Garth Hunt Pony Club

All Garth Hunt members and parents are expected to behave impeccably whilst participating in Pony Club activities or representing the branch in any way.

 

For any Garth Hunt uniform please visit our shop

 

Pony Club Riding Attire:

 

Whilst not compulsory the Pony Club prefers competitors to wear plain dress. Any extra detail will be marked down in a tack and turnout competition. New equipment is not expected, but what is worn must be clean, neat and tidy. The Competitor is ultimately responsible for complying with all rules relating to dress for the particular Sport they are participating in.

 

Please remember to check the rules on the main Pony Club website, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

 

Hats: Hats need to be checked and tagged by DC or Sec to show it conforms to Pony Club standards.

 

•  It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet at all times when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall. This rule defines the quality of manufacture that is required. The individual Sports also have additional requirements with regard to colour and type. It is strongly recommended that second hand hats are not purchased. 

•  For cross-country riding (over 80cm) including Eventing, Tetrathlon, Horse Trials, Pony Racing (whether it be tests, rallies, competition or training) and Mounted Games competitions, a jockey skull cap must be worn with no fixed peak, peak type extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front, and should have an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used if required.

•  It is strongly recommended that a jockey skull cap is worn for cross- country riding over lower fences (less than 80cm) as there is research evidence that a fall onto the fixed peak can result in an over extension of the neck backwards with the potential for serious injury.

•  For Show Jumping and Mounted Games the cover, if applicable, shall be dark blue, black or brown only.

•  For Dressage, hats and hat covers must be predominately black, navy blue or a conservative dark colour that matches the rider’s jacket for Area competitions or above. The Pony Club Hat silk is also acceptable.

•  No recording device is permitted (e.g. hat cameras) as they may have a negative effect on the performance of the hat in the event of a fall.

•  The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit. The hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. Most helmet manufacturers recommend you visit a qualified BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) fitter.

•  Hats must be replaced after a severe impact as subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after three to five years depending upon the amount of use.

•  Hats, must be worn at all times (including at prize-giving) when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall.

•  The Official Steward / Organiser may, at his/her discretion, eliminate a competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or with the chinstrap unfastened or with a hat that does not comply with these standards.

 

Body Protectors: The Pony Club does not make the use of body protectors compulsory, except for all Cross Country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing. Body Protectors used for Cross Country and Pony Racing must meet BETA 2009 Level 3 standard.

 

Please note: A new body protector standard will be released by BETA at some point during 2018. Further details will be communicated when the standard is launched and a revised body protector rule will be available on the Pony Club website.

 

For general use, the responsibility for choosing body protectors and the decision as to their use must rest with Members and their parents. It is recommended that a rider’s body protector should not be more than 2% of their body weight. When worn, body protectors must fit correctly, be comfortable and must not restrict movement.

 

Riders who choose to use the Woof Wear Body Cage EXO must lodge a key with the Event Organiser when they collect their number.

 

Air Jackets: When an air jacket inflates the sudden noise startles horses in the immediate vicinity thereby causing difficulties for the other members of a ride if used in a group ride in a confined area, e.g. an indoor school or outdoor ménage. Air jackets are therefore not encouraged for group rides.

 

If a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in Cross Country or Pony Racing, it must only be used in addition to a normal body protector which meets the BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label). Parents and Members must be aware that riders may be permitted to continue after a fall in both competition and training rides for Cross Country and/ or Pony Racing, provided the rider has been passed as fit to continue by First Aid Providers. In the event of a fall, the air jacket must be fully deflated or removed before continuing, after which, the conventional body protector will continue to give protection. Air jackets must not be worn under a jacket and number bibs should be fitted loosely or with elasticated fastenings over the air jacket.

 

Dress/Uniform: White shirt and Pony Club tie with tweed or dark colour jacket with Pony Club badge with badge felt behind for competitions. 

 

For rallies/training members are welcome to wear Burgundy Garth Hunt polo shirt/sweatshirt with Pony Club badge with badge felt behind.

 

In wet weather plain blue waterproof coats or Pony Club waterproof.

 

Jodhpurs (white, beige, navy, black, brown.)  Only light coloured jodhpurs allowed when competiting.

 

Boots: Jodhpur boots with clips or chaps or long riding boots. (No tassels on chaps)

 

Gloves: unless jumping and it is your preference not to wear gloves.

 

Hair Nets: In the interests of safety, long hair must be secured appropriately in a hairnet

 

Jewellery: Only medical jewellery is permitted. No other jewellery is allowed for safety reasons, other than a wrist watch, a wedding ring, a stock pin worn horizontally or a tie clip. Members who are contemplating piercing their ears or any other part of their body should be aware that they will not be allowed to compete until such time as the “sleepers” can safely be removed. The reason for this is that sleepers have in the past caused injuries following falls. This rule will be strictly enforced.

 

Spurs: May be worn at Rallies and other events. Any misuse of spurs will be reported to the DC/Centre Proprietor, Area Representative and Training Chairman, any reported riders will be recorded and monitored. Sharp spurs are not permitted. Only blunt spurs, without rowels or sharp edges, and spurs that have a smooth rotating ball on the shank may be worn. If the spurs are curved, the curve must be downwards and the shank must point straight to the back and not exceed 3.5cm in length. The measurement is taken from the heel of the boot to the end of the shank.

 

Whips: No rider may carry, use or permit to be used a whip greater than 75cm. or less than 45cm in length overall. Riders may not hit their horse/ pony before the start of the course and may be eliminated for doing so at the Judge’s discretion.

 

Stirrups: Should be of the correct size to suit the rider’s boots. They must have 7mm (1⁄4”) clearance on either side of the boot. To find this measurement, tack checkers should move the foot across to one side of the stirrup, with the widest part of the foot on the tread. From the side of the foot to the edge of the stirrup should be 14mm.

Note: There are now many types of stirrups marketed as ‘safety stirrups’. All riders must ensure that their stirrups are suitable for their type of footwear, the activities in which they take part and that the stirrup leathers are also in good condition.

There are no prescribed weight limits on metal stirrups, however with the advent of stirrups of other materials, weight limits are seen to be given by manufacturers. Any person buying these stirrups, should, take particular notice if weight limits are on the box or attached information leaflets.

Neither the feet or the stirrup leathers or irons, may be attached to the girth, nor the feet attached to the stirrup irons.

 

SADDLERY & EQUIPMENT

Whilst not compulsory The Pony Club prefers competitors to use plain saddlery. Any extra detail will be marked down in a tack and turnout competition. New equipment is not expected, but what is worn must be clean, neat and tidy.

It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure that their tack is in accordance with the rules and that they present themselves for inspection.  Please check the rules, IT IS YOUR RESPONSABILITY