Share this page
Spurs – From the 1st of January members will not be able to wear spurs at any rally or competition unless they hold their C+ test or Spurs Test. Members who have these tests will have a new yellow hat tag to show all instructors and officials that they qualify to wear spurs. 
 
Whip use – Excessive use of the whip will not be tolerated and may result in a member being removed from a rally.
At all times, the whip must only be used:
For a good reason, as an aid to encourage the horse forward. 
At an appropriate time, namely when the horse is reluctant to go forward under normal aids of seat and legs. 
In the right place, namely down the shoulder or behind the leg but never overarm. 
With appropriate severity. 
No more than twice for any one incident. 
 
Body Protector Rule 2024 –  All body protectors must be checked by a Pony Club official. A body protector is compulsory for all Pony Club cross country riding (including Arena Eventing) and pony racing activities whether it be training or competition. A body protector for these activities must meet BETA 2018 Level 3 Standard (blue and black label). Body protectors should be replaced every 3 to 5 years as they deteriorate over time.
 
Air Jackets –  If a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in cross country, it must only be used in addition with a normal body protector which meets BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label).
 
Riding Hats –  All riding hats must be checked and tagged by a Pony Club official. For cross-country riding (at all levels) including Eventing, Arena Eventing, Tetrathlon and Hunter Trials, (whether it be tests, rallies, competition or training), a jockey skull cap must be worn with no fixed peak.  The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit. The hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. The Pony Club recommends you visit a qualified BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) fitter. Hats should be replaced every 3 to 5 years as they deteriorate over time, and must not be worn after severe impact.
 
Hair – Must be tidy, tied back securely if shoulder length/long (preferably with a hair net),  in a safe manner to limit the risk of hair being caught and prevent scalp injuries. 
This applies to both male and female members.
 
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, earrings (other than studs), necklaces, bracelets (other than medical bracelets) must be removed. For the avoidance of doubt a wristwatch, stock pin worn horizontally, and/or a tie clip are permitted. 
 

 

 

Clothing –
Summer at minimum shoulders must be covered for all riding activities, except for sports where long sleeves are compulsory.
Winter no hoodies to be worn at any time when mounted.
 
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.
 

Tack

All tack must be clean, in a good state of repair, properly fitted and suitable for purpose.

Stirrups – Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the rider’s boots. They must have 7mm (¼”) clearance on either side of the boot. With growing children this must be checked regularly. Magnetic stirrups are not allowed. Interlocking boot soles and stirrup treads are not allowed.

**It is strongly recommended that younger members wear safety stirrups** 

 

 

Saddles – It is imperative that Saddles are in a good state of repair, properly fitted and suitable for the purpose of which they are intended. Please have your saddle checked regularly by a professional for suitable fit. Treeless and total contact saddles are permitted to be used for general riding to support horse and pony welfare.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this important information and if you have any questions please let me know.

 

If you want to read the rules in more depth you can find them on The Pony Club website.

Health and Safety