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Snow Falcon

Snow Falcon

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William has his first mini rally on Saturday. I never did the PC as a child so haven't a clue what's its all about. Obviously I'll be leading him but what do I wear? I am assuming bikini and flip flops are out? ;)
 
Peregrine Falcon said:
William has his first mini rally on Saturday. I never did the PC as a child so haven't a clue what's its all about. Obviously I'll be leading him but what do I wear? I am assuming bikini and flip flops are out? ;)
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Don't think it matters what you wear. He needs to be clean and smart - at ours it is plain beige black or navy jods and a PC (or navy) top. and pony and tack need to be clean. Have a neckstrap. I am usually in jeans and boots.
Have fun!
 
Good footwear, you'll do a lot of walking and might get your toes trodden on. And light gloves like cotton pimples if your pony pulls. Sun screen if you're lucky or rain coat if not. It's supposed to be fun for you too! And don't forget the picnic.
 
Suitable footwear is probably the only really necessary bit - our lead rein mums don't tend to wear gloves. But Moose is right that it is technically correct to do so. Make sure you get his hat tagged by the rally co-ordinator.
 
I just have not fond memories of lead rein rally with old hand me down hunting pony who thought hounds were just over the horizon and spent two hours digging his pelham into my arm and shredding my hands with lead rope - the only reason I didn't let go was the instructor was one of those terrifying older ladies with foghorn voicce and I could just imagine the dressing down I would get if pony (and child) had vanished over the horizon.
And I was supposed to know what I was doing, but had underestimated the call of the wild to geriatric pony.
I do cringe now though when I see the delightful yummy mummies with their little peep toe shoes!
 
Ok, thanks. Yep, I know he and pony need to be smart. Guess I'll be tack cleaning later. :)

Jeans and short boots for me then I think. Pony is fab on lead rein so I'll have gloves handy to show I'm a good girl but they're not essential with her.

Is it silly of me to be a bit apprehensive?
 
Take two changes of clothing, for you, its either boiling hot or raining. Plenty of sunscreen, drinks, snacks and be prepared for a lot of standing around so something comfortable on your feet.
I used to leave my children in bed, get the pony ready, trailer and car loaded hitched up, they wake the kids feed them and bung them in the car then add the pony/ponies.
The pony has to be basically clean, we had a grey but apart from a tail dunk I never bathed him, clean tack, cheap white shirt from Tesco and a clean pair of beige jodphurs. They are now keen on checking hats and back protectors, so make sure you have the right standard hat, infro should be on your branch website.
 
I was terrified before I went for the first time. Most mum's are really nice, there may well be pimms or wine passed around at lunchtime. :-)
 
Peregrine Falcon said:
Is it silly of me to be a bit apprehensive?
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Not at all, it is always a bit daunting doing something new. If you are worried though, you can always email the rally organiser beforehand and check any details you are unsure about, just to make sure you are doing the right thing! Normally they would rather sort out problems in advance (child having the wrong hat, for example) than have to deal with it on the day.
 
It's only a hour long rally (mini, he's 7). Hat is of current standard and we have correct shirt, tie, badge, gloves and beige jods ready. Leather lead rein also cleaned.
 
Clodagh said:
I was terrified before I went for the first time. Most mum's are really nice, there may well be pimms or wine passed around at lunchtime. :-)
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We never have Pimms at ours...but we do have cake!

My tip is make sure contact the rally organiser beforehand and check if there is anything you should know/do, and also ask if there is anyone with similar age/stage of riding that you can be introduced to - if your child is going to be in PC for years it's nice to get to know them by at least knowing their names beforehand! You'll usually find there are certain etiquette rules eg at ours it's park close as you safely can as there's not much room, arrive early and help put out equipment (useful to enlist Dads /older siblings on this while you deal with child/pony) and lead into the rally field no mounting in the car park field, ensure rider thanks the instructor, and ensure pony is tended to before the kids attack the refreshments at the end.
 
Take horse fly spray, our rallies were at ickworth park in Suffolk with lots of sheep, the horse flies were horrendous.
 
Why not ask of there are other newbies there when you get there? Might make some more friends. It would be nice to be able to offer a small glass of wine which I do love at outings when we are all done ....but only if I am not driving horses home..
 
Thanks for all the advice. We made it. I didn't get lost :), arrived in good time, had fly spray in the boot already, managed not to look stupid and small child had a great time. :)

The best bit of the rally for him apparently was falling off!!!!!!:D Playing a game at the end and he had to steer and catch up with another pony. Not sure if they both got a bit excited but it ended up with William hanging upside down before the rubber popped on his stirrup iron giggling with laughter.
 
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