New to Showing?
BSPS have classes for all types of ponies including plaited and mountain & moorland, both on the flat and working hunter. Each class is divided into the height of pony and restricted by the riders age. This allows for a safe progression for young riders. Classes are also run for both novice and open combinations.
Show Ponies (SP) – show ponies are traditionally fine types with a quality head and carry themselves with elegance.
Riders wear a navy show jacket, coloured tie and ribbons in the hair. The ponies are shown in a coloured browband.
Show Ponies are divided into heights and restricted by the riders age. They will be asked to perform an individual show which may be of your choice or the judge may ask for a set show.
Lead Rein – Ponies up to 122cm. Riders not to have attained their 8th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year. No riders under 3 years.
Tiny Tots First Ridden – Ponies up to 122cm. Riders not to have attained their 8th birthday before 1st jan in the current year. On the go round, ponies will not be asked for a change of rein. Cantering is optional in the individual show. Ideal for riders just coming off the lead rein.
First Ridden – Ponies up to 122cm. Riders not to have attained their 10th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
128cm – Ponies not exceeding 128cm. Riders not to have attained their 13th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year
138cm – Ponies exceeding 128cm and not exc 138cm. Riders no to have attained their 15th birthday in the current year
148cm – Ponies exceeding 138cm and not exc 148cm. Riders not to have attained their 17th birthday in the current year
No stallions may compete in these classes.
Show Hunter Ponies (SHP)
A Show Hunter Pony (SHP) is a scaled down version of a middleweight hunter. They should have good manners, plenty of bone and possess the qualities that you would want on the hunting field.
They are shown plaited and trimmed with plain tack. Riders wear a tweed jacket. They will be asked for an individual show.
Lead Rein SHP – Ponies not exceeding 122cm. Riders not to have attained their 9th birthday before 1st Jan in current year. Ponies will only be asked to walk & trot.
First Ridden SHP – Ponies not exc 122cm. Riders not to have attained thier 10th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year. Walk & Trot is only asked for on the go round. Cantering is optional in individual shows.
122cm – ponies not exc 122cm. Riders not to have attained their 12th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
133cm – ponies exc 122cm and not exc 133cm. Riders not to have attained their 14th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
143m – ponies exc 133cm & not exc 143cm. Riders not to have attained their 17th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
153cm – ponies exc 143cm & not exc 153cm. Riders not to have attained their 20th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
Intermediate SHP – ponies exc 148cm & not exc 158cm. Riders not to have attained their 25th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
No stallions may compete in these classes
Heritage Mountain & Moorland Ponies
BSPS hold classes for registered Mountain & Moorland ponies. This includes Shetlands, Exmoors, Dartmoors, Connemara, Highlands, New Forest, Fells, Dales, Welsh A, B, C & Ds.
Types of Heritage M&M Classes:
Lead Rein M&M – ponies not exc 122cm. Riders not to have attained their 9th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
First Ridden M&M – ponies not exc 128cm. Riders not to have attained their 12th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
For breed classes the riders can be any age. Stallions may be shown in these classes except lead rein and first ridden.
Young Rider classes are also held:
Small Breeds – Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, Welsh A&Bs. Mare or gelding, Riders not to have attained their 14th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
Large Breeds – Connemara, Dales, Highland, New Forest, Fell, Welsh C&D. Mare or gelding. Riders not to have attained their 18th birthday before 1st Jan in the current year.
Novice ponies, lead rein & first ridden ponies must be shown in snaffle bridles.