Frequently Asked Questions

We are looking for friendly, helpful individuals who have a love for horses and would like to help area 3A as a volunteer at some events. If you also have knowledge, understanding and experience of showing that would be a huge bonus.

Area 3A arrange several events from practice clinics to horse shows within North Yorkshire and we are looking for helpers to assist with show office admin, ring stewarding, car parking, putting up working hunter pony courses with qualified assistance amongst many other things.

Events are arranged well in advance and any help you would like to offer would be greatly received. We can offer training from a knowledgeable committee who will ensure that support is given and that you also gain new skills.

Volunteer work can be a fantastic addition on your CV showing a great attitude and also helps build your skill base. If you are interested in helping and being part of a small, fun team who wants to create fantastic events for members of BSPS we would love to hear from you.

Please email us at area3absps@gmail.com

The highlight of the year whether you are big or small is the parade of the teams on Saturday night at the BSPS Championship show held at Arena UK, Grantham. 

All children are welcome to take part in the parade on foot in Evening show attire (Navy Jacket, White/Cream Stock, Jodhpurs or breeches and riding boots and hats.) 

Each Area is allowed to enter up to 2 teams and the Chef D’Equipes picks the teams and enters them on the Wednesday of the show.

Points will be awarded as follows:

1st – 100 points, 2nd – 90 points, 3rd– 80 points, 4th – 70 points, 5th - 60 points, 6th– 50 points, 7th – 40 points, 8th – 30 points.

The team with the most points will win beautiful rosettes and trophies and there is rosettes down to 4th place. 

There are 4 categories:  

WHP Team

Show Pony Team

Show Hunter Pony

Heritage Pony

To be eligible to be picked for the team you have to have entered one of the following classes: 

Simply The Best or Challenge 133cm WHP

Simply The Best or Challenge 143cm WHP

Simply The Best or Challenge 153cm WHP

Simply The Best or Challenge Intermediate WH

Simply The Best or Challenge Lead Rein

Simply The Best or Challenge First Ridden

Simply The Best or Challenge 128cm Show Pony

Simply The Best or Challenge 138cm Show Pony

Simply The Best or Challenge 148cm Show Pony

Simply The Best or Challenge Intermediate Small Show Riding Type

Simply The Best or Challenge Intermediate Large Show Riding Typenswer

There are novice classes for every type of pony from lead rein to WHP. It is strongly advised you check eligibility by reading the BSPS rulebook as the rules differ for different classes and age of ponies. The link for the BSPS rulebook is under NEW MEMBERS page on this website. 

Young area 3A members will be chosen in the Summer of each year to represent the area at the Summer Championship show . If you would like to be considered for the young judges team please email us and let us know and we will ensure we include you in all correspondence and training for the young judges programme.

Young judges train over the winter months with the competition been held at the summer championship show and can compete as a team member or individual. The team consists of 4 members age between 14 and 21 years and you are required to judge 4 plaited ponies. The individual categories are either Plaited or M & M ponies.

At the completion you enter the ring where there will be four ponies. Each pony does a go round and then individual show just like a normal showing class. Each pony is then stripped and does a walk away & trot back for all competitors. The young judges’ job is to assess the way of going, manures and confirmation. If you are in a team, you can confer notes if an individual you can’t discuss with anyone. Once you have made notes you then place them in the order you think is correct. Each team or individual then goes before the senior judges and explains why you have placed them in the order, and they also ask you questions about the ponies. The senior judges then give you marks and the presentation is held in the indoor arena at night.

When grooming at a horse show aim for neat, smart-casual attire that allows for movement:

• A polo shirt or smart jumper with dark trousers, no jeans.
• Wear appropriate footwear like country or jodhpur boots.
• Hair to be neat and tidy.
• Wear a riding hat, felt hat, trilby or cap. 

Check the Show Rules: Always check for specific dress codes, especially for more formal shows.

The following is a guide to help you understand what is available however please read the BSPS rule and show handbook for further guidance.

Lead rein & first ridden, show pony, show hunter pony, coloured classes and mountain and moorland classes are judged on performance & conformation and do not include any jumping. The class type dictates the type/breed of pony that should be entered.

The performance after standing the pony up in front of the judge must include a demonstration of walk, trot and canter on both reins and it is usually done by completing a figure of 8 in canter with the change of rein in trot. The show should be ended with 8 strides of walk and a halt followed by a salute to the judge.

The confirmation stage is when you remove your saddle in the ring (you will need someone with you to help). When asked you stand your pony up in front of the judge for the pony to be inspected. Once asked you walk away from the judge and trot straight back passing the judge in a straight line followed by a turn to the right coming back to walk and a halt with a salute to the judge.

For HOYS qualifying classes and at BSPS championship show marks are awarded based on 50/50 scoring. Mark sheets are available after the class has completed.

Working Hunter Pony (WHP) classes include a performance, conformation and jumping stage and are marked out of 50 for jumping (10 marks deducted for a pole/15 for a stop) 20 marks for style and performance jumping, 10 for performance and 20 for conformation.

 Show pony lead rein and first ridden class

Rider

• Navy jacket of correct length (just touching the saddle)
• Jodhpurs are usually canary coloured (or lighter for boys) 
• Brown leather jodhpur boots with a navy jacket although black jodhpur boots are acceptable
• Brown or yellow leather gloves 
• Shirt & tie
• A competitor’s number should always be visible
• Hair ribbons are best neat and tidy and not flowing or long
• Buttonholes are worn on the competitor’s right lapel

Attendants 

• Smart dress yet practical fashion and hats are recommended
• Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a dark suit and bowler/trilby hat

Lead Rein & First Ridden Show Hunter Pony & Mountain & Moorland

• Tweed jacket
• Jodhpur boots are traditionally brown
• Jodhpurs are usually canary coloured (or lighter for boys) 

Attendants 

• may wish to co-ordinate themselves with similar tweed jackets, shirts and ties.

Show Ponies & Intermediate Show Riding Type

• same as LR/FR 
• For Intermediate classes top boots are to be worn
• Intermediate riders should have their hair in a bun 

Working Hunter Ponies (WHP) Plaited & Mountain & Moorland

• Tweed jacket
• Jodhpur boots are traditionally brown
• Jodhpurs are usually canary coloured (or lighter for boys) 
• Long boots can be worn 

Public and Employers liability is included with your BSPS membership at all Area and BSPS shows. However, members do need their own individual public liability cover in the event of their horse injuring a BSPS member or member of the public. 

If you are a member of another horse society you may already have the insurance required. Please check your membership details. Recommended insurance companies include; Agria, Anthony Evans & KBIS.