Rally Schedule

• What: Rallies provide general instruction towards NZPCA certificates unless otherwise stated. Rallies involve a 45 minute HM session and 45 minute ridden group lesson (for ridden members) organised by certificate group level. MPC’s Riders Without Horses programme also takes place at the Thursday rallies.
• When: Thursdays at 5.30 pm (October – May, excluding school holidays).
• Dinners: Optional shared meal (at a small cost) after rally at ~7.00 pm.
• Winter Months: Occasional horse management (HM) sessions – a great chance to get the HM requirements of your NZPCA certificates signed off in preparation for the next season.

Supervision

• Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult.
• One adult may supervise up to three children, provided they are in the same riding group.
• Parents are expected to share this responsibility.
• Supervisors must be organised before the rally and communicated to the Rally Co-ordinator and Head Coach.

RSVP & Attendance

• Please RSVP to the Head Coaches rally roll call posts on the Facebook page each week so we can book coaches and organise groups.
• If no RSVP is received, unfortunately a riding space will not be available.
• Riders must attend 75% of rallies to retain grazing seniority – if attendance falls below this level, grazing priority may be reassigned.

Grazing Rules During Rallies

• No horses are to be left alone in paddocks – please liaise with your grazing group.
• Horses in Telephones 1 or 2 paddocks must not be left grazing during rallies.
• If you cannot attend rally, please arrange for your horse to be brought into the rally pens, given hay & water, and supervised by someone else.

Safety Rules

• NZPCA approved helmets must be worn when riding.
• NZPCA approved back protectors must be worn during XC, and in SJ when the Head Coach advises.
• Wear high-visibility vests when crossing the roads if it is dark – these are available in the clubhouse, please return after use.
• Horses must be tied using a quick release knot in the rally pens, and the blue backing chains must NOT be used for safety.
• Horses should only be tied next to horses they are familiar with/from their paddock group (unless both horses are calm and keep to themselves). A rally pen plan will be published on the Facebook page before each rally – please follow this layout.
• It is important for members to log ALL health and safety accidents or near misses – please complete this form to report any incident, accident, or near miss.

Turnout & Presentation

• Riders: Meadowbank Pony Club uniform (short or long sleeves – for XC, long sleeves and a back protector is compulsory), with long hair tied back (hairnet preferred).
• Horses: Clean, with tidy tack and gear.

Respect & Etiquette

• The NZPCA Code of Conduct must be followed. This Code of Conduct outlines behaviours that are expected of all members, adults, coaches, family and friends involved, as well as identifying the types of behaviours that will not be tolerated. 
• Embrace the Change the Rein campaign, designed by NZPCA and ESNZ to advocate for a caring, supportive, and positive culture in the sport.
• Listen to coaches and organisers – no talking while instructions are being given.
• Encourage and support your fellow riders.
• Be punctual: the rally bell rings at 5.15 pm – please be tacked up (saddle and bridle for those riding in the first session, saddle only w/ loose girth for those riding second) and ready for this time.

Rally Setup & Events

• Some rallies (including closed trophy events) require setup of jumps, arenas, and equipment – please assist when asked.
• For closed trophy events, each rider must bring a helper to support the running of the day.

Thank you for helping us keep rallies safe, fun, and supportive for everyone!