Helmet

• ASNZS 3838, ASTM F1163 or EN 1384
• The approved equestrian helmet must be correctly fitted (it must not fall forward on to the rider’s nose, rotate on the head or obstruct sight in time of emergency) and must have effective retention harness attached and in place under the chin whenever the rider is mounted.
• Approval label, the helmet cannot be used if this label is missing.
• Sun protection Helmet covers Sun protection covers are permitted on helmets provided that the cover is secure and does not interfere with the safety effect of the helmet.

Jewellery

• Rings – associates may wear a wedding ring if taped no other rings can be worn.
• Earring’s – simple studs only (one pair only not exceeding 5mm in diameter) no sleepers or large earrings.
• Watch – can be worn at rally day although in many competitions a watch cannot be worn .
• Medical armband/ alert band – permitted .
• Other jewellery – no other jewellery can be worn and should be removed.
• Glasses or Sunglasses – Prescription spectacles or Australian Standards (AS1337) safety sunglasses are the only spectacles or glasses to be worn whilst riding.

Shirt

• All riders must had a collared and sleeved shirt.
• Ideally all instructors should also follow this sun smart requirement.
• Body Protectors are permitted to be worn for all disciplines.

Boots

• Only black or brown riding boots may be work at Pony Club.
• Sole must be in tack and smooth.
• Boots must have elastic sides.
• Lace up boots are not permitted.
• Long boots are permitted for associates only.

Chaps

• Rally days – chappets (suede chaps) are permitted in all colours. Gaiters, of full grain leather and the same colour as the boot, are permitted in most competitions. (please refer to blue book).

Spurs

• Dummy type, the neck not exceeding 30mm in length and must not be under 7mm in width at the point of the neck. The neck if curved must point downward and the neck must jut from the centre back of the heel.
• Short necked roller ball (rubber/synthetic/steel) spurs are permitted for use at Pony Club.
• Bumper Spurs are permitted for use at Pony Club.

Whips

• Must be intact and have a tassel or flap attached.
• Competitions have approved whip lengths please refer to blue book.

Bridle

• All leather (or synthetic material) must be in good order and not showing signs of splitting or breakage and correctly fit the horse.
• Reins must be attached to the bit (or gag) and be connected at other end If split reins are used, the ends of the reins are not to protrude lower than the tip of the riders boot.
• Throat lash correctly fitted.
• Brow band and head strap should not cause discomfort.
• Dropped nosebands, Hanoverian nosebands or any noseband which fits in the horse’s curb grove may not be permitted when a curb chain is being used and vice versa.
• Grass reins are permitted from the saddle to the bit i.e. not via the poll. The horse must be able to get its head to its knees.

Bit

• All horses must be ridden with a bit that appropriately fits the horse.
• The bit must be suitable for the rider, no wear or rough surfaces.
• Please ensure you have the PCANSW Bit Dictionary on hand rally day this is a great time to highlight different gear that may not be permitted at competitions.
• Tongue ties are not permitted.

Martingale

• If used must be a running martingale or breast plate with rings.
• Reins must have stoppers.
• Rings are to be held by the neck strap to prevent a loop forming, rings must also extend to the cleft of the head and neck.

Saddle cloths

• Good condition and of adequate thickness.
• Larger than saddle (numnahs are not permitted unless being used as a riser).

Saddle

• The channel of the saddle must be clear of the horse’s backbone when the rider is mounted and there should be sufficient clearance at the wither.
• Covers over the top of saddles are not permitted.
• The ‘Stayput Seat’ is not permitted at pony Club.

Stirrups

• Check sizing – a finger (10mm) should easily fit either side of the foot when the ball of the foot is in the stirrup.
• Rubber stoppers should be in good order not be worn or smooth.
• Stirrups or stirrup leathers must not be tied down to any part of the saddle or mountings in any manner. The foot may not be attached to the stirrup in any way. Stirrup leathers are worn OVER the outside flap of the saddle at all times.
• Ox-bow stirrups are permitted on Stock, Stock type and Western saddles.
• Open sided stirrups are not permitted for use in Pony Club (peacock stirrups are not considered open stirrups due to the elastic band safety release system please check the elastic is in good order) .
• The fender saddle is permitted at Pony Club. Fender-type leathers are permitted on Stock saddles. Stirrup leathers on Stock saddles may be done up at the stirrup iron.

Girth

• All girths must be correctly adjusted and appear safe.
• Two buckles are required or one buckle and a surcingle. Exception: Western or Stock Saddle with attachments as designed and manufactured for that particular saddle.

Boots/ bandages

• Confirm correct size, placement and that they are secure. Bandages are to be stitched.

Equipment not permitted

• Numnahs
• Shadow rolls are not permitted.
• Blinkers, standing martingales, Market Harborough’s, running reins, draw reins, hackamores and bosals are not permitted. (Exception: fixed head checks (standing martingales) are permitted for polo and polocrosse.)

General welfare

• Gear check should also confirm the general welfare and health of the horse is suitable for a rally day.
• Weight, coat condition, nasal discharge, hoof condition.
• Any horse showing signs of infection or illness must not remain at rally day.