When a child does their first "solo" venture into a show pony class, you can see the parents biting their nails on the edge of the ring in case something goes wrong.

It is the First Ridden Pony's job to ensure that his young rider enjoys the experience by giving an obedient and safe ride, and also give the opportunity of success with its good looks,  perfect manners and suitability.

For safety reasons These ponies are required to walk and trot when all together. They are asked to canter only during their individual workout. 

These ponies should be four years old and over and must not exceed 12.2hands. They are to be ridden by children up to 12 years of age and must be shown in snaffle bridles. 

The judge will be looking for a well-mannered pony which goes quietly and freely forward with the child in charge of the situation.

As first ridden ponies are supposed to be the sort of pony that will take a young rider safely on their first solo outing, it has been decided that they MUST be ridden by this sort of rider.

Rules in brief:- Classes for 2012

56. First Ridden Show Pony, Rider 8 years and under

57. First Ridden Show Hunter Pony, Rider 8 years and under

58. First Ridden Show Pony, Riders 9 years and not over 12years

59. First Ridden Show Hunter Pony, Rider 9 years not over 12 years.

Ponies entered in Class 56 and 58 First Ridden Show Pony may not be entered in Class 57 or 59 First Ridden Show Hunter Pony and vice versa

Ponies may be entered in as many classes as eligible, based on age of the rider or height of pony, however a pony that wins a class may not compete in other First Ridden classes at the 2012 Show

Refer to timetable for scheduling of classes

Conditions of entry

Open to ponies 12.2 hands and under, ridden by children 12 years and under

Ponies in the First Ridden Saddle Pony Championships will trot on the circle together and will only canter during the individual workouts.

To be ridden in a simple eggbut or loose ring snaffle, jointed or straight and judged on conformation, manners and paces and suitability as a small child’s mount.

Spurs not permitted

All ponies in the First Ridden Classes must be registered with EA

Riders must be 12 years and under on the day of the Show.  Riders must be able to produce a Birth certificate upon request.

Riders need not be members of EA

All owners must be current financial members of EA at the time of entry and on the day of the show.

Stallions not eligible

Open to Ponies 12.2 hands and under, ridden by children 12 years and under (refer classes)

Ponies in the First Ridden Saddle Pony Championships will trot on the circle together and will only canter during the individual workouts.

Snaffle bit must be used, simple eggbut or loose rim snaffle, jointed or straight.

Judged on confirmation, manners and paces and suitability as a small child’s mount

Spurs not permitted

All Ponies in the First Ridden classes must be registered with EA

Riders must be 12 years and under on the day of the show. Riders must be able to produce a Birth certificate upon request.

Riders need not be members of EA

All owners must be current financial members of EA at time of entry and on the day of the show.

Stallions not eligible.