Lead Rein and First Ridden Ponies

Find out what to wear for lead rein and first ridden classes

Find out what to do in the ring

Lead Rein ponies are the beginning of the 'show pony' category. Lead rein ponies must be four or over, and not over 122cm. Riders are 3-7 years of age, and the class is sometimes split at 117cm. The ideal is a pony with correct conformation, good movement and manners to burn looking after its rider. They are often like mini Hacks, full of quality and with extravagant movement, although Welsh Mountain ponies or partbreds are also popular in this class.

First Ridden ponies in BSPS classes are also 122cm or under, with riders up to 10 years old. They are scopier than a lead rein pony, often more forward going and longer striding. Like the lead reins, they are generally very pretty and fine ponies.

The British Show Pony Society is the main society for lead rein and first ridden qualifiers and championships.

There are also Mountain and Moorland Lead Rein and First Ridden classes, and height and age limits for those classes depend upon the breed society.

The National Pony Society holds qualifiers for M & M lead rein and first ridden ponies.

Delphlands Endeavour Owned and ridden by Hannah Humphries

Starburst Shandy Owned by Lyndsey White and ridden by Caroline White

Lickfolds Lionheart Ridden by Charlotte Fitzpatrick