The Irish Pony Society would like to thank all who contributed to the updated Rules Book which will come into effect for the 2020 Season. At the 2018 AGM, Peter Molloy (Vice Chair) stated that a complete re-examination of the 2018 Rule Book would take place. A committee was formed and in early October began its work and met on a weekly basis until Christmas week. The directive was to listen to the needs of our members, put health and safety to the fore, aim to be a more inclusive and welcoming Society with accountability for all.
Every suggestion that was put forward by members for Rule Changes for the past six years were re-examined. Many conversations and phone calls took place with members and Judges to hear objective view points on the rule book, along with observations taken ringside during the season. The Rules committee put their suggested changes, additions and exclusions to Council after Christmas during four very thorough meetings. A new rule book has been agreed upon which has a positive outlook to the future of the Irish Pony Society. The only rules that will come into effect immediately will be those agreed upon at the EGM in 2018 and safety rules which comply with our adopting the Horse Sport Ireland’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice and Health and Safety Governance.
As the format of the book is not compatible for printing in a word document the book will have to be completely re-typed. We are hoping this will be completed over the next month. The book will then be put on the website and will be printed in hard copy throughout the summer.
The 2017 Rule Book will apply for the 2019 Season with the following additions:
The following rules will apply in 2019 and be written into the 2020 Rule Book per the 2018 AGM
Page 55. Rule 154. Open Show/Starter Stakes Class.
For ponies, mares or geldings, 4 years old and over, not exceeding 133cm, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have not attained their 12th birthday on 1st January of current year.
Page 58. Rule 176. Open Working Starter Stakes
For ponies, mares or geldings, 4 years old and over, not exceeding 133cm, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have not attained their 12th birthday on 1st January of current year. The same combination of pony and rider may not compete in any class under 123cm, at the same Show on the same day.
Page 59. Rule 177 Novice Working Starter Stakes
For ponies, mares or geldings, 4 years old and over, not exceeding 133cm, that have not attained 50 points in Working Hunter Pony Classes, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have not attained their 12th birthday on 1st January of current year. The same combination of pony and rider may not compete in any class under 123cm, at the same Show on the same day.
Page 65. Rule 208. INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Open to 1st and 2nd prize-winners in 158cms Intermediate Working Hunter, 158cms Intermediate Show Hunter, 158cms Intermediate Show Riding Type.
Rule 63. Page 41
Any Novice pony that is placed 1st at a major show (RDS, RIHS, HOYS, Balmoral, BSPS Championship Shows) will automatically be de-noviced.
Page 57 Rule 164 e) Should read: A pony that has not competed at EIP. 100cms level or higher.
BITS Page 57 Rule 165.
In Novice Working Hunter Classes a Snaffle combined with a suitable noseband must be used, otherwise 15 penalties will be deducted from the score in Phase 1. Please see attached diagram for suitable bits.
Rule 62. A) Page 40 Points system will be retained from 2017 Rule Book
Points will be calculated from 1st March to 30th September and showing cards MUST be returned by the date printed on the showing card. The 2017 points system will remain in effect going forward.
Novice: 1st – 4 points. 2nd – 3 points. 3rd – 2 points. 4th – 1 points.
Open: 1st – 8 points. 2nd – 5 points. 3rd – 3 points. 4th – 2 points.
With higher points awarded at selected shows.
The following Rules will apply in the 2019 Season and written into the 2020 Rule Book and comply with Health and Safety Standards.
Rule 22. E) Protective pads will be allowed on the sole of the pony’s foot to act as a shock absorber and to prevent bruising on hard or uneven ground. No bandages on pony’s legs or feet are permissible.
Rule 23. B) ………The I.P.S. strictly prohibits the unattended tying of ponies to trailers or lorries, regardless of the pony’s temperament.
Rule 61. D) Page 40. In the event of a fall by a rider in any class the combination is eliminated and must leave the arena dismounted. If a rider wishes to compete in any other class on the same day they must be checked and approved to ride by an onsite medic.
Rule 248. Page 80 No Cross Poles allowed in the Open Working Hunter Lead Rein Class.
Rule 252. Page 81 Practice Fences:
……… Safety Cups must be used for the back wings on all spreads. A maximum of two persons over the age of 16 allowed in the warm-up with each competing rider. A Groom Safe Zone with barriers erected between practice fences for grooms to remain until required to safely adjust fence heights. Riders not permitted to wear hoodies in the warm-up arena.
Part Bred Section: Part-Bred Register Explanation.
For ponies registered in any recognised Breed Society Part-Bred register, e.g. The Welsh Part Bred-Register (WP-BR), The Arabs Horse Society Part-Bred Register (PBAR) or Dartmoor Pony Society Part Bred Register (DPSPBR).
Correction and Clarification of Rules for 2017 Book. This brings the Novice Ridden rules into line with the Novice Show Pony and Novice Show Hunter Riding Rule No. 116A and 140 in the same rule book.
Rule 108. Page 47 will now read
Novice Ridden M & M classes are confined to ponies 4 years old or 5, 6 & 7 year-old ponies that have not gained 50 points in Connemara, M & M. Show Pony or Show Hunter Classes.
Rule 112. Page 48 will now read
Novice Ridden Connemara classes are confined to ponies 4 years old or 5, 6, & 7 year-old ponies that have not gained 50 points in Ridden Connemara, M &M, Show Pony or Show Hunter Classes.