Grove Hunt Branch Ofe Pony Club

GROVE HUNT PONY CLUB – CAMP

FACT SHEET

Main camp is suitable for members with the following minimum abilities:-

1. Be able to muck out their own stable
2. Be able to groom and tack up their own pony (with minimal help)
3. Be able to ride off the lead rein at walk, trot and canter and have started basic jumping

Mini Camp

Mini Camp is designed to meet the needs of younger members and those who have not yet reached the above standard. Please see the information/booking sheet for Mini Camp. For members under 8 years old please contactFiona on 07936800995 to check if mini camp or main camp is more suitable.

How to Book

Places at camp will be allocated strictly on a first come first served basis upon receipt of a completed application form (enclosed with the fact sheet) and payment in full. Only postal applications will be accepted. Please do not attempt to reserve places by telephoning the DC or any other committee member.

Where will the ponies be kept?

Ponies should be brought into camp on the Sunday before camp starts so that they can settle into their new routine before camp the following day. Please bring ponies to camp between 4pm and 6pm on the Sunday prior to camp. Please do not arrive outside these times without prior permission. There will be a Hog Roast on Sunday evening.

As usual, the ponies will be kept in temporary wooden stabling of the type used on County showgrounds and at major events. Hay and straw will be stored separately, and there will be additional space for members to keep grooming kit, feed and clothes together with tack during the day. For security reasons tack should be taken home each evening.

Preparing Your Pony For Camp

If your pony normally lives out at grass you should gradually introduce it to hard feed in the week or so before camp so that it does not have a sudden upsetting change to its routine. It is important that your pony/horse is reasonably fit as they will be required to do up to 4 hours work each day.

Where will Pony Club members stay during camp?

There is no suitable accommodation for members to stay overnight, and camp runs each day from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

Who looks after the ponies at night?

There will be an experienced stable manager on site at night who will be responsible for the ponies and who will check them at intervals through the night, giving extra water as required. You are expected to leave an extra full bucket of water outside your stable before going home each night, and to ensure that your pony has been left with a full hay net, securely tied so that it cannot get a foot through it.

Catering

Members should bring a packed lunch in a carrier bag or other suitable container and you must take your rubbish home each night. Soft (not fizzy) drinks will be available all day free of charge in the marquee.

As usual we will have a large weatherproof marquee to use at lunchtimes and as a central gathering point. There will be toilets on site.

Who is in charge during the day?

The DC, assisted by the Chief Instructor has overall responsibility for camp. Any queries that cannot be answered in the first instance by the Instructor for your ride should be addressed to the DC or the Chief Instructor.

How will camp be organised?

Members attending camp are divided into “Rides” with approximately 6 or 7 in each Ride. We try to group members together according to age, experience and particular interests, using the information on the Booking Form and with guidance from the Chief Instructor. Each Ride will have its own instructor who will be responsible for the Ride during camp and who will organise a programme of tuition and activities tailored to the needs of that group. There will be an opportunity to practise flatwork, showjumping, cross country, handy pony, games as well as stable management and horse care.

We recognise that not all members are competitive, and there is no pressure on any member to do more than he or she feels comfortable with.

Conduct of Members during Camp

The safety and wellbeing of Members and their ponies at camp is paramount. All Members are expected to obey instructions issued by their Instructor, Branch Official or the DC. And, along with their parents to abide with Camp rules. Members and their parents are also expected to behave courteously and with respect and consideration for others at all times. The DC reserves the right to send home anyone who persistently disobeys the rules, is offensive or whose behaviour endangers other members or their ponies.

What equipment is needed?

For yourself

Approved hat (PLEASE NOTE NO FIXED PEAK HATS FOR THE X-COUNTRY RIDING), navy or black cover, approved body protector, Pony Club sweatshirt, riding jacket, jodhpurs (cream or dark colour, no denim), jogging bottoms (to keep jods clean when not riding) long sleeved shirt (to protect arms) even in hot temperatures, Pony Club tie and badge, jodhpur boots or long boots, half chaps if preferred, (dark colours only), sun cream and sun hat, money for tuck shop and waterproof in case of inclement weather.

For your pony

Three water buckets, feed bucket, hay net, grooming kit, tack cleaning kit, your pony’s usual tack including rugs and boots if worn, mucking out fork, rake, shovel, muck sheet or skip. No wheelbarrows please as we do not have room to store them safely. If your pony needs to be bedded down on shavings instead of straw you will need to bring sufficient for the week, whatever feed your pony normally has. If your pony is usually out at grass we recommend cool mix and chop, but don’t forget to get your pony used to its new feed gradually before camp.

Please ensure that all equipment brought to camp is clearly marked with your name. We always end up with a large pile of lost property at the end of Camp and it is so much easier to return items which are marked.

How do I book for camp?

A booking form and medical from are enclosed with this fact sheet.

If you wish to come to camp: -

1. Complete the booking form
2. Complete the medical form

And send to Fiona Hopkinson

50 High Road

Carlton-in-Lindrick

Worksop

Notts

S81 9EB

Please note that no booking will be accepted from anyone who has not renewed his or her subscription for the current year.

If you cancel your booking for any reason we can only offer a refund if another member can take your place.