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About Lead Rein, First Ridden and Show Pony Classes
About Lead Rein, First Ridden and Show Pony Classes
There can be a lot of variation in LR and FR classes, especially at local and unaffiliated shows. At smaller shows, the physical appearance of the pony is less important than temperament and performance - so get out there with your Thelwell-style saint and have a go. At bigger shows, or those affiliated to the BSPS or NPS, things get more competitive and they are as much about appearance as performance. Lead Rein ponies are the beginning of the 'show pony' category. Lead rein ponies must be four or over, and not over 122cm. Riders are 3-7 years of age, and the class is sometimes split at 117cm. The ideal is a pony with correct conformation, good movement and manners to burn looking after its rider. They are often like mini Hacks, full of quality and with extravagant movement, although Welsh Mountain ponies or part-breds are also popular in this class. First Ridden ponies in BSPS classes are also 122cm or under, with riders up to 10 years old. They are scopier than a lead rein pony, often more forward going and longer striding. Like the lead reins, they are generally very pretty and fine ponies. In this class, they do not canter as a group, but do canter in individual shows.
Show Ponies are divided by height - at 128cm (riders up to 13), 138cm (riders up to 15) and 148cm (riders up t 17). Above that height they become ISRTs. As above, these are pretty, elegant ponies with plenty of quality and refinement.
The British Show Pony Society is the main society for lead rein and first ridden qualifiers and championships.
There are also Mountain and Moorland Lead Rein and First Ridden classes, and height and age limits for those classes depend upon the breed society.
The National Pony Society holds qualifiers for M & M lead rein and first ridden ponies.
Lickfolds Lionheart (M&M)
Ridden by Charlotte Fitzpatrick
Delphlands Endeavour
Owned and ridden by Hannah Humphries
Starburst Shandy
Owned by Lyndsey White and ridden by Caroline White
Tack and Turnout for LR, FR and SP Classes
Tack and Turnout for LR, FR and SP Classes
British Show Pony Society Affiliated Classes
British Show Pony Society Affiliated Classes
Lead Rein, First Ridden, Show Pony
Lead Rein, First Ridden, Show Pony
Rider
Rider
Navy jacket and hat.
Beige or canary jodhpurs.
Brown jodhpur boots.
Navy velvet hat, to current safety standard. Must be done up at all times when mounted.
Shirt and tie.
Hair tied back - often matching scrunchie to browband and tie.
Leader of Lead Rein ponies
Leader of Lead Rein ponies
Women wear a smart outfit and single hat. To complement the rider's turnout and not distract the judge!
Men should wear a smart dark coloured suit and complement both jockey and pony with the choice of shirt and tie. A bowler hat is the most common headwear for this class.
Horse
Horse
Snaffle bridles for Lead Rein and First Ridden.
Coloured browbands.
Plaited mane and plaited/pulled tail.
No handles on saddles allowed.
Normal shoes only - nothing covering frog.
Lead Rein, First Ridden and all novices must be shown in suitable snaffle bridles. If a special prize is awarded in an open show class for novice ponies those eligible must be shown in a suitable snaffle bridle.
No spurs.
Leadreins in LR classes must be attached to the noseband, and not the bit. They should be held loosely.
Quartermarkers are correct for lead rein, first ridden and show ponies.
Mountain and Moorland Lead Rein
Mountain and Moorland Lead Rein
Horse
Horse
Ponies are turned out as for their breed classes, with plain tack and unplaited. Pulling and trimming according to their breed society rules. Otherwise, the above guidelines apply.
Rider
Rider
Riders wear short boots with jodhpur clips, tweed jackets and beige or canary jodhpurs. Ties and scrunchies in hair must be more discreet and complement the jacket - much as a rider in a normal Mountain & Moorland class.
Leader of M & M Leadrein ponies
Leader of M & M Leadrein ponies
A tweed suit is normally worn for this - with knee length or longer skirt for women, and smart tweed suit for men. Normal inhand wear is also seen.
Other useful links
Other useful links
Green Cottage Finesse (New Forest)
Ridden by Freddie King
Page updated
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