Qualifying for State Events

So, you want to go to PCQ State events and compete. This is a very worthy goal.

But before you pack your float, there are a few things you needed to know. The most important is the rules for Qualification for each discipline.

You see, not just anyone can rock up to a state event. We need to know that all competitors are competent to participate at such an event. As much as anything, this is to help ensure the safety of all competitors.

Please study the rules set out below well before the event of the competition to ensure you have enough time to meet all the criteria.

Qualifying Criteria for State Events

Extenuating Circumstances

Sometimes things just don’t go to plan. It happens and can be very frustrating. At Pony Club we are about encouraging and not making it difficult. Despite that it is extremely important that we “play by the rules” out of fairness to all competitors.

But we recognize that there are times when a prospective competitor has made every effort to qualify but circumstances have got in the way. For example, we may have had many events washed out with rain, or events cancelled for one reason or another.

The important thing is that we have to know the candidate has made every effort available to him or her and have sufficient evidence to indicate that had they had sufficient opportunity they probably would have qualified.

Sections 4 and 5 of the above rules allow for some circumstances where this may apply.

  1. Extenuating Circumstances
    On a case-by-case basis, prior to close of nominations, where there are genuine extenuating circumstances for non-qualifying, rider may apply to a Zone Committee made up of Zone Chief Instructor, Zone President and/or Secretary plus the discipline delegate to the PCQ Sub-Committee; however, this does not apply to the Certificate/SCI Medal requirement. This committee will consider, agree and recommend whether or not the rider/horse combination is of sufficient standard to compete.
  2. Injured horse or substitution of horse
    Refer Extenuating Circumstances above. The same Zone Committee – being satisfied that the horse originally qualified and nominated is unable to compete – would approve any substitution of horse after due consideration and agreement on whether such horse is of sufficient standard to compete in its nominated group.