Glenorie Pony Club will hold its first rally day excursion to

Willow Park Equestrian Centre on 17th June 2018. This opportunity has not been made available to our members before and we are excited to offer some of the greatest instruction on the best training facilities in the area. There will be no activities at Glenorie's grounds on 17th June. All activities will take place at Willow Park.

Further information is captured below. Please read the entire email to

ensure you have a great day!

We have also attached a printable version.

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

Our rally day at Willow Park will run slightly differently to what we would normally do at our own grounds. It is important you read all the information we have provided. We want our riders to have an amazing time, but to do this we need to ensure you understand how the day will run.

The plan is for everyone to do a 2 hour group cross country lesson and a 1 hour show jumping lesson in very small groups (beginners included). Each rider will be provided a session time for each discipline. Your riders should be saddled and ready to ride at the start of their session.
For example, if your scheduled start time is 10am, you should be at Willow Park by at least 9:30am so you can park, saddle up, find your group and get a gear check. Please help us by being on time.

We will also run a number of other games and activities including, making horse treats, polocrosse on foot, a scavenger hunt and in-hand obstacle course.

Light refreshments will be provided for morning tea. This will be a mounted morning tea.
We will all break for one hour for a BBQ lunch.

Cross Country
The cross country course at Willow Park is one of the only schooling courses in the Sydney area and is definitely the best one. There are all types of jumps: a bank, ditches, brushes, arrowheads, apexes, lots of little logs for the less experienced riders or horses and a wonderful water jump. There’s a fabulous big hill which is so good to gallop up, and learn how to safely canter down. It’s the perfect opportunity to get all our horses and riders used to the wide open spaces of the real world!

All riders, including beginners, need to wear a back protector on the cross country course so please try to borrow one for the day if you don’t own one (if you are having trouble finding one – please let us know so we can make sure we have one there for you). It would also be great if as many spectators as possible could wear gumboots so they can help lead any of our ‘reluctant water jump’ horses. The beginners will most probably need to be led through the water.

Showjumping
The show jumping arena has an amazing set of show jumps with lots of the spooky fill that you see at the big competitions, not just plain poles.

Sandy Lucas will be taking our riders for their Showjumping instruction. A great continuation from the clinic earlier in the term.

House Keeping

Willow Park are looking forward to hosting us. As a venue that regularly offers their training facilities, they do ask we follow a few simple rules:

- Riders must be supervised by a NCAS qualified instructor AT ALL TIMES whilst riding. Amanda Benson and Sandy Lucas have offered their time to be our qualified instructors, so please don’t mount your horse and ride off until your session commences with them.

- Riders must complete a waiver issued by Willow Park on the day. Please see us before you ride.

- Please wear your PC uniform. We are proud to have your represent the Club at this facility and we would love to get some photos of you all!

- As mentioned above, a back protector is a must if riders wish to head out on the cross country course.

- Bring a drink bottle as you may not be close to the pop-up canteen to grab a drink.

Questions

We are sure there will be plenty. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are here to help.  Please contact us if you need help or have questions:

Jill Hutchings - 0410 029 451
Amanda Benson – 0429 049 912
Celia Bowd – 0402 062 629
Paige Cape – 0402 095 507

Jess was only just learning to trot over small poles and the pony was equally inexperienced, the prospect of a day spent in the wide open spaces of a cross country course was somewhat nerve racking. As we made our way onto the cross country area however, I was reassured to see that there were many small obstacles which could easily be walked over by Jess and her pony. For the first 30mins, they stepped over the obstacles with me walking next to the pony attached to a halter and lead rope, and Jess & pony gaining confidence in an unfamiliar space. As the day progressed, I saw the pair try, and thoroughly enjoy, many new experiences such as walking downhill over logs, through ditches and wandering through the water jump and then progressing to doing many of these at a trot. Even the Start Gate, which was initially approached with trepidation, by the end of the day was confidently trotted from as they headed out the gate towards the first obstacle on the course. By the end of the day, their confidence had grown enough to even canter up the hill with a smile from ear to ear - what a fabulous way to finish up a great day.

The cross country excursion offered Jess and her pony not only many new experiences, but most importantly brought a smile to her face as their confidence blossomed. Needless to say we are beyond excited to be heading on the Glenorie PC Excursion later this month, and Jess smiling as she & her pony as conquer new obstacles.

What to bring to Willow Park

Saddle

GPC Saddlecloth

Bridle

Helmet

Tendon boots (if you use them)

Grooming Kit

Hay

Hay Net

Water Bucket

20L drum water carrier for your horse.

Gloves (if you use them)

Riding Boots

GPC Uniform (T-shirt, beige joddies)

Back Protector

Jumping crop

Spurs (if you use them)

Bottle of water