Competitions

Quiz

Quiz competitions offer teams of Pony Club members an opportunity to test their knowledge of horses and stable management against that of other teams in the same testing level. At the regional Quiz competition held annually, each Pony club is eligible to send teams of four competitors for each testing level. Competitors are tested in a variety of ways. They visit different stations, answering questions and performing tasks (such as putting the pieces of a bridle together while blindfolded), and play games designed to test their horse knowledge. Ribbons are awarded to winning teams and individuals.
Rally

Rally is a 3 day event in which Pony Club teams compete. Generally, a team consists of 1 captain, 2 grooms, and 3 riders. The team members are scored on their stable management practices as well as their riding. Judges visit each team's tack and feed rooms daily, giving each team member a score for readiness of equipment, cleanliness and condition of the horses, and organization. The riders compete in dressage the first day, cross-country the second day, and show jumping the third day.

Team members and their parents often camp at the Rally location; stabling for the horses is provided. A Fun Night is always organized for the team members, with plenty of good food and drink. 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.

Prince Philip Games (PPG)

Prince Philip Games is an annual competition hosted by different pony clubs each year. Competitors on A or B teams must ride ponies 14.2 hands or under, and must be 14 years old or younger as of January 1. Older riders may form a Masters team and may ride horses up to 15.2 hands. 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. Penalties and eliminations may result if the rules are violated.

Riders learn skills of balance, dexterity, control of their pony, and strategy and perseverence. The games, which include a variety of events such as as the Egg & Spoon race, Litter race, Flag race, Sack race, and Bending Poles, are great fun for both participants and spectators.

Championships

Championships are held annually, usually in late September. Pony Clubs send teams to compete in 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. For show jumping, riders must ride a set course of jumps, while being timed and judged for faults (jump refusals, falls, time). Riders who have jumped a clear round, with no faults, proceed to a jump off round. The winners are those with the fastest time and no faults. Both dressage and show jumping scores are tallied for individual and team awards.

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