For detailed information on competition rules please refer to the Pony Club Dressage  Rulebook 2025 https://resources.pcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Rulebook-Dressage-231224.pdf but here is a summary of some relevant information you may find helpful:-

Spurs –

Spurs – may not be worn by a Pony Club member at a Pony
Club activity or event unless that member has passed either the Pony
Club C+ Riding Test or the Pony Club Spurs Test. Any misuse of spurs will
be reported to the DC/Centre Proprietor, Area Representative and Training
Chairman; any reported riders will be recorded and monitored.
Sharp spurs are not permitted. Only blunt spurs, without rowels or sharp
edges, and spurs that have a smooth rotating ball on the shank may be
worn. If the spurs are curved, the curve must be downwards, and the shank
must point straight to the back. The Pony Club recommends a spurs
length of no greater than 2.5cm – the measurement is taken from the
back boot to the end of the shank. No spurs with a length greater than
4cm are permitted.

Hats –

They will need to have this year’s hat tag on and be compliant with Pony Club Rules

A hat must be worn at all times when mounted with the chinstrap done up

It must also be worn for the prize giving.

For Dressage: hats and hat covers must be predominately black, navy
blue or a conservative dark colour that matches the rider’s jacket for
Area competitions or above. The Pony Club Hat silk is also acceptable.

Pony Club Badge –

Your metal pony club badge must be worn on the left lapel of your jacket with any felts underneath.

Jodhpurs –

Must be cream or beige for all levels but definitely Grassroots and novice, white may be worn at higher levels but only with a black or navy jacket. A solid coloured seat is acceptable.

Jackets –

Traditional jackets must be worn with either a Pony Club tie, Pony Club or Hunting Stock.  Tweed is usual for Pony Club but black or navy is also acceptable especially at higher levels.

It is permitted to wear a wear pony club stock with any jacket.

Jackets must be worn during the test, but maybe removed when working in as long as they are wearing a shirt with sleeves.

If the jacket is removed your number must still be worn.

Boots

Only standard riding or jodhpur boots with a well
defined square cut heel may be worn. Long boots or plain black or brown half chaps may
be worn with jodhpur boots of the same colour. Tassels and fringes are not permitted.

Gloves –

All competitors must wear gloves.

Jewellery –

For safety reason no jewellery (including sleepers) may be worn other than a watch, stock pin – worn horizontally, or a tie pin

• Body Protectors –

These may be worn, and if you choose to wear an air jacket, they must only be used in addition to a normal body protector.

In the event of a fall the air jacket must be fully deflated or removed before continuing with the test.

• Whips –

You may have a whip during your test, maximum length is 102cm – but if dropped during the test CANNOT be picked back up. It may be used in either hand…but must be in the rein hand when saluting.

• Tack and Turn Out–

Please plait for pony club dressage competitions if possible.  If you have a traditional cob this may be more difficult but all horses and ponies should be clean, neat and tidy.

Please make your self familiar with the rules for tack in dressage

Consider the bit your using.

Martingales are not permitted.

Please use a white numnah, ideally a Meynell PC one (these can be purchased via the link on our website if required.

Numbers are required for area dressage competitions.  These can be printed off from pony club results and used in a cross country bib.

Summer Area Competitions and Championships

Any member can compete in the Area competition providing they have a current membership.

Members who enter will be organised into teams.

Selection is never down to one person, decisions are made by a combination of relevant committee members and Meynell instructors, subject to DC approval.

This year this the area dressage competition is scheduled for 29^th June 2025

Please note that tests at area competitions are no longer commanded.  Riders will need to know and have practiced their tests.

Tests:-

Images courtesy of Imogen Moon