Competitions

Quiz

Quiz competitions offer the Pony Club members an opportunity to test their knowledge of stable management against others in the same testing level. Each Pony club is eligible to send a team of 4 competitors for each testing level. So each club could send a team for A, B, C, and D level.

Competitors rotate to several stations answering questions and performing tasks such as putting the pieces of a bridle together while blind-folded. Ribbons are awarded to winning teams as well as individual placings.

Rally

Rally is a 3 day event where Pony Club teams compete in several disciplines as a team. Generally, a team consists of 1 captain, 2 grooms, and 3 riders. All members of the team are scored on their stable management practices, general conduct and behaviour, as well as the scores for riding. The riders compete in Dessage the first day, Roads and Tracks & Cross-Country the second day, and Show Jumping the third day. Judges visit each teams' Tack and Feed rooms daily, giving each team member a score for having the proper equipment, organization, cleanliness and condition of the horses, etc.

Vet checks occur on a regular basis. Unfit or injured horses are not allowed to continue to compete. A Fun Night is always organized for the team members with plenty of good food and drink, stabling, and camping sites for 4 days.

Our particular Pony Club pays all entry fees for Rally, which run in the neighbourhood of $700. It is an honor to be chosen for a rally team and participants work very hard. However, they have a wonderful time and learn a tremendous amount about their teammates and horses. Metchosin Pony Club teams are usually in the ribbons when competing at Rally. There are usually between 12 and 17 teams competing.

Prince Philip Games (PPG)

Prince Philip Games is an annual competition hosted by different pony clubs each year. Competitors must ride ponies and must be 14 years old or younger as of January 1. A team consists of 4 horses and riders. Each club may send as many teams as they wish. Horses and riders compete in relay style games with very specific rules and regulations. Penalties and eliminations may result if any of the rules are not adhered to.

Rider learn skills of balance, dexterity, strategy and perseverence. The races are fun and very appealing to spectators. The names of some of the races include: Egg & Spoon, Litter, Flag, Sack, Binding Poles, and Ball & Cone.

Championships

Championships are held annually, usually in late September. Pony Clubs send teams to compete in the disciplines of Dressage and Show Jumping. These events take place over two days. For the Dressage portion, riders must ride two Dressage tests under two different judges. Results are tallied for individual and team awards. For Show Jumping, riders must ride a set course of jumps, while being timed and judged for faults (jump refusals, falls, time). Those riders who have jumped a clear round, with no faults, proceed to a Jump Off Round. The winners will be those with the fastest time and no faults. Once again, scores are tallied for individual and team awards.

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