Frequently asked questions &
Resources

Download the Member Guide Version 1.1

Common questions

Can I ride one of your horses and get lessons?

No. We do not have horses for members of the public to ride.

We are a community sporting group (like a soccer club) that organises events for members to ride their own horses at.

Can I ride my horse on the grounds?
Only if you are a current riding member of the Mudgeeraba Pony & Hack Club.

You may only ride in particular areas of the Showgrounds.

Please refer to the maps below.

Do you offer agistment?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer agistment.

How to stay updated

We understand members like to receive communications in different ways, and the committee tries its best to communicate effectively with all members.

Members only facebook group

We have a members only facebook group. If you are a member, you can request to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/463937763993887/

Public social media pages

· Facebook posts on our public page www.facebook.com/muddgeerabaponyclub

· Instragram posts www.instagram.com/mudgeerabaponylcub

Newsletters

Regular newsletters. You can sign up and see past newsletters at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/newsletter

Online calendar

We keep a live & up-to-date calendar on this website. See www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events#calendar

We will always try our best to communicate with members quickly, please remember, we are a volunteer committee, with most of us having jobs and other commitments outside of pony club.

Where you can ride

Gaining access

The gates to the pony club areas are locked.

When you join as a member, the committee will email you a code. You must not share this code with non-members.

Non-members

It is vitally important that members do not allow non-members to ride (or lunge) horses on the club grounds.

This is because:

· They are not insured

· It can cause legal issues for the club

Areas you are allowed to ride

As a member of the club, you are entitled to ride on the pony club leased areas only.

We are not allowed to ride on the Mudgeeraba Show lease areas. See map below

Where to park your float

On rally & event days, the Mudgeeraba Show Society generally allows us to park on the Western Grounds.

On all other occasions, you must only park within the Pony Club lease area, around the Clubhouse/Washbay/Yards area.

What is expected of members

We ride, we help
All Pony Club events are 100% volunteer run.
All events at Mudgeeraba are run under the rule “we ride, we help”. This means riders (or their guardians) are expected to assist in set up & pack down, or in the canteen or some other capacity, at all events they are riding in.

Sometimes, life gets in the way. If you can’t help with set or pack down, you will need to email info@mudgeerabaponyclub.com to arrange how you might be able to contribute on the day, such as helping with canteen or the like.

Please note – no help no ride generally applies to all Pony Club events. If you are going to an event at another club, they will usually require you to also help out with a task on the day.

Pony Club rules
When you are a member of Mudgeeraba, you are also a member of Pony Club Queensland and Pony Club Australia.

As a member, you agree to be bound and abide by the rules, policies and by-laws of:
1. Mudgeeraba Pony & Hack Club,
2. Zone 2 Pony Club
3. Pony Club Queensland, and
4. Pony Club Australia.

Pony Club Queensland rules and policies: https://ponyclubqld.com.au/insurance-forms/
Pony Club Australia rules and policies: https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/resource-hub/

FAQ - Rally Days

Pony Club Rally days are regular group training and social events where members learn and practice riding skills, horsemanship, and horse care in various disciplines all under qualified instruction.

The days foster fun, safety, and friendship in a supportive environment.

Canteen

Unless otherwise advised, there will be canteen for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Uniform

You are required to wear the uniform and comply with the PCA Gear Rules.

Find out more at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/uniforms

"We ride, we help"

If you are attending a rally day, you must help in both set up and pack down, or alternatively, help in the canteen.

The day is 100% volunteer run, so if members don’t help out, the day can’t happen.

Registration

You will need to let us know you are coming to a rally day, so we can place you in an appropriate group.

Rally sign up is usually announced via email and on Facebook. The sign up link is typically found on our website at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events#rally

Typical activities

Rally days involve gear checks, skill-building, and often focus on upcoming competitions or specific badge. Typically, our rally days will include flatwork, games, pole work, equitation and jumping.

Riders are generally grouped according to similar age or ability.

Example schedule

The groups and schedule is generally emailed out the night before the event.

This is an example only, as each rally day is a little different:

FAQ - Equestrian camp

Camp is traditionally held on the Mon-Wed of the first week of September school holidays.

This camp has been running for decades, and has a reputation of bringing in the best instructors from around SEQ.

What happens at camp

At camp, riders will have 1 lesson each day in dressage, show jumping and cross country with a leading coach in that discipline.

There will also be a bonus activity each day.

Riders will have meals provided.

Families can set up camp on the western grounds. The horses stay in the yards on the eastern grounds, or you can take the horse home each night.

There are night time activities and games.

Children must always be supervised by a guardian at camp – it is not a drop and go situation.

Camp fees

Attending camp does come at an additional fee.

The club is run for the benefit of members. With that in mind, we try to keep the fees as low as possible.

Camp fees include all of the lessons, as well as meals, for the attendee during camp.

How to register for camp

This is a popular camp, and sells out with a waiting list. Registration and is found at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events#camp

Camp registration is not first come first served.

Camp registration is done by a EOI process. Offers to attend camp are prioritised by those families who contribute the most to the club.

Examples of what is taken into consideration includes, but is not limited to:

· Being an accredited volunteer, such as a coach, judge, course builder or gear checker – find out more at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/accreditedvolunteeer

· Being part of the committee, or sub-committees. Find out more at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/volunteer

· Helping raise money at the annual Swap Meet

· Becoming a sponsor of the club – find out more at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/support

Importantly, doing your ‘we ride, we help’ requirements at events is not taken into consideration in the camp EOIs. Those are requirements of attending events. Priority is given to those who go above and beyond these efforts.

FAQ - other member days

Trail Club
Every so often, two instructors will invite members to join them on a trail ride around Mudgeeraba. Usually, these are slow rides for all ages and abilities, including lead line. However, check the details of each ride.
You do not need to wear uniform but must comply with gear rules. Hi-Vis encouraged.
Registration is found at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events#trail

Jump Club
Jump Club was established as a low stress, positive environment for members to practice their jump rounds. It is mock-judged and helps learn the rules.
You are not expected to stay for the whole event, but we do ask that you either pack up, or pack down.
You do not need to wear uniform but must comply with gear rules.
There is generally no canteen on these days.
Registration is found at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events#jump

Dressage Club
Dressage Club was established to help riders learn their dressage tests and receive feedback from a volunteer instructor.
You do not need to wear uniform but must comply with gear rules.
There is generally no canteen on these days.
Registration is found at www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events#dressage

Competition rules & resources

As a Pony Club member, you are able to go and compete at events at other clubs.

It is the responsibility of the rider to know the rules. A seemingly small error may result in your rider being eliminated – it may seem harsh, but Pony Club event officials have a rule book they must follow.

Rally day attendance & ownership of horse
Pursuant to the Zone 2 By-laws, riders MUST have attended 2 rally days in the last 12 months before they can compete at any Pony Club competition in Zone 2. See the Zone 2 Pony Club By-laws.

Pursuant to the PCQ By-laws, riders may only compete on horses they own, unless:
1. It is a horse leaded for not less than six months, AND such lease to be registered with and approved by PCQ. Leased horses are not eligible for competition until three (3) weeks from the date of the lease.
OR
2. Owned by a financial member of the same club as the rider and regularly ridden at that club, by a Junior or Associate member of the club, to which both the rider and owner belong.
Members may be required to prove on the competition day, that their mount is one that they regularly ride, at Pony Club rallies.

How to find upcoming competitions
For Mudgeeraba events, visit www.mudgeerabaponyclub.com/events

For all other events, visit:
• Pony Club Queensland https://ponyclubqld.com.au/whats-on/
• Zone 2 (south east Queensland) https://zone2ponyclubs.org/

NOTE: PCQ’s website does not always display all events, so it is helpful to check the Zone 2 website as well.

How to find the rules
Rules are different for each discipline.
1. Read the program of the event to check to see which rules might apply, or if there are any variations to the standard rules.
2. Read the specific rules of the discipline on the PCQ website. There are different rules for show jumping, dressage, etc. Go to the PCQ website and click the relevant discipline in the menu: https://ponyclubqld.com.au/

What are “official”, "unofficial" and “open” events?
If the event is “official” it means only Pony Club members may compete. Members from other pony clubs will attend. Official classes at the events count as qualifiers for State Championships.

Unofficial events do not count as qualifiers for State Championships.
If the event is “open” it means non-pony club members may compete. They generally need to pay extra fees.

State Championships & Zones

What are ‘Zones’?
Each local Pony Club is part of a hierarchy of other clubs at regional, state and national level.
Pony Clubs within Queensland are broken up into regional zones. You can see which clubs are part of which zone here: https://ponyclubqld.com.au/clubs/

Mudgeeraba Pony Club is part of Zone 2 Pony Club, made of clubs in the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim areas.
Zone 2 Pony Club has its own website https://zone2ponyclubs.org/ and a Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/176860972410786

Representation & uniform at State Championships
When you compete at State Championships, you are competing for Zone 2 Pony Club (not directly Mudgeeraba).
Zone 2 Pony Club has its own uniform and rules. The rider will need to wear the Zone 2 Uniform at State Championships.

You can find out more on the Zone 2 website https://zone2ponyclubs.org/

State Championship event disciplines

PCQ runs State Championships at different times of the year for different events.

Show Jumping
Jumping equitation
Dressage
Combined Training
One Day Event/Horse Trials
Tetrathlon
Masters
Gymkhana, show horse formal and sporting
Camp drafting

Dates and Venues

PCQ will list the dates and venues for each State Championship, once confirmed, on their website calendar:

https://ponyclubqld.com.au/whats-on/

How to qualify for States

To qualify, you will need:

To be at least 7 years old
To have attended at least TWO Rally Days at your club in the past 12 months
Hold the following qualifications (read more about certificates below):
- Under 13 Years: Either PCA D Proficiency Certificate or Copper State Chief Instructor’s Medal.
- 13 years and Over: Either PCA C Proficiency Certificate or Bronze State Chief Instructor’s Medal.
Your horse to be registered with PCQ in Just Go
Have a performance card for that discipline
Qualify for States according to the PCQ the specific requirements for that discipline (recorded in your performance card)

You can find the most up-to-date PCQ requirements on the PCQ website:

https://ponyclubqld.com.au/qualifying-for-state-events/

Registering a horse & ordering a performance card

To qualify for State events, your horse needs to be registered with PCQ in Just Go.

If you have any issues please contact PCQ directly, as Mudgeeraba is not involved with this process.

1. Login to your Just Go account https://pca.justgo.com/

2. When on your “My Profile” page (for the relevant rider) click the “credentials” tab

3. Click “add credentials”

4. Choose “Horse Registration”

5. Complete the questions, selecting the disciplines you want a performance card for, and hit save

6. You will need to then make payment for each performance card. They are around $7 each. PCQ will send you an email with bank transfer details, or you can call PCQ (07 3216 1255) and pay for the performance cards over the phone.

7. Once paid, PCQ will then review and register the horse, and mail you your performance card.

Once you have your performance card, you need to take this card with you and give it to the event office, so they can record any qualifiers you may have attained.

Pony Club Australia Proficiency certificates

The levels

E Certificate (optional but recommended)
D Certificate
D* Certificate (must have D Certificate)
C Certificate (must have D* Certificate)
C* or K Certificate (must have D* Certificate)
B Certificate (must have C Certificate)
A Certificate (must have B certificate)

What is covered in the certificates?

To find out more about the certificate work and their importance, download the Syllabus of Instruction from the Pony Club Australia website:

https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/education-accreditation/members/

Certificate manuals

You will need to purchase the certificate manuals from Pony Club Australia.

Manuals are purchased through Just Go. You can find the link on the Pony Club Australia website:

https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/education-accreditation/members/

or directly here

https://pca.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/Shop/booking-details/C1947D75CBD01032E2197251D72EB0CE6AFA160E

Assessment checklists

Before attempting assessment, make sure you are ready via the Pony Club Australia's checklists.

You can find them here:

https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/resource-hub/learning-education-development/#syllabus

How you are assessed

Journal records

Candidates will be required to keep a journal for C*/K and above

Written assessment

Written assessments are mandatory for C and above.
Candidates will complete an open book assessment as either hard copy or online. The assessment will then be reviewed by the nominated Assessor
Access the written assessments from C, C* and B here: https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/resource-hub/learning-education-development/#syllabus

In-person assessment

Each certificate requires an in-person assessment by a recognised assessor

Who can assess you

Recognised assessors are listed on PCQ's assessment panel.

We have some assessors at our Club.

However, our club's assessors may only assess or members for E, D and D* Certificates.

Assessors should not test C Certificate in their own Club, pursuant to Pony Club Australia rules.

How to find an assessment day

Within our club

If you are looking to obtain you E, D or D* certificates, our club will let members know in our newsletter when those days may be taking place.

Outside of our club

You will need to go to an assessment day outside of our club for C certificate and above.
Check the Zone 2 event calendar, or keep an eye on club emails, to see when one is scheduled.

Let us know if you plan on obtaining a certificate

Please fill out the form here, so our chief instructor is aware:

Fill out form on mobile

End of year club awards

At the end of each season, we celebrate the achievements of some of our stand-out members!

Most improved category
This is awarded by the instructors of the club. Awarded to the rider who has shown the most improvement across all disciplines throughout the year.
The following awards are available:
1. Most improved junior (under 13 years)
2. Most improved senior (18-26 years)
3. Most improved senior (26+ years)

Most consistent trier category
Awarded by the instructors. Awarded to the rider who consistently works hard to achieve the best from themselves and their horse.

Clubmanship category
Awarded by the President to a rider/member who shows a keen interest in all aspects of Pony Club riding activities, regularly assists with equipment set-up and/or pack up on rally days, volunteers their time to assist with Club fundraisers and working bees, displays a friendly attitude, assists fellow riders in times of need, willingness to help, and encourages others by example.

The following awards are available:
1. Junior clubmanship award
2. Senior clubmanship award

All-rounder category
Presented to the riders who accumulated the highest point score during the year representing our Club at gymkhanas held in Zone 2. Points allocated for 1st to 5th.

The following awards are available:
• All-round junior (under 13 years)
• Runner-up all round junior
• All-round senior
• Runner-up all round senior

Highest achievement categories
Awarded to the rider (junior or senior) who accumulates the highest point score during the year at any Official PCQ authorised competition for that discipline. Points allocated for 1st to 6th.

The following awards are available:
1. Highest achievement in dressage
2. Highest achievement in show jumping
3. Highest achievement in one day event
4. Highest achievement in tetrathlon

Highest achieving horse
Presented to the Horse (junior or senior) who accumulates the highest point score during the year at Official Dressage, Combined Training, Show Jumping or One Day Events. Points awarded for overall placings from 1st to 6th.

To be eligible the horse must have place in at least 3 of these 4 disciplines

Eligibility for awards
To be eligible you must have attended:
• A minimum of 7 Mudgeeraba rally days, OR
• at least 4 rally days at Mudgeeraba, and 3 days away at official PCQ events that are scheduled on Mudgeeraba rally days (in other words, you couldn’t come a rally because you were competing elsewhere that day).

This criteria does not apply to the Junior and Senior Clubmanship Awards.

How to nominate for an award
The most improved, consistent trier and clubmanship awards are not open for nomination. They are nominated and chosen by the instructors.
The all-rounder & highest achievement categories are open for nomination.

The rider (or parent) must email through all results to the committee by the cut off date communicated by the committee.

If you do not email through your results at the end of the year, you can not be considered for the award.

Frequently asked questions & Resources