Welcome to Ballarat Adult Riding Club! The following are frequently asked questions about our club.
Who are we?
Ballarat Adult Riding Club (BARC) is a close-knit horse riding club for riders 18 years and over, established in 1984.
We host 2 rallies per month with quality instruction, provided in a professional, friendly and supportive environment. Our aim is for all our members to enjoy themselves, feel part of a team and reach for their own goals.
Who can join?
Anyone over 18 years of age (or turning 18 during the HRCAV financial year) can join us . We welcome riders of all levels, from beginners through to advanced. We have membership options for weekend lessons, weekday lessons, and non-instructional membership.
Who are we?
Ballarat Adult Riding Club (BARC) is a close-knit horse riding club for riders 18 years and over, established in 1984.
We host 2 rallies per month with quality instruction, provided in a professional, friendly and supportive environment. Our aim is for all our members to enjoy themselves, feel part of a team and reach for their own goals.
Who can join?
Anyone over 18 years of age (or turning 18 during the HRCAV financial year) can join us . We welcome riders of all levels, from beginners through to advanced. We have membership options for weekend lessons, weekday lessons, and non-instructional membership.
Where are we located?
Weekend rallies are held at Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre, Smythesdale. |
Weekday rallies are held at Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre, Smythesdale. MWR members MUST take out Casual User Membership from the WYEC prior to booking. |
How often do we meet?
We hold 24 rallies per year - 12 weekend rallies (with up to 2 lessons available on the day per member) & 12 weekday rallies (1 lesson).
When are the rallies held?
Weekend rallies are usuall held on the 4th Sunday of each month between February and November. December rally dates are different each year. The May rally date also varies, due to the Friends of Woady Horse Trials (usually) being held on the 4th weekend (BARC members are expected to help out at this event)
Weekday rallies (MWR - midweek rallies) are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Are we affiliated with HRCAV?
Yes! We have been a HRCAV affiliated club for 30+ years.
Do we host any riding competitions?
Yes! See our 'Competitions' page for details.
What are the benefits of membership?
There are many benefits of becoming a member with Ballarat Adult Riding Club: insurance, riding instruction, competitions, and camaraderie!
We hold 24 rallies per year - 12 weekend rallies (with up to 2 lessons available on the day per member) & 12 weekday rallies (1 lesson).
When are the rallies held?
Weekend rallies are usuall held on the 4th Sunday of each month between February and November. December rally dates are different each year. The May rally date also varies, due to the Friends of Woady Horse Trials (usually) being held on the 4th weekend (BARC members are expected to help out at this event)
Weekday rallies (MWR - midweek rallies) are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Are we affiliated with HRCAV?
Yes! We have been a HRCAV affiliated club for 30+ years.
Do we host any riding competitions?
Yes! See our 'Competitions' page for details.
What are the benefits of membership?
There are many benefits of becoming a member with Ballarat Adult Riding Club: insurance, riding instruction, competitions, and camaraderie!
Insurance
Membership with Ballarat Adult Riding Club provides insurance coverage through HRCAV. This includes 24/7 cover for riding members whilst involved in equestrian activities directly related to the disciplines offered by the HRCAV, as well as additional activities endorsed by the HRCAV. |
Riding Instruction
Depending on the membership type you choose, you can participate in up to 36 rallies per year, all included in your membership. |
Competitions
You membership allows you to participate in any HRCAV affiliated competition: dressage, showing, navigation rides, combined training etc. See our 'Competitions' page for details of the competitions we host. |
Camaraderie
Our club has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, everyone pitches in to do their bit. We're there to support each other! |
How do I join?
It's fantastic to hear that you want to join Ballarat Adult Riding Club! To become a member you just need to download a copy of the membership form below, fill in your details, and send the form and fees to the club secretary listed at the top of the membership form.
How do I join?
It's fantastic to hear that you want to join Ballarat Adult Riding Club! To become a member you just need to download a copy of the membership form below, fill in your details, and send the form and fees to the club secretary listed at the top of the membership form.
barc_mem_ship_form_23-24-_-nov-jan.pdf | |
File Size: | 160 kb |
File Type: |
Can I come to a rally if I'm not a member?
If you are considering joining Ballarat Adult Riding Club you are more than welcome to come along to one of our rallies without a horse. This gives you the opportunity to see our facilities, meet some members, and get a feel for the friendly team environment of our club.
Please contact our secretary Ian Milne via the "Contact Us" page to let us know if you'd like to come along so that we can arrange for someone to greet you and show you around.
What happens at a weekend rally?
A few weeks before a rally, an 'event' is set up on the club's private facebook page for members to book in for up to 2 lessons each per rally. Members are able to book in their choices of flat, show jumping, poles and cross country lessons, dependant on availability at the time. Closer to the rally day, a final rally plan is posted with all details finalised, and each person's lesson/s confirmed. Members are generally able to book-in with whichever instructor they prefer, depending upon availability of course.
Weekend rally plan:
Weekend rallies usually start at 10am. Flat lessons have up to 4 riders in each lesson, poles and jumping lessons may have up to 6. Each rider attends their allocated lesson/s (up to 2 lessons per member at each rally).
10am: Morning lessons start (usually flat lessons)
11am: 2nd morning lessons (usually flat lessons)
12pm: Break
12.30pm: Lunchtime meeting and raffle
1.30pm: Afternoon lessons start (usually poles/gymnastics or jumping)
2.30: 2nd afternoon lessons (usually poles/gymnastics or jumping)
3.30: Pack-up, clean up & go home
What happens at a weekday rally?
Weekday rally plan:
Weekday rallies may be held in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability of instructors, riders, and facilities.
Each lesson is approximately 1 hour, with up to 4 riders per lesson.
From November 2023, MWR's will be held at the WYEC. A choice of flat/dressage, SJ, CC and 3PE may be available.
As with weekend rallies, an Event is set up on the facebook page for members to book in. The rally co-ordinator will always try their best to accommodate the needs of members, such as working around school pick up/drop offs or work commitments.
What is a poles/gymnastics class?
A poles/gymnastics class involves flat work over walk/trot/canter poles, sometimes with blocks/pole lifters etc, as determined by the progress of the horse and rider combinations involved. They are designed for horses and riders of all levels, to increase the horse's strength, engage the hindquarters and provide a change from flat work without the need to jump. Poles lessons are also an excellent introduction to poles and pre-jump training!
Poles/gymnastics classes can have up to 6 riders. Classes are usually held in the main show jumping arena at weekend rallies.
Do we provide lunch at rallies?
Each member should bring lunch for their self and their horse/s. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for members and helpers on weekend rally days.
Kitchen facilities are available for heating and refrigerating purposes.
Taps are placed around the grounds to provide water to horses - please BYO water bucket.
Who are our regular instructors?
Chris Mann
EA Level 2 Coach
EA Coach Educator
EA Level 2 Coach
EA Coach Educator
Instructors employed by Ballarat ARC include: Chris Man, Fiona Normand, Sue Short, Jordan Smith, Fiona Dearing, Rob Hebel, Marianne Crawford, Sue Nevett, , Bec Burge.......
-Do we host any club activities outside of rallies and competitions?
Yes. There is a monthly meeting held on the Tuesday directly before each weekend rally, at the Sebastopol Bowling Club or via Zoom (when necessary). We also host clinics (such as with Alan Mitchell) and other non-competitive events. If there is an event you think we might be interested Contact Us!
What happens at the monthly meeting?
Our monthly meeting is held at the Sebastopol Bowling Club. Most of the members who attend the meetings have dinner together in the bistro from 6pm, before going on to the meeting.
We reserve a large table for our members; it's a great opportunity to catch up with one another! Some members even bring their partners and children along for the meal.
Our meeting then follows in the Member's Area (behind the gaming room) at around 7pm. All members are welcome - you are encouraged to come along and share your ideas, wants and wishes for the club. We'd love to see you there!
Yes. There is a monthly meeting held on the Tuesday directly before each weekend rally, at the Sebastopol Bowling Club or via Zoom (when necessary). We also host clinics (such as with Alan Mitchell) and other non-competitive events. If there is an event you think we might be interested Contact Us!
What happens at the monthly meeting?
Our monthly meeting is held at the Sebastopol Bowling Club. Most of the members who attend the meetings have dinner together in the bistro from 6pm, before going on to the meeting.
We reserve a large table for our members; it's a great opportunity to catch up with one another! Some members even bring their partners and children along for the meal.
Our meeting then follows in the Member's Area (behind the gaming room) at around 7pm. All members are welcome - you are encouraged to come along and share your ideas, wants and wishes for the club. We'd love to see you there!
Is there something we've forgotten? Can't find what you're looking for?
Check out our Members' Information Booklet for more info, or any of the other pages on our website. |