CAMP
For many Pony Clubbers, Camp is the highlight of the summer activity schedule. DRHPC Camp is a time for riders to have uninterrupted time with their mounts in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Camp is usually scheduled the second or third week of July. Camp usually begins on a Monday and ends the following Friday or Saturday. A family event, riding demonstrations, and award ceremony are held during Camp.
Horses and ponies stay in the stalls at Deep Run throughout the week. Pony Clubbers stay until 5 pm and then go home for the night.
Camp activities include swimming in the Deep Run pool every day during lunch, crafts, and many kinds of riding instruction, including cross-country, show jumping, dressage, games, polocrosse, vaulting, and carriage driving.
Camp is one of the best bargains around! (Additional information on camp)
FOXHUNTING
DRHPC is very fortunate to have the support and sponsorship of Deep Run Hunt Club when it comes to foxhunting, one of the earliest Pony Club disciplines. The Hunt Club heartily welcomes Pony Clubbers who wish to foxhunt. Pony Clubbers may hunt for the significantly reduced capping fee of $5.00. Several Junior & Pony Club Meets are usually scheduled in December. In addition to being free of charge, experienced Pony Clubbers at these Meets, may ride with staff and take lead positions in flights. It is a wonderful learning and fun experience.
DRHPC usually schedules a Mock Hunt, which is a great opportunity to learn the rudiments of the sport in a controlled situation.
Pony Clubbers who are not Hunt Club members should contact a D.C. when they wish to foxhunt. At a minimum, Foxhunting Pony Clubbers must be comfortable cantering in the open. Hunting opportunities begin with slow moving, non-jumping flights and progress to the galloping and jumping solid obstacles, first flight.
CLINICS
The instructional program of DRHPC is generally carried out through mounted and unmounted clinics. DRHPC endeavors to pay the cost of clinics as much as possible. However, in recent years, professionals who once gave substantial discounts to Pony Club have often raised their fees, and we find ourselves forced to as Pony Clubbers to pay partial clinic fees.
Clinics are provided in many Pony Club
disciplines throughout the year. Prior to rally season, clinics are provided as specific preparation for each rally. Clinics are also given to prepare riders for ratings.
Pony Clubbers are expected to dress neatly and appropriately for clinics. Boots and breeches or jodphurs are standard attire, with a collared, sleeved shirt that is neatly tucked in, or, if weather dictates, a jacket or sweater conforming neatly to the rider's body to ensure that the instructor has an accurate view of body position.
Clinicians are often top professionals that Pony Clubbers might not normally have the opportunity to meet. Courteous and respectful behavior is expected at all times.
Pony Club clinics are not meant to be the rider's sole source of instruction and are meant to be supplemental in nature
UNMOUNTED INSTRUCTION
During the cold weather months, DRHPC holds a series of Midwinter Meetings which are designed to help members develop their knowledge of veterinary care and horse management. Members are expected to participate in the unmounted meetings as often as possible. Unmounted instruction prepares riders for the knowledge portion of their ratings, the written test portion of rallies, and for the Knowdown Rally held in February of each year.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
From time to time, DRHPC may host a gymkhana, combined test, inter-club rally, or other equine event at the discretion of the Board.