Extract from Original presentation by Mr David Ross - Falconhurst Stud
A lead rein pony must have an unquestionable temperament and disposition. It should have a good length of stride at the walk and trot but the pony’s action should suit the child at their current stage of riding development. Unfortunately, this criterion is often forgotten. Some older, more experienced jockeys can cope with a longer stride while a raw beginner simply cannot. In a leading rein class the pony should walk at a medium pace and never overtrot, to prevent all parties becoming unbalanced.
Tension is not a good sign and this is often associated with a tight lead rein, a short, stilted gait and serious faces. The pony should respond to the rein if the rider is sufficiently competent to use the aid correctly. The paces should be rhythmical and easy.
The head must be carried correctly and still. Nothing looks worse than a pony which is not happy with its mouth and shakes its head or reefs the jockey’s hands forward as a result.
Lastly, all lead rein ponies should be able to halt without fuss and STAND quietly at all times when required. It stands to reason that the manners of the pony should be impeccable, but to be a success, a pony should not be a slug.
TYPES OF PONY
I would like to stress that generally speaking a lead rein pony is not a multipurpose pony, the best are bred and used exclusively for this event.
The 12 hand and under lead rein is a vastly different pony than a ridden 12.2 hand show pony or in many instances even First Ridden Pony. In the UK they have special Youngstock In Hand classes for these ponies which will mature under 12 hands. Here in Victoria we have introduced a class at our foal show to cater for Leading Rein and First Ridden types.
BLOOD TYPE
Looks like a miniature Thoroughbred but still full of pony character. Cannon bones may not be quite as short and the bone whilst less in quantity is invariably flat and full of quality.
The neck is long and slender. The action is low to the ground and generally the picture is somewhat long and rangy.
Regardless of the shape of the neck, there should be plenty of length in front of the saddle and the head should be well set on the neck (clean through the gullet) so that the pony can bridle easily.
The head should be in proportion to the body and possess a kind eye. Wither will be fairly narrow so that the child can sit in comfort and the the shoulder sloping to allow freedom of action. The tail will be carried gaily. The pony should be short in the back and have correct hind legs. The pony should have a good length of stride at the walk and trot. This action should be active, but not so active that the little rider is bounced out of the saddle. It goes without saying that the action must be straight and true.
The type of lead rein pony is of no significance if the manners are not there to accompany correct conformation and preferred type.
If a pony does not go well, no matter how good a type it is it should not stand up the line. A relaxed partnership should exist between leader, rider and pony. They should be going as one, confident, carefree and happy. The pace should be rhythmical and easy. The stride should be appropriate for the size of the child. The head should be carried correctly in a rounded frame and still.
SIZE AND SUITABILITY OF MOUNT TO RIDER
Not everyone realises that the size of the child should dictate the size and type of pony you should buy because the overall picture you present to the judge is of paramount importance.
A pony up to the height for instance, will look like a Shire if the jockey’s feet barely reach the saddle flaps. A minuscule rider on a large pony is delightful in a Thelwell cartoon, but it will not do at all in the show ring where points are gained or lost on suitability. A tiny child will need a very small, narrow pony which will very likely have Welsh or Dartmoor in its blood. The pony should be pretty and dainty. It should have smooth comfortable gaits rather than darting extravagant action which can upset or dislodge a tiny rider. A larger child will need a bigger pony, and if his/her legs are long, it will be an advantage if the pony is also wider, thus avoiding having to let the stirrup irons down to the level of the pony’s knees; or worse still, making the child ride too short.
TRAINING AND PRODUCTION
A Lead Rein pony should be well schooled in its intended task. Unfortunately some competitors endeavour to train their ponies at shows or view the Lead Rein class as a mere extra chance to gain an easy piece of that very elusive felt by throwing on the nearest child at the last minute. I have even heard of unbroken ponies having their first jockey aboard ever in a leading rein class. This can only lead to disaster for all parties involved.
The preparation of the pony should always include working in a snaffle bit and mouthing tack. Correctly fitted stretchy or elasticised side reins help with the head carriage. These should be attached loosely from the bit to the saddle. Long reining is a superb discipline for encouraging the ponies to go forward in a correct fashion. It also means that the pony learns to obey voice commands. They should be worked for 10 to 15 minutes only to alleviate boredom. Avoid long spells of daily lunging as this only develops stamina and a sharpness which is not required and is a distinct disadvantage in this event. Do not school or train the jockey in just one set workout or show as you are sure to come unstuck with a judge who asks for something different. Lead rein ponies should have lots of freedom in the paddock if their figures will allow. This will keep them fresh and happy in their outlook on life - nothing looks worse than a sour lead rein pony working with its ears flat back. Care must be taken in the feeding of lead rein ponies, as one has to strike a happy medium of a well-covered pony with a healthy shiny coat, yet maintaining a quiet and happy disposition.
Good luck, but remember overall that this class should be viewed as a foundation for the future members of our Society and should be enjoyed by all participants.
WORKOUT FOR LEADING REIN CLASS.
a) Walk on a circle in clockwise direction, stewards or judge will check tack/turnout (for example that it is a snaffle bridle, lead rein connected to nose band, no spurs, etc).
b) Halt class - each animal trots a circle individually in a clockwise direction.
c) Back on the circle at the walk.
d) Judge will call in order.
e) Walk and stand for judge.
f) Walk away from the judge to the right.
g) Trot remainder of right-hand circle.
h) Continue to trot through the centre and around to the left.
i) Come back to a walk 2/3 around the circle and continue to walk until the end of your figure eight. Halt and walk back into the line up.
