family pony

[fran]

i know we have covered handy pony on here many times but i wondered if anyone had any brill ideas for family pony class. not very inventive but the best we have so far is riding with an umberella. vaulting on is out of the question lol

karen

[JoM]

I know what I dont like to see!!! I hate seeing the kids in the family pony class go inbetween the legs of the horse and out of the other side. I just think that is bad!! Sorry to anyone that does it. I know they are showing that their pony is 'safe' but in a show ring I think it is a no no! There are too many 'other factors' going on that can make even the best pony spook and flap.

I quite like to see the kids doing around the world, scissors, etc though. And mounting/ dismounting on both sides (although I know you shouldnt! LOL)

When I did family pony classes when I was little, we were always told what to do! LOL We didnt have to be inventive!!

I also remember going in the family pony class with a great big hunter thing in there - with that much tackle on it I'm surprised it could move! Very 'family pony'!!!!

[zeldalithgow]

All the family pony classes I've seen have been - adult rides the pony round like in a showing class then child rides pony same as adult plus does a small jump - must be different up here lol ;D

[mickey]

Personally I dont see why family pony should be the "circus class" which it is around here. Some acts are downright dangerous and personally I feel the judge should be asking them to leave the ring.
A family pony in my eyes is one who will walk trot canter for any rider in a safe manner, will stand when asked and generally looks after the younger rider. It should be able to be led by all people safely, Id like to see a show where the adult rides walk trot canter calmly without shying etc then the child gets on- if on the lead rein pony should behave in walk and trot in a calm manner, if off the lead rein walk trot canter and stand still.
Sorry, off topic, rant over. Maybe a carrier bag rattled whilst no one is on board? Sort of everyday things.

[mabel]

I always thought that family pony showed a pony that was suitable for the family to ride, and not how agile the kids are at tricks. So it should be very well behaved and sensible enough for kids as well as being a good ride for adults.

[greydales]

When I did family pony it was basically a pony that could easily be ridden by an adult and a child and do a little show with both, no more than that

[Deleted]

Last year Annie did family pony at pony club, the children had to show all 3 paces, walk, trot canter, they had to do a small cross pole, pick up a piece of rag from jump wing and put it back on other wing. Individual Annie did walk trot canter, then cantered with one hand, she dismounted, picked up one foot, then walked around Buzz whilst he stood there (the poppet). I think you will find they now frown on around the world, scissors etc due to safety reasons (well the pony club does).