Barastoc Horse of the Year

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 it's 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 122cms. 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.

Therefore at the 2010 Barastoc show, riders of first ridden ponies may NOT have won a rider championship at a royal show, a horse of the year show, a national horse of the year show or Grand National Horse of the Year Show. We feel this is in keeping with the spirit of the event

Rules in brief:-

Pony to be four years old and over

Pony must not exceed 122cms

Pony must be shown in snaffle bridle

Ridden by children up to 12 years of age

Rider may NOT have won a rider championship at a royal show, a horse of the year show, a national horse of the year show or Grand National Horse of the Year Show

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

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

Spurs not permitted.

Ponies and/or Riders may be entered in the First Ridden Saddle Pony Championship and the Leading Rein Pony Championship, but may only compete in one Section.

Please note: Both classes will be judged at the same time in separate rings.

All Ponies in the First Ridden Class must be registered with Equestrian Victoria.

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

Riders need not be Members of Equestrian Victoria.

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

Performance qualifications are not required.

Stallions not eligible.

Ponies may be entered in both classes 56 & 57. However, a pony that wins the first class judged may not compete in the other class at 2010 Show. No refund of entries fees.