The purpose of this document is to provide
a reference for judges in the Pony Club rings at gymkhanas. PCANT, as peak body, would like to establish
consistency amongst judges. It is in no
way meant to be prescriptive – these are guidelines only.
Please familiarise yourself with the
current pony club syllabus, and in particular note the age requirements for
each certificate. This can provide a
guide for what to expect from each age class at a gymkhana. (ie, C Certificate
has a minimum age of 12 years, and are expected to be able to rise on the
correct diagonal, but not yet to check them by feel.) It is also a good idea to have a copy of the
PCANT handbook on hand for clearing up any questions regarding rules.
CLASSES
Pony Club Mount
Unlike the open ring, the manners and
rideablilty of the Pony Club horse are paramount. Conformation, presentation and paces are
secondary. Ideally a Pony Club hack will
be willing and forward-going, with a reasonable level of education, including
cantering easily on each lead. Horses
which nap or shy, or which show disobedience such as bucking or rearing should
not be placed over more reliable horses. Suggestions for the workouts in this class include figures which require
changes of lead, such as figures-of-eight and serpentines at canter,
lengthening of the stride at trot and canter and transitions up and down
through the paces, to test the horse’s obedience. Take care to design workouts that are
appropriate for the age of the riders – ponies under 14hh are often ridden by
young riders with little experience in the show ring. Pony club mounts should also be versatile, so
bending poles or obstacles, small jumps or other equipment can be used to test
this.
Pony Club Rider
Pony Club encourages riders to be
all-rounders, so try to encourage this when judging these classes. Including a small jump or some games
equipment tests the versatility and tact of riders while giving them a definite
goal. The riding position should show
two clear straight lines, one bisecting the ear-shoulder-hip and heel and
another from elbow to bit. Independent
hands and a strong and secure lower leg with a deep heel, maintained through
walk, trot and canter is ideal. As well
as this correct, secure position, a good working relationship between horse and
rider is desirable. The rider who pulls
and kicks should not be placed over a rider who applies their aids correctly
and subtly. Riders under 9 (D
certificate) are not required to canter on a named leg or know their
diagonals. The rider should be mounted
on an appropriate-sized horse.
Best Presented/Smartest on Parade
In these classes, emphasis is placed on
safe, clean gear, fitted correctly and showing signs of regular care. Expensive tack is not required, and
all-purpose saddles are suitable and should not be penalised. The horse should be clean and in good
condition, with a healthy coat and hooves. Manes and tails should be tidy and plaiting is preferred but not
essential. The rider should wear their
formal pony club uniform of a long-sleeved white shirt and club tie, beige
jodhpurs and short black or brown boots. Long
boots or leather gaiters are permitted for riders over 17. Helmets must be current Australian standard
or equivalent according to PCANT handbook. Horses should wear a pony club saddle blanket. For full details of gear rules and
restrictions, check the gymkhana program and the PCANT handbook.
Handler
The purpose of these classes is to promote
safe and effective handling of ponies and horses. Awareness and alertness are paramount, and
horses must be turned by pushing them AWAY from the handler, never turning
towards them. (ie, to turn to the left, the horse must perform a half-circle to
the right.) Correct handling of reins
and whip should be encouraged. Suggested
workout includes walking, turning and trotting in hand, and older handlers can
be asked to back their horses or lead from the off side.
Pleasure Mount
This class encourages horses that go kindly
and appear to be a ‘pleasure’ to ride. Suggestions for workouts include working on a long rein or with the
reins in one hand, and testing the reliability of the horse by having the rider
pick up objects or move around or over obstacles. Check the program for gear restrictions in this class and enforce
them - generally, drop nosebands, whips
and spurs are not allowed.
Educated Mount
Appropriate education for a Pony Club mount
includes direct transitions such as walk to canter and trot to halt,
lengthening the trot and canter and performing turn on the forehand and
rein-back willingly. Older riders can be
asked to perform a free workout in these classes, to best show their horse’s
education.
| Compiled by Heather Bryce, 2009 |
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