Rules & Regulations (Showing)
Last updated: December 10, 2009
Show Ponies and Show Hunter Ponies:

1. In any one show season a pony 4 years and over may be exhibited at Riding Pony Stud Book               Society Ltd. Shows as a Show Pony or as a Show Hunter Pony but not as both.

2. Youngstock ponies will be 3 years and under.

3. Youngstock may change once per 'State Show Season' from Show Pony to Show Hunter or Show         Hunter to Show Pony.

4. A Show Season is State specific, please refer to your State Secretary or website.

Stallions and Colts:
3. Handlers and riders of stallions and colts must be 18 years or over.

Leading Rein Ponies:
A lead rein pony must not exceed 12hh and must be ridden by a child 3 years and under 8 years.
A handler leads the pony, and although it is the pony that is being judged, it is the overall impression that is important. The pony must be suitable for the beginner, as the class caters for younger children starting to ride. Temperament and manners are paramount. The pony must be shown in a snaffle bridle with a leather lead attached to the noseband. The pony must suit the rider, be willing, well mannered, obedient, relaxed and inspire everyone with confidence. The pony should display quality and good conformation.
Ponies competing in Lead Rein are eligible to compete in Show Pony Ridden/Show Hunter Ridden/Riding Pony Ridden by a Child classes
1. Ponies not to exceed 12.0hh.
2. Age of rider to be 3 years and under 8 years old on the day of the show.
3. Ponies to be ridden in a suitable snaffle bridle with a lead rein held in the left hand and only      attached to the cavesson noseband.
4. No spurs or whips for the rider,  however the handler may carry a cane.
5. A narrow strap may be attached to the front of the saddle.
6. This class should not be judged as Smartest on Parade but for the suitability of the pony for     the purpose intended.
7. Wilkie and Baucher Bits may NOT be used in Lead Rein and First Ridden Classes.

First Ridden Ponies:
A first ridden pony is one that is suitable as a first pony of a child once it is able to ride without a lead rein.  The pony must not exceed 12.2hh and rider must be under 12 years. The pony must be safe and a confidence giving conveyance as befits a pony that will give a child the first taste of riding alone. The pony must be willing to do all that is asked of it. The pony must be shown in a snaffle bridle. Ponies must only walk and trot on the circle, however a canter is permitted in the individual workout.
Ponies competing in First Ridden are eligible to compete in Show Pony Ridden/Show Hunter Ridden/Riding Pony Ridden by a Child classes
1. Ponies not to exceed 12.2hh
2. Age of rider to be under 12 years old on the day of the show.
3. Ponies to be ridden in a suitable snaffle bridle.
4. No cantering is allowed during work on the circle together, however a short canter is allowed in the individual performance.
5. Ponies must enter and leave the ring at either a walk or a trot.
6. This class should be judged for the suitability of the pony for the purpose intended.
7. Wilkie and Boucher Bits may NOT be used in Lead Rein and First Ridden Classes.

Children’s Ridden Ponies:
1. This class should be judged taking into account the suitability of the pony for the purpose intended.
2. Not exceeding 12.2hh, rider to be 12 years old and under on the day of the show.
3. Over 12.2hh and not exceeding 13.2hh, rider to be 14 years old and under on the day of the show.
4. Over 13.2hh and not exceeding 14.2hh, rider to be 16 years old and under on the day of the show.

Ridden Show Ponies:
A show pony must be elegant, full of quality, free moving with correct conformation, have good manners and always exhibit true pony character.
1. This class should be judged on the suitability of the pony for the purposes intended.
2.  Not exceeding 12.2hh
Although in the same height range, the 12.2hh show pony should show more quality and be            much freer going than a first ridden pony, and also be finer. The pony should have a really              impressive front, a very pretty refined head, and sound limbs with adequate bone. Paces                should be free, light and airy. The pony should have a good temperament and manners, as             they are mostly ridden by children.
3. Over 12.2hh and not exceeding 13.2hh.
The 13.2hh class often contains the finest examples of the Riding pony. At this height the              exhibits are large enough to fill the eye, full of quality and elegance, yet they are small                  enough to retain their pony character. As in all pony classes perfect conformation is sought.           They should exhibit a long stride, free movement and appear a comfortable ride.
4. Over 13.2hh and not exceeding 14.2hh.
Most of the points outlined above for the ponies up to 13.2hh also apply to this category,              however these ponies will show some evidence of bigger blood. While many of these ponies            will have a significant proportion of thoroughbred or Arab in their background, it is absolutely           essential that the 14.2hh pony still shows pony character.

Ridden Show Hunter Ponies:
1. This class should be judged taking into account the suitability of the pony for the purposes intended.
2. Ponies are to compete on the flat only.
3. Not exceeding 12.2hh.
4. Over 12.2hh and not exceeding 13.2hh.
5. Over 13.2hh and not exceeding 14.2hh.
6.Show Hunter Ponies should be quality animals showing all the characteristics of a Riding Pony       but with more substance. Generally the pony should demonstrate the suitability to carry a              child across country.
7. The workout should always include a gallop and a change of rein during the canter. A flat           and stilted action is unacceptable. Manners are extremely important.
8. Saddlery should be clean and neat and well fitting but may be more workmanlike than normal       for a Show pony class. Brow bands should be plain. A suitable snaffle or double bridle is optional.
9.Riders should preferably wear tweed jackets. Dummy spurs are permissible. Whips are not to         exceed 75cms in length.

Working Hunter Ponies:
1. Pony to be 4 years and over.
2. Class 13hh and under. Height of fences not to exceed 762mm (2’6”).
3. Class over 13hh and not exceeding 14.2hh. Height of fences not to exceed 914mm (3’0”).
4. Protective leg boots only may be used for Phase 1 of the W.H. class.
5. No changes of saddlery is allowed between Phases 1 of the W.H. class. (N.B. Whips and                 spurs are not considered tack).
6.  Marking
Phase 1: 
Jumping 50
Style and manner while jumping 10
Phase 2:  
Conformation, Freedom of action
and type 30
Manners 10
100
Penalties:
Jumping knockdown10 faults
First refusal15 faults
Second refusal20 faults
Third refusalElimination
Fall of horse or rider in either phase20 faults
7. The jumping phase will be judged first.
8. The course must consist of a minimum of 5 fences, one of which must be a spread fence. A            change of direction must be included.
9. Ponies may be galloped at the discretion of the Judge, but not more than one at a time.

Standard Workouts:
The standard workouts should be used for all classes.

National Championship Awards:

1. National Championship awards will be awarded at Agricultural Shows pre-elected          annually by State Committees.

2. Height section for each award is to be determined by State Committees.

3. A list of shows will be published in the Riding Pony Stud Book Society Ltd. Annual.

4. A Championship rosette will be awarded to the Champion Open Pony or Small               Galloway if it is a registered Riding Pony in the height section as pre-selected by              the State Committees for the show. Riding Ponies must always show in their                   Registered Riding Pony name in all classes to be eligible for this Award or any Riding          Pony Promotions.

5. A Reserve Champion rosette will be awarded to the Reserve Champion Open Pony         or Small Galloway if it is a registered Riding Pony in the height section as pre-                  selected by the State Committees for that show. Riding ponies must always show            in their Registered Riding Pony name in all classes to be eligible for this Award, or             any Riding Pony Promotions.

6. An award envelope will be presented at the time of presentation of the Champion         rosette to enable the receipt of $100-00 cheque.

7. The registered owner must be a current financial member of the Society.

Copyright @ Riding Pony Stud Book Society 2001
Photos By -Lorelle Mercer, Sandy Morphett, Gary Jamieson, Julie Wilson