the Skills Training Clinic? / Current PCAV members, 10 years old or over. Riders must have 2 rallies on the horse they bring to the training clinic
Date / Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd January 2005
Time / Registration: / 9am
Saddle up: / 9.30am
Finish: / 4.30pm
Venue / Werribee Park Equestrian Centre. “K” Road Werribee.
What to Wear / Approved helmet, approved boots, jodhpurs and medical armband. Casual long sleeved shirt or rugby top.
Cost / $75.00 for the 1st rider $50 for each subsequent rider from the same family. The full fee is to be paid in full with application.
Entry Closing Date / Sunday 9th January 2005
Further Enquiries / Marilyn Healey or 0419738719

National Mounted Games Squad Selection will take place on Sunday 23rd January

Senior Squad Sunday – commencing at 9.30

Junior SquadSunday – commencing after lunch

Development SquadSunday – commencing immediately after the senior squad selection

Games for selection will be: Ball & Bucket, Stepping Stones, Ball & Cone, 3 Mug, Bottle Race, 2 flag Race and Sack Race

Up to twelve riders will be selected to train with each of these squads

Selection Information & Expectations for all squads

  • Costs for squad are minimal and will relate only to “horseless training” and any venue hire.
  • Riders should demonstrate the ability to ride different horses, be athletic and fit and willing to commit to the squad/teams training and goals.
  • Junior Squad trains together once each month until final team selection in June and then each fortnight until the competition.
  • Development Squad trains alongside the Junior Squad at the same venue over 8 sessions with a final weekend camp
  • Senior Squad trains over a shorter period of time and depends on the timing of the event.
  • It is expected that riders train with their club and individually between these training sessions and work on their personal fitness.
  • All squad riders may be called upon to ride demonstrations and in composite teams at other Games events while in training or prior to training taking place.
Team Selection
  • Riders selected to the State Teams (5 riders and a reserve rider) must have their “C” Certificate at the time of Team Selection
  • Junior Team selection is in June.
  • Senior Team selection depends on the timing of the event.
  • Senior team rides are expected to assist with coaching at club and zone clinics

Development Squad

  • Riders may take part in the mini competition on Sunday afternoon after Selection
  • Cost is $100 per rider to be paid upon selection
  • The squad will train alongside the Junior State Squad at the same venue from February to August with a weekend camp in September.
  • Two coaches will conduct the training over 8 sessions each lasting for approximately 4 hours. The final camp is over two days.

Nomination for Squad Selection / Please fill in the appropriate box on the application form to indicate your interest in being selected for any of the state squads You may only nominate for one squad
Who Can Nominate for Squad Selection / Junior squad / Current PCAV Members who are 13 years of age but have not turned 16 years by 1st January 2005.
Senior Squad / Current PCAV Members who have turned 16 years by 1st January 2005 and are 21 or under at the end of the 2005/2006 PC year
Development Squad / Current PCAV Members who are 10 years but have not turned 14 years on 1st January 2005
Venue / Werribee Park Equestrian Centre

Please direct any enquiries about Squad Selection to:

Marilyn Healey Mobile: 0419 738719 and email:

Mounted Games Skills Training Clinic & National Mounted Games Squad Selection Application Form 2005

Please return with your payment. Cheques payable to PCAV

Return to: Peter Rodaughan 45 Macgregor Road Beveridge Vic. 3753

Name:
Date of Birth: / Age: / Years Riding:
Address:
Tel: / Mob: / Email:
Current Member at / Pony Club
Please circle – See attached flyer for menu
We will/will not attend the Spit Road Dinner on Saturday night.
$11.00 per adult & $6.00 for children under 14 years / No of Adults / No children
Under 14
Please complete this section if you would like to try out for selection to one of the State Mounted Games Squads
Please list your experience in Games riding.
How many different ponies/horses have you ridden? What size are they?
Other sports in which you participate?
Why would you like to be selected to one of the State Squads?
Can you attend all training sessions? / Yes / No
I would like to be considered for squad selection (Cross out two)
Development / Senior / Junior
Parent of Guardian to sign (if under 18 years)
Printed Name of Parent or Guardian

Please bring your Pony club card, you will need this to pick up your back number and as proof of membership.

FULL DETAILS AVAILABLE ON THE PCAV WEB SITE

PCAV Mounted Games Skills Training Clinic

Saturday 22 January 2005

Scrumptious Spit Roast with fabulous fresh salads, crusty bread and luscious desserts.

Choice of Succulent

Chicken, Beef, Lamb or Pork

With 7 garden fresh salads

Potato, Coleslaw, Tossed Green Salad, Rice Salad, Cheese & Carrot Salad, Sliced Beetroot Salad and Pasts and Corn Salad.

Crusty Bread

Followed by

Pavlova, Strawberry Cheesecake, Fruit Salad, Chocolate Mousse all with fresh whipped cream.

Tea & Coffee

All this for

$11.00 per adult

$6.00 for children under 14

BYO Drinks

Avoid disappointment - Book early