Welcome to the Cotswold Hunt Pony Club
The Cotswold Hunt branch of the Pony Club helps educate children in caring for and riding all types of horses and ponies, from the tiniest trotting Shetland to a polished and glossy eventer, everyone is welcome. Our branch was formed in 1930, which makes it one of the oldest Pony Clubs in the country. We are part of Area 9 of the Pony Club and we are one of the larger clubs with about 160 members. Many of our members are keen participants in teams, competing in Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Tetrathlon and Polo as well as Horse and Pony Care and we regularly send competitors to national level championships in these disciplines. Our aim is to have lots for fun along the way, so whilst we have a spread of talent in our members, you don’t have to want to compete to enjoy the activities that are on offer. We host several competitions each year and lots of fun activities for all ages and also for those who don’t want to compete. We hold camps for Minis (3-6 years roughly), Juniors (6-12 roughly) and Seniors (12 and upwards) each year in the Summer Holidays and many social events as well. If you are interested in joining our branch take a look at our Membership page in the Information section for more.
There is so much going on in Area 9, with something for everyone – pony racing, polo, mounted games, dressage, cross country, Tetrathlon – rallies, competitions and PARTIES (ooohhh more to come on that later – watch this space….!). Click on the link below for the full schedule:
The Lameness Trainer
Is your horse or pony lame? How can you tell? Front or back, which leg?! Take a look at this and see if it helps you identify whether your horse or pony is lame or sound.
The LamenessTrainer is a free, interactive online game teaching equine lameness assessment based on decades worth of published research into the biomechanics of equine lameness. Thousands of people use it every year and it is now used for teaching in veterinary schools around the world.
The Lameness Trainer can be accessed at https://www.lamenesstrainer.com/
Area 9 rule re eligibility to represent CHPC at area competitions
In order to be eligible to compete at Area Competitions, members from all branches in Area 9 members and their horse/pony must have actively taken part in at least 3 rallies, qualifying coaching or training sessions during the previous 12-month period unless prevented from doing so by illness, absence from home, or any other reason which in the opinion of the DC and Area Rep justifies absence.
For the purposes of this rule a rally, qualifying coaching or training session is one which is organised by a branch committee, the Area Rep or by the training committee and must be a minimum of 1 hour in length. Each day of Camp shall be counted as a separate a rally, qualifying coaching or training session.
In addition to demonstrating loyalty to the branch, the combination of horse and rider may also be required to prove their competence, safety and fitness of horse or pony, in the specific sport and level that the member wishes to participate at.
New hat rules for 2023
There are new hat rules for 2023. Please read them carefully and present your hat at the next rally or competition for inspection and to have the new hat tag added.
2023 Membership Renewals
As we approach the closing dates for renewals, please can you check if your child’s renewal date is approaching. Please note that it is easier to renew BEFORE the expiry date and any parents who have not yet renewed should check their email (including junk / spam) for their custom renewal email set 4 weeks and 2 weeks prior to membership expiring. If your membership has expired, you cannot attend ANY of the rallies! Any questions, please contact our Membership Secretary, Emma Stanley on 0777 0925187 emsstanley@hotmail.com
Tack and Turnout
With lots of rallies being organised for the coming months and with so many new members, HERE is a handy list of turnout expectations for horse and rider both at rallies and for competitions. There is also this document which has been specifically written for Area Show Jumping Please remember when competing at a PC competition, from lead rein – open eventing, you are there representing our branch and a effort for good turnout is always noticed!
PC Badges
We have lots of Horse and Pony Care badge rallies planned for the coming months! Something for everyone, from Minis to Seniors.
Click on the Tests and Badges page to find out more and information about how to book.
PC Rulebooks 2022
Its important that we all know the Pony Club rules for all disciplines. Please take some time to read those that are applicable for your sport at this link: Rulebooks
PC Equine Flu Vaccination Rules 2022
There have been some changes for 2022. Please read below so that you are familiar with the rules, especially if you are competing at Area Level
We have worked hard with British Equestrian and our other member bodies to achieve a consistent vaccination policy across the organisations. The agreed ruling is very similar to our current (2021) rules, however from 1st January 2022 there are some changes to the intervals between injections.
- The initial primary course of two injections are given with an interval of 21-60 days in between (previously 21-92 days)
- The first booster (3rd injection) must be administered within 6 calendar months of the 2nd vaccination (previously 150 – 215 days)
- Subsequent boosters must be administered at a maximum of 12 month intervals, however for competitions at Area level and above, this booster must be received within 6 months + 21 daysof the competition.
- Horses may attend a competition 7 days after receiving the second vaccination
Existing vaccinations will still be valid and primary courses made before 1st January 2022 will be permitted to have the longer interval of 92 days between the first and second vaccinations and the first booster an interval of 7 months
Please click here to see the full document on the PCHQ website
CHPC Socks & Hats
Limited Edition CHPC socks and Bobble Hats!
CHPC Bobble hats are a must for cold damp mornings and for this winter. Perfect to wear at events or mucking out! They are the most comfortable bobble hats to wear – no itching and super-warm. They are stretchy too, so one size fits all.
We also have very high-quality CHPC competition socks. These technical riding socks are designed to be worn under your long boots or chaps but also look great with trainers and come in 3 sizes; Small 12-3, Med, 4-7 and Large 8-12
We are selling these as a fund-raiser for the branch, so please spread the word – brilliant birthday presents too. Stock is limited so please don’t leave it too late. We may order another run if they prove to be very popular, which will be pre-order only.
Please order through Katie May katiemayuk@msn.com or 07802 787671
New Rules!
There are lots of changes this year in each discipline, especially regarding the eligibility to take part in Area competitions at the various levels. Please take the time to read the changes by clicking on the links below to ensure you are compliant.
Join the Cotswold Hunt Pony Club!!
We would love to welcome new members to our wonderful Cotswold Hunt Pony Club. Please click on this link which will tell you more about how to join us. We look forward to meeting you and your ponies!