Pony Club & Mounted Games … a word from your President (Jan Faulkner)
The Pony Club & Mounted Games survey which appeared in the June edition of MAD magazine certainly has caused some discussion; it is great to see we have such a passionate membership.
I wish to convey that the issue of changing the format of the “Kay Irving” Memorial State Games Championship was thoroughly discussed at the September State Council meeting in 2011 and was then voted to remain in the current format. All comments and responses received from Zones at that time were passed on to the Games, FT & MR sub-committee for serious consideration and action. At this time this sub-committee made the decision to accept composite teams to this event to alleviate any difficulties Clubs may have been experiencing fielding a team to compete at the State Games Championships. Results from the survey so far support that this change has assisted Clubs to participate at this event. The PCAV State Council are confident that the current format of the State Games Championships is widely supported by riders and Clubs but are always keen to gather feedback from our membership.
I personally would like to take this opportunity to express my support of the current format of the State Games Championship. Melinda Fitzpatrick’s article “State Games … a formula that works!” (page11) sums up my feelings about this event and its place in our history and current existence. I would like to emphasis that this survey is about feedback, ideas and information, it is not a referendum for change. The survey asks the question of what format you would like to see at the State Games Championships but it also asks many other questions. The Pony Club & Mounted Games survey is about how our riders and Clubs engage in games at rallies and in competition. I encourage riders, Club Officials and coaches to take the time to give us their thoughts about all things games in Pony Club, even it you currently don’t participate in games … that’s interesting too! Miss Kay Irving identified games as an engaging and fun way to teach riding skills; how is this teaching method being utilised by our current coaches and Clubs?
The Pony Club & Mounted Games survey will end on the 30th September 2012 and the results will be circulated to the PCAV State Council, PCAV Zone Committees and published on the website and in the PCAV “Making a Difference” magazine. Remember this survey is about feedback, ideas and information not a referendum for change, I urge you to share your views. We have so far had some interesting responses and some great comments. Below is a little sample:
- This (games) is a fantastic way to get kids riding confidence up and should be promoted a lot more throughout the pony clubs, if done right every rider and horse is able to compete in pony club games!
- The competition in its current format does not require change. It is fair in its current format and allows the younger children to be encouraged by the seniors.
- Although I don't live in Victoria I'm glad to hear you are having a positive look at Mounted Games in your State, I think every State should follow your lead.
I do urge riders who are keen to experience the National/Prince Phillip games format to ask your Club District Commissioner to conduct some games activities at rallies and make contact with the National Mounted Games sub-committee for more information. Every Club should have a Games Rule book listing all games played in the Prince Philip and National Mounted Games events.
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Pony Club & Mounted Games ... look to the future!
Mounted Games were the inspiration of H.R.H. Prince Philip. When Col. Sir Mike Ansell was Director of the Horse of the Year Show, Prince Philip asked if he could devise a competition for children who could not afford an expensive, well-bred pony, and in 1957 the Horse of the Year Show, then at Harringay Arena in North London, England, staged the first Mounted Games Championship for the Prince Philip Cup … it was an immediate box office success. (Source: www.wikipedia.com)
Mounted Games are a dynamic, exciting and thrilling sport requiring the rider to develop exceptional horse control skills as well as be physically agile and exceptionally athletic. Over 30 years ago Kay Irving identified Mounted Games as an activity which would help to develop a rider’s horsemanship in all their riding and horse sport pursuits. The sport of Mounted Games has an International body with 20 member bodies spread over 4 continents around the world. Prince Phillip Games are conducted under the rules as set out by this International body. The Victorian Pony Club games are similar to or adapted from the Prince Phillip Games that originated in England and are now overseen by the International Mounted Games Association.
In Victoria riders can experience two styles of mounted games competition; the games played within these competitions are principally the same in many cases however the format of the teams varies. The State Games Championships and qualifying events are conducted with teams made up of 6 riders with a 7th reserve rider and a required spread of ages. Victorian riders may also compete at National and International level in Prince Phillip Games competitions with teams made up of 4 riders and a 5th reserve rider, ages are divided into senior and junior. The Victorian National Mounted Games teams who represent Victoria at National Competitions are selected at the annual National Mounted Games Skills Training Clinic and Selection Weekend held in January.
Pony Club Association of Victoria aims to give all riders the best opportunity to challenge their riding skills at rallies and competition enabling them to explore their love of horses and riding. Riders who compete in Olympic disciplines are able to compete at the highest level at State, National and International level in both a team and individual way. Team formats for Olympic disciplines are not restricted by incorporating a spread of ages. There is some concern in the field that games riders do not have this same opportunity. The size and age restrictions placed on team entries to the State Championships may hinder some Clubs from submitting teams to go to the State Championships. Some games riders also feel they are unable to compete at an elite level at State Championships because teams are structured with a range of ages. Those games riders who view Mounted Games as a sport rather than an activity may find that the State Championships team format does not allow them to explore their chosen discipline as fully as they would like.
Does the current State Championship team format impact on a Clubs ability to send a team to the State Championships? Are Pony Club riders missing out on their chance to compete at State level? Does the current State Championship team format allow Mounted Games riders to fully experience competition at a State level? Would changing the format reduce the mentoring and team spirit engendered at this competition? What do our Mounted Games riders want from their State Championship? Is it time to review the structure of the State Games Championships and qualifying events?
Below is the current format of teams for this Championship and a proposed format.
Current format:
• Teams of 6 with 1 rotating reserve
• Age restrictions (2) 25yrs or under, (2) 17yrs or under, (2) 14yrs or under
• Composite teams are allowed (made up of different Clubs)
Proposed format:
• Reduce teams to 4 riders plus 1 rotating reserve
• Run Junior (under 14), Open (all ages)
• Composite team format to stay in place
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State Games … a formula that works!
The Kay Irving State Games Championships, the name brings me back to the essence of the current format of our games competition. Miss Kay whom I met on several occasions as a young rider believed that every rider on any horse should be given every opportunity to compete for their Pony Club; hence her introduction of the Pony Club games.
The current games competition cannot be bought; you could go out and buy the best horse and have the best gear but unless you can control your horse, work as a team and put in plenty of practice you have no hope of winning. Any child or young rider, no matter their size, athletic ability or mount can compete and place at State level. This by no means implies that there isn’t skill involved on the contrary every rider in your team has a role, whether it is speed, accuracy, consistency or a combination of these.
The State Games is the one remaining team competition that allows for any combination of horse and rider within your club to compete on a level playing field. Senior riders getting involved and helping younger riders working as a team is one of the great rewards of this format. It is not about the individual ever but about the combinations and dynamics within the team. There is no other competition within Pony Club that strengthens relationships and brings the whole Club together.
I am surprised to hear that Clubs say they do not have the numbers to field a team. As long as there are riders who are willing, they would all be capable, given the right training and practice. Any rider on any horse with the right amount of practice and teamwork can be competitive at State Level.
In relation to the National Mounted Games format, I commend those who are keen and interested and hope that one day they can find a way to get more interest in their competition but please don’t change the format of the current State Games to accommodate a small minority. These are two very different competitions and should remain so. The all-inclusive non elitist format is what Pony Club games is all about.
Bacchus Marsh Pony Club competed at State nearly every year I rode, many times in the placings but never a win. The challenge is still there - not to change the underlying format but to practice harder and get more riders involved, take more teams to Zone and hopefully one day Bacchus Marsh will get that win. But in the meantime all riders and spectators will keep enjoying every competition.
I wish to convey my strong belief in the current format and to do so also for my daughter, son and nephews who are currently riding. I also wish to convey these thoughts on behalf of my dad, Ian Wardell (State Games Committee & Chief Judge for many years) who I believe, would also be fighting to keep the State Games the way it is for every kid in Pony Club.
This event is very well attended every year which would suggest that the format of the State Games is well supported by riders and Clubs. There have been many rumblings for change over the past few years and all I can say is hands off something that has worked and is still working so well.
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