It is mandatory for all riders at Pony Club events to wear a protective helmet at all times when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall. This rule defines the quality of manufacture that is required. The individual Sports also have additional requirements with regard to colour and type.
To unify hat standards across The Pony Club, British Eventing and British Riding Clubs, require all hats to be checked and to have an ‘aquamarine’ hat tag attached. Pony Club officials are able to check hats and attach a tag at events.
In order to ensure riders are wearing the most up to date riding hats, please note that from the 1st January 2023, the following hat standards will no longer be accepted, due to the age of hats made to these standards:
Current Body Protector standards
Body protectors are compulsory for all Cross Country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing.
For SJ/Dressage rallies, if a Body Protector is worn it must meet minimum BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label), preferably BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label).
NB – for XC disciplines from 1st January 2024 only body protectors that meet BETA 2018 Level 3 Standard (Black and Blue Label) are accepted.
Please be aware that the specifications for whips for show jumping and cross-country have changed for all Pony Club competitions – you can only use the same whip as for British Show jumping. An example of an acceptable whip is shown below:
Riders may not hit their horse or pony before the start of the course and may be eliminated for doing so at the Judge’s discretion.
A whip, if carried, must be held in the hand by the handle with the handle at the top. The whip must be “padded” and comply with the current British Showjumping rule (BS Members Handbook, full wording is available to view online at www.britishshowjumping.co.uk).
Key Points:
At all times, the whip must only be used:
Excessive use of the whip anywhere on the showground will result in disqualification:
All tack must be clean, in a good state of repair, properly fitted and suitable for purpose. Tack inspections are routinely carried out at events and the organisers may prohibit participation in the event if they consider the tack to be inadequate or unsuitable.
For the avoidance of doubt, at Pony Club events.
• stirrups which connect the boot and the stirrup magnetically are not allowed
• Interlocking boot soles and stirrup treads are not allowed
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.
There are now many types of stirrups marketed as ‘safety stirrups’. All riders must ensure that their stirrups are suitable for the type of footwear they are wearing and the activities in which they are taking part and that the stirrup leathers are in good condition.
There are no prescribed weight limits on metal stirrups, however with the advent of stirrups of other materials, weight limits are seen to be given by manufacturers. Any person buying these stirrups, should take particular notice if weight limits are on the box or attached information leaflets. Neither the feet nor the stirrup leathers or irons, may be attached to the girth, or the feet attached to the stirrup irons.
It is strongly recommended that the design of the stirrup chosen allows the foot to be released easily in the event of a rider fall. Specific rules for individual sports can be found in the respective sports rulebooks.
Particular focus should be on ensuring that the boot and stirrup are the correct size for the rider taking part and used in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
For Mounted Games Only:
Bostock & Free Jump stirrups are not allowed at Pony Club Mounted Games events.
Stirrups which include Metal/ Metal type treads, including but not limited to those with protruding spikes and/or perforated grip features are NOT Permitted.