Preparation of the Pony
The overall picture of the pony, handler and/or rider should be neatly composed with nothing detracting from the good looks of the pony.
Ponies should be shown in their natural state. No trimming of whiskers, ears, manes, legs or jaw permitted. Minimal trimming of the tail with a trimming knife is permitted where the tail is trailing along the floor. On no account should the tail be squared off to give a ‘banged’ appearance.
A pony presented in the show ring should be clean, neat and tidy, with bathing (particularly of manes and tails) being carried out where necessary. Ponies which are being worked over the winter may be clipped, but should not be clipped after the beginning of the year in which they are shown.
In Hand Showing
You
Handlers should be dressed in a sensible fashion with good strong shoes or jodhpur boots suitable for running.
- tweed jacket
- trousers
- kilt or tartan skirt
- shirt and tie or blouse
are all considered suitable attire. A hard hat is optional but sensible, especially when showing youngsters. A short, leather covered showing cane may be carried and gloves are essential.
Your pony
Young stock should be shown in a:
- foal slip
- white halter
- leather head collar
- in hand bridle
Ponies over four should be shown in a bridle. The Eriskay head suits a workmanlike, plain style of bridle without coloured brow bands and with a fairly wide or raised noseband.
Showing under Saddle
Riders should wear light coloured jodhpurs, long or short riding boots, shirt and tie and preferably a tweed hacking jacket. Your hat should conform to the latest safety regulations and be in good condition. You can check the latest hat safety information on this British Horse Society page
Long hair should be tied back or covered with hairnet. A whip may be carried and gloves are essential. Ponies in novice classes should be ridden in a snaffle. Saddles should be clean and tidy and preferably straight cut to emphasise the shoulder. Plain numnah and girths should be used (e.g. white or brown).
THE ERISKAY PONY SOCIETY 