14. Gear Checking Report The Gear Checking Advisory Panel (GCAP) launched the revised Gear Checking Manual at the State Coaching School in February 2015, after much work to revise and improve the document during 2014. The response to the new manual with positive and the ‘sold out the door like hot cakes’, selling in excess of fifty manuals during the month of February and March combined. The effort to improve this document will continue in 2016 with considerable revisions being planned to completely re-write the manual such that the rules are assigned to one section (thus forming the rulebook) and gear fitting guidelines assigned to a second section (thus forming a guidebook). GCAP will seek input from various panels on this new format once it is drafted in mid-2016. The goal for Gear Checking in 2015 was to increase gear checking education and accreditation of members as gear checkers. The first half of 2015 saw four gear checking clinics held in the Avon, Eastern, Central and South West zones. This is a four-time increase on clinics held the year prior. An accreditation school was held mid-February in West Coastal Zone. Five candidates became PCAWA Accredited Gear Checkers during the year including Fiona Logan (Murray), Les Healey (Baldivis), Dianne Ould (Peel), Lou Hardwick (Peel) and Jacinta Withoud (Horsemens). In prior years there had been no accreditations and this improvement is attributed to active contact made by GCAP with candidates to facilitate their accreditation. The Panel finds this goal was therefore achieved in 2015. In response to market and industry changes, GCAP investigated helmet standards, medical armband options, balancing reins, rowel spurs and new chin strap fittings. These investigations resulted in some amendments to the Gear Checking Guidelines which we look forward to sharing in early 2016 with the release of the new Manual. Investigations by GCAP, as a result of the EN1384 European helmet standard being revoked, were taken to Pony Club Australia and the Panel’s recommendations were adopted nationwide. A proud moment for PCAWA, initiating change to protect and inform pony club members around Australia with regards to helmets. Helmets with the EN1384 mark alone, and a manufacture date of 2016 or newer will not be recognised as a suitable standard. The VG1 standard, at present is the new standard used for testing helmets manufactured in Europe. Late 2015 saw a Gear Checking Feedback Survey and the response was fantastic (384 completed surveys) and revealed some clear ways to improve gear checking guidelines and processed. This feedback was taken immediately on board and is reflected in coloured irons, treads, trousers and white jodhpurs now being permitted in all activities as of 2016. The survey made it very clear, that there continues to be a need for increased education in the area of gear checking, particularly the professional and effective process of gear checking. As part of a consolidated Improvement Strategy, education will again be a goal for 2016, with GCAP working with SCP to proactively attend zones around the state and offer gear checking education. Jacinta Withoud 27
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