Hunter In Hand
A. This class is open to any age handler. At Regional and higher level shows, both a youth class (18 & Under) and an adult class (19 & Over) must be offered. At state‐level shows, this is optional, and
youth and adults may show in the same class.
B. Equipment
- Bridle is optional on yearlings and 2 year olds, but mandatory on ponies 3 years and older. Decorative bridles and halters (silver or colored) are prohibited. Bridle must have eggbutt, D‐ring, O‐ring or full‐cheek snaffle bit AND meet all specifications per Hunt Seat Tack. Reins may be held in both hands or in one hand when leading the pony. The off rein should not be run through the bit.
- For ponies shown in halter, the halter and lead must be of plain leather. The chain of the lead strap may be over the nose, under the chin, or through the lead ring on the halter and snapped back to the chain next to the lead strap. Lip chains/chains in the pony’s mouth are strictly forbidden.
- The use of a crop or bat is optional.
C. Attire. Suitable attire shall be one of the following two options:
- A collared polo shirt or collared dress shirt (solid colored and either white or another conservative color), vest, ties, and gloves (optional). Trousers should be loose enough in which to run. Jeans are forbidden. Running shoes or paddock boots are required. If a belt is worn, it must be of plain leather or other conservative style, not western type.
- Handlers may also wear hunt seat attire, see Rule 105, to include English hunt cap and boots. No running shoes. Spurs should not be worn.D. Class Routine 1. Ponies will be judged individually on the triangle (shown below) following a posted order. Each pony will approach the judging area (A) and set up for inspection in the “open” position (i.e., an offset stance with all four legs visible by the judge standing on either side). At the judge’s request, the pony will
then walk the small triangle ABCA. The pony will continue on at a trot following the large ADEA. At the completion of the judging, the handler will lead the pony away from the judging area. As one pony leaves, the next one will enter the judging area promptly. When all ponies in the class have completed the triangle, they may be lined up for judges to place, or “ringing” (walking in a large group circle around the judge) may be used. Scoring 60% movement, 30% conformation, 10% temperament. An exhibitor may show more than one pony in a class on the triangle. In this case, a helper may assist in bringing the ponies back for ringing or final inspection.
E. If a pony knocks over a cone or marker, they are to be scored accordingly. This does not constitute immediate disqualification, but at the judge’s discretion can be penalized in the temperament or movement score.
F. If a pony or exhibitor falls, they are to be scored accordingly. This does not constitute immediate
disqualification, but at the judge’s discretion can be penalized in the temperament or movement score.
G. If a pony is off pattern either by completing the large triangle ADEA before the small triangle ABCA, by not displaying the correct gait while completing each triangle or by not submitting to inspection prior to completing the pattern, the entry shall be disqualified.
- An appropriate penalty shall be assessed at the judge’s discretion for break of gait during completion of the pattern, but this shall not constitute off pattern or immediate disqualification.
In Hand Trail
- These classes are open to Tentative registered yearling and 2 year old POAs.
- These classes are open to any age exhibitor.
- Classes may be broken down: yearlings and 2 year olds; yearlings; 2 year olds. Fillies, colts and geldings will show together.
- Current POAC Rules and Regulations apply.
- The above rules apply to in‐hand trail classes at all shows.
- A pony may be in‐hand trail or ridden, but not both at any one show.
B. Class Routine
- The class will be judged on the performance of the pony over obstacles, with emphasis on manners and way of going.
- Credit will be given to ponies negotiating the obstacles with style, without hesitancy and willingly responding to the handler’s cues.
a. Special credit should be given to handlers who can negotiate obstacles without entering the
obstacle or touching the pony. - Ponies shall be penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching the obstacles.
- The course must be posted at least one hour before the scheduled time of the class.
- Pony is to be led through the course with the exhibitor on the pony’s left side. The exhibitor
should be positioned between the eye and the midpoint of the neck. Exhibitor may change sides to negotiate obstacles. - Scoresheets should be made available for the judge’s use and may be downloaded from the POAC website.
- The following will result in a no score on a particular obstacle but does not mean disqualification from the class:
a. Doing obstacle differently than described on the pattern.
b. Missing or not attempting an obstacle. - The following shall be penalized at judge’s discretion:
a. Leading pony in front or ahead of him. Entering an obstacle with the pony, except
serpentines, triangular back‐throughs, gates or other obstacles in which the handler must
enter to work the obstacle.
b. Touching pony with hand or foot in attempt to cue the pony. - The following will result in disqualification:
a. Not doing the obstacles in prescribed order.
b. Illegal equipment.
c. Willful abuse.
d. Major disobedience: rearing, schooling, etc.
e. Three refusals/evades on an obstacle.
f. Also see Rule 102. - If disrupted, the course shall be reset after each pony has finished the course.
- At least six obstacles must be used. Those may be selected from the list in Rule 116, except as follows:
a. There shall be no cantering on course.
b. When opening and closing the gate, only the left hand should be used.
c. Handler should walk beside the bridge.
d. On back‐throughs that are L shaped, straight or U shaped, the handler should stay on the
outside of the obstacle.
e. On V‐shaped back‐throughs, the handler should stand on the outside of the V; on a V
walk‐through, the handler should stand on the inside of the V.
f. On triangular barrels back‐throughs or serpentine back‐throughs, the handler is allowed to enter the obstacle.
g. On straight trot‐overs or walk‐overs, the handler should be on the outside of the poles.
h. On 360 degree turns inside a box of poles, the handler is allowed to step inside the corners of
the box.
i. Walk‐overs and trot‐overs may be in a half circle or fan shaped. The handler may work
outside the half circle or stand at the apex of the half circle on the inside. - Unacceptable obstacles are listed under Rule 116.
- The judge must walk the course and has the right and duty to alter the course by removing or
changing any obstacle that he deems unsafe or nonnegotiable. If at any time a trail obstacle is deemed unsafe by the judge, it shall be repaired or removed from the course. If it cannot be repaired and ponies have completed the course, the score for that obstacle shall be deducted from all previous works for that class.
C. Tack and Attire. May be shown in either western or hunt seat attire. See Rules 105 and 107.
- Ponies must be shown in a halter, regular or show type is acceptable. The lead shank may be a regular type or show type. Shank may have a chain, which may be used over the nose, under the chin or through the lead ring on the halter and snapped back to the chain next to the lead strap.
- Lip chains are strictly forbidden
Longe Line
- These classes are open to Tentative registered yearling and 2 year old POAs.
- These classes are open to any age exhibitor.
- These may be broken down: yearlings and 2 year olds; yearlings; 2 year olds. Fillies, colts and geldings will show together.
- Current POAC Rules and Regulations apply.
- An exhibitor may show up to a maximum of three POAs in Longe Line. Other handlers may assist in showing the entry in the conformation section of the competition.
- A pony may be longed or ridden, but not both at any one show.
- The above rules apply to Longe Line classes at all shows.
- Show Management may provide a 5‐minute warmup period for all exhibitors.
B. Purpose. The purpose of showing a yearling or 2 year old on a longe line is to demonstrate that the pony has the movement, manners/expression/attitude and conformation to become competitive under saddle. Therefore, the purpose of this class is to reward:
(A) Quality of Movement.
(B) Manners/Expression/Attitude.
(C) Conformation suitable to future performance.
The pony should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind. This class should define what it means to be a “western pleasure prospect” or “hunter under saddle prospect.” Because these are yearlings and 2 year olds, they are not expected to demonstrate the behavior or quality of a finished show pony, but only that performance necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge. Scoresheets are available for the judge’s use and may be downloaded from the POAC website.
C. Class Routine
- The class will consist of two parts:
a. Conformation Inspection
(1) The conformation inspection will occur prior to the longeing demonstration. Each entry will be walked into the arena to the judge and pause for evaluation individually. They will then trot off straight and around a cone and take a place on the wall inside the arena. All entries will be inspected in this fashion, and as the trot‐off is administered, a pony showing evidence of lameness should be excused from the class at that time. An example of the conformation
pattern is illustrated in Figure 1.
b. Longeing demonstration lasting 1‐1/2 minutes (90 seconds)
(1) The longeing demonstration will begin at the sound of a whistle or other audible signal when the pony has reached the perimeter of its circle. Time will not begin until the pony reaches this perimeter. When the “begin” signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1‐1/2
minutes (90 seconds) to present the pony at all three gaits in both directions. At the end of 1‐1/2 minutes, a signal will be given to signify the end of the demonstration. Show Management has the option of adding a “halfway” signal if they choose. - It is recommended that Longe Line classes be shown in splits of no more than 15 ponies at a time. Larger classes may also offer a finalists’ go‐round before the class is placed.
- Turnaround at the walk to take the second direction of the pattern may be considered as fulfilling the walk requirement of the second direction portion of the scoring format. It is suggested that all yearling and 2 year old Longe Line classes be held in a one‐go format only.
- Gaits are to be judged according to the POA rules for gaits for Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle.
D. Equipment. Ponies are to be shown in a halter. Either a regular or show type halter is acceptable
- For the longeing demonstration, the only attachment allowed to the halter is the longe line. The longe line may not exceed 30’ in length with a snap attached to the halter. The longe line must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the pony. It is permissible to use a longe whip; however, disqualification will occur if the exhibitor blatantly strikes the pony with the whip or longe line to cause forward or lateral movement at any time during the longeing demonstration.
- No other equipment is allowed on the pony during the class. Mechanical or retractable longe lines are not allowed.
- For the conformation inspection, a lead shank, such as used in halter or showmanship classes may be used, and exchanged for the longe line prior to the longeing demonstration.
- Exhibitors are not to be penalized for using regular halters and plain longe lines, nor are they to be rewarded for using show halters and show longe lines. Only movement, manners/expression/way of going, and conformation are being judged. The type of equipment used is not to be a consideration in placing the pony as long as the equipment meets the
requirements stated above.
E. Attire. Conventional western attire is mandatory; except if a prospect is considered to be a hunter prospect then conventional English attire is suggested. The type of attire worn by the exhibitor is not to be a consideration in placing the pony as long as the attire meets the requirements stated here.
F. Conformation and Equipment Inspection. Each pony is to be inspected by the judge on conformation, proper equipment and for evidence of abuse, inhumane treatment. or violation of POAC rules. Ponies will not be allowed to show in illegal equipment or if there is evidence of abuse, or inhumane treatment, or of rule violations as mentioned in the POAC Handbook.
Ranch Riding
A. This class is OPTIONAL at all levels with this class being pointed in 2 divisions, 18 & under and 19 & over for National Year‐End Awards and for individual class points toward ROM Ranch Horse Riding only. This class will not count toward any other Year‐End or High Point Awards.
B. Classes may be run at a separate location and concurrently with other classes. The show committee or judge may designate a qualified person(s) over the age of 18 to judge this class. Judges’ cards MUST be signed by the person judging the class. Two judges are required at a Pony Rama or any double judged show.
C. TACK AND ATTIRE Working attire may be a long sleeved western shirt with a collar, jeans, western boots and western hat or approved safetyhelmet. Show attire may be worn with no penalty as saddles and bridles with silver ARE acceptable but not given preference over clean working saddles and bridles. Banded manes are allowed with no preference over natural or roached manes. Tail extensions are allowed.
D. CLASS ROUTINE This class is a pattern class that is judged on the pony’s ability to work each part of the pattern correctly and efficiently with a free forward motion. There are 5 approved patterns that can be found on the POAC website.
Maneuver 1: Walk. 4 beat gait, with a level top line and relaxed appearance.
Maneuver 2: Trot. This is a ground covering gait with a flat knee and hock with some cushion in his pastern.
Maneuver 3: The extended Trot has an obvious lengthening to the stride with an increase in pace. Riders MAY post the extended trot, stand in the stirrups with or without holding the horn or sit the gait.
Maneuver 4: Lope. This is a 3 beat gait; displaying forward motion with a level top line.
Maneuver 5: Extended Lope. Obvious lengthening of the stride and increase in pace without going into a gallop. Lead changes MAY be simple or flying.
Maneuver 6: 360 Turn; steady and efficient.
Maneuver 7: Back; in a straight line, soft in the bridle not gaping mouth or bracing.
E. Penalties; Ponies with unnaturally slow gaits should be heavily penalized.
Walk Trot Division (3yr Trial Program starting in 2018)
1. Purpose:
a. The Purpose of the Walk Trot Division is to provide a qualifying youth or adult the opportunity to exhibit their POA in a fitting environment that promotes growth, development and confidence.
b. The Walk Trot Division can be split into two age groups: 18 & Under and 19 & Over. If the 19 & Over is offered, a corresponding 18 & Under must be offered.
c. The Walk Trot Division is optional at all POA shows.
2. Walk Trot Eligibility:
a. Exhibitors may choose per show to enter the Walk Trot Division. Exhibitors may not cross enter into the corresponding lope class within the same show.
– Example – Exhibitor may NOT enter the 18 & Under Walk Trot Western Pleasure class AND their corresponding age group Western Pleasure class within the same show.
b. All participants in the Walk Trot Division are only eligible to participate in the following classes: Walk Trot Western Pleasure, Walk Trot Western Horsemanship, Walk Trot Trail, Walk Trot Hunter Under Saddle, Walk Trot Huntseat Equitation, Showmanship, Halter, Hunter In Hand, Yearling/Two Year Old In Hand Trail, Yearling/Two Year Old Longe Line, Driving, Timed Events, and Costume Classes.
c. Any tentatively or permanently registered POA may be exhibited by a Walk Trot rider.
d. A pony may not be shown by more than one exhibitor in the same event in the Walk Trot Division at the same show.
– Example – A pony being exhibited in Walk Trot Trail may not be exhibited by another exhibitor in Walk Trot Trail at the same show. However, a pony which is entered in the Walk Trot Division with one exhibitor is still eligible to enter the corresponding age group/JPFC/Junior/Senior classes with a different exhibitor.
3. Walk Trot Awards:
a. The Walk Trot Division is a non-nationally pointed division. All shows are not obligated, but encouraged to offer the Walk Trot Division classes.
4. Walk Trot Division Class List:
a. 18 & Under Classes include:
– Walk Trot Western Pleasure
– Walk Trot Western Horsemanship
– Walk Trot Trail – May be shown Western or English
– Walk Trot Hunter Under Saddle
– Walk Trot Hunt Seat Equitation
b. 19 & Over Classes include:
– Walk Trot Western Pleasure
– Walk Trot Western Horsemanship
– Walk Trot Trail – May be shown Western or English
– Walk Trot Hunter Under Saddle
– Walk Trot Hunt Seat Equitation
