TACK & TURNOUT

Pony Club Uniform

Pony Club runs very much under traditional lines. Children attending Pony Club must wear the Pony Club uniform at all times. We feel that the wearing of the uniform sets the Pony Club Events apart from anything else the children do, is good discipline and helps to make the event a little bit more special.

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Riding Hats

Members must wear an approved protective helmet, with chinstrap done up when mounted at all times. All hats must now be tagged. Please ask for yours to be done. In the event of a fall where it is obvious that the hat has been in contact with the ground all hats should be replaced. It might appear from the outside that no damage has been done but the inner protective shell may well have been compromised.

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Hats should be plain black, brown or blue. If wearing a jockey skull cap, hat covers must be plain coloured. Please note that some of the very fashionable hats available these days do not conform by way of their appearance even if they meet the current safety standards or even exceed them. Some of these hats may be worn at Rallies but never for tests or exams.

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PC Hat Rule  - https://pcuk.org/media/3t2nxfnb/hat-rule-2023.pdf

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Sweatshirts

These are only available to purchase on our website, please do not order one from Headquarters as theirs are different. We also sometimes have some secondhand ones available as the children grow so fast they don’t wear out. The achievement badges should be sewn on to the sweatshirt, usually down the sides of the arms.

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Tops

Either a white shirt (long or short sleeved) with collar and pony club tie or short or long sleeved pony club branch polo shirt.

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For competition and tests members should wear shirt, tie and jacket with badge.  The official Pony Club Membership badge (metal pin). To be ordered on your new membership form.  This can be worn. directly on the white shirt or the sweatshirt or on the lapel of the jacket.

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Jackets (Tweed/navy/black)

In the old days it was compulsory to wear jackets for all events but rules have now been relaxed and jackets are only required at certain events so please do not rush out and buy one as it will probably stay in the cupboard gathering dust.

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A tweed hacking jacket or plain navy or black riding jacket should be worn at certain events over a long sleeved shirt with Pony Club tie. The metal badge must be worn on the lapel of the jacket . A coloured felt showing the current test standard achieved by the Member should be displayed behind the metal badge.

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Jodhpurs or Breeches

It is compulsory to wear beige, white or plain dark colours ie. navy, brown or black may be worn for some training days, dismounted rallies and fun events.

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Jodhpur clips should be worn with jodhpurs when wearing short boots. These prevent the jodhpurs from riding up the leg and showing the socks.

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For competition members should wear beige or white jodhpurs.

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Boots

The long rubber boots of past years are very much out of date. They are not always very comfortable, and even if they are, they are not good for riding as the rubber is not very flexible and does not allow free movement of the ankle.

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Short jodhpur boots either worn on their own with jodhpur clips are good, or short jodhpur boots worn with either plain chaps or gaiters are also very good.  Chaps must be completely plain and the same colour as the boots ie. black or brown. Gaiters are good because although they are a little bit more expensive they can be worn for Competitions and Exams unlike chaps which cannot.  Long leather boots are allowed but are very expensive.

All footwear must have a SMOOTH sole and a well defined square cut heel.

For safety reasons wellington boots, muckers or trainers should never be worn when mounted. Please be careful when buying boots as some of the fashion boots are not allowed either.

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If buying new boots please ensure there is one finger width each side (7mm clear on either side of the boot) in the stirrups.

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Gloves

Plain coloured proper riding gloves although are not compulsory are recommended (navy, black or brown)
Please do not buy gloves that are not meant for riding.

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Rainwear

A plain coloured waterproof jacket is sensible.  Navy is preferred but any dark plain colour is ok.  No hoods allowed !

 

Body Protectors

Are not compulsory for most events but are strongly recommended as they can help prevent a more serious injury. Please ensure that you have them fitted properly, an ill fitting body protector can be as bad as not wearing one at all.

Body protectors must meet BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (Purple label).  They are compulsory for cross country training, pony racing and competitions.

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PC BODY PROTECTOR RULE - https://pcuk.org/media/hh4h35mb/2023body-protector-rule.pdf 

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Whips

Must be plain colours. Brown or black preferred.  Riders of a certain level should have 2 whips, one long and one short for the appropriate discipline.  Please ask if you are not sure.

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Jewellery

Is not allowed (including sleepers).  Earrings are NEVER allowed for exams so if you can’t take them out do not book in for an exam.

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Hair

Must be neat and tidy and off the face.  A hairnet should be worn when hair is long but not long enough to tie back.   Very long hair should be plaited or worn in a low bun or similar.  Pony tails for very long hair are not acceptable  Metal hair clips should be removed before riding.

 

It is the responsibility of the member that their dress is in accordance with the rules.

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Hat and body protectors are items of huge importance as they are worn specifically for safety purposes.  It is therefore extremely important that they fit properly.

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Please make sure that when you purchase these items you do so from a reputable shop where there are staff qualities to fit them properly.  We all know that accidents happen but a cheap hat bough from a friend that doesn’t fit properly could potentially mean that a child ends up seriously injured.

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Horse and Pony what not to wear

• All numnahs, saddle cloths, brushing and over-reach boots should be a solid colour with no bling.

• Saddles and bridles should be either black or brown leather.

• All tack should be clean and in a safe condition.

• Horses and ponies should be well turned out.

• Thanks for taking the time to read and hopefully this will be useful when shopping and make sure that you don’t waste money buying clothing or equipment that can’t be used.