TETRATHLON

I thought it would be helpful to explain what a Tetrathlon involves and how the competitions are organised and categorised by the Pony Club.

The following are the classes that are held at the Area Tetrathlon - all shooting use turning targets.

Open Boys (21 & Under) 10m 1 handed shoot 4 mins swim 3,000m run,

3'6" max ride (BE Novice)

Open Girls (21 & Under) same as boys except 3 mins swim and 1,500m run

Intermediate Boys (21 & Under) 10m 1 handed shoot 3 mins swim 2,000m run

3'3" max ride (BE 100)

Intermediate Girls (21 & Under) same as Intermedate Boys except 1,500m run

Junior Boys/Girls (14 & Under)  7m 1 handed shoot  3 mins swim  1,500m run

3" (max) ride (BE 90)

There are often the following additional classes held at Pony Club branch competitions:

Minimus Boys/Girls (11 & under)  7m 2 handed shoot  2 mins swim  1000 metres run 2'6" max ride

Mini Boys/Girls (9 & under) As Minimus but 2" max ride

Minnows Boys/Girls (Under 8)  Bean back in bucket 1 1/2 mins swim 750 metres run 1 foot or 1' 6" max ride

The shooting takes place in groups (details) and it is a Pony Club rule that you must be 8 YEARS OR OVER on the date of the competition/practice to participate.  The N&T PC owns a number of pistols, which are available to borrow for competitions and to use in practice along with the targets here at Waltons, Ashdon. 

The swimming is done in heats and the organisers always try and put swimmers of similar standards together - many of the "Minnows" wear arm bands. 

The running is done individually in 1 minute intervals.  

All riding phases are over a cross country course which should include some easier "L" alternatives, a gate to open and shut whilst mounted and a slip rail where you dismout, take the slip rail down, lead your pony through, put the rail back up and get back on.  There is a handy straw bale for the Minimus, Minis and Minnows to use!

In the Winter there are a number of Pony Club Triathlon (no riding) competitions.  There are always team classes at these events so, if you enter, please let me know so that you can be included in a N&T PC team.  You do not have to be good at all of the phases to take part - the main aim of Tetrathlon is the have a fun and happy time competing with your friends.

Area Tetrathlon competition dates 2012:

May 11th - 13th  Junior Inter Area Tetrathlon at Milton Keynes

July 28th to 29th  Area Tetrathlon (Junior, Intermediate, Open Tetrathlon and will also run a Junior and Minimus Triathlon)

July 28th  Shoot (N&T PC to run this phase), swim and run at Culford School

July 29th  Cross Country ride phase at Isleham

August 10th - 12th Inter Regional UK Tetrathlon (Intermediate & Open)

August 21st - 23rd National Tetrathlon Championships at Hartbury, Gloucs (Open and Intermediate)

If you wish to be considered for any of the above teams you must attend one or more of Katrina McGladdery's cross country rallies and let me know by email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it that you would like to be a candidate for one of the teams. The team selection is made by assessing your performance cross country and your Tetrathlon competition scores.  This all sounds rather scary but I promise you that the Area Competitions are really good fun, everybody is extremely encouraging and friendly and they always involve a big proper party!

NB The Newmarket and Thurlow Pony Club Tetrathlon/Triathlon is on April 13th (shoot, swim and run) and April 15th (ride and Hunter Trial at Horseheath)

Lots of other information can be found on Pony Club Area 8 website, so please do use it.

Tessa Vestey

07774 12699 or 01799 584330

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