Introduction
The dress code for each of the individual sports is given in the individual rule books. However, there are some items of dress that have safety implications. Members are expected to dress correctly and safely for all Pony Club activities.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices (i.e. headphones, mobile phones, etc. enabling another person to communicate with the rider) are not allowed whilst the rider is competing. No recording device is permitted (e.g. hat / bridle cameras, etc.)
Dress
Clothing
When mounted at Pony Club activities, Members should wear a riding jacket or Branch / Linked Centre sweatshirt, jodhpurs, a suitable plain-coloured shirt with a collar and The Pony Club tie. We strongly recommend against wearing hooded clothing when riding and taking part in activities on the yard.
New clothing is not expected, but what is worn must be clean, neat and tidy. Jeans should not be worn when mounted except when specifically allowed by certain sports. As a minimum shoulders must be covered for all riding activities, except for Sports where long sleeves are compulsory.
Polo shirts in Branch / Linked Centre colours are allowed to be worn at rallies and at camp.
Glasses and contact lens are permitted whilst riding, the materials these items are made of meet the necessary British Standards to reduce the risk of harm. To support security whilst riding members may wear a glasses safety strap, if they wish to.
Footwear
Only standard riding or jodhpur boots with a fairly smooth, thin sole and a well defined square cut heel may be worn. Plain black or brown half chaps may be worn with jodhpur boots of the same colour. Tassels and fringes are not allowed. No other footwear will be permitted, including wellington boots, “muckers” or trainers. Boots with interlocking treads are not permitted, nor are the boots or treads individually.
Jewellery
A Wristwatch, wedding ring and stock pin are permitted.
With the Exception of medical bracelets, necklaces and bracelets must be removed to stop risk of injury.
Any body piercings should ideally be removed before going near your horse or pony. The larger and more pendulous piercings create a risk of damage to the body part through which they are secured. If you must continue to wear piercings, for those that are visible, they should be only studded and should be covered with tape or plaster so that they are secure.
Hair
Must be tied back securely, in a safe manner to limit the risk to hair being caught and prevent scalp injuries. Sports may have additional rules.
Medical Armbands
Medical Armbands are recommended at all times, including hacking on roads, and are compulsory for all Cross Country riding, Pony Racing and for Endurance rides.
Hats and Body Protectors
These are to be in accordance with guidance and meet recommended Safety Standards as detailed in the Rulebooks.
Additional guidance on Safety equipment can be found here
Tack
Unsafe Tack
All tack must be clean, in a good state of repair, properly fitted and suitable for purpose. Tack inspections are routinely carried out at events and the organisers may prohibit participation in the event if they consider the tack to be inadequate or unsuitable. Individual sports do have further specific tack rules which are detailed in their individual sports rulebooks.
Stirrups
Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the rider’s boots. They must have 7mm (¼”) clearance on either side of the boot. Specific guidance per sport may be applicable, please see the rulebooks for additional information. Please see the Download below.
Humane Girths
Humane girths are not permitted in any sport, whether during training or competition. A humane girth is described as having non-independent straps that will loosen if one of the straps was to break.
Saddles
It is imperative that Saddles are in a good state of repair, properly fitted and suitable for the purpose of which they are intended. Regular checks for suitable fit can be carried out by professionals.
Treeless and total contact saddles are permitted to be used for general riding to support horse and pony welfare. Specific sport rules are detailed in respective rulebooks.
Tack inspections are routinely carried out at events and the organisers may prohibit participation in the event if they consider the tack to be inadequate or unsuitable. Specific sport rules are detailed in respective rulebooks
Additional Safety/ welfare advice can be found here
