Dress and Tack
The dress code for each of the individual Sport is given in the respective Rulebooks. However, there are some items of dress that have safety implications. Members are expected to dress correctly and safely for all Pony Club activities.
- Clothing – When attending Pony Club activities, Members should be clean, neat and tidy, and dressed suitably for the activity. For ridden rallies and training activities, Members should wear either a riding jacket with plain coloured shirt with a collar and Pony Club tie, or a sweatshirt and/or polo shirt in Branch/Centre colours and plain coloured jodhpurs.
- Jeans – Should not be worn when mounted except when specifically allowed by certain sports. As a minimum, shoulders must be covered for all riding activities, except for Mounted Games where long sleeves are compulsory. For Competition, refer to the individual sports rule books for specific clothing types and colours needed for each sport.
- Hooded tops – Are permitted but must be removed during the main riding activity or competition as it allows better visibility of the riders’ body position. This also applies to long riding coats; they must only be used while the rider is stationary or in walk, while waiting to ride or compete.
- Footwear – Only standard riding or jodhpur boots with a fairly smooth, thin sole and a well defined square cut heel may be worn. Plain black or brown half chaps may be worn with jodhpur boots of the same colour. No other footwear will be permitted.
- Jewellery – The wearing of any sort of jewellery when handling or riding a horse/pony is not recommended and if done at any Pony Club activity, is done at the risk of the member/their parent/guardian. However, to stop any risk of injury, necklaces and bracelets (other than medical bracelets) must be removed, as must larger and more pendulous pieces of jewellery (including
those attached to piercings) which create a risk of injury to the body part through which they are secured. For the avoidance of doubt a wristwatch, wedding ring, stock pin worn horizontally and/or a tie clip are permitted. It is recommended that stock pins are removed for cross country. - Hair – Must be tied up and back (preferably in a hairnet) and securely, in a safe manner to reduce the risk of hair being caught and to prevent scalp injuries, Individual Sports may have additional rules.
- Medical Armbands – Medical Armbands are advised if not accompanied by a responsible adult, including hacking on roads and are compulsory for Pony Racing and for Endurance rides.
- Hats and Body Protectors – These are to be in accordance with guidance and meet recommended Safety Standards as detailed in the Rulebooks and links below.
From January 1st 2025, any member wishing to ride with spurs MUST have achieved their C+ Riding Test or taken the Spurs test.
