State Championships

Nine State Championships are held annually in the following disciplines; Dressage, Sporting & Campdrafting, Jumping Equitation, Show Jumping, Polocrosse, Mounted Games, One Day Event (ODE) and Show Riding. Competitors must be a required standard to qualify to participate in these championships. Competitors are between the ages of 9-24. Entrants compete in their relevant age group.

Dressage

Often referred to as the “gymnastics” of horse training, since it is designed to improve the suppleness and responsiveness of the horse and the skill of the rider. It is required as basic training for all equestrian events. Competitors must ride standard written tests from memory and are judged on their ability to perform in harmony with their horse. PCANSW uses Equestrian Australia Dressage tests and full details of which tests for the Dressage Championship will be provided on the event schedule.

Campdrafting

This unique Australian sport is fostered within the Pony Club movement. Riders demonstrate their skills at cutting a beast out of a mob in an enclosure and then manoeuvre it around a set course. Points are allocated for cut out and work on the course.

Sporting

Championships bring keen competition in Flag, Bending, and Barrel racing as well as other novelty events.

Showjumping

Horse and rider are required to jump a course of fences according to their ability.

One Day Event

Consisting of three sections – dressage, showjumping and cross country jumping. It is designed to test the courage, determination and all round ability of the rider, as well as the training and conditioning of the horse.

Polocrosse

A team sport combining polo ad lacrosse. A team consists of six players, plus one reserve, divided into two sections of three who play 3-4 alternate quarters.

Mounted Games

A great fun and skilful team activity for all riders. This event involves teams of four riders plus a reserve competing in fun games as a team.

Show Riding

An event where horse and rider demonstrate their skills on the flat. The horse is judged on confirmation, paces and manners, whilst riders are judges on their riding ability.

Jumping Equitation

Riders are judged on their riding style and control of the horse whilst jumping.

Event Eligibility and Schedules

Riders wishing to nominate for state events are required to;

• Complete all paper work within the event schedule including nomination form, horse identification and camping/ stabling information ( if requested)
• Appropriate signatures from club secretary and club senior instructor/ club captain as on the clubs office bearers form must be obtained.
• In signing the required nomination forms
  • Attendance at least three full rally days in the last 12 months is confirmed
  • Confirmation that the horse and rider combination is of a suitable level to attend a state championship event
• All completed forms including FULL payment is forwarded to the Zone Chief Instructor (PO Box XXX) by the date advertised by the zone to ensure nominations are received by state office prior to the event closing date
• Successful riders will be communicated by state office and advertised within Zone 16

Current State and Interstate event schedules are communicated by state office approximately 3 months prior to the event being held.

State Camp

About state camp

The Pony Club NSW State Camp brings together the top 70 riders in the disciplines of Dressage, Showjumping, Eventing, Mounted Games and Advanced Horsemanship. The camp is held in January every year from Sunday to Friday at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC). Riders receive instruction from top Instructors and lectures from horse industry professionals.

Camp starts on Sunday where all riders meet and settle in. Instruction takes place from Monday to Thursday and riders depart on Friday morning. Evenings include lectures from well-known personalities in the horse world, veterinary surgeons and other fun activities. State Camp is not only about receiving the best instruction for you and your horse it is also about making great friendships which can last a lifetime. Your horse will be well looked after by experts who give 24-hour supervision, you will stay in comfortable twin share cabins onsite at SIEC, and receive all meals. Horses are stabled and instruction takes place at SIEC which has covered stables, an indoor arena, various outdoor arenas and a training cross country course.

Eligibility

1. The Camp is open to Pony Club members who;
2. Are financial members for the year of the State Camp with the Association through their Club before the 1st November in the year prior.
3. Will be aged 15 to 24 inclusive on the first day; (Excluding Mounted Games – riders aged 14 or 15 years as at the 1st of January.)
4. Have passed their “C” certificate;
5. Are of State Championship standard in their chosen discipline;
6. Will be mounted on a suitable horse to maximise benefit from top instructors;
7. Are recommended by their Club and have satisfactory attendance at Pony Club instructional rally days (must have attended at least 3 rally days in the preceding 12 months, copy of attendance card to be included);
8. Are recommended by their Zone Chief Instructor as a worthy Pony Club member of sufficient standard;
9. Have their horse microchipped and vaccinated against Hendra Virus.

Application

Applicants must apply on the official application form provided by state office each year. The application form asks questions about your performances in Pony Club and outside competition, certificates achieved, previous instructional schools attended, experience with other horses etc. It is very important that the application form is filled in carefully and correctly, as this information will be used to select participants. Incomplete forms will not be considered in the selection process.

Riders can attend a maximum of 5 state camps. If riders wish to nominate several horses or several disciplines they are required to submit an application for each disciplines and each horse. A maximum of two horses and two disciplines in any one year can be nominated.

Applications close annually on the 1st November.

The selectors are also looking for Pony Club members who regularly attend their Club rallies, have performances at State Championships and also at Club and Zone level, have performed well in open competition and have been riding the particular horse for a substantial period of time. You must nominate on a particular horse and most details will pertain to that particular horse. Major requirements of State Camp applicants are enthusiasm, a desire to learn and improve and be willing to try your hardest.