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Equipment Rules & Standards

Hat Rule 2025

For safety, a protective hat to the correct standard must be worn whenever mounted at Pony Club activities.

 

✅Approved Hat Standards:
  • Snell E2016 / E2021 (with Snell label)
  • PAS 015:2011 (with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark)
  • (BS) EN 1384:2023 (with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark)
  • VG1 (with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark)
  • ASTM-F1163 (2015 & 2023 with SEI mark)
  • AS/NZS 3838:2006 (with SAI Global mark)
‼️Important points:
  • Cross Country / Pony Racing / Mounted Games: A jockey skull cap (no fixed peak) is required.
  • Hat Covers: Must be plain dark colours. Team colours allowed at team events.
  • No cameras or recording devices allowed on hats.
  • Hats must be securely fastened and properly fitted. It’s recommended to use a BETA-qualified fitter.
  • Replace hats after any significant impact or every 3–5 years.
💡Hat tagging:
  • Hats must be tagged before attending any Pony Club event.
  • Tagging only confirms the standard label, not the fit or condition of the hat.
  • Parents/guardians are responsible for compliance.
👉🏻For full details please see link below:

Body Protector Rule – 2025

A BETA 2018 Level 3 (blue and black label) body protector is compulsory for all Cross Country riding (including Arena Eventing) and Pony Racing—whether in training or competition.

 

✅ Key Points:
  • Body protectors must fit properly, be comfortable, and not restrict movement.
  • Recommended to weigh no more than 2% of the rider’s body weight.
  • Should be replaced every 3–5 years, as foam protection declines over time.

 

💨 Air Jackets:
  • May be worn in addition to a BETA 2018 Level 3 body protector.
  • Must not be worn underneath jackets.
  • After a fall, air jackets must be deflated or removed before continuing.
  • Number bibs must fit loosely over the air jacket.

 

👉🏻For full details please see link below:

Stirrup Rule – 2025

Stirrups must be the correct size for the rider’s boots, with at least 7mm (¼”) clearance on each side. There should be at least 14mm total space when the foot is pushed to one side.

 

✅ Key Points:
  • Stirrups must suit the rider’s footwear and chosen discipline.
  • No attachment is allowed between feet, stirrup irons, or girths.
  • Safety stirrups are recommended and must allow the foot to release easily in a fall.
  • Stirrup leathers must be in good condition.
🚫 Not Allowed at Pony Club Events:
  • Magnetic stirrups
  • Interlocking boot soles and stirrup treads
  • Bostock & Free Jump stirrups (in Mounted Games and Pony Racing)

 

👉🏻For full details please see link below:

Whip Use – Rules & Guidelines

Whips must be used responsibly and only:
  • To encourage the horse forward when other aids (seat and leg) are not effective
  • At the correct time and in the correct place (shoulder or behind the leg – never overarm)
  • With care, control, and no more than twice per incident

 

🚫 Excessive use includes:
  • Using the whip out of anger
  • Causing injury (e.g. broken skin or a weal)
  • Use after elimination or retirement
  • Use on the head, neck, or from the ground after a fall
  • Raising the arm above shoulder height

 

👉 Please refer to individual discipline rule books for specific guidelines on permitted whips.

 

Spurs Policy Update for 2025

Effective 1st January 2025

To use spurs, members must have successfully completed one of the following:
  • Pony Club C+ Riding Test
  • Spurs Test 2024
‼️Guidelines for Spur Use:
  • Spurs should enhance leg aids and improve communication with your horse
  • Never use spurs to express frustration or discipline the horse
  • Spurs must not cause harm (blood, broken skin, or a weal)
  • Misuse of spurs will result in removal from the event or disqualification
💡Remember:
  • You must ride with a stable lower leg and have a solid understanding of proper spur use