The Way Forward

The Way Forward : 

The Way Forward NZPCA into the Future

History : 

History Over many years there has been considerable feedback from members and supporters of Pony Club about where Pony Club was failing and ideas for improvement.

History : 

History Falling Membership From 12,000 to 8,000 members in ten years Don’t attract boys Fewer volunteers and officials Reduced teams and team members to National and other Championships Structure of Pony Club Cumbersome Communication breakdowns Lack of people to fulfill positions at all levels Rallies Dissatisfaction

Time to do something! : 

Time to do something! A structured review was required To be carried out by professionals To cover a cross section of the Pony Club membership Completed by June 2007

Research : 

Research Blueskies Group commissioned: Focus groups to canvas members Four Areas - Auckland, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Waikato Groups comprising current and past riding members, parents, officials and a local ESNZ member Average 12 per group A set format was used with the same questions Discussion was open and free – all opinions were valued and no opinion was challenged

Results : 

Results Blueskies presented the Focus Groups’ results to the June 2007 COM meeting Summary of 45 action points fitted into five categories Coaching Membership National Competitions Rules Structure/Governance/Leadership

Slide 7: 

What did members want and how did they see we could achieve this…

Riders Wanted: : 

Riders Wanted: Fun Enjoyment Variety Quality Coaching

Coaching: : 

Coaching: Rally Structure Frequently no structure causing dissatisfaction and member loss Meeting the needs of riders Timing of rallies Coaches confident and skilled at the level required Funding More support for Coach Training from Branches and Clubs Support for Coaches in other ways

Coaching continued : 

Coaching continued Rules and Policies Clear in their intent to reduce conflict Rewards Greater recognition for achievements Variety More activities at rallies and more variety in activities Specialist Discipline Coaches MORE FUN – we heard it over and over again!

Coaching continued… : 

Coaching continued… Introduction of the 2008 nationally funded senior coaches clinics 2 North Island, 1 South Island Raise the standard of coaching Encourage more coaches Support network Continuity

Coaching continued… : 

Coaching continued… “Happy, skilled and confident coaches create happy and satisfied riders wanting to return”

Membership: : 

Membership: Member retention New membership drive Introduction of a new membership category Centre membership Riders who belong to a Riding School and who do not own their own pony

National Competitions: : 

National Competitions: Not representative of the bulk of membership Criteria i.e. pre trials Less demanding and more fun Structure of Championships Teams / individuals, degree of difficulty / heights / age groups Pathways Closer alliance with ESNZ

National Competitions… : 

National Competitions… Show jumping and show hunter championships All events championship

Rules: : 

Rules: Need to address Dress / uniform Criteria Qualification Gear checking General Inconsistency Rules not related to safety Impacting on minority groups

Structure / Governance / Leadership : 

Structure / Governance / Leadership The Pony Club Structure Traditional vs unitary structure Removing a level/s Area boundaries Governing as opposed to managing Clear definition of roles Leadership Training at all levels People with the right skills

Structure / Governance / Leadership : 

Structure / Governance / Leadership Committees Election process Rider involvement Roles Training Relationship between NZPCA and ESNZ Develop relationships with other equestrian organisations

Communication : 

Communication Communication was specific to each of the five categories identified Newsletter Communicate directly with branches

In Conclusion : 

In Conclusion Change can be anxiety provoking. The Focus Groups’ outcome indicated change is needed to move Pony Club forward Change will be by consultation Talk to us this weekend if you have suggestions or concerns