The Camp is open to Pony Club members who:  

1. Are financial members for the 2023 year – renewal for the 2024 year is required prior to the camp commencement
2. Will be aged 15 to 25 years inclusive on the first day; (Excluding Mounted Games – riders aged 14 or 15 years)
3. Have completed and passed their "C" certificate;
4. Are of State Championship standard in their chosen discipline;
5. Will be mounted on a suitable horse to maximise benefit from top instructors;
6. Are recommended by their Club and have satisfactory attendance at Pony Club instructional rally days (must have attended at least 3 rally days in the preceding 12 months);
7. Are recommended by their Zone Chief Instructor as a worthy Pony Club member of sufficient standard;
8. All horses must be microchipped.  
9. Riders may only attend State Camp a maximum of five (5) times.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Camp members will be accommodated onsite at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Wallgrove Road Horsley Park.  All members will be accommodated in twin share rooms and members of the opposite gender will not be permitted in these rooms. Any persons found breaking this rule will be sent home. Members must provide their own sheets, blankets, towels, pillows and pillowcases. All meals, morning and afternoon teas will be provided.
• Horses will be accommodated and riding instruction will take place at SIEC. Covered stabling and a covered arena are available in addition to extensive outdoor areas, cross country course etc. Members are to provide their horses' water bucket and feed. Stable bedding is provided, extras may be purchased. There will be lectures on some evenings.
• Members who are proficient in more than one discipline may apply for a maximum of two (2) disciplines only, on a maximum of two different horses – one form per horse. There will be an opportunity to state your order of  preference, as only one  horse and discipline combination  can be allowed.
• ANY RIDER WHO ATTENDS THE CAMP ON A HORSE OTHER THAN THE HORSE ACCEPTED WILL FORFEIT HIS/HER PLACE IN CAMP AND THE NEXT AVAILABLE RESERVE WILL BE OFFERED THE PLACE
• ONLY USE THE FORMS PROVIDED IN YOUR APPLICATION. Note – places at Camp are eagerly sought and it is essential that the form should contain full details and be completed with care. Selection is based upon the information in the form.
• Refrigerators and air conditioners will not be permitted in cabins at any time during the Camp.  Any such appliances found in cabins will be confiscated for the duration of the Camp.  This and other offences against Camp Regulations (see also Rules and Camp Code of Conduct) could result in a rider being sent home.

FEES

$600 per member (including GST) payable upon notification of acceptance. This is a nominal fee. Pony Club NSW meets all other expenses. Successful applicants who have not paid their $600 entry fee by the due date (7^th December 2023) will forfeit their place in camp and the reserve rider will be notified immediately.

RULES

1. All Pony Club NSW rules apply.  All applicants (and a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years) MUST agree in their application to observe all Camp Rules and Code of Conduct at all times while at Camp. By submitting this application and ticking the box you are agreeing to this.

2. Camp members are expected to arrive at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre by 1pm (TBC) Sunday 7^th January. Instruction will commence on Monday morning and finish on Wednesday afternoon. Camp will break after breakfast on Thursday 11^th January.

3. Camp members are to be in appropriate (Club, Zone, State Camp or Championship) uniform at all times when under instruction (approved helmet ASANZ3838, ASTM F1163 or EN1384/VG1, approved boots,  jodhpur and Club, Zone or State Camp or Championship shirts or long sleeved shirts with ties). At all other times members are to be tidily dressed. Approved safety vests must be worn when schooling on the cross country course.

4. Members will not be permitted to drink alcohol or smoke during the camp. The use of mobile phones is not permitted during instruction.

5. Members will not be permitted to drive any motor vehicle during the Camp. Members will not be permitted to leave the Camp for any reason without prior approval.

6. Members are expected to strive hard during instruction and lectures, to enjoy the fellowship with other members and to conduct themselves appropriately at all times during the Camp period (see 2 above).

7. Camp members are responsible for the care and cleanliness of their horses, tack and stables.  All members must agree to observe all Pony Club NSW and SIEC rules on dress (especially footwear) and behaviour whenever in the Stable Precinct.  Breezeways in the Stable Block must be kept clean and clear of obstructions at all times.

8. All members are subject to the control of Camp officials, whose decisions shall be final, for the duration of the Camp period.

9. Parents are not permitted to attend Camp between Sunday 6pm and Thursday morning.

10. The only jewellery permitted to be worn by riders when mounted are studs in the ears and wristwatches (medical alerts are permitted). Rings, if worn, must be taped.

11. Any breach of the above rules may lead to immediate expulsion from the Camp.

12. All horses attending State Camp must be microchipped. Horses must be fit, healthy and well shod, as they will be subjected to 3 days of high level instruction.

Pony Club NSW reserves the right to reject any application and no explanation will be given.

PONY CLUB NSW MEMBER PROTECTION and CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL CAMP RIDERS AND MEMBERS

Pony Club NSW (PCNSW) is affiliated with Pony Club Australia (PCA) and is a signatory to, and has adopted in full, the PCA Member Protection Policy as amended).  State Camp is an annual event where 75 riders ranging in age from 15 to 25 years reside together for almost a full week.  PCNSW policy has always excluded parents from attendance during the Camp period to prevent outside distractions during instruction and other Camp activities.  As a result, responsibility for the care and welfare of all riders at Camp is assumed by the Camp officials, who are mainly members of the Pony Club NSW Executive.  This is a very serious responsibility, which requires the utmost cooperation of all persons attending State Camp.  Every applicant for State Camp MUST sign the agreement to observe and comply with the Member Protection Policy through their compliance with the Camp Rules and Code of Conduct outlined on this application form. Applicants are also advised to read the relevant sections of the Member Protection Policy, especially those on Victimisation, Harassment and Bullying in any and every form, as these will be considered as serious breaches of the Member Protection Policy.  ANY such breaches will be dealt with under the processes and procedures outlined in the Member Protection Policy.

PCNSW also has Policies on its Code of Conduct and on Managing Breaches of the Code of Conduct, which apply to All Pony Club activities, including State Camp.  A summary of the Code of Conduct is outlined below.

1. Follow all Pony Club rules, including gear rules;
2. Never argue with an official and respect their decision;
3. Recognise that the officials and the Mounted Games coach are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services;
4. Treat everyone, including ALL other camp attendees, with the utmost respect;
5. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other riders, deliberately distracting or provoking another rider, are completely unacceptable and not permitted behaviours at all times, in any Camp activity;
6. Work equally hard for yourself and /or your group.  Your groups performance will benefit, and so will you;
7. Be a good sport.  Applaud all good performances whether by your group or riders in other groups;
8. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated;
9. Do not bully or take advantage of another rider;
10. Cooperate with your instructor, teammates and officials.  Without them there would be no camp;
11. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion;
12. Do not consume alcohol or drugs before, or during camp;
13. Thank the instructors and officials at the end of the session/day;
14. Respect the talent, potential and development of fellow riders;
15. Care for and respect the equipment provided at all times;
16. Adhere to all the Associations policies and procedures;
17. Do not be late to activities, being late is a show of disrespect to all the other people who you keep waiting;

I understand that in the event that there is a complaint against myself OR my child/ward if under 18 in relation to a possible breach of the Camp Rules, the Code of Conduct and the PCA Member Protection Policy, I give permission for myself OR my child/ward if under 18 (cross out incorrect option) to be interviewed by an appointed panel of two (2) Camp officials who are members of the Pony Club NSW Executive Committee as part of the investigation process under the PC NSW Member Protection Policy. I accept and agree that if a breach is found it will be dealt with under the processes and procedures of the Pony Club NSW Member Protection Policy.  The panel will report its findings to a meeting of those members of the Executive Committee officiating at the Camp and convened as soon as possible after the interview concludes.

I understand that a serious breach could mean immediate expulsion from the State Camp.