leading rein

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDY MORPHETT

From Leading Rein Activists & Supporters

what the EFA has done:

At the recent EFA National Show Horse Committee the State representations made a unanimously decision to alter Lead Rein classes for EFA Horse of the Year events and National Lead Rein Titles.
With reference to “Summary of Business of the meeting of the EFA Show Horse Committee Monday 28^th April 2008”…
Leading Rein Height
As riders can move on and off the leading rein it was proposed to simplify the rules to align the leading rein pony height of not exceeding 12hh to be the same as the small pony height not exceeding 12.2hhs.
Supported unanimously. To be effective 1 January 2009

the facts that were ignored

The lead Rein class is a tradition
The height of the Lead Rein pony is in consideration of the safety of the rider.
Safety should be paramount in any decision the EFA makes with reference to children
The EFA should be seeking suggestions and asking its members their opinion
This purposed rule change was never bought back to the states for discussion
This rule change should not be made to simplify heights. The lead rein is not a 12.2 saddle classes. The class was developed as the child’s first show pony and is at stark contrast to a 12.2 pony.

The preamble world wide for lead rein is:

British Show Pony Society

Lead Rein ponies are the beginning of the 'show pony' category. Lead rein ponies must be four or over, and not over 12hh. Riders are 3-7 years of age, and the class is sometimes split at 11.2hh. 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 partbreds are also popular in this class.

First Ridden ponies in BSPS classes are also 12hh 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.

Often ponies can be seen in both the lead-rein and first-ridden with different members of a family, although it is rare for a top lead-rein pony to do as well in first-ridden classes. On the whole a good first-ridden pony is more forward going and has a scopier outlook together with a longer stride.

WP&CS UK

8.1. Lead Rein and First Ridden

Classification should be as follows:

8.1.1. Pure Bred Lead Rein

Open to registered Welsh Sections A or B, mares or geldings not exceeding 122cms(12hh). Riders must have attained their 3rd birthday but must not have attained their 9th birthday before 1st January in the current year. Ponies to be shown in a suitable snaffle bridle - the reins to go directly from the bit to the rider’s hands. The lead rein must be attached to the noseband only; no extra attachment to or on the saddle.

8.1.2. Pure Bred First Ridden

Open to registered Welsh Sections A or B, mares or geldings, not exceeding 128cms(12.2 hh). Riders must not have attained their 12th birthday before 1st January in the current year. Ponies are to be shown in a suitable snaffle bridle. Ponies must not be cantered except in their individual show.

8.1.3. Part-Bred Lead Rein

Open to registered Welsh Part-Breds, mares or geldings not exceeding 122cms (12hh). Riders must have attained their 3rd birthday but must not have attained their 9th birthday before 1st January in the current year. Ponies to be shown in a suitable snaffle bridle - the reins to go directly from the bit to the rider’s hands. The lead rein must be attached to the noseband only; no extra attachment to or on the saddle.

8.1.4. Part-Bred First Ridden

Open to registered Welsh Part-Breds, mares or geldings, not exceeding 122cms (12hh). Riders must not have attained their 12th birthday before 1st January in the current year. Ponies are to be shown in a suitable bridle. Ponies must not be cantered except in their individual show.

WP&CS of Australia Rules & Regs

27. A Leading Rein Pony is 12 hh or under and is to be ridden by a child 3 years and under 8 years of age on the first day of the show.

RPSB Society of Australia

Leading Rein Ponies:

A lead rein pony must not exceed 12hh and must be ridden by a child 3 years and under 8 years.

A handler leads the pony, and although it is the pony that is being judged, it is the overall impression that is important. The pony must be suitable for the beginner, as the class caters for younger children starting to ride. Temperament and manners are paramount. The pony must be shown in a snaffle bridle with a leather lead attached to the noseband. The pony must suit the rider, be willing, well mannered, obedient, relaxed and inspire everyone with confidence. The pony should display quality and good conformation.

Ponies competing in Lead Rein are eligible to compete in Show Pony Ridden/Show Hunter Ridden/Riding Pony Ridden by a Child classes

1. Ponies not to exceed 12.0hh.

2. Age of rider to be 3 years and under 8 years old on the day of the show.

3. Ponies to be ridden in a suitable snaffle bridle with a lead rein held in the left hand and only attached to the cavesson noseband.

4. No spurs or whips for the rider, however the handler may carry a cane.

5. A narrow strap may be attached to the front of the saddle.

6. This class should not be judged as Smartest on Parade but for the suitability of the pony for the purpose intended.

Further information:

Lead Rein at all Royal Shows in Australia is 12hands riders 3 and under 8 / or 8
Lead Rein at Hack Council is now in line with all other organisations
All Australian Breed societies Lead rein is 12hhs / riders 3 and under 8.

The question has to be asked why the EFA National Show Horse Committee would consider that a change was required to simplify heights.

This is about our child rider’s safety, their education and development in the show world. It is not simplistic! We are calling on all to contact and register your disapproval of this rule - click here.


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