Pony Club, like any non profit organization, needs adults to organize & administer its activities. Here are some ways in which all parents can help at musters:
Be on Time: If your child depends on you for transport to pony club, get them there on time. Latecomers are unpopular with instructors as their late arrival disrupts a carefully planned lesson.
Be Tactful: Take an interest, but never interrupt a lesson in progress by talking to the instructor or to your child, or by making audible comments on the sideline. No system is perfect, if you are unhappy about what is being done, have a word with the chief instructor, Pete &/or with your child’s instructor after the lesson is finished.
Be Helpful: Assist with the games section of a muster. All that is needed here is a person who can keep order & see fair play.
Be Strong: Dads can help tremendously by setting gear up at the start of the day & by picking up rails & altering showjumping fences during a lesson but always under the supervision of the instructor. Showjumping gear is heavy to handle & it should not be the instructors job to shift it. There attention & energies are needed to teach your children.
Be Kitchen hands: Help Tanya, Tracey & Linda in the canteen prepare food & drinks & clean up.
Maintenance: Help Cameron, Luke & Rob with the mowing, slashing & any repair jobs that need doing. They will appreciate the help.
Attend Meetings: Attend any meetings or activities the club organizes for you, it is frustrating to organize these things & have nobody turn up.
Read Newsletter: Read the clubs newsletter (perhaps even help to write it!) & check regularly for emails. These quite often contain urgent notices or change in muster dates.
Accept Responsibility: Join the club yourself & accept a position on the committee or represent your club as a delegate. Fundraising coordinator is still vacant.
Help Instruct: Become an instructor. Courses are available from pre C onwards & the knowledge you gain will be invaluable to your child. If your interested talk to Pete.
This list must look daunting, but it is only intended to suggest ways to help. Make yourself known, say how much time you can give & get involved. By helping the instructors, you will be helping your child. Less gear to shift=more time & energy=more constructive lessons=happier equestrians.
I look forward to your help.