Lead

Presentation

In these classes the horse is being judged on conformation, soundness and paces. The horse should be in a snaffle bridle.

When leading a horse remember to lead from the near side and turn him away from you so he remains balanced and does not stand on you. Make sure you do not stand or lead between the horse and the Judge. This means the Judge can see the whole horse at all times.

In the Ring

Once in the ring the horse must lead well, with the handler at the horse’s shoulder and the lead rein held in a tidy manner, maintaining even contact with the horse’s head. The class usually enters the ring in a clockwise direction with the handler on the outside. However, this is at the discretion of the Judge or ring steward whose directions you must follow.

Once on the circle allow plenty of space between you and the horse in front.

The Judge may ask the class to trot on the circle or the class may be halted and asked to trot individually past the Judge. In any instance the steward will direct you to do what the Judge requires.

The Line up

The Judge will call the final selection into a line up. Once in the line up the horse should remain halted, with the horse standing square, until instructed to do otherwise. When you are called, you should walk forward and stand your horse up in front of the Judge and then follow their directions. Position yourself so you give the Judge a clear view of your horse at all times.

The work out

Once the Judge has inspected the horse at the walk you may be asked to walk out, turn and trot back past the judge. The Judge will inspect the horse from behind for conformation and movement. As you go past the Judge will be looking at the horse’s movement.

You may then be put back on a circle for a final walk around while the Judge makes the final decision or the Judge may call the place getters directly from the line up.

Best Rider

Plaiting up is not required. This is a competition between riders to determine the most correct position of the rider and application of the aids producing a picture of harmony. Classes are usually divided in to age groups.

In the ring

The ring steward will direct the class to carry out the Judge’s requirements. The class is usually required to walk, trot and canter on both reins. The Judge will then call riders in off the circle and into a line up.

The line up

Once in the line up the horse should be made to stand square and at attention. The Judge will ask each rider to perform an individual work out. Listen carefully to the instructions given and if you are unsure what is required ask questions. If possible watch those who go before you so you can analyze the workout and make sure to give your best performance.

The workout

Make the most of the space you are given and concentrate on giving a smooth polished performance. Be polite and courteous when being addressed by the judge.

Best Presented (Smartest on Parade)

No jackets allowed. Plaiting up of the horse will be an advantage. Riders to wear jumpers, shirts and ties based on pony club or school uniforms. This is a competition to determine the most attractive horse and rider combination. It is judged on suitability of the horse, general presentation of horse and rider, neatness and cleanliness of dress and saddler and overall appeal. It is generally accepted that this event is judged on a circle. The final selection may be decided from the line up at the discretion of the Judge. There should be no individual workouts or points awarded as in a turnout class.

A ridden exercise will be included as the presentation of the combination must be maintained during walk, trot and canter.

In the ring

As for a ridden class. The Judge will call the riders in and line them up.

In the line up

The Judge may inspect each combination more closely by walking around the horse and inspecting the cleanliness of horse, rider and saddlery. The Judge will then make a final decision and call the combinations forward in order of placing.

It is usual to leave the ring in the order of placing, with first place in the lead.

Pleasure Mount (Mount most suitable for Pony Club)

This is a competition to determine the mount most suitable for pleasure riding activities. It is judged on the overall appeal and all round suitability of the horse to participate in hacking and pleasure riding activities.

In the ring

As for a best rider class. The Judge will call the riders in and line them up.

In the lineup

As per a best rider class.

The work out

The workout should include some form of activity that shows the versatility of the horse. This will include a small jump, a zig-zag path, opening a gate and other obedience activities. The Judge will assess the all round suitability of the horse to take part in a variety of activities. The rider’s skill is also indirectly assessed as the rider must be able to control the horse effectively.

Mount most suitable for Eventing

This is a competition to determine the mount most suitable for eventing. It is judged on the suitability of the horse to participate in eventing.

In the ring

As for a best rider class. The Judge will call the riders in and line them up.

In the lineup

As per a best rider class.

The work out

The workout should be similar to that for best rider with the requirement to jump a small showjumping fence and a cross-country fence. Reaction to a water jump will also be included. The rider’s skill is also indirectly assessed as the rider must be able to control the horse effectively.