Marin County Pony Club

About Our Club

MCPC HANDBOOK

(REVISED January 2009)

This handbook (policies) contains guidelines and information that are important for members of the Marin County Pony Club (MCPC) to understand and follow. They are subject to revision periodically.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR 2011

District Commissioner: Kiren Niederberger, Amy Harmon

Joint District Commissioner: Lisa Herbert

Secretary: Shereen Ash

Treasurer: Steve Hodge

Head Instructor: Sally Peacock

GENERAL INFORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP

The Pony Club started in England in 1929 and in 1954 the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) was formed with headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The headquarters moved to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY in 1993. Pony Club is one of the leading junior international organizations, represented in more than 30 countries. There are more than 11,000 members in the United States alone.

MCPC belongs to the Sierra Pacific Region of the USPC, which covers Northern California and Nevada. Our region is comprised of 17 clubs.

The Club's regular meetings are held twice a month at Vanishing Point Ranch in Bolinas and attract children from throughout the area. Membership varies, but there is an average of 12 riders of various abilities taking part in club lessons and activities.

MCPC is for the child who wants to learn more than can be learned in one riding lesson per week. It is for the family concerned about responsibility, self-discipline and teamwork. Therefore, we teach all aspects of horsemanship and stable management and evaluate these skills through a rating system.

Parental support is expected in the form of making sure the children and their mounts arrive punctually at the meetings. Parents are also required to participate in various activities throughout the year and are strongly urged to serve a term as a club officer. See the section on Family Volunteers, below.

DUES STRUCTURE

Annual Dues for 2010

* Prorated: joining in September instead of January

Annual total for renewing members due prior to the November 15 deadline: $350, including sponsor fee

(late fees or partial fee adjustments for new members may also apply, and there is a sibling discount).

MEMBERSHIP

It is the policy of the MCPC to admit to membership any interested young person to age 25 who can walk/trot independently while riding with a group. In order to become a member or maintain membership status, each individual must pay annual club, regional and national dues. Dues are non-refundable.

Initial Orientation Meeting: New members are accepted into the club during September or January enrollment periods, but there is some flexibility for those who wish to join at other times. Those wishing to join must observe a regularly scheduled Pony Club meeting and a parent or guardian must attend a parent meeting.

Timely Payment of Dues: Cut off date for return of Pony Club annual registration papers will be strictly enforced. Any outstanding bills owed the club from the previous year must be paid before members can renew for the next year.

Membership Priority: 1) returning members, in good standing, from previous year; 2) former members seeking to return; 3) siblings; 4) new members. This priority list is used in the event that the club membership becomes too large for the facility's resources, a figure estimated at 25 members, or if there are not enough mounts available.

Member in Good Standing: Participating members are considered members in good standing if they have good attendance at club meetings, show a sincere interest in the activities of the club and assist younger members in the learning process. Members are expected to participate regularly in events and activities at the club, regional and national level, when and where appropriate, according to age, experience and suitability and safety of mount.

ATTENDANCE

Each MCPC member is expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings. In the event a member can't attend, it is their responsibility to contact Sally at 868-9019 and leave a message by the Wednesday before the meeting. This is necessary so Sally can determine the correct number of instructors needed for each meeting. If you do not phone, your absence is unexcused. At least 60 percent attendance at mounted and unmounted meetings is mandatory in order to progress in the ratings. Unexcused absences will also result in one hour of work for MCPC or for Sally.

INSTRUCTION FEES

Pony Club instruction fees come from dues, however, members who need a "barn" horse for a mounted meeting should request the mount from Sally in advance. The current fee is $15 per session and is directly paid to Sally at each meeting. A member may request the option of doing extra barn work in lieu of paying the horse rental fee.

FAMILY VOLUNTEERS

Since Pony Club is an organization run almost completely by volunteers, every Pony Clubber must have an involved parent or adult willing to help out during various activities throughout the year. The annual fund-raising Gymkhana, work days, committees, rallies, driving to activities, etc., are all examples of ways to help the club.

SPONSORS

At least one parent of each Pony Club member is required to pay a $5 sponsor fee in addition to other dues. This gives the person full voting rights at the annual sponsors’ meetings and at any meetings called to determine or change club policy. Parents of “away” members are not required to become sponsors.

MEDICAL RELEASE

Parents are required to sign a medical release form for each Pony Clubber annually, authorizing emergency medical treatment in case of injury or illness incurred at a Pony Club activity. This release is due with the annual registration forms and is required before the Pony Clubber can participate in unmounted or mounted meetings. A copy of this release will be kept at the meeting place at all times.

INSURANCE

Each USPC member club is insured under master policies obtained by the national organization. The insurance is mandatory and includes secondary medical reimbursement for injury or illness to Pony Clubbers during a club activity. It does not cover property damage.

MEETINGS AND INSTRUCTION

MCPC meetings are held at Vanishing Point Ranch in Bolinas on every other weekend (usually on Sunday) throughout the year with some exceptions, weather permitting. The meetings begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and all Pony Clubbers are expected to be punctual and prepared.

All common courtesies regarding respect of private property are expected of members and their families. Pony Clubbers are expected to pick up their own trash and leave the facility in a clean condition. The appointed "parent of the day" is expected to help monitor the clean-up activities. There is a NO SMOKING policy strictly enforced at all times.

UNMOUNTED MEETINGS

Stable management meetings are learning experiences that prepare members for advancement in rating levels. Topics include horse management, stable management, trailer safety, nutrition, diseases, care of tack, etc., and include guests such as a veterinarian and farrier. Members should attend each meeting with his/her manual, notebook and pencil.

MOUNTED MEETINGS

Pony Club lessons are designed to prepare members for the next rating level and to be fun, non-competitive situations. They will emphasize the basics of flat work and jumping and may include such activities as mounted games, tetrathlon, fox hunts, clinics, etc.

It is each member's responsibility to obtain an appropriate horse or pony for his/her lessons. For those who don't own a mount, Sally has horses available for a $15 fee for Pony Club meetings. Horses must be properly shod, well-groomed and in good physical condition. If necessary, the head instructor and DC will determine the appropriateness of the horse. Stallions are not allowed at any Pony Club event. NOTE: For rallies, a horse must be at least five years of age.

PARENT MEETINGS

Parents meet on the first Pony Club meeting of each month to discuss club policies, instructions and events. One parent or guardian of each club member is expected to attend as important information is often handed out and members are kept updated on activities and funds.

ATTIRE

Members should always be neat and clean at Pony Club meetings. Long hair should be pulled back and secured and any dangling jewelry and rings removed. Appropriate attire for meetings consists of riding pants, boots, a Pony Club T-shirt or sweat shirt or white T-shirt and Pony Club pin. Pony Clubbers will be required to pass inspection by their instructors prior to mounting.

Helmet: Each Pony Clubber is required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet with chin strap harness securely in place at all times when mounted on a horse or longeing.

Footwear: Rubber or leather riding boots or jodhpur boots with a heel are required at all mounted meetings. While dismounted, acceptable footwear would be shoes that are securely fastened, entirely enclosed, cover the ankle, thick soled and in good condition. Canvas or cloth shoes are not allowed.

Clothes: Riding breeches with belt if breeches have belt loops; clean shirt (a T-shirt is fine tucked into breeches); and Pony Club pin. Baggy, floppy shirts are inappropriate as the instructor cannot see your riding form.

TACK

Tack should be English style, in good condition and clean. Certain bits and other tack are not permitted in Pony Club. Please refer to your Pony Club Manual and check with your instructor on what tack is appropriate. All stitching should be checked regularly for safety (especially on leathers and bridle). Tack will be inspected by an instructor prior to a mounted event.

TRAILERING

Pony Club parents are responsible for transporting their child's horse to mounted activities and for all expenses involved in trailering. If a member relies on another member for trailering, the member with the trailer should be compensated appropriately. Parents should also read the USPC brochure on trailer safety and be aware that horses may be tied to a trailer only if it is securely hitched to a vehicle. The MCPC has a trailer donated to the club that can be used by members who are trained in trailering and trailer safety and who agrees to be responsible for any damage incurred while using the trailer.

RALLIES

Rallies are fun, team-oriented competitions held for Pony Club members from throughout the Northern California region as well as between other regions. There are several rallies available to interested members each year, including show jumping, dressage, games, tetrathlon, quiz, combined training, competitive trail riding and fox hunting.

MCPC members are expected to attend an Everything But The Horse rally before they can attend a mounted rally. An EBTH event is hosted annually by one of the clubs in the region and it puts new members through all the requirements of a regular rally only without the horse.

A Pony Club team for a mounted rally consists of four riding members and a stable manager (unmounted). A Pony Clubber must compete at his/her rating level at rallies. All costs (such as transportation, trailering, entry fees, food, lodging, etc.) are paid by the participant's family. Individual rally fees must also be paid to the club prior to the entry cost being sent to the region. Anyone who doesn't submit the entry fee on time will not be included in the registration for a rally.

MCPC RALLY CODE

As a competitor in a rally, each member of the team is there to learn and have fun. Participants should remember these important points:

* Compete to learn, not just to win.

* Remember that the goal of judging is to suggest a means for improvement.

* Scoring shows where you are in relation to a standard.

* Good sportsmanship, good judgment and respect for each other and your horses are very important.

* The only true victory is within the individual.

* Quality is its own reward. Take pride in doing your best.

* Team spirit and sportsmanship must be foremost in order to be successful.

* No one is as smart as the team is together.

RALLY SELECTION

Criteria by which teams are selected for regional rallies include the ability of horse and rider to perform the task at hand; safety; good attendance at meetings and good sportsmanship. In order to be selected for a team, a Pony Clubber must be a member in good standing and express an interest in participating. Team members are expected to attend scheduled practices and to help in preparing the tack and equipment needed for the rally.

RALLY HIGHLIGHTS

A parent of each rally participant must be actively involved in some way and be willing to sign up for some task prior to the member signing up for a rally. Once at a rally, parents aren't permitted on threat of a team penalty to help or converse with members, but rather are encouraged to sit back and enjoy the show.

All Pony Clubbers are encouraged to participate as stable managers to increase their horse management skills. The stable manager is the key position on the team and is responsible for maintaining the rally tack room for inspection (which counts on total team points) and for making sure the riders are in proper attire and get to their scheduled events on time.

A rally coordinator will provide sign-up packets and must receive the paperwork and check for the rally by a specific date. This indicates both parent and child are committed to the rally. (Please remember that this is not a guarantee that your child can participate). The DC, in consultation with the Executive Board, will decide on team make-up for all regional rallies. National rally teams are chosen by the Regional Supervisor.

MCPC will attempt to place all members on rally teams who desire to participate. Qualifying members who can't go to a particular rally because it is filled will be given priority for the next event that is held. (In some cases rally organizers have "scratch" teams put together with members of various clubs where the teams were already full).

USPC RATING SYSTEM

The Pony Club rating system is designed to measure the progress of each member's riding ability and horse handling and stable management skills. Each Pony Clubber joins as an unrated member and progresses through the levels at his/her own pace. The beginning level, D1, is given to new riders as soon as they demonstrate simple horse handling and riding skills. Ratings then progress to D2, D3, C1, and C2, all done at the club level. Each rating includes a horse management, riding on the flat and riding over fences component and candidates do not have to pass all three parts of one rating before they proceed to the next level in one or two sections (which is a recent change in the rating system). Horse management must be taken before riding and flat work before jumping, but a member could potentially hold a D3 in horse management, D2 on the flat, and D1 over fences if their horse management knowledge is ahead of their riding or their pony is not capable of the jumping. The system of dividing the ratings into sections allows Pony Clubbers more flexibility, and does not hold back members for lack of a horse. After rating at the club level the H-B, C3, B, H-A and A ratings are taken at the national level. At the C3 and above members can specialize, choosing either the dressage, showjumping or traditional (eventing) tracks. Rating tests are positive educational experiences, in which riders are tested verbally against a set standard, and do not compete with other candidates.

To be eligible for advancement, a Pony Clubber must be a member in good standing and have a record of regular attendance and participation at meetings. AT NO LEVEL IS COMPETITION REQUIRED TO PROVE READINESS FOR A RATING.

THE USPC STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY provide a core curriculum for individualized instruction for young riders by describing a clear progression of skills in riding and horse management. The Standards also provide opportunities for goal setting, as Pony Club members are encouraged to proceed through those skills at a pace that is comfortable for them.

PURPOSE OF A RATING TEST. Pony Clubs use the Standards of Proficiency as a plan for instruction programs. Therefore, rating tests are an evaluation of the Pony Club members' progress through the rating levels. At the same time, the rating tests should be a positive educational experience. They must be carried out in an environment that encourages the candidate to "show and tell" what he or she knows.

RIDING IS A HOBBY, something we do for fun! We use ratings to recognize achievement and to increase enjoyment by encouraging Pony Club members to gain confidence, independence and good safety habits while working with mounts. Goal setting, teaching and testing are good ways to accomplish this purpose.

EVALUATING A PONY CLUB MEMBER'S READINESS FOR A RATING

The Standards of Proficiency describe the specific requirements for each level. A Pony Club member is ready for a rating test if he or she is able to perform the requirements for that level in a supervised teaching situation. Because D-1 is an introductory level, there will be no fail on the D-1 test sheet. After passing a test, a Pony Club member may or may not be ready to attempt skills required at the next rating level. If not, he or she will continue to receive instruction appropriate to the earlier level until a greater degree of proficiency is achieved.

All Pony Club members should be encouraged to progress at a pace that is comfortable for them. Pony Club instructors should be very familiar with the Standards of Proficiency so that the instruction program is based on the clear progression of skills described in the Standards. The candidates should have the assistance of an older Pony Club member or knowledgeable adult in preparing for the rating test.

ABOUT RATING LEVELS

The D Ratings are an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of pony and tack. The D1 through D3 Pony Clubber learns to ride independently and with control, maintaining a reasonably secure position at the walk, trot and canter, and over low fences. All D ratings are given at the club level.

The C ratings involve learning to become an active horse person, to care independently for pony and tack, and to understand the reasons for what he/she is doing. The C level goes into more depth in all areas. The C shows development towards a secure, independent seat and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding. The C1 and C2 ratings are given at the club level. The C3 is a regional rating. At the C rating level, the Pony Clubber needs to be proficient in his/her knowledge and able to pass it on to younger members in a teaching situation.

The B, H-A and A ratings are national ratings and require a much greater depth of knowledge and proficiency than the earlier ratings. Successful candidates are competent, all-around horsepersons, and are active and contributing members of USPC who participate in a variety of Pony Club activities. They are also thoughtful leaders who set a good example at all levels and are able to teach other Pony Clubbers.

Depending on age, D1's may pass to D2 fairly quickly, D2s may pass to D3 fairly quickly as well, particularly if they are older. However, there is a bigger jump from D3 to C1, both intellectually and technically, in skills needed and maturity. A D3 may remain at that level for a year, or several years, in order to gain the experience and maturity it takes to enter the C ratings.

TESTING INFORMATION

As much advance notice as possible will be given all Pony Clubbers before a ratings test date. We strongly recommend parents schedule no other activities for the child on the day of the test, which consist of a riding evaluation and a verbal horse management exam.

A member must pass all oral and riding sections in order to pass the rating. If more than one-third of the sections are not passed, the candidate must wait until the next regularly scheduled rating to be tested.

Retesting: At the D1 through D3 ratings, if a candidate does not meet the Standards in one or more areas (up to one-third of the sections on the Test Sheet), a re-test may be scheduled on sections not passed. Only the original examiner may authorize such a re-test and must so indicate on the candidate's test sheet. Such a re-test must be completed in one day and within one month of the original testing. Failure to pass any part of the re-test will require the candidate to take the entire test again at the next scheduled rating date. If a candidate takes a portion of the test over again with a different examiner, both examiners must sign the certificate before the member is considered to have passed the rating.

At the very first rating, a candidate may receive permission to try for more than one level. After the initial rating is achieved, a Pony Clubber may only advance one rating level at a time.

MCPC RATING POLICY

The DC, after consultation with the Pony Club instructors, has the final say about when Pony Clubbers are ready to take their next rating. All members are given the "Standards of Proficiency" to let them know what will be expected of them. It is the responsibility of each member to be fully aware of the requirements. MCPC will offer rating dates twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. To be eligible, a club member must have attended at least 60 percent of all mounted and unmounted meetings.

There will be no rating makeups, except in the event of exceptional emergency situation or weather cancellations (at the discretion of the DC and instructor).

It is the Pony Clubber's responsibility to notify the DC by the required date in order to be considered for a rating. It is also the member's responsibility to contact the DC if he/she is unable to take the test after being accepted for the rating.

Pony Clubbers must compete at their rating level at rallies.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE FOR HIGHER RATINGS

Pony Club members at C1 level and above are expected to help instruct lower-level riders. For this duty, they should carefully study the Manual of Horse Management and the USPC Instructor's Handbook, and other pertinent material available from the USPC Bookstore. These higher-rated members should also attend regional clinics and seminars to help them with their teaching techniques and skills. All teaching by members shall be supervised.

C1 TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

The C1 should help with lessons at Pony Club meetings. They may also assist with preparations for horse turnouts, safety inspections, help set up arena jumps, scribe for the instructor and help at unmounted meetings, with supervision. It is highly recommended that the C1 attend a rally as a riding participant or stable manager.

C2 TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

C2s will assist in mounted and unmounted programs with supervision. Types of teaching activities include trailer safety, tack cleaning, talks on specific subjects, tacking up assistance, grooming, supervision of younger members, assisting with inspections, etc. C2s may help on rating days by scribing for the rating examiner. This is not "teaching" per se, but will be counted toward their educational experience.

USPC states that a member must be 13 years of age as of January 1 in order to take the C3 test. Candidates for C3 testing must attend preparation clinics held by the region for this rating. It is highly recommended that candidates for C3 rating attend a rally prior to taking the test. It is suggested that the C3 candidate teach at least six unmounted meetings and six mounted meetings, a total of 12 teaching sessions.

C3 TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

C3s will assist in mounted and unmounted programs with the direct supervision of the instructor. C3s may help on ratings days by scribing for the rating examiner. The C3, at the discretion of the DC, instructor and rating examiner, may conduct the actual rating test for D1 and D2 levels. This will count toward educational and teaching time.

B, H-A and A TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

B and H-A candidates need to get as much teaching experience as possible. They should work together with the instructor and the DC to outline their goals in this direction.

Graduate H-A Pony Club members are qualified to teach independently, but should confer with the instructor. They will work together with the instructor to plan and teach lessons.

Upper Level ratings require a great deal of independent effort by the Pony Club member. The club and DC will help all they can, but the initiative must be taken by the individual candidate.

At the C3, B-HA and A ratings, MCPC will pay part of the cost of the required preparation clinics, funds permitting. It is the club's policy that no one should be denied an advancement opportunity because of monetary considerations and the board will take appropriate action as needed to help a member who needs financial assistance.

CLUB OFFICERS

All officers are elected annually by the sponsors of the club at a selected meeting date in the fall. Officers include the District Commissioner, Joint District Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer and Rally Coordinator. Officers may serve as many terms as the sponsors wish, although it is recommended that duties revolve among as many parents as possible.

District Commissioner (DC)

The DC is the chief administrator of the club. The DC, with the concurrence of the sponsors and Head Instructor, has complete responsibility for the activities of the club and acts as a liaison person between the Club, Regional Supervisor, and the national office.

Joint District Commissioner (CO-DC)

The CO-DC, along with other members of the board, helps the DC perform the many duties of the club and presides over meetings when the DC cannot be there.

Treasurer

The Treasurer keeps track of all club income and expenses for the year, prepares reports of records to present at monthly meetings and comes up with an annual proposed budget.

Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for taking minutes at each parents meeting and delivering them to members.

Rally Coordinator

The Rally Coordinator is responsible for getting information about upcoming rallies to Pony Club members. This includes making sure all paperwork gets in on time for members who want to participate and for finding a parent willing to be a chaperone at the rally. The chaperone, in turn, helps organize team practices, makes team travel arrangements, organizes team equipment and coordinates details with parents.

Head Instructor

The Head Instructor meets with the club officers to formulate lesson plans and discuss which additional instructors should be hired for Pony Club meetings.

Parent of the Day

At each regularly scheduled meeting there is an assigned "parent of the day" whose function is helping out as needed and providing lunches for the instructors (usually a sandwich and drink from the Bolinas Store). The assigned parent is also responsible for collecting the money from riders who need to rent a "barn horse" for the mounted session.

FINANCIAL POLICY

Membership dues, the annual horse show (gymkhana) and other fund-raising events are the primary sources of funds for MCPC. These funds are used first and foremost to support and ensure the ongoing success of the MCPC instructional program.

Funds in excess of program maintenance requirements may be used for elective activities and should be allocated among the activities the club wishes to support. Additional fund-raising may take place if there isn't enough money in the budget to support desired elective activities.

Specific treasury considerations

The Treasurer will provide a financial update at the parent's meeting.

The Treasurer is authorized to write checks up to and including $250 before formal board approval is needed.

Club dues and sponsor fees

Dues and fees will be reviewed each year by the Board and voted upon at the annual Sponsors’ Meeting.

Instructors’ fees

Instructor's fees will be reviewed annually by the Board. At this time, MCPC is paying the lead instructor $175 per meeting. The Horse Management Instructor receives $50 per meeting. If a meeting requires two instructors the fee for each instructor will be $150 (not formally agreed). The Parent of the day provides the instructors’ lunches. The Club also pays a Facility Fee of $50 per meeting.

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