lead rein class

[WeeB]

I'm entering my niece in her first ever showing class in a couple weeks time. A leadrein class. I've never done one and I've never watched one either, what will we have to do?? Will she need to have an individual showpiece ready? What does the judge look for? Should she show a little control of the pony? Should she be doing a rising trot? Any help grately appreciated!

[Ambers Mum]

basically you can't interfere or be seen to interfer with the childs control of the pony...we are going through all this with my neice as well after over ten years since doing it with my own daughter.

How old is she? My neice is 3 and the judges have been pretty good as we do need to have some control because our shettie can be a bit of a munster if he's in the right mood lol. She will need a small show involing walk and trot, but again my neice is only just mastering trot so we take a bit more control than you would with an older child. Jessie only does sitting trot at the moment and the judges have again been good with that too.

See if you can visit a local show and just have a look at what they do. My neice does M&M and handy pony but once she gets a bit older and more compitant she will do more.

[WeeB]

thanks mandy.

Georgia is 5, she can just about manage a rising trot and she can sort of guide B but he tends to follow me!!

She's coming riding today so we will have a wee practice after our hack. She's going to do handy pony aswell (which she's done before) and possibly a little clear round as all her little rider pals will be doing one.

[lilholley]

I know you have to have the lead rein attached to the noseband. I think normally they all walk round together, then stop and do an individual trot like in the inhand class. Then everyone does a small show.

[torgrosset]

For lead rein classes, a good judge will not judge the rider, they should judge the ponies suitability for being a safe lead rein pony that looks after it's jockey. Although the rider should be able to ride, be balanced and trot etc, they shouldn't "control" the pony as such, if that makes sense? If you watch the pro's their ponies are schooled/trained to follow the handlers voice commands, and the ponies go very mannerly on a loose lead attached to their nose band. The riders basically sit and look pretty!!! Lead rein classes in essence are judged on the ponies suitability not the riders ability. Hope this helps?! x

[WeeB]

thanks everyone. think we are as ready as we will ever be! Think my nieces wee friend is going to be in the same class as her now so that will be nice for her.

[Ambers Mum]

when is the class now? Good luck and remember make sure someone takes piccies!