SHOW PREPARATIONS FOR HIGHLAND PONY IN-HAND AND RIDDEN CLASSES

There should be no pulling or plaiting or trimming of mane and tail, nor the feather on the legs. Eye or other cosmetic make up must not be applied under any circumstances.

The pony should be shampooed, or thoroughly groomed to look and feel absolutely clean. Mane and tail brushed out well with a soft brush. Excessive hair under chin, etc, can be discreetly laid with a damp brush before going into the ring.

Hoofs should only be oiled.

For the pony's welfare, ridden ponies for winter competitions or hunting may be clipped out, always giving due regard to the above preparation rules. Legs should not be clipped in these cases. Nor trimming permitted otherwise. It should also be accepted that these clipped ponies may be placed somewhat lower if shown In-Hand in early spring show classes depending on the In-Hand judge's views.

NB: The Highland Pony Society actively discourages white markings of any description other than a small white star.

RECOMMENDED TURNOUT FOR HANDLER AND PONY IN-HAND CLASSES

Handler:-

Female - well cut skirt (tartan or otherwise) or trousers. Showing cane.
Male - Trousers or kilt with jacket, shirt and tie.
Showing cane.

Riding clothes with hard hat also look smart, particularly on children

Pony:-

Stallion - Strong stallion bridle with white led rope, chain or leather coupling under the chin. Straight bar or snaffle bit or other suitable control bit. Roller with side rein, usually on off side, correctly fitted.

Mares and stock over three years - Show bridle with brass buckles or good quality brass-mounted headcollar with snaffle bit attached by bit straps. White webbing or cotton lead rope. White cotton or webbing halters may also be used.

Youngstock - Show bridle with light straight bar bit (nylon or vulcanite mouth piece) or white cotton or webbing halter.

Foals - Leather foal slip with white webbing lead rope or extra long white cotton halter.

RIDDEN CLASSES

Rider
Breeches and boots or jodhpurs and jodhpur boots. Tweed jacket with shirt and tie. Tweed jackets are preferable to black / navy. Current standard hats to be worn when mounted. Gloves and cane / whip (NB: Certain ridden classes have rules on canes and whips and spurs).

Pony
Immaculate tack. Double bridle or pelham or suitable snaffle bridle on younger / novice ponies. Well fitting saddle, no martingale.

THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE NOTED AND OBSERVED BY ALL HIGHLAND PONY JUDGES.

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